Incontinent Women Have Altered Pelvic Floor Muscle Contraction Patterns

Abstract

Contractions of the superficial and deep pelvic floor muscles can be recorded by intravaginal or perineal electrodes. A consistent contraction sequence can be found in continent women but it is lacking in incontinent women. This might be a possible explanation for incontinence. Including differentiated muscle contraction exercises in pelvic floor muscle exercise programs may further optimize treatment outcomes.

A Novel Externally Applied Neuromuscular Stimulator for the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women—A Pilot Study

“…A study by Devreese et al. showed that continent women's superficial muscles almost always contracted before the deep muscles in all positions of supine and standing (17). In the incontinent women, the reverse sequence was observed in three of the six positions (supine, sitting leaning forward, and standing leaning forward).…”

“…This finding was consistent for both continent and incontinent participants. A study by Devreese et al showed that continent women's superficial muscles almost always contracted before the deep muscles in all positions of supine and standing (17).…”

Eletromiografia de superfície para avaliação dos músculos do assoalho pélvico feminino: revisão de literatura

“…Devreese et al 22 avaliaram 32 mulheres saudáveis, sem disfunções do assoalho pélvico e 50 mulheres com IUE. Utilizaram EMGs intravaginal e perineal por meio de eletrodos na musculatura superficial do assoalho pélvico em seis posições diferentes.…”

Does childbirth alter the reflex pelvic floor response to coughing?

“…There is some electromyographic evidence of altered activation patterns in women with urinary incontinence23, although it is unclear whether such reflex alteration is a cause or an effect of clinical symptoms. The timing of reflex activity is likely relevant for the prevention of incontinence, and it has been claimed that delayed contraction of the levator ani is associated with urinary incontinence24. It is likely that activation of the pelvic floor muscles and the urethral striated muscle normally occurs simultaneously, both acting to safeguard continence.…”