Abstract: Endoscopic systems for hysterectomy typically comprise a base station having an image display, a disposable endoscope component with an image sensor, a re-usable handle component that is connected to an image processor in base station, and a fluid management system integrated with the base station and handle component.

Abstract: A device for measuring contractions and/or relaxation of one or more muscles of a body cavity, the device having a hollow body which is for positioning in the body cavity and which is covered by a coating made of or having a biocompatible material, the body being formed of two half-shells which are each physically connected, permanently and continuously during the use of the device, with the aid of non-compressible or deformable connecting means, to at least one pressure sensor, or part of the pressure sensor, arranged in the body. Also, a method for measuring the contraction and/or relaxation of the muscles of a body cavity, a method for monitoring the contractions and/or relaxation of the muscles, and a method for exercising these muscles.

Abstract: A device including a semi-rigid shell forming an external surface with at least part of the shell adapted to contact tissue of a body cavity. The shell includes a treatment band formed around the shell, a first portion forming a rounded end of the device that is distal to the treatment band, and a second portion formed around the circumference of the shell and located proximal to the treatment band. The device further includes a vibration mechanism configured to case the shell to vibrate, a sensor configured to provide sensor data upon contact with the tissue, and a processor configured to receive the sensor data and to use the sensor data to produce parameters of the tissue.

Abstract: A discrete bioelectrical impedance identification device, comprising a control module (1) and a detection module (2), wherein the control module (1) comprises a control shell (20) and a control processing circuit (21) provided inside the control shell (20); the control shell (20) is provided with conducting strips (201) which are partially exposed out of the control shell (20); the conducting strips (201) are electrically connected to the control processing circuit (21), wherein the detection module (2) comprises a detection shell (23), a probe (231) embedded in one end of the detection shell (23), a power supply (232) embedded in the other end of the detection shell (23), and a conducting needle group (233) partially exposed out of the shell; the control shell (20) is detachably connected to the detection shell (23); when the control shell (20) is firmly connected to the detection shell (23), the conducting needle group (233) abuts against the conducting strips (201); and when the control shell (20) is separ

Abstract: Devices such as medical devices, including those for use in conducting pelvic muscle exercise, are generally provided. Embodiments herein relate generally to the medical device and consumer medical product fields, and in some embodiments, to a device for sensing, guiding, and/or tracking pelvic muscle exercise in men and women for the purpose of treating urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and other pelvic conditions.

Abstract: A rectocele device having an inflatable balloon and extendable armature inside of the balloon as the balloon expands provides added stability when used to push on a rectocele. More specifically, a rectocele handle can include a rectocele paddle, which can extend in length, and balloon combination extending from the handle. The paddle, generally comprised by a piston and piston housing, can increase its length by way of a piston extending in and out of the piston housing. When the rectocele paddle and balloon combination is deployed in a vagina, to push on the rectocele, the balloon is inflated which causes the piston to extend from the piston housing with the balloon inflation. The piston and piston housing paddle provide stability for the inflated balloon.

Abstract: A rectocele device having an inflatable balloon and extendable armature inside of the balloon as the balloon expands provides added stability when used to push on a rectocele. More specifically, a rectocele handle can include a rectocele paddle, which can extend in length, and balloon combination extending from the handle. A protective sheath that has a tubular body covers the balloon. The paddle, generally comprised by a piston and piston housing, can increase its length by way of a piston extending in and out of the piston housing. When the rectocele paddle and balloon combination is deployed in a vagina, to push on the rectocele, the balloon is inflated which causes the piston to extend from the piston housing with the balloon inflation. The piston and piston housing paddle provide stability for the inflated balloon.

Abstract: Devices such as medical devices, including those for use in conducting pelvic muscle exercise, are generally provided. Embodiments herein relate generally to the medical device and consumer medical product fields, and in some embodiments, to a device for sensing, guiding, and/or tracking pelvic muscle exercise in men and women for the purpose of treating urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and other pelvic conditions.

Abstract: A cervix measuring device is provided including an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a positioning member slidably carried by the elongated shaft, the positioning member having a semicircular shape to allow partially encirclement of a base of a ectocervix, and a stop member stopping the positioning member from sliding past the distal end of the elongated shaft.

