A Qualitative and Quantitative Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Safety of Magnetic Stimulation in Women with Urinary Incontinence Symptoms and Pelvic Floor Disorders

Abstract

Background and objectives: Involuntary loss of urine owed to dysfunction of the detrusor muscle or muscles of the pelvic floor is known as urinary incontinence (UI). In this study, ultrasound monitoring was employed for the first time to measure the usefulness and safety of electromagnetic stimulation for women with Stress or Urge UI. Materials and Methods: A total of 62 women were enrolled, with a mean age of 55.1 (±14.5); 60% of them were menopausal and presented with urinary incontinence (UI). Eight validated questionnaires were used to evaluate Stress UI, prolapse, overactive bladder urge, faecal incontinence, and quality of life, and the whole study population was tested with ultrasounds at the beginning and at the end of the treatment cycle. The device used was a non-invasive electromagnetic therapeutic system composed of a main unit and an adjustable chair applicator shaped for deep pelvic floor area stimulation. Results: Ultrasound measurements and validated questionnaires revealed a consistent and statistically significant (p < 0.01) improvement of the mean scores when pre- and post-treatment data were considered. Conclusions: Study results showed that the proposed treatment strategy led to a significant improvement in Pelvic Floor Muscle (PFM) tone and strength in patients with UI and pelvic floor disorders, without discomfort or side effects. The demonstration was qualitatively carried out with validated questionnaires and quantitatively with ultrasounds exams. Thus, the “chair” device we used represents valuable and effective support that could be widely employed in the gynaecological field for patients affected by different pathologies.