Pelvic floor muscle surface electromyography - Reliability and clinical predictive validity

OBJECTIVE: To study the reliability and clinical predictive validity of pel vic floor muscle surface electromyography (sEMG) for use in early detection and prophylaxis of urogynecologic disorders. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-seven women ranging from 19 to 69 years of age complete d a written questionnaire and underwent digital pelvic examination followed by pelvic floor muscle sEMG using an intravaginal sensor. Thirty-seven sub jects underwent repeat evaluations one week or move later. RESULTS: sEMG data demonstrated significant test-retest reliability (P < .0 01) and significant clinical predictive validity (P < .05) for undifferenti ated urinary incontinence, stress incontinence, urge incontinence, menstrua l status and parity on both initial and repeat examinations. CONCLUSION: Pelvic floor muscle sEMG is reliable and consistently predictiv e of seveval important clinical status variables, suggesting that it can be a useful tool in early at-risk detection and prophylactic intervention for disorders of pelvic floor muscle laxity. Recent advances in sEMG technolog y make if cost-effective, convenient, noninvasive and easy to learn and adm inister by assisting staff. This technology is a powerful complementary too l for digital assessment of pelvic floor muscles and should be considered f or use in gynecologic practice.