Pelvic muscle activity in nulliparous volunteers

The aim of this study was to describe normal characteristics of spontaneous and voluntary pelvic muscle function in nulliparous healthy continent wome n and to assess the reaction of the pelvic door to stress and fatigue. Ten nulliparous volunteers were recruited. Pelvic muscle strength was evaluated by palpation and perineal ultrasound. Kinesiological EMG and perineal ultr asound were performed to test for possible fatigue and to assess bladder ne ck mobility during coughing with a pre-contraction of the pelvic floor musc les. Bladder neck mobility did not increase after attempts to fatigue the p elvic floor muscles. Bladder neck descent was significantly less when the w omen were instructed to contract the pelvic floor muscles before coughing. The contraction of the pelvic floor muscles stabilizes the vesical neck in nulliparous women. Neurourol. Urodynam. 20:269-275, 2001. (C) 2001 Wiley-Li ss, Inc.