Abstract: A urinary catheter assembly includes a catheter member and a sleeve member receiving at least a portion of the catheter member and having a greater flexibility than the catheter member. The assembly also includes a stylet having a proximal end movably positioned within the catheter member, with a distal portion of the stylet being positioned outside of the catheter member. The assembly is movable between a compact configuration and an extended configuration. In the compact configuration, the distal portion of the stylet is positioned outside of the catheter member and at least partially within the sleeve member. In the extended configuration, a larger distal portion of the stylet is positioned outside of the catheter member than in the compact configuration. The assembly may be in the extended configuration for introduction into a urethra or may be advanced through a urethra prior to being moved to the extended configuration.

Abstract: A device (10) to be inserted in a woman's vagina to aid in measuring muscles operatively associated with the woman's vagina. The device (10) includes a motion detector (24) that is a gyroscope and that detects angular movement about at least one axis, and preferably detects angular movement about three mutually perpendicular axes. Preferably the motion detector (24) is a combination of a gyroscope and accelerometer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for diagnosing and treating pelvic organ prolapse, including a measurement stick configured to protrude into a vagina, a distance measuring mechanism for measuring the distance from an end portion of a protruding end of the measurement stick to a hymen edge of the vagina, and an assessment mechanism. The distance measuring mechanism is connected with the assessment mechanism. The assessment mechanism includes buttons, a memory, a CPU and a display which are connected with the CPU, respectively. The device for diagnosing and treating pelvic organ prolapse provided by the present disclosure can be used in a rapid, convenient and accurate manner, which not only saves a great amount of medical resources, but also alleviates the pain index of patients during diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: An oropharyngeal measurement device includes a tubular body, a sealed channel, a radial flange member, and a measurement indicator on the outer surface of the tubular body. The tubular body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The sealed channel extends within the tubular body from the proximal end to the distal end and includes a plurality of bends configured to conform with the airway of a user. The measurement indicator is useful for placing alongside the face of a patient from the mouth towards the throat, in order to gauge an approximation for a oropharyngeal airway device to be used during a medical procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an orthopedic measurement device. The orthopedic measurement device can comprise a tip section, a backend section, and a middle section. The tip section can have a distal end sized to fit into a hole drilled into a bone. The middle section can be located between the tip section and the backend section. The middle section can include a plurality of measurement features. Each of the plurality of measurement features can be a fixed distance from the distal end of the tip section. The middle section can be sized to fit into the hole drilled into the bone. The tip section, the backend section, and the middle section can define a cannula sized to receive a wire.

Abstract: The diagnostic probe can be inserted into a vaginal or rectal body endo-cavity of the human body so as to measure the displacement of the walls of the endo-cavity and organs that surround the endo-cavity and so as to measure the displacement and the passive and active resistance of at least one muscle of the perineum. The diagnostic probe includes at least one endo-cavitary body provided with at least two pressure sensors arranged in the same plane and acting either in the same direction or in two opposite directions. The endo-cavitary body can be deformable without opposing resistance and matching the walls of the endo-cavity. The endo-cavitary body includes at least one device for measuring the displacement of the endo-cavitary wall along the three axes X, Y and Z.

Abstract: Small implantable silicon-based devices offer an ability to revolutionize the management of trauma victims. For example, implantable pressure sensors allow the devastating outcomes of compartment syndrome to be minimized through continuous or periodic monitoring whilst being compatible with the ongoing drives to increase out-patient care and reduced hospitalization time. Further, small implantable silicon-based sensor microsystems according to embodiments of the invention whilst being capable of measuring pressures under diverse conditions are easily used by nurses in hospital settings as well as also being easily deployed by paramedical personnel in cases of accidents, natural disasters, war, etc. Beneficially, the implantable sensor microsystem will not interfere with movement of the patient during stabilization, surgery, intensive care stay, outpatient management, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of performing a simulation of a medical procedure. A physical model of an anatomical structure and of a medical tool may be provided. 3D digital models of the anatomical structure and medical tool may be provided. A location parameter related to a location of the physical medical tool with respect to the physical model of the anatomical structure may be received. The 3D models of the anatomical structure and medical tool may be manipulated according to the location parameter.

