Development (and comparison) of assessment tools to examine myofascial stiffness properties in the pelvic floor
Posted: September 6, 2024 3:08 pmName: Robert Schleip
I am part of group of 4-5 European researchers trying to develop better tools for examining passive myofascial stiffness in the human pelvic floor. We are aware of the existing tools of ultrasound elastography, the Vaginal Tactile Imager, and MyotonPRO, in addition to human manual palpation; each with their specific advantages and limitations.
Currently we are exploring the use of a pneumatic probe being inserted intra-vaginally or intra-rectally, and are exploring the increase of pressure relate to a specific air volume increase as a feedback about the stiffness of the surrounding tissues, currently on a set of silicon phantom models. So far we are without any external funding; but are considering to apply for Eureopan funding, particularly since the results from the first set of phantom model experiments are rather encouraging.
If you have expertise in related fields, and are interested in collaborating with us, please contact me at robert.schleip@uni-ulm.de .