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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
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Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Measurement of pelvic floor function during physical activity: a feasibility study
Dagmar Schäfer1, Jürgen Pannek
1Bildungszentrum für Berufe im Gesundheitswesen, Klinikum Lippe, Detmold, Germany.
Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology
|April 28, 2009
Summary
Pelvic floor muscle activity during physical activity, like horseback riding, can now be reliably measured using a biofeedback device. This advancement offers new insights into pelvic floor function during exercise.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Pelvic floor dysfunction is linked to bladder issues.
- Measuring pelvic floor activity during physical exertion remains challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of measuring pelvic floor activity during physical activity.
- To evaluate pelvic floor muscle response during standardized horseback riding.
Main Methods:
- 14 healthy female volunteers participated.
- Pelvic floor activity was monitored using a biofeedback device.
- Participants underwent a standardized horseback riding course.
Main Results:
- Reliable measurement of pelvic floor activity during horseback riding was achieved.
- Distinct electromyographic (EMG) patterns correlated with different riding paces.
- High consistency in EMG activity across participants was observed for each pace.
Conclusions:
- This study pioneers the reliable measurement of pelvic floor activity during physical activity.
- A commercially available biofeedback device proved effective for this purpose.
- Findings pave the way for further research into pelvic floor function during exercise.
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