Abstract: A cervical dilation reading apparatus and method of use to accurately and precisely determine cervical dilation measurements during labor and delivery. The apparatus includes a measuring device having a length with a first end and a second end, a fixed attachment configured to couple with a first finger and fixedly engage the first end of the measuring device, and a slidable attachment configured to couple with a second finger and slidably engage the measuring device along the length between the first and second ends.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for testing and exercising pelvic floor musculature, the apparatus comprising an elongate housing (101) adapted for a pelvic floor aperture. The housing (101) accommodates an oscillator (120) and an accelerometer (130) connected to a signal processor (140) configured for communicating signals representative of values read from the accelerometer (130). A result is calculated from an applied oscillation and a response measured, and used for characterizing the musculature. In one embodiment the frequency resulting in the greatest response from the musculature is measured, and this frequency is applied during exercise.

Abstract: The training device for training human pelvic floor muscles, intended to be placed for training externally onto the human body directly or indirectly between the two ischial bones while sitting, including a seat part and a pressure sensor device for detecting the muscle force.

Abstract: Methods and a probes are disclosed for vaginal tactile and electromyographic imaging, and location-guided female pelvic floor therapy. Methods include the steps of inserting a vaginal probe equipped with tactile sensors and electrodes acting as electromyographic sensors into a vagina along a vaginal canal to separate apart two opposing vaginal walls, recording a tactile response and an electromyographic response from at least one of two opposing vaginal walls during pelvic floor muscle contraction, determining locations along the vaginal canal for delivery of therapy based on presence of tactile response above a predetermined tactile threshold and/or presence of electromyographic response above a predetermined EMG threshold along the vaginal probe, selecting at least one of target locations to be used for location-guided therapy, and applying the therapy such as electrical muscle stimulation to at least one of selected locations using the same electrodes at these locations.

Abstract: A Kegel muscle exercising apparatus includes various exercise programs that adaptively change depending on a user's exercise performance. This apparatus includes an insertable device for inserting into the body of a user, computer program code that contains exercise programs that specify operation of a stimulation mechanism by a controller, a stimulation mechanism that directs a user to contract her Kegel muscles according to an exercise program, a sensor that measures Kegel muscle contraction activity, and a controller that receives feedback from the sensor. This feedback comprises the results of an exercise program, and depending on the results, the apparatus can determine a different exercise program appropriate for the user. Following the different exercise programs allows a user to improve her Kegel muscle strength.

Abstract: A device for measuring an expanded internal orifice of a patient includes an orifice-expanding device, a pressure measuring device, and a size-measuring device. The size-measuring device measures a dimension of the orifice after it has been expanded by the orifice-expanding device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation or coagulation of organs and other tissue includes a metallized fabric electrode array which is substantially absorbent and/or permeable to moisture and gases such as steam and conformable to the body cavity. Following placement of the ablation device into contact with the tissue to be ablated, an RF generator is used to deliver RF energy to the conductive regions and to thereby induce current flow from the electrodes to tissue to be ablated. As the current heats the tissue, moisture (such as steam or liquid) leaves the tissue causing the tissue to dehydrate. Suction may be applied to facilitate moisture removal. The moisture permeability and/or absorbency of the electrode carrying member allows the moisture to leave the ablation site so as to prevent the moisture from providing a path of conductivity for the current.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation or coagulation of organs and other tissue includes a metallized fabric electrode array which is substantially absorbent and/or permeable to moisture and gases such as steam and conformable to the body cavity. Following placement of the ablation device into contact with the tissue to be ablated, an RF generator is used to deliver RF energy to the conductive regions and to thereby induce current flow from the electrodes to tissue to be ablated. As the current heats the tissue, moisture (such as steam or liquid) leaves the tissue causing the tissue to dehydrate. Suction may be applied to facilitate moisture removal. The moisture permeability and/or absorbency of the electrode carrying member allows the moisture to leave the ablation site so as to prevent the moisture from providing a path of conductivity for the current.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device and method for measuring skin elasticity that comprises: a probe, wherein the probe comprises one or more holes, a vacuum source, a pressure sensor, and one or more proximity sensors aligned about the one or more holes; and a processor for recording the deformation of the skin using a control unit comprising a microcontroller connected to the proximity and the pressure sensors, wherein the proximity sensor and the processor is adapted to automatically initiate a test when the sensor is positioned at a pre-determined distance from the skin, wherein a vacuum in the probe is capable of pulling skin into the one or more holes and the proximity sensor is capable of measuring an amount of skin drawn into the one or more holes to determine an elasticity of the skin.

