ABSTRACT
Measurement of the vaginal squeeze pressure is the most commonly used method to measure PFM strength, particularly maximum strength and resistance (endurance). Woman is asked to contract the PFM as hard as possible (maximum strength), sustain the contraction and repeat as many contractions as possible (resistance). The measurement can be done using manual muscle test by vaginal palpation, pressure transducers or dynamometers. Vaginal palpation was first described by Kegel (1948) as a method to evaluate PFM function. The examiner placed one finger in the distal one third of the vagina and asked the woman to lift inward and squeeze around the finger. In the beginning, Kegel don’t use vaginal palpation as a method to measure PFM strength. Only to teach women how to contract their PFM and classified the contraction qualitatively as correct or not correct.
