1. Significance of pelvic floor muscles in anal incontinence
Xose Fernández–Fraga, Fernando Azpiroz, Juan–R. Malagelada 
Gastroenterology 
Volume 123, Issue 5, Pages (November 2002)
DOI: /gast
Copyright © 2002 American Gastroenterological Association Terms and Conditions

2. Fig. 1
Perineal dynamometer. The contraction of the levator ani was measured as the traction exerted on an intrarectal balloon catheter, connected to an isometric dynamometer, fixed by an articulated support to the pelvic bones. Scanned picture of the articulated support shown.
Gastroenterology  , DOI: ( /gast )
Copyright © 2002 American Gastroenterological Association Terms and Conditions

3. Fig. 2
Example of levator ani contraction. The peak force of 3 consecutive contractions was averaged for calculations. Figure corresponds to incontinent patient.
Gastroenterology  , DOI: ( /gast )
Copyright © 2002 American Gastroenterological Association Terms and Conditions

4. Fig. 3
Clinicophysiologic correlations. Levator ani contraction was the independent variable with strongest relation to the severity of incontinence. Figure shows regression line (—), prediction, and 95% confidence intervals.
Gastroenterology  , DOI: ( /gast )
Copyright © 2002 American Gastroenterological Association Terms and Conditions

5. Fig. 4
Response to treatment. Both the incontinence score and the force of levator ani markedly improved after biofeedback treatment. *P < 0.05 vs. pretreatment.
Gastroenterology  , DOI: ( /gast )
Copyright © 2002 American Gastroenterological Association Terms and Conditions

6. Fig. 5
Example of levator ani and external sphincter sustained contraction. The levator ani exhibited significantly less fatigability than the external anal sphincter. Figure corresponds to constipated patient.
Gastroenterology  , DOI: ( /gast )
Copyright © 2002 American Gastroenterological Association Terms and Conditions