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01-08-2012 | Original Article

Electromyographic evaluation of pelvic floor muscles in pregnant and nonpregnant women

Authors: Ana Paula Magalhães Resende, Carla Dellabarba Petricelli, Bruno Teixeira Bernardes, Sandra Maria Alexandre, Mary Uchiyama Nakamura, Míriam Raquel Diniz Zanetti

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 8/2012

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

We compared the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and strength of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) of pregnant and nonpregnant women using surface electromyography (SEMG).

Methods

Fifteen pregnant primiparous women and 15 nulliparous nonpregnant women were evaluated. The healthy pregnant women were in the third trimester of pregnancy with a single fetus and did not have any neuromuscular alterations. The nonpregnant women did not present with PF dysfunctions and, as with the pregnant women, did not have any previous gynecological surgeries or degenerative neuromuscular alterations. The evaluation methods used were digital palpation (Oxford Grading Scale, which ranges from 0 to 5) and SEMG. In the EMG exam, MVC activity was evaluated, and the better of two contractions was chosen. Before the evaluation, all women received information about PFM localization and function and how to correctly contract PFM.

Results

In the EMG evaluation, MVC was significantly greater in the nonpregnant group (90.7 μv) than in the pregnant group (30 μv), with p < 0.001. The same results were observed after vaginal palpation, measured by the Oxford scale, which presented an average of 2.1 in the pregnant group and 4.5 in the nonpregnant group (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

In comparison to nulliparous women, pregnant women demonstrated worse PFM function with decreased strength and electrical activity.

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Title: Electromyographic evaluation of pelvic floor muscles in pregnant and nonpregnant women
Authors: Ana Paula Magalhães Resende
Carla Dellabarba Petricelli
Bruno Teixeira Bernardes
Sandra Maria Alexandre
Mary Uchiyama Nakamura
Míriam Raquel Diniz Zanetti
Publication date: 01-08-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 8/2012
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-012-1702-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Electromyographic evaluation of pelvic floor muscles in pregnant and nonpregnant women

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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