Welcome to the Journal of Women's & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (JWPHPT)! The JWPHPT editorial team is proud to introduce our readership to this latest evolution in the journal for the Academy of Pelvic Health. It has been quite a journey to get here. Progress takes time and effort, and we hope you appreciate our efforts to advance JWPHPT. We all learned that the foundation of a profession requires authentication of a group's unique knowledge base with scientifically valid research. Creating this research is an essential first step. The rigors of peer review ensure value, but dissemination through journal publication brings research into public discourse for even greater examination. Producing a journal is an awesome job, but no one does it alone. I am privileged to work with a dedicated team of editors, reviewers, and publishers in partnership with the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy to deliver this essential resource. In recognition of this valuable partnership between JWPHPT and the Academy of Pelvic Health, I have asked Heather Jeffcoat, PT, DPT, President of the Academy of Pelvic Health, and Christine Cabelka, PT, PhD, MA, Director of Research for the Academy of Pelvic Health, for their input on the journal's evolution. Here is their collaborative response to a few key questions. Q: What do you want the journal readers to know about the journal name change? A: In 2019, the membership of the Section of Women's Health voted to adopt a name change to the Academy of Pelvic Health. For a variety of reasons, the timing wasn't ideal to also adopt a name change for the journal. The summer of 2022 provided the perfect timing to pursue this change. In collaboration between the Journal Editorial Board and the Academy Board of Directors, the new journal name was determined. We are so excited about the new name, Journal of Women's & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. We strongly felt that keeping “Women's” first gives recognition to the rich history of not only the journal but the history of the Academy as well. Adding the “Pelvic” provides researchers and readers with added context as to the relevant content within the journal. Q: What do you want to share regarding the change in delivery of the journal? A: Over the past few years we have seen many large medical and physical therapy journals move to an online-only delivery. The Academy Board of Directors are charged with fiscal responsibility for the Academy and with the continuing rise in print publication costs felt the move to online was the best decision. Over the past few years, the editorial team for the journal has worked incredibly hard to improve the journal, both in journal operations and in the quality of manuscripts being published. Their efforts have resulted in a high-quality journal with broad readership, nationally and internationally. The Academy wants to recognize that their continued dedication to put forth the highest-quality publication has resulted in a significant boost to the Academy and the journal. The added benefit of moving online-only is the ability to increase the number of pages per issue. These additional pages open the door for publishing more research articles per year. We are so excited about this opportunity for our researchers to publish and our readers to access more research. Q: What opportunities does the Academy have for research involvement? A: The Academy offers a $10 000 research grant, awarded annually. Applications are open for 2023 and will close on April 1, 2023. We are also looking for volunteers to help review the research abstracts that have been submitted for the APTA CSM meetings. This is a great way to gain experience evaluating research and build skills that would translate to reviewing manuscripts for the Journal. The Academy will also be seeking volunteers for a variety of positions related to our research initiatives and encourage anyone with any interest in research to apply. We want to make sure that our members understand they don't need to be conducting research to become involved. Many thanks to Heather and Christine for their kind words and support. There are so many wonderful possible ways to contribute and opportunities for mentorship. I echo their encouragement to join the Academy's flourishing research community. At the Journal, we see the name and format change as part of our continual effort to expand our reach and make women's and pelvic health physical therapy research accessible to greater health community. We welcome our readership to our new name and format. On a personal note, the JWPHPT Editorial Team would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Andrea Allison-Williams, Senior Publisher at Wolters Kluwer, who retired this past December. Andrea has been a tremendous mentor supplying much-needed guidance and assistance. She has taught me how to be an editor and is responsible for much of this journal's success. Andrea, we all will miss you. Much happiness in your future endeavors. Cynthia Chiarello, PT, PhD Editor-in-Chief
Background: Primary dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is common in menstruating females. However, in some it can cause intense pain, disrupt activities of daily living, and impact quality of life. The treatment of dysmenorrhea does not traditionally include physical therapy. Objectives: A systematic review was conducted to explore the role of physical therapy in treating dysmenorrhea. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A search was performed in August 2020 and January 2022 using EBSCOhost, Academic Search Ultimate, CINAHL Complete, and MEDLINE. Search terms included exercise or physical activity or fitness AND dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain or painful menstruation. Inclusion criteria were articles that were peer-reviewed, published in the last 10 years, and available in full text in English. All articles included in the review were analyzed for quality on a hierarchy of evidence scale. Results: Twenty-two results were included in this systematic review. Nineteen articles were level 2 and 3 articles were level 3 on the hierarchy of evidence scale. The Visual Analog Scale and Menstrual Distress Questionnaire were the widely utilized outcome measures used to determine the effectiveness of the interventions. Interventions including aerobic exercise, stretching, kinesio taping, aquatic therapy, acupressure, yoga, core stability, positional activities, spinal manipulation, and patient education have shown to be effective. Conclusions: Physical therapy can assist in the reduction of pain and other symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea. Overall, articles indicated that aerobic exercise, stretching, and core stability yielded the greatest improvement in patient symptoms of dysmenorrhea. Physicians should consider recommending physical therapy to patients with symptoms that disrupt their activities of daily living.