Abstract: A system for implanting a catheter in a urethra. The system includes a catheter having a valve disposed at a distal portion of the catheter. The valve may be operable in response to an external magnetic field. The system also includes a tool having a tip member extending into an opening at the distal portion of the catheter to couple the tool to the catheter. the system also includes an element extending from the tool. The catheter has an internal path that provides a conduit for the element to be extended through the valve to engage a proximal portion of the catheter. The tool is adapted use the element to stress the catheter and stiffen the catheter along the length of the catheter. Stiffening the catheter facilitates implantation of the catheter in the urethra by enabling pull forces, push forces, and torque forces to be transmitted from the tool through the catheter to the proximal portion of the catheter without undue stress on the urethra.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed to detect or verify fallopian tube occlusion. Devices include an elongated body, a continuous open space extending between proximal and distal openings, a first pressure sensor or flow meter configured to measure a pressure or fluid flow within the continuous open space, at least one seal member protruding from the outer wall of the elongated body, and a second pressure sensor or flow meter configured to measure a pressure or flow meter within a space created by the at least one seal member.

Abstract: The transvaginal tactile probe is configured to obtain a high resolution mapping of pressures and strains within the vagina of a pregnant woman prior to birth. The device provides real-time data visualization, analysis tools and information. This data may be used to assist with clinical decisions regarding selecting a preferred method of prevention of severe childbirth injury or altering delivery management, e.g. early induction at term, elective caesarean section in patients with a history of obstetric anal sphincter injury, water-birth, warm compresses to the perineum. The device is intended for use by medically trained personnel who counsels patients regarding risk of severe trauma at childbirth (such as urogynecologists and obstetricians) and regarding the effect of perineal massage and childbirth training device (such as physical therapists).

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring uterine and/or cervical activity indicative of labor in a patient. The system includes a medical device and a data processor in communication with the medical device. The medical device includes a structural component, a first electrode attached to the structural component, and a second electrode attached to the structural component. The structural component is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and a vaginal surface of the patient, such that said first electrode is in electrical contact with said cervical surface and said second electrode is in electrical contact with said vaginal surface. The first electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the cervical surface and the second electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the uterus through the vaginal surface. The data processor is adapted to process the electrical activity of the electrodes to detect contractions on a surface of the patient indicative of labor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a calibration and measurement system designed primarily for use in the rapid evaluation and characterization of open or visible wounds in patients. The invention in a preferred embodiment comprises a set of colored concentric rings, typically constructed of paper or synthetic paper. The practitioner removes only as many rings, from the center outward, until the entire wound is visible within the open aperture at the center of the remaining rings. The area dimensions of the wound are then read out from the size of the inner remaining ring. Photography optionally records the wound appearance and size. A related system is developed for linear dimensioning of wounds. This embodiment is also designed to standardize the color scheme for accurate photography wound description. The color scheme is also applicable to a linear device to accurately describe wound size. Embodiments of the invention are also useful in forensic and accident investigations.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to cervical sizing devices and related kits and methods. In some aspects, a cervical sizing device includes an elongate arm and a member positioned at a distal end region of the elongate arm. The cervical sizing device can be used to determine an approximate size of a cervix when the member is brought into contact with an outer surface of the cervix.

