Can the Paula method facilitate co-contraction of the pelvic floor muscles? A 4D ultrasound study

Abstract

This file was dowloaded from the institutional repository Brage NIH -brage.bibsys.no/nih Bø, K., Hilde, G., Staer-Jensen, J., Braekken, I. H. (2011) transducer (RAB 4-7l/obstetric) was used. Measurements were performed in the axial plane of minimal hiatal dimensions. Muscle length was calculated as circumference of the LH minus the suprapubic arch. Differences between groups were analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. Significance level was set to 0.05.Results. There was a significant reduction of the LH area (p<.001)) and muscle length (p<.001) during PFM contraction, but not during contraction according to the Paula method, p=.51 and p=.31, respectively.Conclusions. The Paula method did not facilitate PFM contraction.

Urinary incontinence in physically active women and female athletes

“…In a study measuring PFM activity by surface electromyography during PFM contraction and during a Paula-method contraction,57 the Paula method did not increase PFM activity. A comparison of the levator hiatus and PFM length by a four-dimensional ultrasound study58 found a significant reduction of the levator hiatus area and muscle length during PFM contraction, but not during a Paula method contraction.…”

The Paula method and the pelvic floor: comment

“…Dear Editor I was pleased to find two research articles on the Paula method written by Bo et al [1] and Resende et al [2]. I agree with the authors that pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is effective and should be recommended as level A evidence for pelvic floor dysfunction.…”

“…The researchers each picked either one [1] or several [2] exercises and measured PFM strength results immediately following exercise [1] or 40 min thereafter [2]. This is a very limited time for Paula method intervention and unacceptable for any other method of exercise.…”

“…There, a comparison was made between PFMT and Pilates [3], using certified Pilates instructors (with a timeframe of 24 weeks), in contrast to the present research [1,2].…”

“…Both groups [1,2] perceive the Paula method as "PFMT plus" and not as an independent method, as it should be.…”