Abstract: Methods, and apparatus used in the methods, for stimulating, and monitoring the exercise of, muscles near a body cavity by transmitting electrical energy between an electrical source or processor and the wall of the body cavity. A flexible airtight sheath with a resilient skeleton and outer conductive bands is collapsed by vacuum and inserted into the body cavity. Air is allowed to enter so that the skeleton expands the sheath and forces the conductive bands against the body cavity wall. The skeleton may be a foam member, internal ribs or a separate internal frame. The leads for conducting electrical energy to and from the bands may be embedded in the bands for a substantial portion of the band circumference, or the leads may be connected to the bands by piercing conductive mounds on the bands or by being joined to conductive straps on the bands.

Abstract: A body cavity insert for transmitting electrical energy between a body cavity wall and an electrical device has conductive and nonconductive segments which are interconnected to form the whole body cavity insert. The segments are connected by snap fit, threads or other interference or friction fits. The conductive segments may comprise a conductive polymer outer layer and an inner metal layer to which electrical leads may be easily be conductively and mechanically attached.