Computer analysis of electromyographic signals from the human bladder and urethral and anal sphincters

An investigation has been made into the form of the EMG signals from the human bladder and urethral and anal sphincters. A buildup of the low frequency detrusor EMG before micturition occurs in some patients and this is more marked in patients with urgency. A good correlation occurs between the amount of EMG activity and bladder activity as assessed by the cystometrogram. Marked spike activity has been seen in the detrusor EMGs of patients with irritable bladders. The comparison of anal and urethral sphincter EMGs is of interest from the viewpoint of the anatomy of the urethral sphincter and the mechanism of micturition.