Effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy in patients with urinary incontinence after stroke

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy in patients with urinary incontinence after stroke (UIAS). METHODS: A total of 82 patients with UIAS were randomly assigned to 2 groups that received NMES therapy (NMES group) or sham NMES (sham group) for 10 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoints were measured by urodynamic values, and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS). The secondary efficacy endpoints were assessed by International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) score, Barthel Index (BI) scale, and adverse events. All outcomes were evaluated at baseline and at the end of 10 weeks treatment. RESULTS: After 10-week treatment, the patients received NMES therapy showed better efficacy in primary endpoints of urodynamic values (P <.01) and OABSS (P <.01), and secondary endpoints of ICIQ-SF (P <.01) and BI (P <.01), compared with patients who underwent sham NMES. No adverse events were recorded in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we demonstrated that 10 weeks of NMES therapy was efficacious in patients with UIAS.