Background: Mini-trampoline jumping is a highly beneficial low-impact aerobic exercise capable of potentially improving female-specific health risk factors. Objectives: The aim of this research was to examine the benefits of a 3-month mini-trampoline exercise intervention on bone health and pelvic floor muscles functioning in postmenopausal women. Methods: Thirty-seven healthy postmenopausal women were recruited and participated in the 12-week mini-trampoline exercise intervention. Baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up assessments included bone health, pelvic floor muscles functioning, and urinary incontinence. Results: Bone mineral density increased significantly at postintervention compared with the control group. The exercise group demonstrated decreased stress urinary incontinence scores at postintervention, with the difference being statistically significant at follow-up. No significant differences were found for the cough assessment or urge urinary incontinence scores. Conclusion: A mini-trampoline exercise intervention has the potential to improve female-specific health risk factors in postmenopausal women.
Acute care therapists routinely screen body systems, activity tolerance, safe mobility, activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living performance, cognition, caregiver support, home environment, and risk factors for hospital readmission. Despite most elective procedures, such as joint replacement and spine surgery, which receive automatic orders for acute care therapy, individuals who elect to give birth in a hospital are typically not offered rehabilitation services to optimize their recovery. Across hospitals in the United States, individuals receiving obstetric care have limited access to acute care therapy despite increasing postpartum readmission rates, severe maternal morbidity, and disproportionate levels of maternal mortality. Cardiovascular conditions, infection, and hemorrhage remain the leading causes of death in the obstetric population during the first 6 weeks postpartum. However, individuals are frequently discharged from the hospital after birth without a formal assessment by an acute care occupational or physical therapist. Extensive education to maternal care providers on obstetric rehabilitation is needed to improve outcomes after hospital birth with inpatient occupational and physical therapy. Supplemental video abstract available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfdU-1DuQiM.
Background: At least 50% of women experience lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy. Physical activity has moderate health benefits and no adverse outcomes for women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Physically active pregnant women have lower pain intensities than sedentary women. It is not clear whether common exercise types are equally beneficial for the management of lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy. Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to determine the effect of exercise on reducing lumbopelvic pain intensity in pregnant women. Study Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Seven databases (CINAHL, Medline, ScienceDirect, SportDiscus, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Cochrane) were searched in October 2020 and again in February 2022. Studies investigating the effect of exercise on low back or pelvic pain in pregnant women were included, with no limitation on publication date. Primary data collected for quantitative analysis included pain intensity. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane bias tool. A meta-analysis was performed using individual study effect sizes (ES) using a random-effects model. Results: Initial search yielded 1,771 results and 21 articles were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. One article utilized 2 intervention groups and was counted as separate studies. Meta-analysis on 22 studies yielded a statistically significant and large ES, indicating exercise intervention during pregnancy results in significantly lower pain reports compared with usual prenatal care (overall ES = 2.07; 95% confidence interval = 1.35-2.78; P < .001). Conclusion: Exercise is beneficial in the management of lumbopelvic pain in pregnant women.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscle training, consisting of pelvic floor muscle exercises and extracorporeal magnetic innervation, on a male patient with colostomy during the preclosure period. A male patient with colostomy (age: 23 years, body mass index: 24.21 kg/m2) was evaluated. The demographic characteristics and medical history of the patient were recorded. Pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance were assessed with anal perineometric sensor. Subjective perception of improvement was assessed with a Likert-type scale and quality of life was assessed with Visual Analog Scale. All assessments were performed before treatment, during the fourth week of treatment, immediately after treatment at 10 weeks, and at 6 weeks postclosure of the colostomy. Pelvic floor muscle exercises and extracorporeal magnetic innervation were applied for 10 weeks. Subjective perception of improvement, pelvic floor muscle strength, and endurance were enhanced but there was no improvement in quality of life from preclosure to the postclosure period. Pelvic floor muscle exercises and extracorporeal magnetic innervation are effective treatments for increasing the pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance and the subjective perception of healing in a patient with colostomy during the preclosure and postclosure periods. There is a need for randomized controlled studies on this subject with larger samples.
