EMG-biofeedback assisted pelvic floor muscle training is an effective therapy of stress urinary or mixed incontinence: a 7-year experience with 390 patients

Abstract

An intensive and EMG-biofeedback assisted PFMT is very effective. Often, avoidance of surgery is possible.

Intervenção fisioterapêutica em mulheres com incontinência urinária associada ao prolapso de órgão pélvico

“…Dannecker et al 9 found a significant and long-lasting therapeutic effect after PFM training, in contrast to the findings of other authors, who reported cure rates in the long run of only 17% for UI surgery 4 . Dannecker et al 9 achieved a high level of self-reported improvement (94%) and improved satisfaction of the patients with the therapeutic outcome.…”

“…Dannecker et al 9 achieved a high level of self-reported improvement (94%) and improved satisfaction of the patients with the therapeutic outcome. After three years, 71% of 390 women still reported a lasting improvement of the symptoms of UI 9 . As with any type of muscle training, however, gains must be maintained with regular exercise such as the weekly training used in the present study.…”

“…In our study, this increase was only significant in the group with prolapse. Dannecker et al 9 measured PFM function using vaginal digital palpation and the Oxford Grading Scale and found a considerable increase in muscle function after exercise training, which was shown to be effective even in women with severe UI. Vaginal digital palpation is the method most used to assess the function of the perineal muscles 25 .…”

“…The conservative treatment of UI is justified if the symptoms are mild 1 because it can cure or improve many symptoms, making surgery unnecessary in these cases 1,9 . The choice for conservative treatment is also favored by the fact that surgical treatment is not effective in all cases, and relapse of symptoms can occur within five years of surgery 10 .…”

“…The resources used in physical therapy include exercises for the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and endovaginal electrostimulation 1 . Exercise is the preferred therapy 9,11 because it offers a less invasive option with low risk of complications 9 .…”