Exercise Applied to Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions

Workload: 20 hours

Dates: 28 & 29 March 2026

Oporto, Portugal

Format: In-person (with practical component)

Target audience: Physical therapists

Prerequisites: Basic training in pelvic physical therapy

Faculty: Rita Paiva PT, PG, MSc, PhDs

Ana Pinto BSc Sport Science, PT, MSc

Joana Vilas-Boas BSc Sport Science, MSc

Objectives

• Understand the biomechanics and function of the pelvic floor integrated into overall movement.

• Identify the main dysfunctions of the pelvic floor, their etiology, and associated risk factors.

• Prescribe and adapt clinical exercise to the needs and stages of rehabilitation of each user (e.g., incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain).

• Integrate pelvic floor function with breathing and/or postural strategies into the patient's exercise routine.

• Use and progress in the application of complementary resources to exercise, such as biofeedback and electrostimulation.

• Develop the ability to educate the patient on intra-abdominal pressure management and the integration of exercises into Activities of Daily Living (ADL).

• Apply principles of progression and exercise prescription safely.

Program

1. Anatomical and biomechanical fundamentals of the Abdominal-Lumbar-Pelvic Complex:

   Key structures: Detailed analysis of the musculature, fascia, and joints (lumbar-pelvic and hip) and their direct influence on the function of the Pelvic Floor (PF).

   The Pressure Management System (PMS): In-depth study of the synergistic coordination and timing between the diaphragm, transverse abdominis, and pelvic floor.

   Physiopathology Applied to Exercise:

   Mechanisms of pelvic floor dysfunction: Understanding the main PP dysfunctions (urinary incontinence, prolapse, etc.) and their implications for stability, breathing, and physical exercise.

2. Comprehensive and Integrated Assessment for Exercise Prescription:

   Analysis of static and dynamic posture (lumbar-pelvic alignment) and its relationship to pelvic floor function;

   Core Musculature Assessment:

   Strength, Endurance, and Timing: Specific assessment of deep core musculature activation and coordination.

   Functional and Movement Tests: Use of dynamic tests (e.g., squat, walking, limb elevation) to identify the influence of overall movement and load on pelvic floor responses.

   Practical Component: Demonstration and practice of observation techniques and movement tests.

3. Prescription and Progression of Therapeutic Exercise:

   Adapted Training Principles: Application of training principles.

   Pressure Management Strategies (PMS):

   Control of PP during increased intra-abdominal pressure in functional tasks.

   Exercise Progression (“From the Marquise to Return to Activity”):

   Phase I - Awareness and Activation: Low-impact exercises focused on proprioception and isolated recruitment.

   Phase II - Core Integration: Exercises that integrate the pelvic floor with the core.

   Phase III - Functionality: Safe return to daily life activities and sports, with an emphasis on strength training, power, and adapted plyometrics.

   Practical Component: Practical sessions on prescribing exercises at different stages of rehabilitation.

4. Complementary Therapeutic Resources:Biofeedback (BFB)

   Electrostimulation (EES)

   Combined Approach: How to effectively integrate therapeutic exercise with BFB/EES to optimize results.
   

DATES AND LOCATION:

March 28 and 29, 2026

Oporto, Portugal