title: Pelvic floor muscle biofeedback in the treatment of urinary incontinence: a literature review.
abstract: Biofeedback is efficacious in the training of the pelvic floor musculature in order to enhance continence. This article reviews the anatomy and physiology of micturition as the underlying rationale for pelvic floor muscle biofeedback in the treatment of urinary incontinence. It critically reviews 28 studies published in peer reviewed journals from 1975 to 2005 that were prospective, randomized studies with parametric statistical analyses, operationally defined patient selection criteria, treatment protocols and outcome measures. The overall mean treatment improvement for patients undergoing biofeedback for urinary incontinence was 72.61%. In 21 of 35 (60%) paired comparisons, biofeedback demonstrated superior symptomatic outcome to control or alternate treatment groups. Larger studies and a standardization of technology and methodology are required for more conclusive determinations.
authors.affiliation: Joan and Sanford Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA. DrGlazer@nyc.rr.com
authors.forename: Howard I
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Glazer
authors.forename: Carolyn D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Laine
mesh_terms: D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014554:Urination / Q000502:physiology