Assessment of voluntary pelvic floor muscle contraction in continent and incontinent women using transperineal ultrasound, manual muscle testing and vaginal squeeze pressure measurements

The aims of the study were: (1) to assess women performing voluntary pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractions, on initial instruction without biofeedback teaching, using transperineal ultrasound, manual muscle testing, and perineometry and (2) to assess for associations between the different measurements of PFM function. Sixty continent (30 nulliparous and 30 parous) and 60 incontinent (30 stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and 30 urge urinary incontinence (UUI)) women were assessed. Bladder neck depression during attempts to perform an elevating pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction occurred in 17% of continent and 30% of incontinent women. The UUI group had the highest proportion of women who depressed the bladder neck (40%), although this was not statistically significant (p=0.060). The continent women were stronger on manual muscle testing (p=0.001) and perineometry (p=0.019) and had greater PFM endurance (p<0.001) than the incontinent women. There was a strong tendency for the continent women to have a greater degree of bladder neck elevation than the incontinent women (p=0.051). There was a moderate correlation between bladder neck movement during PFM contraction measured by ultrasound and PFM strength assessed by manual muscle testing (r=0.58, p=0.01) and perineometry (r=0.43, p=0.01). The observation that many women were performing PFM exercises incorrectly reinforces the need for individual PFM assessment with a skilled practitioner. The significant correlation between the measurements of bladder neck elevation during PFM contraction and PFM strength measured using MMT and perineometry supports the use of ultrasound in the assessment of PFM function; however, the correlation was only moderate and, therefore, indicates that the different measurement tools assess different aspects of PFM function. It is recommended that physiotherapists use a combination of assessment tools to evaluate the different aspects of PFM function that are important for continence. Ultrasound is useful to determine the direction of pelvic floor movement in the clinical assessment of pelvic floor muscle function in a mixed subject population.     

The effect of abdominal and pelvic floor muscle activation on urine flow in women

Introduction and hypothesis

Interruption of urine flow during micturition has been used as an assessment of ability to voluntarily contract the pelvic floor muscles (PFM). However, the PFM are also activated during specific abdominal manoeuvres. This study aimed to assess the effect of similar abdominal manoeuvres on urine flow and compare this with the effect of PFM contraction.

Methods

Eight healthy women, of mixed parity, contracted the abdominal muscles and the PFM during urine flow on separate occasions. Differences in urine flow were compared using paired t tests.

Results

All participants were able to interrupt the urine stream using both muscle activation patterns. There was no difference in the time taken to interrupt urine flow (p?=?0.78) between the two patterns.

Conclusions

These data provide evidence that specific abdominal muscle manoeuvres influence urethral closure in continent women, and this is probably mediated by concurrent activation of PFM during the abdominal task.     

Effect of intravaginal electrical stimulation on pelvic floor muscle strength

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravaginal electrical stimulation (IES) on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength in patients with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Between January 2001 and February 2002, 40 MUI women (mean age: 48 years) were studied. Urge incontinence was the predominant symptom; 92.5% also presented mild stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Selection criteria were clinical history and urodynamics. Pre-treatment urodynamic study showed no statistical differences between the groups. Ten percent of the women in each group had involuntary detrusor contractions. Patients were randomly distributed, in a double-blind study, into two groups. Group G1 (n=20), effective IES, and group G2 (n=20), sham IES, with follow-up at 1 month. The following parameters were studied: (1) clinical questionnaire, (2) examiners evaluation of perineal muscle strength, (3) objective evaluation of perineal muscle by perineometry, (4) vaginal weight test, and (5) urodynamic study. The IES protocol consisted of three 20-min sessions per week over a 7-week period using a Dualpex Uro 996 at 4 Hz. There was no statistically significant difference in the demographic data of both groups. The number of micturitions per 24 h after treatment was reduced significantly in both groups. Urge incontinence, present in all patients before treatment, was reduced to 15% in G1 and 31.5% in G2 post-treatment. The subjective evaluation of PFM strength demonstrated a significant improvement in G1. Objective evaluation of PFM force by perineometer showed a significant improvement in maximum peak contraction post-treatment in both groups. In the vaginal weight test, there was a significant increase in average number of cone retentions post-treatment in both groups. With regard to satisfaction level, after treatment, 80% of the patients in G1 and 65% of the patients in G2 were satisfied. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. There was a significant improvement in PFM strength from both effective and sham electrostimulation, questioning the effectiveness of electrostimulation as a monotherapy in treating MUI.This revised version was published online in April 2005 with corrections to the second authors name. The name of this author, Gameiro MO, was not correctly rendered in the original version.     

