The effects of electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor on neurogenic bladder dysfunction after spinal cord injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and controlled trials / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To determine the effect of pelvic floor electrical stimulation combined with conventional treatment on neurogenic bladder dysfunction after spinal cord injury.Methods:The Pubmed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, CQVIP and Wanfang databases were electronically searched for reports published before April 2019 of randomized and controlled trials testing the effect of electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor on neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury. Meta-analysis of all the reports collected was performed.Results:Seven randomized and controlled trials with 319 patients were identified. Together they showed that compared with conventional treatment, pelvic floor muscle stimulation better increased bladder capacity and reduced the volume of residual urine. Average single urination output was increased, while the frequency of urination decreased along with episodes of urinary incontinence. Average lower urinary tract symptoms scores were also significantly better.Conclusions:Electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor combined with conventional therapy may be more effective than conventional therapy alone in alleviating the symptoms of neurogenic bladder.