A quantitative approach to measure women's sexual function using electromyography: a preliminary study of the Kegel exercise

• Published in: Medical science monitor 2013-12, Vol.19, p.1159-1166
• Main Authors: Mohktar, Mas Sahidayana, Ibrahim, Fatimah, Mohd Rozi, Nur Farahana, Mohd Yusof, Juhaida, Ahmad, Siti Anom, Su Yen, Khong, Omar, Siti Zawiah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abdominal Muscles - physiology; Adult; Electromyography - methods; Exercise Therapy - methods; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Pelvic Floor - physiology; Preliminary Report; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological - diagnosis; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological - therapy; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 1643-3750; 1234-1010; 1643-3750
• DOI: 10.12659/MSM.889628

Currently, the reference standard used to clinically assess sexual function among women is a qualitative questionnaire. Hence, a generalised and quantitative measurement tool needs to be available as an alternative. This study investigated whether an electromyography (EMG) measurement technique could be used to help quantify women's sexual function. A preliminary intervention study was conducted on 12 female subjects, who were randomised into a control (n=6) and an intervention (n=6) group. Intervention involved a set regimen of pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel) and the control group did not have any treatment. All subjects were asked to answer a validated, self-rated Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ). EMG measurements of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and the abdominal muscles were taken from all women at recruitment and 8 weeks after study commencement. After 8 weeks, most of the subjects in the control group did not display any noted positive difference in either PISQ score (4/6) or in their muscle strength (4/6). However, a noted progressive difference were observed in subjects who were placed in the Kegel group; PISQ score (5/6) and muscles strength (4/6). The noted difference in the Kegel group subjects was that if progress is observed in the sexual function, improvement is also observed in the strength of at least 2 types of muscles (either abdominal or PFM muscles). Thus, EMG measurement is a potential technique to quantify the changes in female sexual function. Further work will be conducted to validate this assumption.