Pelvic floor muscle function in women with pelvic floor dysfunction

Introduction and hypothesis

The objectives of this study were to investigate the level of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function in women with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) referred by gynaecologists and urologists for in-hospital pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), and to identity associated factors for a low level of PFM function.

Methods

Data of women with PFD referred to a PFMT programme were included in a retrospective chart review. Measurement of PFM function performed by digital vaginal palpation included: voluntary PFM contraction, PFM strength (Modified Oxford Grading Scale) and PFM static endurance.

Results

Data of 998 women, mean age 56 (SD 13) years, with PFD (urinary incontinence, n?=?757, anal incontinence, n?=?36, pelvic organ prolapse, n?=?111, other PFD, n?=?94) were analysed. In all, 690 women (70 %) were, at baseline, unable to perform correct voluntary PFM contraction, mean PFM strength was 1.5 (SD 1.0) points, mean PFM static endurance was 16.7 (SD 16.1) seconds. Age ≥ 65 years and year of referral > 2000 were significantly (p?< 0.01) associated with the ability to perform correct PFM contraction. Likewise, year of referral was significantly associated with high PFM strength (p?< 0.01).

Conclusions

The majority of the women were unable to perform correct voluntary PFM contraction and almost all had low PFM strength. The most important factor associated with a low level of PFM function was age.     

Evaluation of Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength Using Four Different Techniques

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether four different techniques were able to correctly measure pelvic floor muscle strength only. Sixteen volunteers performed a set of muscle contractions using the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) only, the abdominal muscles with and without PFM, gluteal muscles with and without PFM, adductor muscles with and without PFM and Valsalva maneuver with and without PFM. Pelvic floor muscle strength was evaluated by digital palpation, intravaginal EMG, pressure perineometry and perineal ultrasound. A “non-pelvic muscle induced” reading was defined as a significant increase even though the pelvic floor muscles were not contracted. Results were as follows: isolated abdominal muscle contraction: non-pelvic muscle induced readings in 3/8 women with EMG and in 3/8 with pressure perineometry; isolated gluteal muscle contraction: non-pelvic muscle induced readings in 1/2 women with EMG perineometry; isolated adductor muscle contraction: non-pelvic muscle induced readings in 6/11 women with EMG perineometry and in 2/11 women with pressure perineometry; Valsalva maneuver: non-pelvic muscle induced readings in 4/9 women with EMG perineometry and 9/9 women with pressure perineometry. It was concluded that EMG and pressure perineometry do not selectively depict pelvic floor muscle activity.     

Pelvic floor muscle strength predicts stress urinary incontinence in primiparous women after vaginal delivery

Introduction and hypothesis

This study aimed to investigate obstetrical, neonatal, and clinical predictors of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) focusing on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength after vaginal delivery.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was used, and potential predictors of SUI were collected 5–7?months postpartum on 192 primiparous women. Predictors that reached significance in the bivariate analysis were entered into the Classification and Regression Tree that identified interactions among them and cutoff points to orient clinical practice.

Results

PFM strength was the strongest predictor of SUI. A combination of PFM strength ≤35.5?cmH₂O, prior SUI, newborn weight >2.988?g, and new onset of SUI in pregnancy predicted SUI. The model’s accuracy was high (84%; p?=?0.00).

Conclusions

From the four predictors identified, three are modifiable by physical therapy. This could be offered to women targeting at PFM strength >35.5?cmH₂O at the postpartum as well as at the prevention of SUI before and during pregnancy.     

Can stronger pelvic muscle floor improve sexual function?

Introduction and hypothesis

This study aims to evaluate the association between pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and sexual functioning.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of consecutive all women who were referred with a primary complaint of sexual dysfunction. Women underwent standardized clinical evaluation including pelvic muscle strength which was ranked from 0 (weak) to 2 (strong). The duration of pelvic muscle contraction was also recorded in seconds. Sexual function was evaluated by using a validated questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Results

One hundred seventy-six women with a mean age of 37?±?11 years were included. Women with strong or moderate PFM scored significantly higher on the FSFI orgasmic and arousal domains than women with weak PFM (5.4?±?0.8 vs. 2.8?±?0.8, and 3.9?±?0.5 vs. 1.7?±?0.24, respectively; P?<?0.001). The duration of PFM contraction was correlated with FSFI orgasmic domain and sexual arousal (r?=?0.26, P?<?0.001; r?=?0.32, P?<?0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that both the orgasm and arousal function are related to better PFM function.     

Pelvic floor muscle training using an extracorporeal biofeedback device for female stress urinary incontinence

Introduction and hypothesis

Extracorporeal biofeedback was developed to reduce patient discomfort when performing strengthening exercises. The efficacy and safety of extracorporeal biofeedback combined with pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were evaluated.

Methods

One hundred and six participants with SUI were enrolled in a 12-week PFMT program using extracorporeal biofeedback intervention. A standard pad test was performed, and pelvic floor muscle strength was assessed using the Oxford scale. Measurements were taken with a perineometer at baseline and at a 12-week follow-up visit. An objective cure was defined as less than 2 g of urine leakage by the standard pad test. The long-term effects of extracorporeal biofeedback and PFMT were investigated by interviewing the participants 12 months after treatment.

Results

Seventy-one participants completed the 12-week extracorporeal biofeedback intervention. The objective cure rate was 52.1 %, and there was a significant reduction in pad weight over the time period. The incontinence visual analogue scale, the Sandvik severity index, and the incontinence quality-of-life questionnaire domains were significantly improved after treatment (p?<?0.001). The strength of the PFM was significantly increased after the 12-week treatment. After PFMT, 64.3 % of 56 participants reported good treatment compliance, and 24 participants (42.9 %) had continued PFMT at home 12 months after treatment. Age and baseline pad weight were negative predictive factors for an objective cure of SUI.

Conclusions

Pelvic floor muscle training using extracorporeal biofeedback can be an effective and safe conservative treatment option for female SUI without the discomfort caused by vaginal sensors.     

Ethnic differences in pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance in South African women

Introduction and hypothesis

Limited knowledge exists about pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function in ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to compare PFM strength and endurance in a group of black, white and mixed-race women.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and endurance were measured with a perineometer and vaginal balloon sensor. Two sets of three MVC of the PFM were recorded; resting phase was 5 min. Demographic variables and factors associated with PFM strength were assessed.

Results

A total of 122 nulliparous black (n?=?44), white (n?=?44) and mixed-race (n?=?34) students participated. PFM of black women were stronger than that of white (p?=?0.02) or mixed-race (p?<?0.01) women. The MVC of PFM in black women decreased (p?=?0.02) between the first and second set of contractions.

Conclusions

Ethnic differences were found. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm an association between PFM function and pelvic floor disorders.     

Multimodal vaginal toning for bladder symptoms and quality of life in stress urinary incontinence

Introduction and hypothesis

Treatment options for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) have limitations. We hypothesized that multimodal vaginal toning therapy would improve bladder symptoms and quality of life in women with postpartum SUI and sexual function complaints.

Methods

Patients self-administered 24 sessions of multimodal vaginal toning therapy lasting 10 min each over 50 days. Outcomes included 1-h pad weight test, Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised 2005 (FSDS-R), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), pelvic floor muscle strength, patient satisfaction, and adverse events.

