Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity in Different Sitting Postures in Continent and Incontinent Women

R R Sapsford; Carolyn A Richardson; C F Maher; P W Hodges

doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2008.01.029

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Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity in Different Sitting Postures in Continent and Incontinent Women

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity in Different Sitting Postures in Continent and Incontinent Women

R R Sapsford, Carolyn A Richardson, C F Maher and P W Hodges

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vol.89(9), pp.1741-1747

2008

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2008.01.029

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Abstract

Human Movement and Sports Science

abdominal muscles

pelvic floor

rehabilitation

urinary incontinence

Objective: To determine whether resting activity of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) and abdominal muscles varied in different sitting postures in parous women with and without stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Design: PFM and abdominal muscle activity was recorded in 3 sitting postures: slump supported, upright unsupported, and very tall unsupported. Spinal curves were measured in slump supported and upright unsupported. Setting:A research laboratory. Participants: Women (N=17) with a history of vaginal delivery, 8 who were symptomatic of SUI and 9 who were asymptomatic. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Electromyographic activity of (1) the resting PFM recorded per vaginam with surface electrodes and (2) superficial abdominal muscles using surface electrodes. Changes in spinal curves were measured with a flexible ruler. Results: Electromyographic activity of the PFM increased significantly from slump supported to upright unsupported postures in both groups (P<.001) but with lower levels of activity in women with SUI (P<.05). PFM activity increased further in very tall unsupported sitting in comparison with slump supported sitting (P<.001). Obliquus internus abdominis electromyographic activity was greater in upright unsupported than in slump supported sitting (P<.05), and electromyographic activity of other abdominal muscles was greater in very tall unsupported than slump supported. Women with SUI had a trend for greater activity in the abdominal muscles in upright unsupported than asymptomatic women. Asymptomatic women had a greater depth of lumbar lordosis in upright unsupported sitting than women with SUI (P=.04). Conclusions: More upright sitting postures recruit greater PFM resting activity irrespective of continence status. Further investigation should consider the effect of sitting posture in rehabilitation.

Details

Title: Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity in Different Sitting Postures in Continent and Incontinent Women
Authors: R R Sapsford (Author) - Mater Health Services
Carolyn A Richardson (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
C F Maher (Author) - Mater Health Services
P W Hodges (Author) - University of Queensland
Publication details: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vol.89(9), pp.1741-1747
Publisher: W.B. Saunders Co.
Date published: 2008
DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2008.01.029
ISSN: 0003-9993
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450037302621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Rehabilitation; Sport Sciences

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