Abstract: A method for evaluating the function of the muscles of the pelvic floor of a human patient simultaneously measures myographic signals for proximal and distal muscles of the anal canal or the like by means of a first and second electrode pair displaced along an insulating support fitting within the anal canal. The depth of insertion of the insulating support is controlled by a stop which may include a pair of wings extending substantially perpendicularly from the insulating support for being received and held by the buttocks. The wings also control the orientation of the electrodes within the canal.

Abstract: An electrode assembly simultaneously measures myographic signals for proximal and distal muscles of the anal canal or the like by means of a first and second electrode pair displaced along an insulating support for fitting within the anal canal. In a first embodiment, the insulating support is tubular for channeling conductors from the electrodes to outside of the canal. In a second embodiment, the first and second electrode pairs are formed from conductive paint and connected to the distal end of the insulating support by means of pathways of conductive paint coated with insulating paint. The use of the probe provides a highly resolved schedule of the interaction of the various muscles of the anal canal needed for accurate diagnosis of injury or weakening of these muscles and rehabilitation of these muscles.

Abstract: An electrode assembly measures myographic signals on the superior side of the pelvic floor muscles, viz., the urogenital diaphragm or the puborectalis muscle, under a state of physiological contraction for various retention forces. The electrode assembly has an insulating support having a conical end. The assembly is inserted through the vagina or anal canal so that electrodes on the conical face rest against the superior side of the pelvic floor muscles to receive electromyographic signals. The weight of the assembly may be selected to provide various amounts of muscular reaction. An insertion guide provides an indication of the orientation of the electrodes as positioned by the insertion guide.