Application of the Glazer pelvic floor muscle evaluation protocol to patients with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Objective To identify differences in the anal sphincter surface electromyography (sEMG)variables in spinal cord injury (SCI) subjects with different severities. Methods One hundred and ten SCI patients' impairments were classified as ASIA A,B,C or D using the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury.The evaluation was pedormed using sEMG equipment with an inserted anal sensor electrode and the Glazer pelvic floor muscle sEMG protocol.The sEMG variables were recorded and compared. Results There was no significant difference in sEMG variables between groups A and B,but the mean and maximum sEMG values of groups C and D in flick contractions ( 1 s),tonic contractions ( 10 s),and endurance contractions (60 s) were significantly higher than those of group A.Compared with group C,the mean and maximum sEMG values of group D were all significantly higher. Conclusions The sEMG data from the anal sphincter during contractions decreases significantly after SCI.Glazer's pelvic floor muscle sEMG protocol is a noninvasive and convenient real-time assessment.It is a useful complementary tool for quantitative assessment of the pelvic floor muscles of SCI patients. Key words: Spinal cord injury; Pelvic floor; Surface electromyography