A new pelvic muscle trainer for the treatment of urinary incontinence.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a new device for home treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) by comparing 3 conservative techniques and monitoring compliance and performance.


METHODS
Thirty-two patients with UI were allocated to 1 of 3 intervention groups: pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME; n=11) alone; PFME combined with biofeedback (n=10); or PFME combined with electrical stimulation (n=11). The outcomes assessed were: changes in quality of life score (QLS), urodynamic and perineometric parameters, episodes of urine loss, subjective assessment of improvement, and actual compliance and performance with treatment.


RESULTS
Increased pelvic muscle contraction strength (P<0.05), improvement in QLS (P<0.02), and fewer episodes of urine leakage were observed in all 3 groups (P<0.05). Compliance was similar among the groups (P=0.201).


CONCLUSIONS
All 3 techniques were effective for home treatment of UI, with significant control of symptoms and improved quality of life. The device effectively monitored compliance and performance of exercises.
Schmidt
Adriana P
AP
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. adrianapschmidt@terra.com.br
Sanches
Paulo R S
PR
Silva
Danton P
DP
Ramos
José G L
JG
Nohama
Percy
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000379:methods; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017773:Pelvic Floor; D011788:Quality of Life; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014563:Urodynamics