title: A novel externally applied neuromuscular stimulator for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women--a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
   Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is commonly used to treat lower urinary tract dysfunctions. This study evaluated the efficacy of a novel externally applied stimulator in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
  
  
  METHODS
   Nine women were included in this study. Provocative tests included a cough and jumping jack test assessed via pad weight. Ultrasound (US) imaging assessed pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction. A bladder filling protocol allowed for delineation of the bladder from the pelvic floor and standardized volume. External electrodes were used during 30 min, at least four times per week treatment protocol at home for eight weeks. Participants were blinded to US and were not instructed regarding pelvic floor contractions.
  
  
  RESULTS
   At week 1, participants could perform PFM contractions verified with US. More importantly, an 87.43% decrease in leakage was noted. At week 8, participants reported a 97.71% decrease in leakage (p= 0.0001). Changes noted in Incontinence Impact Questionnaire and Modified Oxford scores were significant (p= 0.0001 and p= 0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
   NMES is frequently used to promote muscle strength and coordination. Studies have shown NMES to be effective in decreasing symptoms associated with SUI; however, few, if any, have used it as a primary treatment modality. The novel device in this study was shown to be effective in improving muscle strength, reducing or ablating the symptoms associated with SUI, and in eliciting PFM contractions. The device is noninvasive and can be used as a home treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, North Georgia College & State University, Dahlonega, GA, USA; and School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Population Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland.
authors.forename: Ruth M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Maher
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Caulfield
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003371:Cough; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods; D004566:Electrodes; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D009132:Muscles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*