Abstract: A device for measuring a length of a cervix includes an elongate measurement member extending along a longitudinal axis and including a measurement scale thereon, a hollow member coaxial with and disposed over the elongate measurement member, a flange offset from the longitudinal axis and attached to a distal end of the hollow member, a handle attached to a proximal end of the measurement member, and a locking mechanism on the handle. The hollow member is freely rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the measurement member to place the flange in a first position and in a second position perpendicular to the first position without moving the measurement scale. The locking mechanism is configured, when locked, to fix the hollow member relative to the measurement member and, when unlocked, to allow the hollow member to slide axially along the measurement member in the first and second positions.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring uterine and/or cervical activity indicative of labor in a patient. The system includes a medical device and a data processor in communication with the medical device. The medical device includes a structural component, a first electrode attached to the structural component, and a second electrode attached to the structural component. The structural component is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and a vaginal surface of the patient, such that said first electrode is in electrical contact with said cervical surface and said second electrode is in electrical contact with said vaginal surface. The first electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the cervical surface and the second electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the uterus through the vaginal surface. The data processor is adapted to process the electrical activity of the electrodes to detect contractions on a surface of the patient indicative of labor.

Abstract: A device (101) for supporting or exercising the pelvic floor muscles in a female human. The device has a unitary elongate body having a first enlarged end (103), a second enlarged end (105), and a relatively narrow interconnecting region (107) that interconnects the first enlarged end and the second enlarged end. The first enlarged end (103) generally extends in a first direction from the interconnecting region (107) and from one end of the interconnecting region. The second enlarged end (105) generally extends in a second generally opposite direction from the interconnecting region (107) and from the other end of the interconnecting region. The first enlarged end (103), the second enlarged end (105), and the narrow interconnecting region (107) are substantially fully insertable into the vagina to provide resistance to contraction of the pelvic floor muscles.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining fallopian tube occlusion. The methods may include determining fallopian tube occlusions through a pressurization or volumetric determination.

Abstract: Transvaginal probes equipped with tactile sensors are configured for placement into vagina to record tactile response during insertion, acquire static tactile pattern from vaginal wall after the insertion is complete, and acquire dynamic tactile patterns during probe motion as well as recording dynamic tactile response during contraction of vaginal muscle. The acquired and recorded tactile data are transmitted to a data processor for composing tactile profile of vagina and visually presenting thereof on a display. Elasticity profile of vaginal tissue is calculated from the tactile response recorded from different parts of the probe during its insertion, from the static pressure pattern and from the dynamic tactile pattern. Pelvic floor muscle strength is defined as a contact pressure increase detected on fixed probe surface under the muscle contraction. Tactile profile of vagina is determined using the static tactile pattern, the elasticity profile and pelvic floor muscle strength.

Abstract: Uterine sounds are provided including an insertion member having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen, wherein the insertion member is configured for insertion through an endocervical canal. A measurement member is provided having a distal end and a proximal end, the measurement member configured to move within the lumen of the insertion member, where the distal end can protrude from the distal end of the insertion member and is configured for insertion to approximately the fundus of a uterine cavity. An expansion member is also provided transitionable between an unexpanded and expanded state, wherein the unexpanded position is configured to pass an internal cervical os, and the expanded position is configured to prevent passage. Once the expansion member is positioned, the measurement member is positioned relative to the insertion member to establish a measurement of a depth of the uterine cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring distensibility of a vessel, lumen or sphincter includes a balloon catheter having a balloon located adjacent a distal end of a catheter for inserting in, for example, the sphincter, the distensibility of which is to be determined. The balloon is inflated to respective first and second pressures to distend the sphincter to respective first and second transverse cross-sectional areas which are measured. The first and second pressures are selected so that the relationship between the pressure and the cross-sectional area of the sphincter is linear. The distensibility of the sphincter is determined as a distensibility index, which is the value of c from the equation of a line y=mx+c containing the values of the first and second pressures and areas, where x represents pressure and y represents area.

Abstract: A fetal monitoring device includes a piezofilm sheet, a first electrode, and a second electrode. A controller is operably connected to the piezofilm sheet, first electrode, and second electrode and receives a biopotential and a piezofilm signal. The controller derives at least one of a maternal heart rate and a uterine activity for the biopotential and derives at least one of a fetal heart rate and fetal motion detection from the piezofilm signal. The controller derives an index of fetal health and operate an indicator to present the derived index of fetal health.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interpreting vaginal measurement data by electronic means without the need for the user to take part in the data interpretation process. More specifically, an intelligent probe monitors folliculogenesis and correlates the ovarian function data to probe profile characteristics of the female reproductive cycle. A fertile window is defined with reference to the correlation between folliculogenesis and probe cyclic profiles.

