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International Urogynecology Journal

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01-04-2010 | Original Article

Breathing with the pelvic floor? Correlation of pelvic floor muscle function and expiratory flows in healthy young nulliparous women

Authors: Helena Talasz, Markus Kofler, Elisabeth Kalchschmid, Michael Pretterklieber, Monika Lechleitner

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 4/2010

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine correlations between pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function and expiratory function in healthy young nulliparous women.

Methods

In 40 volunteers, PFM function was assessed by vaginal palpation. Forced expiration patterns were evaluated visually and by palpation of the suprapubic insertion region of the anterolateral abdominal muscles. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory flows (FEF) were determined by spirometry.

Results

Incremental positive correlation was found between voluntary PFM contraction strength and forced expiratory flow at 25%, 50% and 75% (FEF_25%, FEF_50%, FEF_75%) of the FVC, respectively. Positive correlation was also found between PFM contraction strength and forced expired volume in 1 s (FEV₁). No correlation was found between PFM contraction strength and FVC or peak expiratory flow (PEF).

Conclusions

Despite some limitations of this study, the observed correlation between PFM contraction strength and forced expiratory flows may serve as theoretical background for a potential role of coordinated abdominal and PFM training in diseases with expiratory flow limitations.

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Title: Breathing with the pelvic floor? Correlation of pelvic floor muscle function and expiratory flows in healthy young nulliparous women
Authors: Helena Talasz
Markus Kofler
Elisabeth Kalchschmid
Michael Pretterklieber
Monika Lechleitner
Publication date: 01-04-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 4/2010
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-009-1060-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Breathing with the pelvic floor? Correlation of pelvic floor muscle function and expiratory flows in healthy young nulliparous women

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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