Pelvic-floor relaxation techniques using biofeedback – more effective therapy for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Abstract

Objective: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is characterized by pelvic pain and voiding symptoms, the management of which is challenging. The present study was designed to assess the efficacy of biofeedback and pelvic-floor relaxation treatment for CP/CPPS. Methods: A total of 84 patients diagnosed with CP/CPPS were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: conventional therapy (group A) and pelvic-floor muscle relaxation and biofeedback (group B). The Biofeedback and Electrical Stimulation apparatus was used for pelvic-floor muscle electrical stimulation and relaxation with biofeedback. National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) scores were evaluated at the start of therapy, after 3 months of treatment and at 6 months (3 months after last treatment received). Results: At 3 months, patients in both groups had a significant decrease (improvement in symptoms) in NIH-CPSI scoring. However, at 6 months, only 19 (47.5%) patients in group A maintained a fall in NIH-CPSI score >6 compared with 37 (94.8%) patients in group B (p<0.05). At 6 months, there was significant decrease in NIH-CPSI score in group B, whereas in group A, scores had increased (worsening of symptoms). Conclusions: Pelvic-floor muscle relaxation and biofeedback training is a safe and effective treatment for CP/CPPS with sustained efficacy.