This research will determine 1) whether the very weak pelvic floor can be improved with surface electromyography (s-EMG)-triggered electrostimulation added to pelvic floor muscle training and 2) whether sEMG-triggered electrostimulation added to pelvic floor muscle training can reduce leakage in Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
Among women with pelvic floor dysfunction, it has long been known that PFM training is the first-line therapy for stress incontinence. One of the difficulties that clinicians often find upon examination is that many women present a very weak pelvic floor and are unable to contract their PFM. There is overwhelming evidence to show that conservative treatment in the form of pelvic muscle exercises (and to a lesser degree, electrotherapy, and vaginal weight therapy) is effective in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. To date, there is some evidence to support the use of electrical stimulation for stress urinary incontinence in women, but we are still very uncertain about the full potential of this treatment because of the low quality of the existing evidence.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
50
The ES treatment protocol consisted of daily endovaginal electrostimulation sessions for four weeks. We used a portable unit EVOSTIM ®, which allowed us to use different frequencies and length of impulse and a probe Perisphera ® The average current intensity was adjusted according to the sensation of discomfort in each patient.
Standardization of the supervised PFMT To achieve standardization of supervised PFMT treatments, a written protocol for the physiotherapeutic examinations and PFMT program will be provided to the physiotherapists (or nurse or midwife) delivering the treatments (See Additional file).
OSPEDALE FIORENZUOLA d'ARDA
Fiorenzuola d'Arda, PC, Italy
Pelvic Floor Muscles (PFM) Strength
PFM strength by digital palpation done in the lithotomy position
Time frame: Baseline, four weeks, 6 and 12 months follow-up
Frequency/volume chart
The change incontinence frequency (n.of episodes) deducted by frequency/volume chart
Time frame: Baseline, four weeks, 6 and 12 months follow-up
International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form(ICIQ-SF)
Change of "International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF" scores, which varie from 0 (no impact of incontinence) to 19 (worst impact of incontinence in everyday life)
Time frame: Baseline, four weeks, 6 and 12 months follow-up
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.