The Short-Term Effects of Physical Therapy in Different Intensities of Urodynamic Stress Incontinence

Vol. 59, No. 1, 2005

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Original Article

The Short-Term Effects of Physical Therapy in Different Intensities of Urodynamic Stress Incontinence
Akbayrak Turkan^a, Yuksel Inci^a, Demirturk Fazli^b

^aHacettepe University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara, and
^bGaziosmanpasa University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokat, Turkey

Address of Corresponding Author

Gynecol Obstet Invest 2005;59:43-48 (DOI: 10.1159/000081133)

Key Words

Urodynamic stress incontinence
Interferential current
Kegel exercises

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the short-term effects of a physical therapy program in patients with different intensities of urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (USI). Subjects and Methods: 48 patients with USI were assigned to three groups according to the intensity of their incontinence: group I: 0-2 g (n = 17), group II (mild intensity: >2-10 g, n = 16) and group III (moderate intensity: >10 g, n = 15) as determined by the 1-hour pad test. A physical therapy program composed of Kegel exercises and interferential current was applied to all patients for duration of 5 weeks, with a total of 15 sessions. The number of pads used a day, frequency of voiding (times/day), amount of urinary leakage according to the 1-hour pad test (mg), severity of complaint (as centimeters on visual analogue scale) and pelvic floor muscle strength (cm Hg) were evaluated. Pre-treatment and post-treatment values of these data were compared in each group and among groups. Results: Analyses of the data indicated that the number of pads used a day, frequency of voiding and amount of urinary leakage decreased and pelvic floor muscle strength increased significantly in each group (p < 0.05). Cure in USI was found in 88% of subjects in group I and 18% of subjects in group II (mild intensity). None of the patients in group III (moderate intensity) showed a cure effect. Conclusion: This physical therapy program was found to be more effective in mild and moderate intensities than severe USI.

Author Contacts

Turkan Akbayrak
Hacettepe University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Samanpazar inodot
TR-06100 Ankara (Turkey)
Tel. +90 312 305 25 28, Fax +90 312 324 38 47, E-Mail takbayrak@yahoo.com

Article Information

Received: July 5, 2002
Accepted after revision: May 27, 2004
Published online: September 29, 2004
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 6, Number of References : 37

Medline Abstract (ID 15459518)

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