Pelvic floor kinematics – a potential indicator of pelvic floor strain induced by physical activity

More than half of all women suffer from some form of pelvic floor disorder over their lifetime, with pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence being the two most common presentations. High impact physical activity is one risk factor for the development of pelvic floor disorders, where it has been postulated that repeated impacts experienced chronically leads to strain in the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues; however, exercise has also been shown to be protective of pelvic floor dysfunction. Thus, the role of physical activity on the development of pelvic floor dysfunction is unclear. Dr. Hitchcock, supervisor at the host institution, has recently developed an intravaginal device that measures and streams intra-abdominal pressure data while women perform physical activity in the field, and Drs. McLean and Hitchcock are currently collaborating on a study in which this sensor is being used to determine the acute effect of a single bout of running on pelvic floor muscle strain and fatigue in women with and without pelvic floor disorders. The first objective of this project is to integrate an on-board tri-axial accelerometer into the intra-abdominal pressure sensor and to validate acceleration data streamed through the device. “TO BE CONT’D”

Faculty Supervisor:

Linda McLean

Student:

Partner:

University of Utah

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Biotechnology

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: