This pilot sought to prove whether pelvic floor muscle (PFM) g-force during orgasm was greater or less than volitional PFM fast twitch and/or sustained contractions. The study utilized data gleaned from the Lioness Smart Vibrator™ (LSV), an intravaginal, pressure biofeedback device with an external clitoral vibrator, to compare PFM g-force at rest, during voluntary contractions, throughout perceived orgasm, and with post-orgasmic recovery.

The Lioness Smart Vibrator™ is capable of recording PMF contractions at rest and during sexual activity with and without active clitoral vibration. SmartBod (Lioness creators) maintains computerized records of active LSV sessions. 
For this study and following appropriate consent, confirmation of participants’ ability to appropriately perform PFM contractions was completed via intervaginal assessment by the first author.  Participants, using personally owned LSVs, recorded multiple at-home sessions that including a) 2min rest, b) 5 quick squeezes-then-release single contraction, c) 10sec rest, d) 10sec squeeze-and-hold single contraction, e) 30sec rest, f) clitoral vibration added until end of orgasm with perceived onset and end of climax marked in real time on phone app, and g) final 2min post-orgasmic recovery. SmartBod gathered and forwarded anonymized session data from study participants. Each session was assessed for PFM g-force at rest, during volitional and reflexive contractions, and with post-orgasmic recovery. Highest g-forces for voluntary and orgasmic PFM contractions were analyzed, as were g-forces during rest and recovery, utilizing paired t-test to assess for significance.

Thirty-seven sessions from 9 anonymous LSV users were analyzed. The overall average duration of perceived orgasm was 22sec (range 8.0 – 78.3sec). The overall average peak PFM g-force during orgasm was significantly higher (M = 53.47, SD = 14.92) than g-force during quick-squeeze-then-release contraction (M = 44.91, SD = 15.42, t(25)=-3.02, p<.05) and squeeze-and-hold contraction (M = 45.90, SD = 18.62, t(25)=-2.57, p<.05). Post-orgasm 2min PMF recovery g-force (M = 29.24, SD = 18.11) was significantly higher than 10sec resting g-force following voluntary contractions (M = 26.08, SD = 18.46, t(25) = -1.904, p<.05).

The literature supports improved female sexual function and urogenital dysfunctions through PFM strengthening via active PMF exercise.  By contrast, a recent study asked 53 female subjects (mean age – 54.7 years; range 19-80yrs) to complete a battery of validated health questionnaires and then use a Bullet vibrator (provided for the study) on their external genitalia for 5-10min, 2-3x/week for 3 months. Their findings suggest significant improvement in domains of sexual satisfaction, desire, arousal and orgasm and improved urogenital and mental health. 
The ‘clitoromotor’ reflex, in response to mechanical and/or electrical stimulation, has been suggested as the mechanism that drives PFM activity with clitoral vibratory stimulation. According to our study, orgasm, as a neuroreflexive response, creates contractile forces in PFMs that are significantly greater than those created by voluntary motor control.  
Broadening the study protocol may provide further insight into the value of utilizing therapeutically designed orgasmic repetition via clitoral stimulation as an exercise capable of contributing to overall sexual function and as a successful adjunct in the treatment of etiologies related to PFM laxity and structural failures.

Our research suggests PFM g-force created via orgasm is significantly greater than voluntary quick and sustained PFM contractions when measured vaginally. Likewise, post-orgasmic PFM g-force is significantly greater than g-force following voluntary contractions. Further research is warranted to assess whether increased orgasmic frequency achieved through clitoral vibration can improve function in those diagnosed with prolapse, bowel/bladder dysfunctions, and sexual disorders. The study also confirms that Lioness Smart Vibrator™ is a valid tool capable of recording voluntary and reflex PFM activity before, during, and after the arousal cycle and during the perception of orgasm.

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