Contribution of the Pelvic Floor to the Stability of the Pelvic Ring

The biomechanical study investigated the relationship between simulated contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, the stiffness of the pelvic ring and movement in the sacroiliac joint in embalmed preparations. In women the pelvic floor muscles are able to increase stiffness and to stabilise the pelvic ring. In addition, the muscles can cause a backwards rotation of the sacrum in men as well as in women and in this way play a role in movement and posture. Pelvic stabilisation through increased pelvic floor muscle contraction is important in limited pelvic stability, most of all in patients with pelvic pain. Increased activity of the muscles compensate for decreased pelvic stability by stiffening the pelvic ring and by restoring the adequate transmission of strain within the lumbo-pelvic area.