A COMPARISON OF MUSCLE ACTIVITY IN PELVIC FLOOR AND ABDOMINAL MUSCLES IN RESPONSE TO VARIED BLADDER VOLUMES DURING POSTURAL CONTROL TASKS
Foley A, McHenry SP, Rhea MA, Simon ML, Wehmeyer TR, Witt EM; Rockhurst University Kansas City, MO. St. Luke’s Hospital Kansas City, MO.
INTRODUCTION/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study investigated potential differences in electromyography (EMG) activity of the superficial transverse perineal and transverse abdominis (TA) muscles in women within the conditions of drinking 500 mL of water and after voiding. Studies have shown pelvic musculature, as well as the vagina and ligaments, supports the bladder. If these structures weaken, the bladder can prolapse downward and affect full motor unit recruitment of the pelvic floor. These pelvic floor and abdominal muscles are implicated in posture and balance control. Therefore, this study observed muscle activity in the pelvic floor and abdominal musculature during two postural control tasks and two bladder conditions.
METHOD: The scientific design of this study is quasi one group pre-post experimental. The sample size for this study consisted of 17 continent women aged 40 to 60. To determine the subjects’ level of continence, self-reported ratings were assessed using the Incontinence Severity Index, and ratings of 1-2, on a 4-point scale. All participants were randomly assigned a test order of "empty bladder" vs. "moderately full bladder". For the purpose of this study, “empty bladder” was defined as post voiding and “moderately full bladder” was defined as 30 minutes after drinking 500 mL of water. Bladder volume was determined by a non-invasive procedure using ultrasound technology to create a three-dimensional image of the bladder. Two balance measures, Limits of Stability and Postural Stability, were performed using the Biodex SD. Before completing the two balance activities, participants applied peri-anal and abdominal surface electrodes that recorded the activity of pelvic floor and core stabilization muscles.
RESULTS: No significant relationship or correlation was found between bladder volume conditions and EMG activity of the transverse abdominis and superficial transverse perineal muscles in either postural control task.
DISCUSSION: Bladder volume condition did not have a significant effect on motor unit recruitment in the pelvic floor musculature or transverse abdominis with balance tasks. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in motor unit recruitment between balance tasks.
CONCLUSION: This study set out to determine if there is any significant difference in muscle recruitment of the TA and pelvic floor musculature in response to varied bladder volumes. Recommendations for further research on this topic include an increased waiting period following the consumption of 500 mL of water before conducting EMG and balance testing.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: We would like to extend a special thanks to Jean Hiebert’s research group for their participation in this study. Assistance provided by Dr. Mohamed Kohia with statistical analysis was greatly appreciated. A special thanks to Carol Hobbs, Lindsey Phelps, Danielle Sabo, and Catherine Thompson is given for volunteering their time in the initial stages of our study to allow us to standardize our methods. And finally, thanks to Saint Luke’s Hospital is given for their Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and use of equipment.
Foley A, McHenry SP, Rhea MA, Simon ML, Wehmeyer TR, Witt EM; Rockhurst University Kansas City, MO. St. Luke’s Hospital Kansas City, MO.
INTRODUCTION/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study investigated potential differences in electromyography (EMG) activity of the superficial transverse perineal and transverse abdominis (TA) muscles in women within the conditions of drinking 500 mL of water and after voiding. Studies have shown pelvic musculature, as well as the vagina and ligaments, supports the bladder. If these structures weaken, the bladder can prolapse downward and affect full motor unit recruitment of the pelvic floor. These pelvic floor and abdominal muscles are implicated in posture and balance control. Therefore, this study observed muscle activity in the pelvic floor and abdominal musculature during two postural control tasks and two bladder conditions.
METHOD: The scientific design of this study is quasi one group pre-post experimental. The sample size for this study consisted of 17 continent women aged 40 to 60. To determine the subjects’ level of continence, self-reported ratings were assessed using the Incontinence Severity Index, and ratings of 1-2, on a 4-point scale. All participants were randomly assigned a test order of "empty bladder" vs. "moderately full bladder". For the purpose of this study, “empty bladder” was defined as post voiding and “moderately full bladder” was defined as 30 minutes after drinking 500 mL of water. Bladder volume was determined by a non-invasive procedure using ultrasound technology to create a three-dimensional image of the bladder. Two balance measures, Limits of Stability and Postural Stability, were performed using the Biodex SD. Before completing the two balance activities, participants applied peri-anal and abdominal surface electrodes that recorded the activity of pelvic floor and core stabilization muscles.
RESULTS: No significant relationship or correlation was found between bladder volume conditions and EMG activity of the transverse abdominis and superficial transverse perineal muscles in either postural control task.
DISCUSSION: Bladder volume condition did not have a significant effect on motor unit recruitment in the pelvic floor musculature or transverse abdominis with balance tasks. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in motor unit recruitment between balance tasks.
CONCLUSION: This study set out to determine if there is any significant difference in muscle recruitment of the TA and pelvic floor musculature in response to varied bladder volumes. Recommendations for further research on this topic include an increased waiting period following the consumption of 500 mL of water before conducting EMG and balance testing.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: We would like to extend a special thanks to Jean Hiebert’s research group for their participation in this study. Assistance provided by Dr. Mohamed Kohia with statistical analysis was greatly appreciated. A special thanks to Carol Hobbs, Lindsey Phelps, Danielle Sabo, and Catherine Thompson is given for volunteering their time in the initial stages of our study to allow us to standardize our methods. And finally, thanks to Saint Luke’s Hospital is given for their Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and use of equipment.