Electroacupuntura frente al entrenamiento muscular del suelo pélvico para la incontinencia urinaria en mujeres. Un análisis retrospectivo

Introduction and objectives

Urinary incontinence is highly prevalent. The problem is not always solved with medication and/or surgery and they are not without side effects, which has led to the use of acupuncture for the condition. We compare electroacupuncture with pelvic floor muscle training in women with urinary incontinence.

Methods

This is a retrospective, randomised study of 71 women with urinary incontinence and 2 groups: 37 women received electroacupuncture at R 7 points plus pelvic floor muscle training, and another group of 34 women received only pelvic floor muscle training. Electroacupuncture was performed in one session per week for 12 weeks. All participants performed the exercises at home after prior training. Follow-up was conducted over 1 year. Efficacy was assessed using the Spanish versions of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form and the Bladder Control Self-Assessment Questionnaire. The questionnaires were conducted at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. The safety of electroacupuncture was also assessed.

Results

The reduced score in both questionnaires was clinically and statistically more significant in the electroacupuncture group.

Discussion

Electroacupuncture at the R 7 point was identified as more effective than pelvic floor muscle training in women with urinary incontinence, and with very few side effects.