Does vaginal electrical stimulation cause pelvic floor muscle contraction? A pilot study.
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether vaginal electrical stimulation using Conmax and Medicon MS-105 causes pelvic floor muscle contraction. In addition, pain and discomfort described by the participants were registered. Nine women, mean age 37.7 years (range 24-54) participated in the study; five healthy physio-therapists and four patients with diagnosed genuine stress incontinence. All the participants used Conmax and Medicon MS-105 with 10, 20 and 50 Hz in random order. The women increased the current step by step to tolerance level. Two physiotherapists were observing the perineum and notified whether a correct contraction was occurring. The participants reported whether there was a correct contraction of the pelvic floor and described pain and discomfort, classified according to McGill Pain Questionnaire. The results demonstrated that a correct contraction was reported and observed in only one of nine women. Electrical stimulation with all frequencies caused pain and discomfort in all women.
Norwegian Center for Research in Physiotherapy, Majorstua, Norway.
K
K
Bø
M
M
Maanum
D000328:Adult; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000502:physiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014621:Vagina / Q000502:physiology*