2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (35): 5693-5699

Therapeutic effect of Rod Tuina combined with electrical stimulation biofeedback on stress urinary incontinence in adult women: changes in surface electromyography values of pelvic floor muscles

Wang Tiegang1, 2, Pan Lina2, Wang Hai2, Yang Tiansong3, Sun Zhongren1   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rod Tuina is an effective treatment for stress urinary incontinence. However, the combination of Rod Tuina and electrical stimulation biofeedback therapy has not been reported.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Rod Tuina combined with electrical stimulation biofeedback therapy in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in adult women.
METHODS: A total of 72 female patients with urinary incontinence diagnosed in the Female Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic of Daqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2021 to September 2021 were enrolled. These patients were randomly divided into treatment group (n=36) and control group (n=36). Patients in the treatment group received the combined therapy of Rod Tuina and electrical stimulation biofeedback, while those in the control group received electrical stimulation biofeedback only. Treatment in each group lasted for 20 days. Surface electromyography of pelvic floor muscles, 1-hour pad test, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), and modified Oxford muscle strength test were conducted before and after treatment. The changes of above observation indexes before and 20 days after treatment were compared between groups to evaluate the condition and efficacy of the patients. Follow-ups were conducted at 6 and 12 weeks after the course of treatment.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After 20 days of treatment, surface electromyography, 1-hour pad test, ICIQ-UI SF score and Oxford muscle strength classification were improved in both groups, and the improvement was more significant in the treatment group than the control group (P < 0.05). After the treatment course, the total effective rate in the treatment group (92%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (67%; P < 0.05). Follow-up results indicated that the ICIQ-UI SF score was significantly better in the treatment group than the control group (P < 0.05). To conclude, Rod Tuina combined with electrical stimulation biofeedback therapy can effectively reduce the frequency and severity of urinary incontinence, promote the strength of pelvic floor muscles, and improve the pelvic floor function. Moreover, Rod Tuina combined with electrical stimulation biofeedback therapy can also improve the accompanying symptoms of stress urinary incontinence and maintain a longer therapeutic effect. In addition, neuromuscular electrophysiological indicators that are more objective have been introduced to evaluate the curative effect. Rod Tuina combined with electrical stimulation biofeedback as a treatment plan of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine has certain in-depth research and promotion values.
Key words: stress urinary incontinence, Rod Tuina, internal strength massage, electrostimulation biofeedback, pelvic floor muscle