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Pelvic muscle activity in nulliparous volunteers
U M Peschers1, D B Voduŝek, G Fanger
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Innenstadt, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Munich, Germany. Ursula.Peschers@fk-1.uni-muenchen.de
Neurourology and Urodynamics
|June 1, 2001
Summary
Pelvic floor muscle contractions stabilize the bladder neck in nulliparous women, even under stress or fatigue. This study highlights the importance of pelvic floor function for continence.
Area of Science:
- Urogynecology
- Pelvic Floor Physiology
- Musculoskeletal Function
Background:
- Understanding pelvic floor muscle function is crucial for maintaining continence.
- Normal characteristics of pelvic floor function in nulliparous women require detailed description.
- The impact of stress and fatigue on pelvic floor response needs further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize spontaneous and voluntary pelvic muscle function in healthy, nulliparous, continent women.
- To evaluate the pelvic floor's response to induced stress and fatigue.
- To assess the effect of pelvic floor muscle contraction on bladder neck stability.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of ten nulliparous volunteers.
- Pelvic muscle strength assessment via palpation and perineal ultrasound.
- Kinesiological electromyography (EMG) and perineal ultrasound to evaluate fatigue and bladder neck mobility during coughing with pre-contraction.
Main Results:
- Pelvic floor muscle fatigue did not increase bladder neck mobility.
- Pre-contraction of pelvic floor muscles significantly reduced bladder neck descent during coughing.
- Voluntary pelvic floor muscle contraction demonstrated a stabilizing effect on the vesical neck.
Conclusions:
- Pelvic floor muscle contraction provides significant stabilization of the vesical neck in nulliparous women.
- This stabilization effect persists even when pelvic floor muscles are subjected to fatigue.
- Findings underscore the role of pelvic floor muscle function in maintaining urinary continence.