Co-activity patterns measurements of the pelvic floor muscles and external urethral sphincter using the new differential suction electrode

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate if there are differences between activation patterns between the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and external urethral sphincter (EUS) during different tasks using the new differential suction electrode (DSE). Twenty healthy nulliparous women with no evidence of urinary incontinence, sexual pain disorders or neurological disease and able to contract their PFMs will be recruited from the Queen's University community to participate on one occasion. The participants will be asked to empty their bladder before the test starts. Single-subject-use surface electromyography electrodes will be adhered to the vaginal wall adjacent to the PFM on the right side and another one placed over the urethra (i.e. anteriorly and above the level of the pubococcygeus when palpated), suction force will be used to hold the electrodes in position. EMG data will be recorded from these electrodes while the participant performs tasks such as PFM's maximal voluntary contraction, gradual PFM contractions, gradual anterior pelvic tilt, gradual posterior pelvic tilt, gluteal maximal contraction, gluteal gradual contraction, isometric contractions of right and left abdominal oblique, resisted internal hip rotation, resisted external hip rotation, cough, stand to sit position and sit to stand position. The main outcome measure on this study is to see if the activity recorded by the electrode placed anteriorly was different from that recorded from the electrode over the pubococcygeus muscle. A cross correlation function will be used to determine if there is a relationship between the EMG amplitude recorded from the PFM and EUS in different tasks. (AU)