Effects of external neuromuscular electrical stimulation in women with urgency urinary incontinence: a randomized sham-controlled study

Background and Purpose The present study aims to investigate the effects of external neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on urinary symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS), quality of life (QoL), sexual function, perception of subjective improvement (PSI), and satisfaction in urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). Materials and Methods The randomized sham-controlled study design was employed in this study. Women aged 18-65 years, who were diagnosed with UUI, were randomly allocated into the NMES (external NMES + lifestyle advice, n = 15) and sham groups (sham NMES + lifestyle advice, n = 15). Both groups performed the application for 30 min, three days a week for eight weeks. Urinary symptoms were evaluated by using the International Incontinence Consultation Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and a 3-day bladder diary. PFMS was assessed using the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS), QoL using the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), and sexual function using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12). The PSI and satisfaction were questioned. Results There was a higher level of decrease in the ICIQ-SF score, the mean number of voids/night and UI, all scores related to the KHQ (excluding interpersonal relationships), and a higher level of increase in maximum voiding volume, MOS scores, PISQ-12-emotional, PISQ-12-physical, and PISQ-12-total scores in the NMES group when compared to the sham group (p < 0.05). PSI and satisfaction were at higher levels in the NMES group than in the sham group (p < 0.05). Conclusions External NMES was an effective and complementary method in reducing urinary symptoms and improving PFMS, QoL, sexual function, PSI, and satisfaction level in women with UUI