Association between isokinetic abdominal muscle strength, pelvic floor muscle strength and stress urinary incontinence severity

Studies have shown that there is co-activation between abdominal and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) in physiological conditions. This study aimed to assess pelvic floor and isokinetic trunk flexors function in non-active incontinent women, and to investigate the association between the strength of these muscle groups and the severity of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). A cross-sectional study was carried out. Twenty-five incontinent women were enrolled after one-hour pad test results and compared to twenty asymptomatic women. The severity of SUI was determined by the Pad test and Urinary Distress Inventory, Short Form (UDI-6). PFM function was assessed using the modified Oxford Scale, intra-vaginal PFM electromyography, and PFM endurance according to the PERFECT scheme. Trunk flexors strength was assessed using a Cybex Norm II dynamometer. Incontinent women had a weaker PFM and isokinetic abdominal muscle strength compared to continent women (P