Some things are so obvious that it is easy to overlook their importance. While I use every opportunity to express my appreciation to the wonderful cadre of Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy (JWHPT) reviewers, I haven't used this platform to acknowledge the tremendous work of our exceptional editors. Clearly, it is long overdue that I thank the work of Senior Editor, Mary Dockter; Associate Editors, Karen Abraham, Patty Nelson, Becca Reisch, and Tracy Spitznagle; Digital Media Editor, Rita Gillan; and Book Editor, Rebecca Stephenson. It's almost a cliche to say that 2020 was a difficult year. We all faced personal and professional challenges that previously were unimaginable. I am very fortunate to have this tight team that does its job extremely well despite obstacles.
You may be familiar with some of the more typical work of journal editors for which I am very grateful. The Senior and Associate Editors play a huge role in the review process, assessing manuscripts and synthesizing reviewers' comments. This demanding work has many inherent rewards, but it can be time consuming as well as intellectually and emotionally draining. This work is more than scholarship; it is professional service. Because we value reading professionally enhancing material and providing sound recommendations to our patients and clients, the works of Rebecca and her book review team are important JWHPT contributions. Anyone who knows me understands that my social media literacy can be measured in the thimblefuls. Rita has patiently helped me understand some of the basics. With the help of Lindsay Durand and Ellen Meisner, Rita leads the digital media committee. You may have seen, liked, or shared information about JWHPT publications through our social platforms thanks to this committee.
It makes me proud to say that this group is dedicated to making research a vital component of your professional life. With this motivation, we have accomplished so much more than what could reasonably be expected of an editorial team. I have chosen to highlight a few of these JWHPT activities.
Video abstracts submitted with journal articles are an ongoing part of our effort to assist clinicians in translating research into clinical practice. At just a click away, these 3-minute videos provide a quick snapshot of the research conducted, enabling you to stay up to date, get insight into the authors' thinking, and inspire future research. You can find our video abstracts on our Web page by clicking the videos tab seen here: https://journals.lww.com/jwhpt/pages/videogallery.aspx.
This year we were also able to realize our goal of creating a special topic issue. This time next year we will be bringing you a full issue on the important topic of postpartum health, titled, "The Fourth Trimester: Optimizing Health." I am honored that Dr Sinead Dufour, Associate Clinical Professor in the Faculty of Health Science at McMaster University and the Director of Pelvic Health and the World of my Baby (WOMB), has agreed to be the guest editor for this issue. I encourage authors working in any areas pertinent to postpartum health such as return to fitness (running, high-intensity exercise), diastasis rectus abdominis, breastfeeding, mental health, and sexual activity to submit an article for this important issue.
In addition to maintaining the social media channels, Rita has worked with Lauren Trosch, Academy of Pelvic Health Multimedia Education Manager, in developing a virtual Journal Club as a collaboration between the JWHPT and the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. These popular, free, hour-long webinars occur monthly, engaging professionals from across the globe and culminate in lively question-and-answer discussions.
Our Editorial Advisory Board has changed. We thanked Jill Boissonnault, PT, PhD, WCS, for her contributions, particularly as she stepped away from the board. We welcomed 2 new members, Linda McLean, BScPT, PhD, MScE, and Susan C. Clinton, PT, DScPT, OCS, WCS, COMT, FAAOMPT. Linda is a full professor in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Ottawa, heading an extensive research program on the study of biomechanical and neurophysiological mechanisms responsible for urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and functional deficits associated with pregnancy and delivery. Susan, who is well known to the membership of the Academy of Pelvic Health for her years of service, is also the co-owner of Embody Physiotherapy and Wellness in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and the cofounder and board member for the Global Women's Health Initiative. Susan is heading up a committee that will add a feature to our Web site called "Collections," which will be a curated listing of the most important articles on selected topics.
What a privilege it is to lead such a dedicated and hardworking team. I hope that this bit of recognition, which has been so obvious to me to be overlooked, will now be apparent to you. Many thanks to my great team for all they do!
Cynthia M. Chiarello, PT, PhD
Editor-in-Chief
Highlights in This Issue:
In a survey of breastfeeding women, Snyder and colleagues found low levels of physical activity and symptoms of urinary incontinence. The survey participants noted time constraints due to breastfeeding and childcare were barriers to activity. Bernard and associates conducted a systematic review finding that the Protection Amount Frequency Adjustment Body Image Questionnaire provided the highest responsiveness to physical therapy intervention in women undergoing conservative care for urinary incontinence. In a pilot study of women with pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, Guan and colleagues compared an individualized exercise program to education alone finding that both groups exhibited decreased pain and improved function. In women with overactive bladder, Reisch, Zuniga, and Das found preliminary evidence that a mindfulness-informed group-based behavioral therapy was a useful intervention. In a systematic review, Edie and associates found tiredness and/or lack of sleep, domestic chores and responsibilities, unpredictable schedule, lack of support, weather, and breastfeeding were the most reported barriers to exercise for postpartum women.