The Short-Term Effects of Physical Therapy in Different Intensities of Urodynamic Stress Incontinence

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the short-term effects of a physical therapy program in patients with different intensities of urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (USI). Subjects and Methods: 48 patients with USI were assigned to three groups according to the intensity of their incontinence: group I: 0–2 g (n = 17), group II (mild intensity: >2–10 g, n = 16) and group III (moderate intensity: >10 g, n = 15) as determined by the 1-hour pad test. A physical therapy program composed of Kegel exercises and interferential current was applied to all patients for duration of 5 weeks, with a total of 15 sessions. The number of pads used a day, frequency of voiding (times/day), amount of urinary leakage according to the 1-hour pad test (mg), severity of complaint (as centimeters on visual analogue scale) and pelvic floor muscle strength (cm Hg) were evaluated. Pre-treatment and post-treatment values of these data were compared in each group and among groups. Results: Analyses of the data indicated that the number of pads used a day, frequency of voiding and amount of urinary leakage decreased and pelvic floor muscle strength increased significantly in each group (p < 0.05). Cure in USI was found in 88% of subjects in group I and 18% of subjects in group II (mild intensity). None of the patients in group III (moderate intensity) showed a cure effect. Conclusion: This physical therapy program was found to be more effective in mild and moderate intensities than severe USI.

Transcutaneous interferential electrical stimulation for management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction in children with myelomeningocele

“…IF electrical stimulation has been implicated in the management of urinary incontinence and for pain control [11]. In a recent study, Koklu et al [21] reported IF to be effective in decreasing constipation symptoms.…”

“…It is widely used in females with stress incontinence to treat urinary incontinence resulting from an overactive bladder [10]. This modality is also used for pain reduction and wound healing in adults [11].…”

Pelvic floor muscle training protocol for stress urinary incontinence in women: A systematic review

“…10 Investigations 11-13 demonstrated similar effectiveness of different SEPFM programs, but no evidence of a specific, standardized program. These investigations differ regarding the parameters used in the training programs: eight [14][15][16] 10,19,22 In general, SEPFM is effective in the treatment of female SUI; however, there is a great heterogeneity of programs, not allowing identification of the most effective protocol.…”

Incontinence[A1]: Physical Activity as a Supporting Preventive Approach

“…Though "skill training" has been quoted as useful for PFM training, few information on the specificity of these exercises have been made available. Other studies (Arvonen et al, 2000;Balmforth et al, 2004;Dumoulin et al, 2004;Hay-Smith et al, 2002;Parkkinen et al, 2004;) Turkan, 2005), even match up PFM strengthening exercises with "skill training", getting positive results, but as the reports don't follow a standard protocol, comparisons become invalid. The role of the abdominal muscles has also been discussed, as far as PFM training and strengthening are concerned (Cammu & Nylen, 1998;Johnson, 2001;Pieber et al, 1995).…”