Publications
Bio-Physics Approach to Urinary Incontinence Disabilities
Authors: Loris Prosperi 1, Giovanni Barassi 2, Maurizio Panunzio 2, Raffaello Pellegrino 3, Celeste Marinucci 1, Antonella Di Iulio 4, Antonio Colombo 2, Marco Licameli 2, Antonio Moccia 2, Mario Melchionna 2
Affiliations:
- Center for Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation and Re-Education (Ce.Fi.R.R.), Venue “G.d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation and Re-Education (Ce.Fi.R.R.), Venue Gemelli Molise Spa, Professionalization Didactic Center, “Catholic” University of Rome/Campobasso, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
- Department of Scientific Research, Campus Ludes, Off-Campus Semmelweis University, 6912 Lugano, Switzerland
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, “Santo Spirito” Civil Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy
Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - October 2022, Volume 19, Issue 19, Article no. 12612 (DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912612)
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Field & Applications:
- Medical
- Women's health
- Musculoskeletal disorder
- Treatment evaluation
- Neuromuscular manual therapy
Background: The terminology of urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic floor dysfunctions is complex. It affects quality of life and daily activities in personal, social, and professional fields. Managing UI without pharmacologic therapies is effective with a low risk of adverse effects and a large benefit for increasing continence rates. The aim of this preliminary retrospective observational study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the association between manual therapy and focused mechano-acoustic vibrations in women with nonspecific UI.
Materials and methods: A group of 15 incontinent women (mean age 59.5 ± 11.4), referred to the Physiotherapy Center, Rehabilitation and Re-education (Ce.Fi.R.R.), located at the University “Gabriele d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara from January 2019 December 2021, were enrolled after medical examination. The women were evaluated at T0 (admission protocol), T1 (after 8 weeks), and T2 (after 12 weeks). All patients received the rehabilitation protocol twice a week for a total of 8 weeks (T1) and were reevaluated after 12 weeks (T2). Outcome measures were: the Pelvic Floor Disability Index, the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7, and the MyotonPRO.
Results: The analysis of MyotonPRO data showed no significant improvements in all parameters. The PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 questionnaire results showed a significant reduction in scores between T0 and T2.Results over time of the ANOVA values confirming the significant differences in the PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 questionnaire results but not in the MyotonPRO variables.
Conclusions: Despite limitations and no significant results, this study demonstrated that the integration of manual and focused mechano-acoustic vibrations therapy improved the symptoms of UI and reduced its psychosocial impact. Further experience could be required to establish the place of this integrated approach in achieving long-term improvements in UI.
Keywords: focused mechano-acoustic vibration therapy, neuromuscular manual therapy, pelvic floor muscles,urinary incontinence
Despite limitations and nonsignificant results, this study demonstrated that the integration of manual and VISS therapy improved the symptoms of UI and reduced its psycho-social impact. Further experience could be necessary to determine the protocol of an integrated approach to achieve and keep the quality of life and functionality of the pelvic floor system in women who suffer from UI.