Objectives: To describe the methods for the in-person musculoskeletal (MSK) assessment of the RISE FOR HEALTH (RISE) study, a population-based multicenter prospective cohort study designed to identify factors associated with bladder health (BH) conducted by the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium (PLUS).
Methods: A subset of RISE participants who express interest in the in-person assessment are screened to ensure eligibility (planned n = 525). Eligible consenting participants are asked to complete a standardized MSK assessment to evaluate core stability (four component core stability test, lumbar spine pain (seated slump test), pelvic girdle pain, (sacroiliac joint, anterior superior iliac spine, pubic symphysis tenderness, and pelvic girdle pain provocation test), hip pain (flexion, abduction, internal rotation and flexion, adduction and external rotation) and pelvic girdle function (active straight leg raise). Participants are also asked to complete the Short Physical Performance Battery to measure balance, gait speed, lower extremity strength, and functional capacity.
Results: Detailed online and in-person MSK training sessions led by physical therapy were used to certify research staff at each clinical center before the start of RISE in-person assessments. All evaluators exceeded the pre-specified pass rates.
Conclusions: The RISE in-person MSK assessment will provide further insight into the role of general body MSK health and dysfunction and the spectrum of BH.
Keywords: bladder health; in-person examination; musculoskeletal assessment; pelvic health; pelvic muscle; physical function; women's health.
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