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International Urogynecology Journal

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01-09-2012 | Original Article

The effect of abdominal and pelvic floor muscle activation on urine flow in women

Authors: Ruth R. Sapsford, Paul W. Hodges

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 9/2012

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Interruption of urine flow during micturition has been used as an assessment of ability to voluntarily contract the pelvic floor muscles (PFM). However, the PFM are also activated during specific abdominal manoeuvres. This study aimed to assess the effect of similar abdominal manoeuvres on urine flow and compare this with the effect of PFM contraction.

Methods

Eight healthy women, of mixed parity, contracted the abdominal muscles and the PFM during urine flow on separate occasions. Differences in urine flow were compared using paired t tests.

Results

All participants were able to interrupt the urine stream using both muscle activation patterns. There was no difference in the time taken to interrupt urine flow (p = 0.78) between the two patterns.

Conclusions

These data provide evidence that specific abdominal muscle manoeuvres influence urethral closure in continent women, and this is probably mediated by concurrent activation of PFM during the abdominal task.

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Title: The effect of abdominal and pelvic floor muscle activation on urine flow in women
Authors: Ruth R. Sapsford
Paul W. Hodges
Publication date: 01-09-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 9/2012
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-011-1654-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The effect of abdominal and pelvic floor muscle activation on urine flow in 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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