Effectiveness of Self-myofascial Release Combined With Biofeedback and Electrical Stimulation for the Management of MFPP

Effectiveness of Self-myofascial Release Combined With Biofeedback and Electrical Stimulation for the Management of Myofascial Pelvic Pain

Myofascial pelvic pain (MFPP) caused by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) is a major contributor of female chronic pelvic pain. However, the effect of the patient's self-myofascial release (SMFR) is not clear. Current study is to investigate the effect of SMFR combined with biofeedback and electrical stimulation (BES) therapy compared with BES alone in patients with MFPP.

68 patients was enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups: BES-SMFR group (n=34) and BES group (n=34). Every patient received 4 weeks treatment, and was evaluated at baseline (T0), 4-week post-intervention (T4) and 12-week follow-up (T12). The primary outcome was pain intensity. The secondary outcomes were degree in activation of MTrPs, surface electromyography (sEMG) levels, and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. age between 18 and 70 years;
2. presence of persistent chronic pelvic pain ≥ 4 points on a 10 points numeric rating scale for at least 3 months;
3. at least one active MTrP in one of muscle group including obturator internus, levator ani, piriformis, coccygeus on pelvic examination.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. diseases of the urinary, genital, colorectal systems;
2. prolapse of the pelvic organ;
3. a history of pelvic rehabilitation within the 3 months prior to study;
4. psychiatric disorders;
5. pregnancy;
6. breastfeeding.