Brain input influence on pelvic floor muscles – RESULTS PENDING!

(We are no longer recruiting – Please stay tuned for what we have learned!!). In recent studies, non-invasive magnetic stimulation of the brain has been suggested as an ideal and pain-free way to evaluate the way in which the brain controls the pelvic floor muscles. However for clinical and research purposes, we need to be sure that measures obtained are repeatable- that is, that the numbers produced on one day are closely related to the numbers produced on a second day, when no treatment may have altered the measures. Through this study we are testing the response of the pelvic floor muscles to magnetic stimulation of the brain on two separate days to determine if the pelvic floor muscle responses are comparable between the days.  

It is expected that the results of this research will help us to determine if this measurement tool can be used in clinical and research contexts.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Born female, 18 years old to pre-menopausal
• Not pregnant
• No history of gynecological issues (i.e. vulvar pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, urinary urgency, chronic constipation or pelvic organ descent)
• No history of disease that might affect their capacity to control their muscles (e.g. multiple sclerosis, stroke, diabetes, Parkinson’s or spinal cord injury, etc.).
• No history of seizures, nor epilepsy diagnosis, personally or within immediate family
• Not prone to fainting
• No symptoms of vaginal infection
• No metal implants in head or neck region (e.g. screws, plates, etc.)
• No electronic implants (e.g. cochlear, pacemaker, etc.)