Comparative effects of selected abdominal and lower limb exercises in the recruitment of the pelvic floor muscles: Determining adjuncts to Kegel's exercises

• Published in: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies Vol. 29; pp. 180 - 186
• Main Authors: Ojukwu, Chidiebele Petronilla, Ojukwu, Chinyeaka Stephanie, Okemuo, Adaora Justina, Igwe, Sylvester Emeka, Ede, Stephen Sunday, Ezeigwe, Anne Uruchi, Mbah, Chidimma Goodness
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2022
• Subjects: Abdominal exercises; Abdominal Muscles - physiology; Adjuncts; Electromyography; Exercise Therapy; Female; Hip adductor exercises; Humans; Kegel's exercise; Lower Extremity; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Pelvic Floor; Pelvic floor muscles; Kegel's exercise; Abdominal exercises; Hip adductor exercises; Electromyography; Adjuncts; Pelvic floor muscles
• ISSN: 1360-8592; 1532-9283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.09.009

This study evaluated the electrical activities of the pelvic floor muscles in response to selected abdominal and hip adductor exercises, using the Kegel's maneuver as a gold standard, to compare the efficacies of these maneuvers in pelvic floor muscles recruitment to guide their informed utilization as adjuncts for Kegel's exercises. Twenty-one postpartum mothers with recent vaginal deliveries performed six trials, including the typical Kegel's exercise; two abdominal exercises (curl-up and abdominal hollowing); two hip adductor exercises (adductor ball squeeze and auto-resisted hip adduction); and a combination of abdominal, hip adductor and pelvic floor muscle contractions (combo). Pelvic floor muscles activities were monitored via surface electromyography during each 5-s trial. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of one way ANOVA at p < 0.05. Generally, the pelvic floor muscles were statistically significantly (p < 0.001) most active during the combo trial, compared to other trials. Comparing the two abdominals, Kegel's and combo trials, pelvic floor muscles activity was least during the curl-up contraction (p < 0.001). On the other hand, Kegel's trial elicited the lowestpelvic floor muscles activity when compared with the combo and two adductor trials (p < 0.001). Abdominal and hip adductor exercises are recommended adjuncts of Kegel's exercise but the combo maneuver was the most effective in activating the pelvic floor muscles.