Effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on the sexual function of climacteric women: a systematic review protocol [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]

Introduction Climacteric period signifies a transitional phase characterized by ovarian failure and a decline in estrogen levels, leading to various urogynecological alterations, including potential sexual dysfunctions. Among these, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function plays a pivotal role in female sexual function. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on the sexual function of climacteric women. Methods Experimental or quasi-experimental studies published in peer-reviewed journals, assessing the sexual function of perimenopausal women with PFMT as an intervention, will be included. Studies conducted in institutionalized populations or with neurological and cognitive diseases will be excluded. This systematic review protocol follows the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). The searches will be carried out in the Pubmed, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences), Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro, using the Search equation: climacteric women/menopause and PFMT and (sexual function or sexual dysfunction). The assessment of methodological quality will be carried out using the Pedro and GRADE scale, which will involve two independent researchers to evaluate the criteria. A third researcher will resolve discrepancies. Ethics and disclosure Ethical approval is not required as this is a secondary data study. This systematic review began in April 2024 and all steps are expected to be completed by November 2024. PROSPERO registration number CRD42024534297