Evaluation of Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence

Pelvic floor muscle strength will be assessed by vaginal palpation in the women included in the study. Then, patients will be placed in a hook position for EMG measurement. For superficial measurement, electrodes will be placed on the levator ani muscle on either side, and then the first assessment will be performed in 3 trials consisting of 5 seconds of contraction followed by 5 seconds of rest, and the second assessment in 3 trials consisting of 2 seconds of contraction followed by 5 seconds of rest.

Measurement with an intervaginal electrode will also be performed in the supine hook position, using a passive electrode and an active vaginal probe. Lubricant gel will be applied to the vaginal probe before insertion into the vagina, and the passive electrode will be placed on the inner surface of the right thigh (adductor muscle group). Two different protocols will be used for assessment. The first assessment will consist of 3 trials of 5 seconds of contraction followed by 5 seconds of rest, and the second assessment will consist of 3 trials of 2 seconds of contraction followed by 5 seconds of rest. A 10-minute rest period will be included between measurements. The ICIQ-SF questionnaire will also be used to determine the type and degree of incontinence. Participants will be asked to answer the questions considering the last two weeks. A score will then be assigned.

Inclusion criteria

• Being over 18 years of age
• Having stress urinary incontinence
• Being willing to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Unwillingness to continue working
• Presence of a neurological disease