Work

Gender-specific Differences of Normative Values of Pelvic Floor Muscle Function in Healthy Adults Population: an Observational Analytical Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: I. Khowailed1, H. Disney1, H. Lee21University of Saint Augustine, Physical Therapy, San Diego, United States, 2Gachon University, Korea, Korea (Democratic People's Republic of)Background: Females and males differ significantly in gross anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor muscle, and these differences are commonly discussed in the scientific literature. However, less attention is dedicated to investigating the normative values of PFM function between females and males.Purpose: Our study aims to describe the normal reference values of PFM function in females and males of healthy adult population using transabdominal ultrasound.Methods: 200 healthy adults, including 71 males and 129 females consented to participate in this study. Bladder base displacement was measured using a sagittal curved linear array 2 to 5 MHz transducer over the suprapubic region. The amount of bladder base movement on ultrasound was measured in all subjects from freeze frame ultrasound images and considered as an indicator of PFM function.Results: The average age of subjects was (26.1 ±2.6 years), (24.4 ± 3.7 BMI). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in transabdominal ultrasound measurement for PFM function (P=0.00000). The bladder base displacement was significantly greater in males compared to females (0.65 ± 0.42 vs. 0.38±0.35, p <.001, 95% CI:0.16-0.38).Conclusion(s): The present study provides evidence of a gender-related PFM functional differences creating a baseline for the clinic to establish the normal percentile values of PFM function.Implications: This present study revealed that pelvic floor muscle function exhibits sexual dimorphism. Men had a greater bladder base displacement compared to their female’s counterpart. A consequence of differences in bladder base displacement may have implication on the higher risk of PFD seen in women. Funding, acknowledgements: University and National Research Foundation of KoreaKeywords: Gender-specific differences, Pelvic Floor muscles function, UltrasonographyTopic: Pelvic, sexual and reproductive healthDid this work require ethics approval? YesInstitution: University of Saint AugustineCommittee: IRBEthics number: 0828-018All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.

DOI: 10.82161/ge6z-4y08

Authors: Iman Khowailed, Heather Disney, Haneul Lee

Institutions: University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Gachon University

Language: English

Topic: Pelvic floor disorders treatments

Subfield: Rheumatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W3163929540

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