Authors (including presenting author) :
Fung HWK(1), Chung MK(1), Kam SW(1), Siu HKE(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Physiotherapy Department, Prince of Wales Hospital
Introduction :
Male incontinence significantly affects quality of life, leading to physical, psychological, and social challenges. The Super Inductive System (SIS) offers a promising physiotherapeutic approach for various forms of male urinary incontinence, including urge, stress, and mixed types. This study investigates SIS's efficacy in enhancing pelvic floor muscle strength and control among male patients in an outpatient setting. By utilizing electromagnetic stimulation, SIS targets pelvic floor muscles to promote contraction and improve urinary control, serving as a non-invasive alternative to traditional treatments.
Objectives :
The primary objectives are to evaluate SIS's effectiveness in treating male urinary incontinence by:
• Strengthening pelvic floor muscles for improved control.
• Reducing the frequency and severity of incontinence episodes.
• Enhancing patients' ability to manage urination effectively.
• Improving quality of life and self-confidence related to urinary control.
This study aims to provide evidence-based support for SIS as a viable treatment option.
Methodology :
This pilot case series recruited four male patients diagnosed with various urinary incontinence types. Participants were screened for contraindications before enrollment. The intervention involved six sessions over six weeks, where participants received SIS treatment tailored to their incontinence type alongside standard pelvic floor exercises. Each session included comfortable positioning on a treatment chair with electrodes applied to the pelvic floor muscles. Outcome measures included assessments using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), Overactive Bladder Symptoms Score (OABSS), bladder diary tracking voiding patterns, Numeric Global Rating of Change Scale (NGRCS), and Pelvic Floor Muscle Contraction Scale. These measures were evaluated at baseline and post-treatment.
Result & Outcome :
Results indicated improvements for male patients treated with SIS. Average ICIQ-UI scores decreased from 12.5 to 11.5; however, this change did not reach the Minimum Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of 4.0. OABSS scores improved from 9.0 to 6.5 but also fell short of the MCID of 3.0. NGRCS indicated moderate perceived improvement at an average score of 3.25 post-treatment. The Pelvic Floor Muscle Contraction Scale increased from 3.25 to 3.75, reflecting enhanced muscle strength and control. Voiding frequency decreased from 9.375 to 8.25 times per day, while leakage frequency improved from 2 episodes per day to approximately 1.25 episodes per day.
While SIS treatment led to measurable improvements in urinary symptoms and pelvic floor function, changes did not meet clinically meaningful thresholds according to MCIDs. This pilot study underscores the need for further research with larger samples to validate findings and enhance treatment efficacy for male urinary incontinence patients.
