Effect of Pelvic Floor Muscle Electrical Stimulation on Lumbopelvic Control in Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background: This study was performed to determine the effectiveness of 8 weeks of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training by electrical stimulation (ES) on PFM function, lumbopelvic control, abdominal muscle thickness, and the contraction ratio in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: Women with SUI were randomized into an ES group (n = 18) or control group (n = 18). The ES group underwent a PFM ES training during 8-week, and the control group underwent only a general exercise without PFM training. PFM functions was measured using a perineometer. Lumbopelvic control was measured by one- and double-leg lowering tests. Abdominal muscle thickness and the contraction ratio during the active straight leg raise maneuver were measured by sonography. Results: The ES group showed significantly higher PFM strength and power than controls (p < 0.05) at after 8 weeks of training. PFM strength and power were significantly increased after 8 weeks of training in the ES group (p < 0.05). The ES group showed significantly higher values than the controls in both the one- and double-leg lowering tests (p < 0.05) at after 8 weeks of training. There were no significant between- or within-group differences, at rest or during contraction, in transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique abdominis (IO), or external oblique abdominis (EO) muscle thickness. Conclusion: Improvements in PFM functions by PFM ES could enhance lumbopelvic control in women with SUI.Trial registration: Clinical Research information Service, KCT0003357. Registered 11th November 2018 - Retrospectively registered, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/search_result_st01_en.jsp?seq=12678<ype=&rtype=