Correlation between electromyography and perineometry in evaluating pelvic floor muscle function in nulligravidas: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo correlate the results of electromyography and perineometry in the assessment of PFM function in nulligravidas. MethodsThe cross-sectional observational study was approved by the internal review board of the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) and was conducted in the Instituto Paraibano de Pesquisa Professor Joaquim Amorim Neto (IPESQ). Thirty-eight nulligravidas aged 18-39 years of age, who had already initiated their sexual life, participated in the study. Exclusion criteria consisted of the presence of genital prolapse, a history of pelvic or urogenital surgery and the presence of neurological disease producing muscle disorders. For the evaluation procedure, the women were submitted to a clinical evaluation of the pelvic floor muscles followed by electromyography. Perineometry was performed 72h later. Prior to electromyography and perineometry, the women were given standardized training with electromyographic biofeedback to teach them to contract only their pelvic floor muscles. ResultsA highly positive, statistically significant correlation (r=0.968; P<0.001) was found between the electromyographic and perineometric findings. ConclusionsA strong correlation was found between perineometric and electromyographic findings of pelvic floor muscle function.