Educational articleChildhood incontinence and pelvic floor muscle function: Can we learn from adult research?

SummaryLittle research has been undertaken regarding pelvic floor muscle function and dysfunction in children. Apart from dysfunctional voiding, whether specific dysfunction of these muscles contributes to different types of childhood incontinence is not documented. The two areas of practice, that is adult and paediatric incontinence, are quite different; nevertheless, there may be lessons to be learned from the extensive work done in pelvic floor dysfunction and rehabilitation in adults. In this paper key points regarding pelvic floor muscle function and dysfunction in adults, and lessons that can be learned from how studies are reported and how muscle function is measured are presented. The aim is to prompt deeper thought regarding the direction in which further research in children may proceed. There are challenges in first validating muscle measurement standards and making the work relevant to children across different age groups with differing cognitive and motor abilities.