How the principles of exercise physiology influence pelvic floor muscle training

Abstract Clinicians have used pelvic floor muscle training as a behavioral treatment for urinary incontinence for the past 50 years. Various protocols for training these muscles have been tested. Evidence has shown that strengthening the pelvic floor muscle can diminish, and sometimes eliminate, involuntary urine loss. The purpose of this article is to describe the principles of exercise physiology and the role these principles play in shaping pelvic floor muscle training regimens. Fundamental content regarding lower urinary tract physiology, specific to the pelvic floor muscles, and muscle fiber differentiation is presented to provide the foundation for a case study description of pelvic floor muscle training within the framework of these principles. (J WOCN 2001;28:150-5.)