Abstract: A capacitive uterine contraction sensor includes an insulating substrate, a first electrode disposed on one side of the substrate, and a second electrode positioned on the first side of the substrate in a spaced relation to the first electrode. The second electrode is configured to move toward or away from the first electrode. The sensor may also include a conductive standoff sandwiched between the substrate and the second electrode for maintaining the second electrode in spaced relation to the first electrode. The conductive standoff is electrically coupled to the second electrode and electrically isolated from the first electrode. Alternatively, the second electrode may include a spring mechanism used in conjunction with a standoff to maintain the second electrode in spaced relation to the first electrode. The spring mechanism is electrically isolated from the first electrode and enables the second electrode to move toward or away from the first electrode.

Abstract: An optical displacement sensor is provided according to one embodiment. The optical displacement sensor comprises a housing; a displacement member coupled to the housing, configured to contact an object under test and move based on displacement of the object under test; a light emitter coupled to the housing; an optical transducer coupled to the housing; and a reflecting surface coupled to the displacement member to reflect at least a part of the light emitted from the light emitter to the optical transducer, such that movement of the displacement member modifies intensity distribution of the light reflected to the optical transducer.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining fallopian tube occlusion. The methods may include determining fallopian tube occlusions through a pressurization or volumetric determination.

Abstract: A childbirth control system is provided to control the labor process of a patient. The patient's physical information of the patient and her fetus is continuously obtained during the labor via a plurality of diagnosis devices connected to a user terminal. The system includes an analysis module, which generates a childbirth progress data by continuously comparing the series of patient's measurement data with a series of reference measurement data. The childbirth progress data is provided on the user terminal to show the current progress of the childbirth as well as suggestions as to alternative childbirth method and medical treatment options. The system also provides the childbirth progress data to the user terminal of remotely located medical service providers, and allows them to remotely assist the childbirth process.

Abstract: There is provided a device for measuring an inside shape of a vagina, including a device body, operationally connected to one or more movable cheeks, the cheeks movable in a direction substantially transaxially relative to the device body longitudinal axis, and a width indicator, for indicating a distance between opposite faces of the cheeks. There is provided a method for fitting a pessary including inserting a Pessary Caliber (PC) into a vagina, extending cheeks of the PC to press against sides of the vagina, measuring a distance between the cheeks, measuring how deep the PC is inserted into the vagina, and selecting a pessary size based, at least in part, on the measuring. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intravaginal monitoring device, method of intravaginal monitoring, and system and network for intravaginal monitoring. The intravaginal monitoring device and or network includes multiple modes of operation that enable non-pregnancy monitoring, pregnancy testing, pregnancy monitoring, STD detection, precancerous condition monitoring, cancerous condition monitoring, pre-birth monitoring and prediction, neo-natal monitoring, ovulation monitoring, an automated rhythm method, among various applications of the device, method and network of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to intravaginal monitoring devices, supporting networks, web services, billing services, modes of operation of the devices and networks, and processing of data harvested by an intravaginal device and communication to the network. Methods, systems and networks for advertising are provided herein.

Abstract: A system and method of motion assessment for use in medical analysis and treatment of motion impairments. The system is configured to stimulate, monitor and analyze voluntary movements of a subject. A surround-display is used to stimulate movement of the subject, a motion tracker monitors the movements of the subject, and a processor receives data from the motion tracker and may be configured to control the surround-display.

Abstract: An intra vaginal device (10) including an elongated hollow body (1 1) with side wall portions (15, 16 and 24). Secured to each wall portion (15 and 24) is a sensor (19), while secured to the wall portion (16) is a sensor (20). The sensors (19) simply measure forces directly applied by the bi-lateral contraction of the pubococcygeus, while the sensor (20) provides an indication of the puborectalis contraction forces.