Pelvic Floor Cueing

Pelvic floor cueing must distinguish between anterior and posterior pelvic floor targets because similar cues can have different mechanical effects. During inhalation, the posterior pelvic floor and external anal sphincter are emphasized while the anterior pelvic floor relaxes. During exhalation, the external anal sphincter relaxes while the anterior pelvic floor can contract and ascend. Inhalation involves pelvic floor descent to receive abdominal contents, and exhalation involves pelvic floor ascent to help move contents upward. The “holding in gas” cue can assist sacral counternutation and inhalation mechanics in the source’s model. The “holding in urine” cue is described as more anterior pelvic floor-oriented and may support exhalation mechanics. The piston effect describes coordination between the respiratory diaphragm and pelvic diaphragm during inhalation and exhalation. Pelvic floor cueing can fail when people contract the whole pelvic floor or clench the glutes instead of isolating the intended region. The “holding in gas” cue is intended to target the posterior pelvic floor, especially the external anal sphincter. Pelvic floor cues are presented as later or optional refi…