McAuley, J. Adrienne PT, DPT, MEd; Mahoney, Amanda T. PT, DPT; Austin, Mary M. PT, DPT Author Information
Background: Physiological and biomechanical changes must be considered when evaluating and treating musculoskeletal impairments in a perinatal female athlete, whether or not these impairments are directly related to their pregnant or postpartum state. Case Description: This case report describes a 34-year-old woman active in high-intensity functional conditioning, recreational volleyball, and running, seeking care for shoulder and thoracic back pain from birth to 1 year postpartum. Her primary complaint of shoulder pain was exacerbated by overhead activities. She also presented with a secondary complaint of “weakness” through her core, preventing return to sport. Treatment focused on joint mobilizations, neuromuscular re-education, and core strength using biotensegrity principles throughout the postpartum journey of return to sport. Outcomes: The patient was highly motivated and met her desired goals to (1) compete in recreational sand and indoor volleyball starting at 6 weeks postpartum, (2) participate in a relay trail race at desired pace, and (3) compete in a weightlifting competition at 8 months postpartum without an increase in shoulder pain. Discussion: This case demonstrates the importance of addressing the entire kinetic chain in the postpartum athlete while addressing what may be considered a “straightforward” orthopedic condition. Understanding birth and postpartum healing is essential for physical therapists working with active mothers. Knowledge of the physiological and biomechanical changes during and after pregnancy is essential to appropriate treatment of these patients. Informed Consent: Written consent was obtained.
Background: Forty-five percent of pregnant women report moderate to severe low back and/or pelvic girdle pain (LBP/PGP) during pregnancy. Exercise, specifically muscular fitness training, is effective for the prevention and treatment of LBP/PGP in the general population. However, its efficacy during pregnancy is unknown. Objectives: The goal of this review is to examine the evidence supporting muscular fitness training for prevention and treatment of LBP/PGP during pregnancy. Study Design: A systematic review. Methods: A systematic review was conducted from February 2021 to June 2022 using online databases and hand searching. Randomized control trials were included if the population was pregnant women, the intervention was exercise training, the comparison was a nonexercise control group, and the outcome was LBP/PGP. A risk of bias analysis using the Cochran Risk of Bias (RoB) tool and quality assessment were performed using the GRADE method. The included articles were compiled into exercise types for comparison. Results: Of the 1707 articles found, 26 (n = 3946 pregnant women) were included in the final analysis after removing duplicates, articles that did not meet inclusion criteria, and articles unavailable in English. Seventeen out of 26 articles found that exercise during pregnancy had a positive effect on pain, but the quality of the studies ranged from very low to moderate. None of the included articles utilized strength training for muscular fitness, 2 used hypertrophy training, and the remaining articles utilized muscular endurance programs for muscular fitness. Conclusion: Strength and hypertrophy training for LBP/PGP during pregnancy is largely unknown and understudied; however, many other modes of exercise for muscular endurance improved pain. More research is warranted to determine the benefits of traditional strength and hypertrophy training for LBP/PGP management during pregnancy.
