Using sophisticated recording equipment and two fine copper wire electrodes introduced through the cystoscope into the bladder muscle of conscious patients at cystoscopy, reproducible electromyographic recordings were obtained from the normal and the neuropathic bladders of a group of patients. By means of simultaneous recording of the electromyographic activity of the rectus abdominis muscle in these patients, it was found that, in general, the variations in electromyographic activity of the normal bladder with filling and voiding are quite independent of abdominal muscle activity. The upper motor neuron bladders by a way of contrast showed continuing electrical activity even at rest and this activity increases with abdominal contraction. Lower motor neuron bladders remain electrically silent at all times including during abdominal muscle contraction. This suggests that the bladder electrodes do not record remote muscle activity from the abdomen or elsewhere and confirms the validity of the detrusor EMG.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.