The status of pelvic floor muscle training for women

Authors

  • Andrea Marques Postdoctoral student, Bladder Care Centre University of British Columbia (Canada), Department of Physiotherapy of the Center for Assistance to Women’s Health, CAISM-UNICAMP, Campinas (SP), Brazil
  • Lynn Stothers Department of Urological Sciences, University of British Columbia Hospital: Bladder Care Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
  • Andrew Macnab Department of Urological Sciences, University of British Columbia Hospital: Bladder Care Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Fellow, Stellenbosch University, Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), Western Cape, South Africa.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.963

Abstract

There is no consensus on the amount of exercise necessary to
improve pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function. We reviewed the
pathophysiology of PFM dysfunction and the evolution of PFM
training regimens since Kegel introduced the concept of pelvic floor
awareness and the benefits of strength. This paper also describes
the similarities and differences between PFM and other muscular
groups, reviews the physiology of muscle contraction and principles
of muscle fitness and exercise benefits and presents the range
of protocols designed to strengthen the PFM and improve function.
We also discuss the potential application of new technology
and methodologies. The design of PFM training logically requires
multiple factors to be considered in each patient. Research that
defines measures to objectively quantify the degree of dysfunction
and the efficacy of training would be beneficial. The application
of new technologies may help this process.

Il n’existe aucun consensus concernant la quantité d’exercice
requis pour améliorer la fonction du muscle du plancher pelvien
(MPP). Nous avons examiné la physiopathologie d’un mauvais
fonctionnement du MPP et l’évolution des plans d’entraînement de
ce muscle depuis que Kegel a introduit le concept de la prise de
conscience du MPP et les avantages de son renforcement. L’article
décrit également les similitudes et les différences entre le MPP et
d’autres groupes musculaires, passe en revue la physiologie des
contractions musculaires et les principes de bon fonctionnement
musculaire et les avantages liés à l’exercice. Nous présentons aussi
divers protocoles visant à renforcer le MPP et à en améliorer le
fonctionnement, ainsi que l’application potentielle de nouvelles
technologies et méthodologies. Le plan d’entraînement du MPP
nécessite en toute logique la prise en compte de multiples facteurs
selon les patients. Des études cherchant à définir les mesures à
utiliser pour quantifier de manière objective le niveau de dysfonction
et l’efficacité de l’entraînement seraient utiles. L’application de
nouvelles technologies pourrait contribuer à cet objectif.

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Author Biographies

Andrea Marques, Postdoctoral student, Bladder Care Centre University of British Columbia (Canada), Department of Physiotherapy of the Center for Assistance to Women’s Health, CAISM-UNICAMP, Campinas (SP), Brazil

Lynn Stothers, Department of Urological Sciences, University of British Columbia Hospital: Bladder Care Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC

Andrew Macnab, Department of Urological Sciences, University of British Columbia Hospital: Bladder Care Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Fellow, Stellenbosch University, Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), Western Cape, South Africa.

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How to Cite

Marques, A., Stothers, L., & Macnab, A. (2013). The status of pelvic floor muscle training for women. Canadian Urological Association Journal, 4(6), 419–24. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.963

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 6 (2010): CUAJ December

Section

Review

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