Background: As yet, no Hebrew language vulvar functional status questionnaire exists. Aims: To perform a cross-cultural adaptation of a Hebrew version of the Vulvar Functional Status Questionnaire (VQ), a validated tool used for evaluating dyspareunia among women, and to evaluate the psychometric properties of this version by examining the correlations between results of the questionnaire among women with pain during intercourse and quality of life, level of anxiety, and pelvic floor function. Methods: The English version of the VQ underwent cross-cultural adaptation to Hebrew according to accepted guidelines. Eighty Hebrew-speaking women with vulvar pain, aged older than 18 years, participated in the study. Participants completed the VQ-Hebrew (VQ-H) (see Supplemental Digital Content, available at: http://links.lww.com/JWHPT/A89), the Hebrew versions of the health-related quality-of-life questionnaire (SF-12), the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). All the participants completed the VQ-H again after 2 to 3 weeks. Psychometric properties (test-retest reliability, internal consistency, convergent validity, and factor analysis) were calculated. Results: The VQ-H demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability: intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.898 to 0.958 ( P < .001); the Cronbach α was excellent (0.935). A significant correlation was found between the VQ-H and SF-12 scores ( r =−0.360, P = .001). However, the correlation between the VQ-H and STAI and PISQ-12 scores was not statistically significant ( r = 0.172, P = .127 and r =−0.185, P = .100, respectively). Factor analysis revealed a 4-factor solution representing daily function and pain provoked by or related to various activities. Conclusion: The VQ-H is a valid and reliable instrument. Its scores reflect the impaired function in all domains of vulvar pain among Hebrew-speaking women.
Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is highly prevalent in the postpartum population and can result from injury or capacity deficits of the pelvic floor musculature. Impact forces seen during running increase demand on the pelvic floor musculature, resulting in a higher incidence of SUI. Running gait retraining, with emphasis on reducing impact, may reduce symptoms of SUI. Case Description: A 43-year-old woman was evaluated for chronic SUI when coughing, sneezing, and running since the birth of her second child 8 years ago. Initial interventions focused on pelvic floor, hip, and abdominal muscle training, and after 3 visits over 4 weeks, her SUI symptoms with coughing and sneezing resolved. She continued to complain of SUI during running. After a 2-dimensional video running gait assessment, running gait retraining was initiated in the form of verbal feedback to reduce the sound intensity of the foot striking the ground. Outcomes: After 2 visits of gait retraining over 2 weeks, the patient's SUI symptoms with running resolved. Gait reassessment revealed decreased sound intensity with foot strike. Eight weeks post-treatment, the patient remained symptom-free, and their Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) total score decreased from 51.04/300 to 4.16/300. Discussion: This patient experienced meaningful improvements in symptoms of SUI following standard pelvic physical therapy treatment of pelvic floor, abdominal, and hip muscle training but only achieved resolution of symptoms with running after individualized running gait modification. Running gait retraining to reduce sound intensity during foot strike may have resulted in a decrease in impact and improvements in SUI symptoms while running.
Background: Sleep impairment during pregnancy can impact quality of life and lead to excessive gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes mellitus, postpartum depression, and delivery complications. In nonpregnant adults, exercise improves sleep quality, duration, and onset latency. Purpose: To determine whether exercise performed during pregnancy improves sleep outcomes. Methods: A systematic review was conducted from January 2021 to July 2022 using online databases and hand searching (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021243477). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) available in English were eligible if the sample included pregnant women, the intervention included exercise and was compared to a standard care group, and sleep was included as an outcome measure. Mean differences and standardized mean differences were calculated to compare sleep outcomes across studies. Heterogeneity of results was calculated using I2 and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results: A total of 2578 articles were found using the search terms, and 7 studies met inclusion criteria (n = 839). Prenatal exercise reduced the amount of self-reported sleep disturbances (2 RCTs n = 115; instrumental variable [IV] −0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.90, −0.16, z = 2.79, P = .005) and improved sleep quality (3 RCTs n = 477; IV −0.48, 95% CI −0.61, −0.36) during pregnancy. Other sleep outcomes were not analyzed due to variability of measurements. Conclusion: Compared with not exercising, exercise during pregnancy improves sleep quality during pregnancy; however, the quality of existing evidence was low. Given the importance of sleep for health and well-being, more research is needed to determine the utility of exercise for improving sleep in pregnancy.
