Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation on Physiological Symptoms and Psychological Satisfaction in Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Preliminary Study

• Published in: Han'guk Chŏnmun Mulli Ch'iryo Hakhoe chi = Journal of the Korean Academy of University Trained Physical Therapists Vol. 26; no. 3; pp. 67 - 75
• Main Authors: Kim, Ji-hyun, Kwon, Oh-yun, Jeon, Hye-seon, Hwang, Ui-jae, Gwak, Kyeong-tae, Yoon, Hyeo-bin, Park, Eun-young
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 한국전문물리치료학회 30.09.2019
• Subjects: 물리치료학
• ISSN: 1225-8962; 2287-982X
• DOI: 10.12674/ptk.2019.26.3.067

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is an involuntary leakage of urine from the urethra when intra-abdominal pressure increases, such as from sneezing, coughing, or physical exertion. It is caused by insufficient strength of the pelvic floor and sphincter muscles, resulting from vaginal delivery, obesity, hard physical work, or aging. The pelvic floor electrical stimulator is a conservative treatment generally used to relieve the symptoms of urinary incontinence. it recommended to applied before surgery is performed. Objects: The purpose of this study was to determine if the transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TCES) would be effective for the physiological symptoms and psychological satisfaction of women with SUI for an 8-weeks intervention. Methods: Easy-K is a specially designed user-friendly TCES. Five female who were diagnosed with SUI by a gynecologist but who did not require surgical intervention were included in this study. Intervention was implemented over an 8-week period. Outcome measures included vaginal ultrasonography, Levator ani muscle (LAM) contraction strength, incontinence quality of life (I-QOL), and female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaires. Results: The bladder neck position significantly decreased across assessment time. Funneling index and urethral width significantly decreased after 8 weeks of intervention (p<.05). The bladder neck- symphyseal distance and posterior rhabdosphincter thickness statistically increased and the anterior rhabdosphincter thickness showed a tendency to increase. All participants demonstrated a significant increase in the LAM contraction score across three assessment times (p<.05). Although the total score of the I-QOL did not show significant improvement, it steadily increased and among I-QOL subscales, only the “avoidance” subscale showed statistical improvements (p<.05). The total score of the FSFI statistically improved and the “desire” score significantly changed (p<.05). Conclusion: The TCES is recommended for women who want to apply conservative treatments before surgery and who have suffered from SUI in aspects of sexual function and quality of life. KCI Citation Count: 0