Research Report: Pelvic floor muscle function after grade II tears—Surface electromyography test–retest and differences between nulliparous and primiparous

This research article explores the reliability of surface electromyography (sEMG) in measuring pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activation in women who have experienced a grade II perineal tear during childbirth.

The study investigates explicitly the test-retest reliability of sEMG and compares PFM activation between nulliparous (women who have never given birth) and primiparous (women who have given birth once).

The authors find that sEMG is reliable for measuring PFM activation in primiparous women with grade II tears. These women have significantly lower PFM activation during rest and maximal voluntary contraction compared to nulliparous women.

This suggests that grade II perineal tears can negatively impact PFM function and potentially contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD).

The study highlights the importance of monitoring PFM function in women with perineal tears. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of these tears on PFM activation and the development of PFD.

https://doi.org/10.1002/nau.25180

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