Correlates of Electrophysiological Activities in Different Pelvic Floor Muscle Groups and Female Pelvic Floor Function

Female pelvic floor disorders including sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse are relating to the function of pelvic floor structures. Essential components responsible for pelvic floor function include bony, muscular, and fascial structures of the pelvis. Among above components, pelvic floor muscles, either the superficial or deep group, are considered crucial in maintaining the morphology and functional integrity of the pelvic floor.

Inspection and digital examination incorporating Oxford grading system during pelvic examinations are the most convenient and commonly methods applied to evaluate the function of pelvic floor muscles. Nevertheless, both methods cannot provide quantitative information of pelvic floor muscle contraction. With the introduction of pelvic floor manometry and electrophysiological testing, quantification of pelvic floor muscle contractions can be expected.

The study aimed to explore and quantify functional and electrical activities in different pelvic floor muscle groups, to differentiate the electrophysiological role in different pelvic floor muscle groups relating to pelvic floor dysfunction or disorders, and further to develop treatment strategies for different pelvic floor muscle groups in different female pelvic disorders.