title: Pubococcygeal activity on perineal ultrasound in incontinent women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability and reproducibility of perineal ultrasound (US) in the evaluation of the pubococcygeal muscle (PCM) activity in urinary incontinent women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty women were assessed twice by two examiners who measured the angle between the lateral bundles of the PCM. The 2D US on coronal view evaluated the PCM performance during squeezing, straining, and resting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was significant correlation (p ≤ 0.001) in all measurements to both examiners, except for the contraction on their second assessment. The images showed asymmetries of muscle volume and activity. Five women (16.7%) had difficulty to rest after squeezing or straining, six (20%) first opened the muscle bundles when asked to squeeze them, and eight (26.7%) had no movement during different moments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 2D perineal US on coronal view is useful to evaluate PCM activity. It is easily applicable and reproducible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, Rua Dr Cesário Mota Jr 112, Vila Buarque, 01221-020 São Paulo, Brazil. maraetienne@uol.com.br
authors.forename: Mara
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de Abreu Etienne
authors.forename: André Lima
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: da Silva Carramão
authors.forename: José Rafael
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Macea
authors.forename: Tsutomu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Aoki
authors.forename: Antonio Pedro Flores
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Auge
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010502:Perineum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy
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