Background: Women are unsure about the suitability and safety of running when pregnant and postpartum, with advice from medical professionals often conflicting. Aim: To explore the exercise and running-related advice pregnant and postpartum women received and the impact it has on their running habits. Study Design: Observational, cross-sectional. Methods: A total of 883 postpartum women completed an online survey. Questions were developed using pregnancy exercise guidance and clinical postpartum running guidelines. Odds ratios (ORs) were used to assess associations between receiving prenatal advice and receiving postpartum advice, receiving prenatal advice and continuing to run through pregnancy and return-to-running postpartum and receiving broadly sourced running-related guidance. Results: Postpartum women who received prenatal exercise advice and broadly sourced postpartum running advice were 37% and 31%, respectively. Those who received prenatal advice were more likely to receive postpartum advice (OR: 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-2.38). Receiving exercise-related advice was not associated with continuing to run during pregnancy (OR: 1.17, CI: 0.89-1.54). Having returned to running postpartum was associated with receiving broadly sourced postpartum running-related guidance (OR: 2.19, CI: 1.45-3.32). Women who were aware of the return-to-running clinical guidelines took longer to return-to-running than those who were not aware [14 (10-20) vs 10 (6-16.5) weeks, respectively, U = 34 889, P < .001]. Conclusion: Exercise and running guidance was only provided to a small proportion of women. To influence exercise habits and return-to-running, guidance needs to be individualized and specific to the needs of perinatal women.
Background: Following obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASISs), women commonly report symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction such as fecal incontinence. Few studies have looked at pelvic health physical therapy (PHPT) as a treatment for women with OASIS and its associated symptoms. Objectives: To assess the outcomes of early PHPT on the presence and severity of symptoms in women with OASIS. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: We assessed the records of 70 subjects with third- or fourth-degree OASIS who had undergone clinical evaluation and PHPT in the institution's pelvic health clinic between 2017 and 2019. PHPT assessment focused on pelvic and abdominal muscle strength, neuromuscular control, soft and connective tissue/scar mobility, and functional movement. Outcome measures assessed changes in the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), subjective symptom reports of pelvic floor dysfunction, and manual muscle testing of pelvic floor muscle strength. These changes were calculated using the t test, McNemar's test, and Wilcoxon rank sum test, respectively. Results: PHPT started within an average of 6.2 weeks resulted in a reduction across all subjective complaints. Pelvic floor muscle strength improved from an initial Modified Oxford Grading system (MOS) score of 1 (1-2) to 2 (1-3), (P < .01). Subjects who received PHPT within 2 months postpartum had a greater reduction in subjective symptoms than those who started after 2 months (2.4 ±1.7 vs 1.1 ± 1.3, P = .02). Conclusion: PHPT intervention is associated with a reduction in subjective complaints reported by women who experienced OASIS in a single tertiary center. Earlier initiation of PHPT may lead to a greater improvement in symptoms.
Background: Intrauterine devices (IUDs) have become an increasingly popular birth control method due to their long-duration effects and high efficacy. Side effects of IUD use are low, but some women do choose to discontinue use due to pain, bleeding, or malpositioning of devices. The purpose of this case report is to describe physical therapy (PT) management of a patient with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (PFMD) and pain following placement, use, and removal of an IUD. Case Description: This case describes the management of a 24-year-old woman referred to PT for high-tone PFMD and pain. PT interventions included patient education, neuromuscular reeducation, therapeutic exercise, biofeedback, manual therapy, and a home exercise program. Outcomes: Following 8 PT sessions over the course of approximately 3 months, the patient reported decreased pain with tampon use, pelvic examinations, and sexual intercourse. She also demonstrated a significant improvement in perceived disability per outcome measure. Discussion: A PT program designed to improve pelvic girdle alignment, improve breathing patterns, and decrease pelvic floor muscle hypertonicity may have contributed to a decrease in dyspareunia and an improved tolerance for tampon use within a 3-month time frame. PT is a conservative treatment option for musculoskeletal dysfunction. Further data collection is needed to determine the effect of PT for PFMD in patients with a history of IUD use. Informed Consent: This case report is exempt from institutional board review and approval.
