Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Acquisition and Semi-Automated Analysis of Respiratory Muscle Surface Electromyography
Published on: January 24, 2025
External intercostal muscles and external anal sphincter electromyographic activity during coughing
Xavier Deffieux1, Katelyne Hubeaux, Raphaël Porcher
1Faculté de Médecine, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMR S 731, Paris, France. x.deffieux@free.fr
Abstract:
Few studies focused on concomitant electromyographic recordings of pelvic floor muscles and muscles involved in cough initiation. The objective of this study was to investigate the temporal course of external anal sphincter activation during coughing. Informed consent was obtained from ten healthy volunteers and ten women presenting with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Simultaneously, recordings of electromyographic activity of external intercostal muscles (EIC EMGi) and external anal sphincter (EAS EMGi) during coughing have been performed. It was chosen to study intercostals muscles because they are synchronous to diaphragmatic muscle during cough initiation. Median (interquartile range) latency between the onset of the EAS EMGi and the onset of the EIC EMGi was -210 ms (-398; -135) and 0 ms (-30; +111.7) in volunteers' group and in SUI group, respectively (p = 0.0009). Abnormal temporal course of external anal sphincter activation is observed during coughing in women presenting with SUI compared to healthy volunteers.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
Muscles of the Thorax
The diaphragm is at the core of thoracic musculature, the primary muscle involved in breathing. This expansive, dome-shaped muscle marks the division between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It originates...
Mechanism of Breathing III: The Accessory Muscles
The respiratory system is a complex network that relies on primary respiratory muscles like the diaphragm, but also involves accessory muscles to enhance lung expansion and airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
Enhancing Inhalation with Accessory Muscles:
Accessory muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, intercostal, and abdominal muscles are crucial when additional respiratory effort is required, such as during deep...
Mechanism of Breathing II: Expiration
Expiration, or exhaling, is a complex physiological process that begins as the inspiratory muscles begin to relax. This relaxation triggers a series of events that epitomize the efficiency of the respiratory system.
Mechanism of Expiration:
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...

