ANALYSIS OF LEVATOR PLATE ANGLE MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES FOR ASSESSING PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE IN ELDERLY ATHLETES

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy of Levator Plate Angle (LPA) measurements in diagnosing pelvic organ prolapse in elderly athletes. Methods: This study included 100 elderly athletes, split into a prolapsed group (50 participants) and a control group (50 participants) based on the presence of pelvic organ prolapse. Each participant underwent a three-dimensional ultrasound of the pelvic floor, measuring resting LPA (LPA resting), LPA during maximum Valsalva maneuver (LPA Valsalva), and the change in LPA during Valsalva (ΔLPA Valsalva). Statistical analysis was conducted on demographic data and LPA measurements. The diagnostic utility of LPA Valsalva and ΔLPA Valsalva was analyzed using ROC curves. Results: No significant demographic differences were observed between groups (P > 0.05). Resting LPA did not differ significantly between groups (P > 0.05). LPA Valsalva was significantly lower, and ΔLPA Valsalva significantly higher in the prolapsed group compared to controls (P < 0.05). At a cut-off of 2.75°, LPA Valsalva offered 85.25% sensitivity, 86.84% specificity, and 90.21% accuracy. ΔLPA Valsalva showed 84.75% sensitivity, 87.04% specificity, and 89.78% accuracy at a cut-off of 21.07°. Conclusion: LPA measurements, particularly during Valsalva maneuvers, are effective for diagnosing pelvic organ prolapse in elderly athletes, suggesting that regular assessment could enhance early detection and management strategies in this population.