The Effect of Medium-Intensity Electromagnetic Stimulation on Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity in a Young Woman—A Case Report

Abstract

Aims: In recent years, devices for deep electromagnetic stimulation have been implemented in clinical practice. These devices generate pulses with a frequency of 1 to 50 Hz and magnetic induction of up to 2.5 T. Due to the possibility of producing or an effective deep-penetrating mechanical vibration, electromagnetic stimulation is increasingly used in the physiotherapy of urogynecological disorders. This study aimed to analyse of the effect of deep electromagnetic stimulation on the bioelectrical activity of pelvic floor muscles in a young woman. Case report: The case of a 24-year-old woman with no diagnosed stress urinary incontinence is presented. The subject underwent electromagnetic stimulation twice a week for one month (8 treatments). A single treatment lasted 15 minutes and used a magnetic induction of 1.0 T and a frequency that varied in each successive treatment to 50 Hz. The bioelectrical activity of the pelvic floor muscles was measured before and after the study period. After completion of the treatment series, a decrease in muscle tone was found. Summary: In the case of a young woman without symptoms of stress urinary incontinence, electromagnetic stimulation (with the parameters specified in the present study) was not effective for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Further clinical studies should be conducted to determine the appropriate management algorithm.