Results

Of the 55 patients enrolled (safety population), 48 completed the study per-protocol (PP population). A total of 38 (79%) patients had a positive 1-h pad weight test at baseline. In this group, urine leakage was moderate or severe in 82% of patients at baseline, but in only 18% after treatment. Treatment success was 84%, defined as >50% improvement in pad weight relative to baseline. In the PP population, mean UDI-6 score improved by 50% (p?<?0.001) and IIQ-7 score improved by 69% (p?<?0.001). Sexual function quality of life improved by 54% for FSDS-R and 15% for FSFI (both p?<?0.001). Pelvic floor muscle strength significantly improved (p?<?0.001). Patient satisfaction with therapy was reported in 83% of patients. In the safety population, 2 (3.6%) adverse events were reported—1 urinary tract infection and 1 report of discomfort due to excessive warmth.

Conclusions

Multimodal vaginal toning therapy yields clinically meaningful improvements in bladder symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength, and quality of life in women with SUI.

     

Pelvic floor muscle exercise for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: III. Effects of two different degrees of pelvic floor muscle exercises

Fifty-two women, mean age 45.9 years (24–64) with clinically and urodynamically proven stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were randomly assigned to one of two different pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercise groups. Both groups performed 8–12 maximal PFM contractions 3 times a day for 6 months. In addition one group exercised with an instructor intensively 45 min once a week performing long-lasting contractions with the supplement of 3–4 fast contractions at the end of each long-lasting contraction. Initially and after 6 months an examination was performed comprising history, urinary leakage index, pad test, maximum urethral closure pressure, functional urethral profile length, and recording of vaginal pressure during PFM contractions. The latter was performed monthly. After the treatment 60% of the intensive exercise (IE) group and 17.3% of the home exercise (HE) group reported to be continent or almost continent (P < .01). Only the IE group demonstrated significant reduction in urine loss; from mean 27 g to 7.1 g (P < .01) and improvement in maximum resting urethral closure pressure (mean improvement 4.6 cm H₂O. P = .02). PFM strength improved with mean 15.5 cm H₂O (P < .01) in the IE group while the HE group improved with 7.4 cm H₂O (P < .01). It is concluded that the results of PFM exercise for female SUI is highly dependent upon the degree and duration of treatment and frequent supervision by the therapist.     

Simultaneous perineal ultrasound and vaginal pressure measurement prove the action of electrical pudendal nerve stimulation in treating female stress incontinence

Study Type – Diagnostic (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and transvaginal electrical stimulation (TES) are two commonly used forms of conservative treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). PFMT may build up the structural support of the pelvis, but many SUI patients are unable to perform PFMT effectively and its primary disadvantage is lack of long‐term patient compliance. TES is a passive treatment that produces PFM contraction and patient compliance with it is good; however, its effect is not as good as that of PFMT when performed correctly. Electrical pudendal nerve stimulation (EPNS) combines the advantages of PFMT and TES and incorporates the technique of deep insertion of long needles. In this study, simultaneous perineal ultrasound and vaginal pressure measurement prove that EPNS can contract the PFM and simulate PFMT. It is shown that EPNS is an alternative therapy for female SUI patients who fail PFMT and TES and the therapy can also be used for severe SUI.

OBJECTIVES

• ? To prove that electrical pudendal nerve stimulation (EPNS) can contract the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and simulate pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT).
• ? To show that EPNS is an alternative therapy for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) that does not respond effectively to PFMT and transvaginal electrical stimulation (TES).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• ? Thirty‐five female patients with SUI who did not respond effectively to PFMT and TES (group I) were enrolled and 60 other female patients with SUI were allocated to group II (30 patients) and group III (30 patients).
• ? Long needles were deeply inserted into four sacral points and electrified to stimulate the pudendal nerves. Group I and group II were treated by a doctor skilled in performing EPNS and group III, by a doctor unskilled in performing EPNS.
• ? When EPNS was performed in group I, perineal ultrasonographic PFM movements, vaginal pressure (VP) and PFM electromyography were recorded simultaneously.
• ? The therapeutic effects were evaluated according to objective and subjective criteria

