Effectiveness of electrical stimulation of pelvic floor muscles in the treatment of urinary incontinence in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the therapeutic effects of electrical stimulation of pelvic floor muscles on urinary incontinence (UI) in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI). Methods Seven patients (5 males and 2 females; average age: 32.5 years; average duration after injury: 7.5 months) with ISCI were treated with ESPFM applied on rectum (for male) or vagina (for female) for 30～45 min,once a day, 5 days a week for (2～3) months. The rate of success on stopping using catheters and the frequency and amount of urination were observed during treatment. Results Catheters were taken out successfully from all patients 2～3 weeks after treatment. Five out of the 7 patients had more self-control of urination than incontinence after 8 weeks of treatment though there was no significant difference in the amount of the urination. Conclusion ESPFM might improve the function of urinary bladder in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury.