1.   Figure I shows the most common pattern of prolonged contraction seen in patients with incontinence -- that is, a strong initial sphincter contraction followed by rapid relaxation.

2.   Prolonged contraction of the external anal sphincter is not often evaluated in faecal incontinence.

3.   Failure to maintain prolonged voluntary anal contraction seems to be critical in our patients.

4.   Furthermore, the clinical outcome seemed also to be related to the length of prolonged voluntary anal contraction achieved by patients.

5.   This consists more often than not in impairement of prolonged voluntary anal contraction.

6.   A flood of new Japanese mutual funds, for example, has reversed a prolonged contraction in the industry.