RESULTS

• ? When EPNS was performed correctly, the patient felt strong PFM contractions. Simultaneous recordings in group I showed: B‐mode cranio‐caudal PFM movements; M‐mode PFM movement curves (amplitude: about 1 mm, n= 31); a sawtooth curve of VP changes (2.61 ± 1.29 cmH₂O, n= 34); and PFM myoelectric waves (amplitude: 23.9 ± 25.3 µV).
• ? If during the EPNS process the electric current was stopped or its intensity was reduced to about 7–12 mA or the two lower needles were drawn back, then the above ultrasonographic PFM movements and VP changes disappeared.
• ? In group I, the incontinence severity and quality of life score was 16.5 ± 4.0 before treatment and decreased to 4.2 ± 4.0 after 27.5 ± 11.9 sessions of treatment (P < 0.01). At the end of treatment, 100% improvement occurred in 16 cases (45.7%). A 2‐year follow‐up showed that 100% improvement occurred in 14 of cases (40.0%).
• ? In group II, the incontinence severity and quality of life score was 17.1 ± 6.3 before treatment and decreased to 3.5 ± 3.7 after 10 sessions of treatment (P < 0.01) and 100% improvement occurred in 12 cases (40.0%). In group III, the incontinence severity and quality of life score was 17.6 ± 6.3 before treatment and decreased to 10.8 ± 8.2 after 10 sessions of treatment (P < 0.01) and 100% improvement occurred in one case (3.3%).
• ? The post‐treatment score was lower and the therapeutic effect was better in group II than in group III (both P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

• ? EPNS can contract the PFM and simulate PFMT.
• ? EPNS is an alternative therapy for female SUI patients who fail PFMT and TES.

     

Influence of voluntary pelvic floor muscle contraction and pelvic floor muscle training on urethral closure pressures: a systematic literature review

Introduction and hypothesis

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is managed with pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), but the mechanism of treatment action is unclear. Resting maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP) is lower in women with SUI, but it is unknown whether PFMT can alter resting MUCP. This systematic review evaluated whether voluntary pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction increases MUCP above its resting value (augmented MUCP) and the effect of PFMT on resting and augmented MUCP.

Methods

Experimental and effect studies were identified using PubMed and PEDro. The PEDro scale was used to assess internal validity of interventional studies.

Results

We identified 21 studies investigating the influence of voluntary PFM contraction in women. Comparison was hindered by varying demographics, antecedent history, reporting of confirmed correct PFM contraction, and urethral pressure profilometry (UPP) techniques. Mean incremental increase in MUCP during PFM contraction in healthy women was 8–47.3 cm H₂O; in women with urinary incontinence (UI), it was 6–24 cm H₂O. Nine trials reporting MUCP as an outcome of PFMT were found. Wide variation in PFMT regimes affected the findings. Two studies found significant improvement in MUCP of 5–18 cm H₂0. Seven studies assessed augmentation of MUCP with PFM contraction; mean increase was ?0.1 to 25 cm H₂0.

Conclusions

There is no definitive evidence that PFMT increases resting MUCP as its mechanism of action in managing SUI. The degree to which a voluntary PFM contraction augments MUCP varies widely. There was evidence to suggest PFMT increases augmented MUCP. Drawing firm conclusions was hampered by study methodologies.

     

Mechanisms of Pelvic Floor Muscle Function and the Effect on the Urethra during a Cough

Background

Current measurement tools have difficulty identifying the automatic physiologic processes maintaining continence, and many questions still remain about pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function during automatic events.

Objective

To perform a feasibility study to characterise the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the PFM and the urethra during a cough.

Design, setting, and participants

A volunteer convenience sample of 23 continent women and 9 women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) from the general community of San Francisco Bay Area was studied.

Measurements

Methods included perineal ultrasound imaging, motion tracking of the urogenital structures, and digital vaginal examination. Statistical analysis used one-tailed unpaired student t tests, and Welch's correction was applied when variances were unequal.

