What is the Best Verbal Instruction for Contraction the Pelvic Floor Muscles?

This study will examine pelvic floor muscle contraction following different verbal instructions. This is a cross-sectional exploratory study. Physical-therapy students will be recruited to complete a survey and non-invasive transabdominal ultrasound assessment.

A bladder filling protocol will be implemented to ensure subjects will have sufficient fluid in their bladders to allow clear ultrasound imaging. This protocol involved subjects consuming 600-750 ml of water in a 1 hr. period. The participants will be tested in a crook-lying supine position with a pillow under their heads for comfort.

The participants will be divided into 2 groups randomly. Both groups will be given three different verbal instructions to contract pelvic floor muscles. Each contraction will be performed 3 time with rests of 10 sec between contractions. While the first 2 contractions for each verbal instruction will be held for 3 sec. the last contraction will be held as long as the participant can conduct and the time of contraction will be measured as well. The pelvic floor contraction will be measured by assessing bladder displacement via diagnostic ultrasound.

To image the pelvic floor a 5 MHz curved linear array transducer (Mindray M5) will be placed in the transverse plane immediately suprapubically over the lower abdomen angled at 15-30 degrees from the vertical. An on screen caliper and measurement tool will be used to measure bladder displacement.