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Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 1/2010

01-01-2010 | Original Article

Effect of abdominal and pelvic floor tasks on muscle activity, abdominal pressure and bladder neck

Authors: Baerbel Junginger, Kaven Baessler, Ruth Sapsford, Paul W. Hodges

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Although the bladder neck is elevated during a pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction, it descends during straining. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between bladder neck displacement, electromyography (EMG) activity of the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) during different pelvic floor and abdominal contractions.

Methods

Nine women without PFM dysfunction performed maximal, gentle and moderate PFM contractions, maximal and gentle transversus abdominis (TrA) contractions, bracing, Valsalva and head lift. Bladder neck position was assessed with perineal ultrasound. PFM and abdominal muscle activities were recorded with a vaginal probe and fine-wire electrodes, respectively. IAP was recorded with a rectal balloon.

Results

Bladder neck elevation only occurred during PFM and TrA contractions. PFM EMG and IAP increased during all tasks from 0.5 (gentle TrA) to 45.7 cmH2O (maximal Valsalva).

Conclusion

Bladder neck elevation was only observed when the activity of PFM EMG was high relative to the IAP increase.
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Metadata
Title
Effect of abdominal and pelvic floor tasks on muscle activity, abdominal pressure and bladder neck
Authors
Baerbel Junginger
Kaven Baessler
Ruth Sapsford
Paul W. Hodges
Publication date
01-01-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-009-0981-z

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