Reviewers are the unsung heroes of research. Manuscript reviewers volunteer their expertise to ensure the accuracy and quality of research and provide authors with guidance. The editorial team expresses their deepest gratitude to these dedicated professionals. This year we would especially like to thank the following reviewers for their service in 2021 and 2022: Meryl Alappattu, DPT, PhD J C Andersen, PhD Stacie Bertram, PT, PhD Mark Bishop, PT, PhD Jill Boissonnault, PT, PhD Kelli Brizzolara, PT, PhD Christine Cabelka, PT, PhD Darla Cathcart, PT, DPT, PhD Jing Chen, PhD Shefali Christopher, PT, DPT, PhD Susan Clinton, PT, DScPT Prisca Collins, PhD Nancy Donovan, PT, PhD Patricia Downey, PT, DPT, PhD Carol Figuers, PT, EdD Sinead Fitzgibbon, PT, PhD Stephanie Fournier, PT, DPT, PhD Sarah Glesmann, DPT Erin Hartigan, PT, PhD Heather Hollman, DC, MRSc, BSc Joy Hyunjeong Jang, PhD Pamela Kays, PT, DPT, EdD Lynnea Kraft, DPT Jennifer LaCross, PT, DPT, PhD Richa Mahajan, MPT Ruth Maher, PT, DPT, PhD Adrienne McAuley, PT, DPT, Med Laurel Proulx, PT, PhD Karen Pryor, PT, DPT, PhD Tamara Roehling, DPT, PhD Julia Rosenthal, PT, DPT Francesca Ruddick, MSc, PT Sheryl Sanders, PhD Adrienne Simonds, PT, PhD Theresa Spitznagle, PT, DPT Jennifer Stone, DPT Jennifer Thornton-Jones, PT Lydia Thurston, PT, DSc, ATC Amy Tremback-Ball, PT, PhD Lori Tuttle, PT, PhD Gabriela Van Sickle, DPT Lori Walton, PT, DPT, PhD Rachel Worman, DPT, PhD(c) Audra Zastrow, DPT Here are a few of the benefits to becoming a reviewer. Establish your expertise in the field Stay up to date with the latest developments Gain insights to improve patient care Build your research network Share your knowledge and experience Enhance your critical thinking skills Consider joining this wonderful team of reviewers. Click the Reviewer's tab on the JWHPT website https://journals.lww.com/jwhpt/pages/default.aspx and complete the reviewer application. Cynthia M. Chiarello, PT, PhD Editor-in-Chief
Successful organizations thoughtfully embrace change. To do this, we must ask ourselves some meaningful questions. Where are we going? Why are we doing what we do? What is our purpose? At the journal, we share a vision with the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (APHPT). This goal is specified in the APHPT's research and knowledge pillar as, Be the leading source of evidence-based practice information, data, and research for the profession. The Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy (JWHPT) is the vehicle to realize this vision. As we look to the future, change is on the horizon for this journal. With careful deliberation, the JWHPT editorial team collaborated with the APHPT to make 2 exciting modifications. Academic publishing is experiencing a digital revolution accelerating the move to sustainable, cost-effective practices that promote efficient scholarly communication. Embracing this change, JWHPT will move to an online-only format beginning in 2023. This issue, Volume 46, number 4, is the last print issue. To better reflect our shared vision, the editorial team has decided to change the name of the journal. As of January 2023, we are renaming JWHPT the Journal of Women's & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (JWPHPT). This name change portrays the broad scope of current pelvic health research and practice while preserving our commitment to women's health. The format and name change are a win-win for everyone. Becoming an e-journal is a strong move toward environmental sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and accessibility. In the electronic format, we have more pages per issue enabling us to maintain our high-quality standards while bringing you more articles to benefit your practice. Electronic journals improve accessibility by allowing you to retrieve information from many different devices. The influence of pelvic health physical therapy is expanding. There is an ever-increasing awareness by health professionals of relevance of this service to other areas of practice. As a scholarly communication, the journal is the megaphone for spreading the scientific credibility and significance of pelvic health physical therapy. Our name change reveals our alignment with the mission of the APHPT while including the importance of physical therapy research to benefit women's health. You might wonder, why do this now? Changing a journal's name is not an easy proposition. Indexing, branding, manuscript management systems, instructions for authors, and ISBN number all must be