Electromyography of pelvic floor muscles with true differential versus faux differential electrode configuration

Ballmer, Claudia; Eichelberger, Patric; Leitner, Monika; Moser, Helene; Luginbühl, Helena; Kuhn, Annette; Radlinger, Lorenz (2020). Electromyography of pelvic floor muscles with true differential versus faux differential electrode configuration International urogynecology journal, 31(10), pp. 2051-2059. Springer 10.1007/s00192-020-04225-4

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INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS In pelvic floor muscle (PFM) electromyography (EMG) two different bipolar configurations are applied: "true differential" configuration (TD) measures neuromuscular activity with two ipsilateral electrodes, whereas "faux differential" configuration (FD) has two electrodes placed on each side of the PFMs. The aim of the study was to determine possible differences and the relationship between both configurations. METHODS A secondary data analysis of 28 continent (CON) and 22 stress urinary incontinent (SUI) women was performed. Surface EMG was measured using a vaginal probe during maximal voluntary (MVC) and fast voluntary (FVC) contractions. TD and FD were explored with amplitude- and time-related EMG parameters, cross-correlation coefficients (R(0)) and statistical parametric mapping (SPM). RESULTS Of a total of 62 comparisons of EMG parameters of MVC and FVC, only one comparison showed significant differences between the two configurations (CON group, FVC TD versus FD, p = 0.015). R(0) were high in both groups for all MVC and FVC variables (R(0) ≥ 0.989). SPM detected 3 out of 28 comparisons with short (0.124-0.404 s) significant supra-threshold clusters (p < 0.025). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that TD and FD might measure neuromuscular activity almost the same. Very high cross-correlation coefficients and a very limited number of significant results from EMG parameters, as well as SPM, suggest that in the measured sample the choice of TD or FD might remain practically irrelevant. To gain further insight into the scientific and clinical relevance of choosing either of the electrode configurations, the comparisons should be re-evaluated on a sample with more severe incontinence symptoms.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	School of Health Professions School of Health Professions > Physiotherapy > Pelvic Floor Health
Name:	Ballmer, Claudia; Eichelberger, Patric0000-0003-2223-6113; Leitner, Monika0000-0003-2685-4605; Moser, Helene; Luginbühl, Helena0000-0002-9865-7144; Kuhn, Annette and Radlinger, Lorenz0000-0002-0326-6264
ISSN:	1433-3023
Publisher:	Springer
Language:	English
Submitter:	Lorenz Radlinger
Date Deposited:	25 Nov 2020 16:00
Last Modified:	01 Nov 2023 13:37
Publisher DOI:	10.1007/s00192-020-04225-4
PubMed ID:	32067059
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Cross-correlation Muscle activation Statistical parametric mapping Urinary incontinence Vaginal probe
ARBOR DOI:	10.24451/arbor.13438
URI:	https://arbor.bfh.ch/id/eprint/13438