Effectiveness of Abdomino-pelvic Muscle Contraction Education Programme in Healthy Male University Students

Effectiveness of a Pelvic Floor Contraction and Abdomino-pelvic Muscle Contraction Education Programme in Healthy Male University Students: a Pilot Study

This research study investigates the effectiveness of an educational intervention aimed at improving awareness and control of pelvic floor (PF) and abdominal muscle contractions in healthy young male university students. Using ultrasound imaging, the study measures abdominal wall muscle thickness at rest and during pelvic floor contraction, Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR) test, and hollowing maneuvers in a randomized control trial.

The study addresses the largely overlooked area of male PF health, aiming to increase awareness and improve muscle control in healthy young men. A two-group design will be used to compare abdominal and PF muscle activation between a control group and an intervention group that receives online educational content. The intervention group will participate in a telematic program covering topics such as PF anatomy, muscle function, and the importance of proper muscle activation.

The study will use diagnostic ultrasound to measure thickness changes in the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) muscles before and after the intervention in both groups under different conditions: PF rest, PF contraction, single-leg raise (ASLR) test, and the hollowing maneuver.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men aged 18-30 years
• Healthy men
• Informed consent submitted, accepted and signed

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing abdominal cavity surgery
• Patients with cognitive/proprioceptive impairments
• Patients who have had physiotherapy interventions of PFM
• Patients with low scores on the Spanish-validated SHIM sexual health questionnaire for males.