Effect of External Electrical Stimulation and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

The Effects of External Electrical Stimulation Added to Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Women With Stress Incontinence

In this study, the effects of the external electrical stimulation (EES) added to pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were investigated.

Fifty one women with mild and moderate SUI symptoms were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups of PFMT (n:17), EES (n:17) and PFMT+ EES (n:17) by block randomization. The PFMT was applied every day of the week, and EES was applied 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS), pelvic floor muscle endurance, subjective perception of improvement, severity of incontinence, quality of life, pelvic floor dysfunction (PTD) and urinary parameters were assessed as outcome variables. All measurements, except subjective perception of improvement were investigated before and after treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• having symptoms of pure stress urinary incontinence and stress predominant UI
• ability to contract pelvic floor muscle strength
• Having a mild or moderate SUI symptom according to the 24-hour pad test results.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy,
• Having been treated for incontinence within a period of six months ago,
• Not being able to cooperate,
• Presence of urinary infection
• Use of metal implants or cardiac pacemakers,
• Epilepsy,
• Presence of stage 3 or 4 pelvic organ prolapse,
• Presence of accompanying neurological disease