Related Experiment Videos
Imaging of pelvic floor contractions using MRI
L L Christensen1, J C Djurhuus, C E Constantinou
1Institute of Experimental Clinical Research, Skejby University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
Neurourology and Urodynamics
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Pelvic floor muscle contractions significantly move the bladder superiorly and posteriorly, enhancing levator muscle support. This MRI study visualizes these dynamic changes in asymptomatic women.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Anatomy
- Physiology
Background:
- The pelvic floor supports pelvic organs, and its function is crucial for continence.
- Understanding the dynamic relationship between pelvic floor muscles and organs is essential for diagnosing and treating pelvic floor dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize and quantify the dynamic displacement of the bladder during voluntary pelvic floor contractions using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- To determine the effect of pelvic floor muscle activation on the position of the bladder and surrounding abdominal structures.
Main Methods:
- Six asymptomatic female volunteers underwent MRI scans.
- Pelvic floor contractions were performed voluntarily while imaging in coronal and sagittal planes.
- Image processing techniques were used to measure bladder displacement from relaxed to contracted states.
Main Results:
- Sagittal MRI showed superior bladder wall movement of 3.8 ± 1.3 mm and posterior movement of 7.0 ± 2.8 mm.
- Maximum movement in the gluteal region was 3.5 ± 4.0 mm.
- Superior bladder displacement indicates increased levator muscle support; anterior bladder displacement was not significant.
Conclusions:
- Voluntary pelvic floor contractions can be effectively visualized and measured using MRI.
- Pelvic floor contraction provides significant superior support to the bladder, primarily via levator muscle engagement.
- The posterior bladder wall exhibits the most substantial displacement during voluntary pelvic floor activation.