Results and limitations

The cough reflex activated the PFM of continent women to compress the urogenital structures towards the pubic symphysis, which was absent in women with SUI. The maximum accelerations that acted on the PFM during a cough were generally more similar than the velocities and displacements. The urethras of women with SUI were exposed to uncontrolled transverse acceleration and were displaced more than twice as far (p = 0.0002), with almost twice the velocity (p = 0.0015) of the urethras of continent women. Caution regarding the generalisability of this study is warranted due to the small number of women in the SUI group and the significant difference in parity between groups.

Conclusions

During a cough, normal PFM function produces timely compression of the pelvic floor and additional external support to the urethra, reducing displacement, velocity, and acceleration. In women with SUI, who have weaker urethral attachments, this shortening contraction does not occur; consequently, the urethras of women with SUI move further and faster for a longer duration.     

Breathing with the pelvic floor? Correlation of pelvic floor muscle function and expiratory flows in healthy young nulliparous women

Introduction and hypothesis

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine correlations between pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function and expiratory function in healthy young nulliparous women.

Methods

In 40 volunteers, PFM function was assessed by vaginal palpation. Forced expiration patterns were evaluated visually and by palpation of the suprapubic insertion region of the anterolateral abdominal muscles. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory flows (FEF) were determined by spirometry.

Results

Incremental positive correlation was found between voluntary PFM contraction strength and forced expiratory flow at 25%, 50% and 75% (FEF_25%, FEF_50%, FEF_75%) of the FVC, respectively. Positive correlation was also found between PFM contraction strength and forced expired volume in 1 s (FEV₁). No correlation was found between PFM contraction strength and FVC or peak expiratory flow (PEF).

Conclusions

Despite some limitations of this study, the observed correlation between PFM contraction strength and forced expiratory flows may serve as theoretical background for a potential role of coordinated abdominal and PFM training in diseases with expiratory flow limitations.     

Pelvic floor muscle exercise for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence: An exercise physiology perspective

The aim of this article is to give an overview of the exercise science related to pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength training, and to assess the effect of PFM exercises to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Sixteen articles addressing the effect of PFM exercise alone on SUI were compiled by computerized search or found in other review articles. Studies with no statement that correct PFM contraction had been performed were excluded. Kegel's suggestion was to perform 3–500 PFM contractions per day. However, suggestions for effective strength training from the exercise science is 8–12 contractions in three series 3–4 times a week for 15–20 weeks or more. Frequency of training varies between 10 repetitions every waking hour to half an hour 3 days a week. Holding periods vary between 2 and 3 s and 30–40 s. Exercise periods vary between 3 weeks and 6 months. Only a few research groups have used methods to measure PFM strength that were reproducible and valid. Statistically significant strength increase has been found after PFM exercise lasting from 3 to 6 months. In all studies the exercises were conducted with thorough individual instruction, vaginal palpation, feedback and close follow-up. Self-reported cure and success rates vary between 17% and 84%. Statistically significant improvement has been demonstrated on self-grading instruments, urethral closure pressure during cough, resting urethral pressure, functional urethral profile length, leakage episodes and pad tests with standardized bladder volume. The results of the long-term studies are promising. It is therefore concluded that PFM exercises are effective in treating SUI. They are cost-effective and should be the first choice of treatment. To be effective, PFM exercise has to be thoroughly taught and performed with weekly or monthly follow-up.EDITORIAL COMMENTS: Dr Bø presents a thorough review of pelvic floor exercies for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. The concepts of exercise physiology, important to the teaching and performance of pelvic floor exercises, are clearly defined. Unfortunately, investigators in this area of research have utilized disparate therapy regimens, various methods to determine pelvic floor muscle strength and different outcome measures of success, making meta-analysis of the results impossible. It is clear that pelvic floor exercises are a viable treatment option for patients with stress incontinence. However, optimum success from any treatment regimen requires patient motivation, thorough instruction to perform the exercises correctly, and long-term follow-up to ensure adherence to training.     

