Comparison of Abdominal Muscle Thickness with Vaginal Pressure Changes in Healthy Women. Kim BI, Hwang-Bo G, Kim H. J Phys Ther Sci 26:427-430, 2014.

Michelle Spicka, DPT

June 4^th Pelvic Physical Therapy Distance Journal Club

Objective: The purpose of this study was to verify the efficacy of a pelvic floor muscle exercise program by comparing subjects’ muscle thickness with changes in vaginal pressure.  It is known that abdominal muscle activity occurs in conjunction with pelvic floor muscle exercises but studies have rarely been conducted to measure abdominal muscle thickness in response to vaginal pressure generated by pelvic floor muscles.

In this study, normal adult females were divided into different age groups and changes in abdominal muscle thickness in repose to changing vaginal pressure were comparatively analyzed. 

Methods: Subjects were classified by age into 2 groups.  Group 1 had 11 subjects in their 20s and 30s and Group 2 had 13 subjects in their 40 and 50s.

Subjects performed pelvic floor contractions at 5 levels (resting, 10 cmH2O, 20 cmH2O, 30 cmH2O and maximum contraction)…measured using pressure biofeedback.  The thickness of the transversus abdominis, internal oblique and external oblique were measured via ultrasonography. 

Results:

·         In Group 1, the change in abdominal thickness dependent on vaginal pressure was significant for the TA muscle but not significant for the EO and the IO

·         In Group 2, the change in thickness dependent on vaginal pressure was significant for the TA and IO muscle but not significant for the EO

Discussion:

·         Findings are consistent with Sapsford in that the PF and the TA activate together when the PF is contracted