Placement of probes in electrostimulation and biofeedback training in pelvic floor dysfunction.
BACKGROUND
We examined the positioning of five commonly used probes in electrostimulation and biofeedback training.


METHODS
Ultrasound and MRI were used to evaluate the position of these probes in two multiparous women, in reference to pelvic floor anatomy.


RESULTS
From caudal to cranial we identified the anal external sphincter, puborectal muscle, and levator group. Positioning of probes varied considerably: the recording plates are situated from 1 cm caudal to 6 cm cranial of the puborectal muscle. Most probes stretched, due to a relatively large diameter, the vagina wall, anal external sphincter, or puborectal muscle beyond physiological proportions. On straining, all probes were pushed upwards into the rectum.


CONCLUSIONS
The positioning of all examined probes varied considerably. Hence it is not likely that these probes give a reliable and uniform registration of muscular activity of the pelvic floor function or are all optimal for electrostimulation.
Voorham-van der Zalm
Petra J
PJ
Department of Physiotherapy, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands. pjvoorham@lumc.nl
Pelger
Rob C M
RC
van Heeswijk-Faase
Ingrid C
IC
Elzevier
Henk W
HW
Ouwerkerk
Theo J
TJ
Verhoef
John
J
Nijeholt
Guus A B Lycklama A
GA
D001003:Anal Canal / Q000503:physiopathology; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D004576:Electromyography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000502:physiology*; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014621:Vagina / Q000503:physiopathology