Breathing, (S)Training and the Pelvic Floor-A Basic Concept.

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Biomechanics
• Women's Health

Background:

• Scientific literature lacks consensus on high-intensity exercise effects on the female pelvic floor (PF).
• The influence of breathing patterns on PF function during strenuous activity remains unclear.
• Physiological links between breathing and PF activation suggest a potential impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conceptualize how different breathing patterns affect the PF during strenuous physical exertion.
• To elucidate the biomechanical consequences of breathing on PF integrity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research.
• Application of classical Western medicine principles in muscle physiology and breathing biomechanics.
• Integration of schematic illustrations and MRI data to support the proposed concept.

Main Results:

• Pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) naturally co-contract with abdominal muscles during expiration.
• Strenuous efforts necessitate expiratory synergy for PFM training and PF protection.
• Inspiratory breath-holding during exertion increases intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) on a relaxed PF.

Conclusions:

• Regular inspiratory breath-holding during exertion may lead to PF dysfunction.
• PFMs function synergistically with abdominal muscles during expiration to protect the PF.
• Future research must consider breathing cycles in PF function studies.