Efeitos Da Eletroestimulação No Tratamento Da Incontinencia Urinária De Esforço

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of electrical stimulation (ES) and pelvic floor exercises (TMAP) on the anatomical and functional abnormalities of the pelvic floor and quality of life of women with urinary incontinence (UI). Method: An experimental study with 65 female participants with UI, aged between 30 and 55, divided into three groups, the exercise group (GKinesio), ES group (GElectro), and control group (GControl). The GKinesio and GElectro attended 16 sessions in accordance with their respective protocol, twice a week. All participants underwent ultrasonographic evaluation of the pelvic floor; muscle contraction ability using the AFA and EMG biofeedback, and application of King’s Health Questionnaire. Results: The results revealed significant differences in favor of the GKinesio, namely bladder mobility (p = 0.001), thickness of the pelvic floor muscles (p = 0.001), EMG- test (p = 0.008), and muscle strength by AFA (p = 0.015). The GElectro demonstrated significant differences in the symptoms urgency and urge incontinence. The symptoms and scores of the quality of life questionnaire given by the percentage delta showed a positive difference in the quality of life of women in the experimental groups. Conclusion: The study concluded that the anatomical and functional abnormalities of the pelvic floor of the women in this study could be modified and improved through perineal exercises and ES, interfering positively in the quality of life of these women. Improvement in UI could not be objectively demonstrated; however the symptoms of both groups showed that subjectively the symptom of UI was reduced. KEYWORDS: Bladder; Pelvic Floor; Quality of Life; Electrical Stimulation Therapy. Physical Therapy