How Do Pelvic Floor Muscle Contractions Elicited by 2 Different Delivery Methods of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Compare With Volitional Contractions in Supine and Standing in Nulliparous Continent Women?

This study compared volitional pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractions with those elicited by 2 delivery methods of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in 2 positions using transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) imaging to assess bladder base elevation (BBE). Study Design: A repeated-measures design. Background: Pelvic floor exercises and NMES are prescribed to improve PFM contraction. However, the evidence regarding efficacy of transvaginal NMES (TvNMES) in eliciting a contraction has been limited by inadequate description of how PFM contraction was determined. Methods and Measurement: Six healthy females were recruited for this preliminary study. Volitional PFM and NMES-elicited contractions were assessed in the supine and standing positions; order was randomly assigned with at least a 24-hour washout period. An NMES unit with a vaginal electrode (TvNMES) and a device using externally applied electrodes embedded in a garment (EES) were used. PFM activity was assessed via BBE using TAUS imaging. Two-way repeated analysis of variance was used, with statistical significance being P
Source: Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy - Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research