CCRE Spine Seminar Series

Please see here for upcoming CCRE Spine Seminars.

Conferences Presentations

Prof Paul Hodges, Director of the CCRE SPINE recently presented at the APTA combined sections meeting, Las Vegas, February 2009.

A reference list and PDF of the slide presentation is available for download below:
Reference List
Handout (slides)

"Pelvic floor muscle activity is essential for continence. However the function of these muscles cannot be considered in isolation, as their output is dependent on the interaction with muscles that surround the abdominal cavity. Activation of the pelvic floor muscles may be insufficient to meet the demands for continence if activity of the other muscles of the abdominal cavity (abdominal and diaphragm muscles) raises intra-abdominal pressure to sufficient levels to cause depression of the pelvic floor and/or raise pressure in the bladder. Thus, changes in coordination of the complex muscle system surrounding the abdominal cavity are likely to have consequences for continence. Pelvic floor muscle are also likely to contribute to lumbopelvic control. In support, pelvic floor activity is finely tuned in tasks that challenge the integrity of the spine. Recent epidemiological data suggest a strong association between back pain and incontinence. Longitudinally, incontinence is associated with the development of back pain. Control of the spine, continence (and breathing) are inextricably linked and continence requires consideration beyond the pelvic floor" - Professor Paul Hodges