Evaluation of the relationship between the pelvic floor muscles and insulin resistance

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) in women with insulin resistance (IR) using surface electromyography and to associate the results with insulin levels. Patients and methods: Through an analytical, cross-sectional study, 86 women were evaluated and divided into two groups: a control group (n=35) and an IR group (n=51). Data were collected through detailed history-taking, physical examination, and biochemical analysis. Fasting insulin levels were used for diagnosing IR. Electromyography of the PFMs was used for analyzing the tone and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). The measures of central tendency and linear regression models were used. Results: The average age was 25.3 +/- 4.5 years in the IR group and 27.2 +/- 4.4 years in the control group. The mean weight was 75.6 +/- 17.6 kg and 51.8 +/- 4.9 kg in the IR and control groups, respectively. Fasting insulin levels were 19.7 +/- 6.6 mu IU/mL in the IR group and 5.4 +/- 1.8 mu IU/mL in the control group (P<0.010). There were significant differences between the groups with regard to PFM tone (IR: 13.4 +/- 3.4 mu V; control: 25.1 +/- 3.3 mu V; P<0.001) and MVC (IR: 47.6 +/- 4.5 mu V; control: 64.3 +/- 5.0 mu V; P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis using the insulin levels as dependent variable showed a significant association for MVC (P=0.047), weight (P=0.017), and waist circumference (P=0.000). Conclusion: Compared with the control group, the IR group showed lower electromyographic activity of the PFMs, and there was an association between insulin levels and electromyographic activity.