Repetitive peripheral muscle stimulation vs. pelvic floor muscle training: Comparison of two approaches to incontinence treatment

Abstract

Background: Although there are various measures for the prevention, treatment, and management of urinary incontinence (UI), absorbing aids (and only scant continence-promoting measures) are primarily used in nursing homes in Austria. Repetitive peripheral muscle stimulation (RPMS) is already used as a common method for the treatment and prevention of incontinence in the outpatient setting and is an effective alternative compared to the usual incontinence treatments. However, there are no empirical data as yet on the effect of RPMS in nursing home residents. Aim: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate and compare two forms of UI treatment: RPMS and pelvic floor muscle exercises. Material and methods: To this end, a non-equivalent control group design was used. For the purposes of data collection, standardized instruments were used at three points of measurement. The sample consisted of 112 people from 22 institutions. Results: The severity of UI showed a trend, albeit non-significant, toward improvement in both groups. However, a greater increase in quality of life and subjective satisfaction with treatment was observed in the RPMS group compared with the pelvic floor group. Conclusion: Pelvic floor muscle exercises carried out in a consistent and well-guided manner show similar effects compared with technology-assisted therapies. While pelvic floor muscle exercises are feasible in only a small proportion of nursing home residents, RPMS training could be a useful adjunct to conservative incontinence treatment and is also suitable for cognitively impaired individuals. As such, a larger number of elderly individuals could gain access to an appropriate and effective incontinence therapy.