Abnormal pelvic response to cough in women with stress urinary incontinence

AIMS: To assess how muscular fatigue deteriorates the modulation of pelvic contraction during increasing cough efforts. Furthermore, we investigated the correlation between the temporal course of pelvic floor activation during cough. METHODS: Informed consent was obtained from 20 women presenting with SUI and 6 continent women (overactive bladder syndrome [OAB]). Bladder pressure (BP) and external anal sphincter electromyographic activity (EAS EMGi) were recorded concomitantly during increasing cough efforts. Modulation of pelvic contraction was assessed before and after two types of intense pelvic exercise (Exercise #1: 10 successive strong cough efforts; Exercise #2: 10 pelvic contractions followed by a maximal pelvic contraction) at 0, 200, and 400 ml of bladder filling. We have also recorded electromyographic activity of external intercostal (EIC) muscles. RESULTS: Whereas the Exercise 1 had no effect on modulation, the Exercise 2 altered significantly the modulation of pelvic contraction during increasing cough efforts (P = 0.043) only in women presenting with SUI. The bladder filling volume seems to not significantly modify this modulation (P = 0.12). Median latency between the onset of the EAS EMGi and the onset of the EIC EMGi was -470 and -60 msec in OAB group and in SUI group, respectively (P = 0.012). There was a good correlation between mean latency (default of EAS EMGi pre-activation) and an altered modulation of pelvic contraction during increasing cough efforts (P = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: Some women with SUI exhibit an altered pattern of the PFM response during increasing coughing efforts. The lack of this modulation of PFM response to stress may be one of the pathophysiologic factors of SUI.     

Pelvic floor muscle variables and levator hiatus dimensions: a 3/4D transperineal ultrasound cross-sectional study on 300 nulliparous pregnant women

Introduction and hypothesis

The aims of the present study were to investigate the correlation among vaginal resting pressure and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and endurance, and the correlation between the same variables and levator hiatus (LH) dimensions in nulliparous pregnant women.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 300 nulliparous pregnant women, mean age 28.7 years (SD 4.3) and pre-pregnancy BMI 23.9 kg/m² (SD 3.9), assessed at mean gestational week 20.8 (±1.4). Vaginal resting pressure and PFM strength and endurance were measured using a high precision pressure transducer connected to a vaginal balloon. LH dimensions (transverse and anterior–posterior diameters_ and LH area were assessed using 3/4D transperineal ultrasound in the axial plane of minimal hiatal dimensions using render mode. The Pearson correlation was used to analyze correlations among vaginal resting pressure and PFM strength and endurance, and between PFM variables and LH dimensions. Level of significance was set at 0.05.

Results

Pelvic floor muscle strength and vaginal resting pressure were significantly, but weakly correlated (r?=?0.198, p?r?=?0.929, p?r?=??0.451, p?r?=??0.012, p?=?0.84) nor between muscle endurance and LH area at rest (r?=??0.014, p?=?0.81). A strong PFM contraction correlated moderately with reduction of the LH area (r?=??0.367, p?Conclusions Pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance are strongly correlated, butdo not correlate with a smaller LH area at rest.     

Electromyographic evaluation of pelvic floor muscles in pregnant and nonpregnant women

Introduction and hypothesis

We compared the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and strength of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) of pregnant and nonpregnant women using surface electromyography (SEMG).

Methods

Fifteen pregnant primiparous women and 15 nulliparous nonpregnant women were evaluated. The healthy pregnant women were in the third trimester of pregnancy with a single fetus and did not have any neuromuscular alterations. The nonpregnant women did not present with PF dysfunctions and, as with the pregnant women, did not have any previous gynecological surgeries or degenerative neuromuscular alterations. The evaluation methods used were digital palpation (Oxford Grading Scale, which ranges from 0 to 5) and SEMG. In the EMG exam, MVC activity was evaluated, and the better of two contractions was chosen. Before the evaluation, all women received information about PFM localization and function and how to correctly contract PFM.

Results

In the EMG evaluation, MVC was significantly greater in the nonpregnant group (90.7 μv) than in the pregnant group (30 μv), with p?p?=?0.005).

Conclusion

In comparison to nulliparous women, pregnant women demonstrated worse PFM function with decreased strength and electrical activity.