Women’s Health Laboratory (LAMU)

Lab Coordiantor: Patricia Driusso, Ph.D.

The Women's Health Laboratory (LAMU) conducts research in three main areas:
1. Female pelvic floor function and dysfunction;
2. Obstetric physiotherapy;
3. Dysmenorrhea.

Research projects developed at LAMU are carried out in collaboration with national researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP), Professor Fernando Figueira Institute of Integral Medicine (IMIP), University of Pernambuco (UPE), Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Federal University of Ceará (UFC), and Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), as well as international partners from Western Michigan University (USA), Hochschule Osnabrück (Germany), Lisbon School of Health Technology (Portugal), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Spain), and Curtin University (Australia).
The laboratory has developed and continues to develop studies on the measurement properties of assessment tools used by physiotherapists to evaluate pelvic floor muscles, pregnant women, and menstrual pain. In addition, randomized controlled trials with economic evaluations have been conducted to assess the cost-utility and cost-effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions, as well as systematic reviews.

Infrastructure: LAMU occupies an area of 70 m² and consists of four rooms dedicated to physiotherapy assessment and treatment (data collection) and one workspace used for data processing and scientific meetings by researchers and students. The laboratory is equipped with modern electromyography, manometry, bioimpedance, electrotherapy, and ultrasound equipment.

Funding: In recent years, LAMU has received funding from CAPES, FAPESP, and CNPq for the acquisition of research equipment and the provision of scholarships.

Extension Activities: In fulfillment of its role in advancing scientific research and evidence-based physiotherapy practice, and contributing to improvements in women's health and quality of life, LAMU also carries out extension activities. These include continuing education initiatives, such as seminars, lecture series, and training in evidence-based practice, as well as healthcare and educational services provided to the community.

Instagram: @lamu.ufscar
Website: www.lamu.ufscar.br