Age and an accompanying decrease in physical activity can decrease fast twitch muscle fibers which are part of the pelvic floor causing incontinence, urgency and frequency. The pelvic floor surrounds the prostate in men and surgery of the prostate can damage this muscle group causing stress incontinence. To counter these effects, Dr. Arnold Kegel, a gynecologist, advocated in the 1940's, teaching woman of childbearing years how to do these exercises. The premise for Kegel's exercises was that women need to first gain awareness of the function of the pelvic muscles. Weakness in pelvic muscles can lead to problems with both bladder and rectal support.
Urinary continence is difficult to maintain without the strength and support of the pelvic muscle.
Correcting pelvic muscle weakness through rehabilitation of pelvic muscles is helpful in both fecal and urinary incontinence where lack of pelvic support is a causative factor. This muscle consists of a mixture of slow and fast twitch muscle cells controlled by the pudendal nerve. An increase in the tone of the pelvic floor muscles is said to provide support to the bladder and there may be a decrease in frequency and urgency following pelvic exercises. In the past and felt they were not effective. These woman were using taught incorrectly.