Pelvic Floor Muscle Function and Strength

Original Editor - Kirsten Ryan

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Assessment:
Visual observation, digital palpation, electromyography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging measure different aspects of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function.  PFM strength training is believed to stop or significantly reduce leakage by improving the structural support, timing and strength of automatic contractions.  Several studies have shown that greater than 30% of do not correctly perform a PFM contraction when asked to , even after individual instruction.

External observation:

External visual observation of the perineum may be utilized to visualize what the patient does when asked to contract the pelvic floor and is usually the initial step is assessing PFM function.  Caution against using observation as the only assessment as the inward movement of the skin may be created by contraction of the superficial perineal muscles and have no influence on urethral closure mechanism.  In women who are obese, a correct lift can be difficult to observe externally.

Digital Palpation:

Digital palpation of the vagina PFM is the standard when assessing the ability to contract the PFM by most physical therapists.  The quality of contraction and upward movement can be assessed digitally.

Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)

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References

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