changed reflecting the new name. JWHPT is read in more than 30 countries with authors from many disciplines. We must also consider whether authors and readers will be able to find the journal. There is a chance that we could lose readership of those who are not comfortable with online platforms. The editorial and review teams have worked hard to place the journal on sound footing. We are now ready to withstand any disruption that a name and format change will bring while still efficiently providing authors with timely guidance. Producing a journal is a team effort and I am honored to work with this wonderful group of professionals. I have asked members of the editorial team for their thoughts on our transition. I am excited for the transition from print to digital for the Journal. As a busy academician/administrator, I rely on the ability to quickly access the latest evidence in an easily accessible format at any time and place. I also believe the transition to a more inclusive name will augment our ability to reach more researchers and clinicians. Mary Doctor, PT, PhD, Senior Editor JWHPT I am excited for the upcoming changes to the Journal name and format. These changes increase the accessibility of the content to a broader audience and are consistent with our commitment to inclusion and our mission to advance women's and pelvic health practice. Karen Abraham, PT, PhD, Associate Editor I am excited for the future of the journal and what the name and format changes mean moving forward. The new name reflects the diverse content needed to inform clinical practice and our commitment to continue to partner with the Academy to best serve our community. The online format aligns us with many other top journals and reflects our dedication to deliver accessible content in an environmentally responsible manner. Jenny Bagwell, PT, PhD, DPT, Associate Editor Welcome to a new era—a more inclusive journal paired with increased accessibility and sustainability. Expect to see more of the content that helps you promote your research and translate knowledge into clinical practice through our global digital media presence. Rita Gillan, PT, DPT, Digital Media Editor Join us, as we deliver your journal in a way that promotes sustainable practices while increasing access to more content and more worldwide influence! Patricia R Nelson, PT, ScD, OCS, FAAOMPT, Associate Editor The new title and format reflect our dedication to inclusivity while improving our readers' access to research that promotes evidence-informed physical therapy practice. These changes help us meet our goals in a financially and environmentally friendly way. Rebecca Reisch, PT, PhD, OCS, Associate Editor I am excited by both the change in our name and the transition to an online format. Changing the name recognizes and includes the work done to improve pelvic health for all people while continuing to promote optimal health for women. Transitioning to the online presence enhances both reach and access to physical therapists and other health professions ensuring our future relevance and leadership in these areas. Mark Bishop, PT, PhD, Statistician, Advisory Board Congratulations on these 2 great changes announced for the Journal! The title change not only aligns with the Academy name but it is more inclusive, reflecting our current clinical practice! The move to online is another welcome change. It reflects the reality of how most of us now get our information, while providing cost-savings and respecting our global responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint! I look forward to continuing my commitment to the growth and promotion of the Journal. Linda McLean, BSc(PT), MScE, PhD, Advisory Board The modification of the name for the Journal of Women's & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy allows more diverse and inclusive topics for vulnerable populations and provides a foundation for increased scientific presence and reputation in the evolution toward becoming a top quartile international journal. Lori Maria Walton, PhD, DPT, MScPT, MPH(s), Advisory Board On a personal note, I have always enjoyed looking through paper journals and happening upon something interesting that I would not have thought relevant. I have had to reshape this approach for electronic journals and resist the urge to scan only the table of contents but open and peruse the entire journal. I invite you to do the same. When you embrace change, you never know what you might find. Cynthia M. Chiarello, PT, PhD Editor-in-Chief
