Perineal Muscle Training
Perineal muscle training (or pelvic-floor exercises) has been used with some success in men with erectile dysfunction but without SCI.
| Author Year; Country Score Research Design Total Sample Size |
Methods | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Courtois et al. 2001; Canada Pre-post Level 4 N=10 |
Population: 10 men, age range 25-52 yrs. Treatment: Perineal training combined with biofeedback and home exercises. Outcome Measures: Tumescence (penile circumference). |
|
Discussion
Courtois et al. (2001; n=10) is worth mentioning since it focuses on the relatively successful use of perineal muscle training exercises to improve penile rigidity in those men with some capacity for voluntary pelvic floor contraction. The approach of maximizing the physiological potential before introducing pharmacological or mechanical intervention is an approach often forgotten in rehabilitation (Elliott, 2003).
Conclusion
There is level 4 evidence (from 1 pre-post study: Courtois et al. 2001) suggesting that perineal training may result in improvement in erectile function in men with SCI who have some voluntary pelvic floor muscle contraction.
