Measurement of pelvic floor function during physical activity: A feasibility study

Abstract

Pelvic floor function is closely related to bladder storage or voiding dysfunctions. So far, however, pelvic floor activity has not been reliably measured during physical activity. In 14 female healthy volunteers, the activity of the pelvic floor was evaluated during a standardized horseback riding course by a biofeedback device. Pelvic floor activity could be reliably measured during horseback riding. Each pace was associated with corresponding electromyographic (EMG) activity that was similar in the overwhelming majority of participants. Different paces demonstrated distinctly different EMG activities. To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that pelvic floor activity can be reliably measured during physical activity with a commercially available biofeedback device.