Article

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of two
frequencies of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on urinary
incontinence caused by stroke. METHODS: Eighty-one patients with poststroke
urinary incontinence were recruited and randomized into the following three
groups with a 1:1 ratio: a 20-Hz TENS group, a 75-Hz TENS group, and a
no-treatment control group (n = 27 per group). TENS currents were biphasic square
waves with pulse durations of 150 musecs and pulse frequencies of 20 Hz or 75 Hz
and were applied for 30 mins once per day for 90 days. The positive electrodes
were placed in the region of the second sacral level on opposite sides of the
vertebral column; the negative electrodes were placed on the inside of the middle
and lower third of the junction between the posterior superior iliac spine and
the ischial node. Overactive Bladder Symptom Scores, Barthel Index, urodynamic
values, and voiding diary parameters were assessed before and after 90 days.
RESULTS: The patients treated with 20 Hz had superior Overactive Bladder Symptom
Scores, Barthel Index totals, urodynamic values, and voiding diary parameters (P
< 0.05). In the 75-Hz group, values were statistically improved compared with the
no-treatment group (P < 0.05), but the results were significantly inferior to
those of the 20-Hz group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
Twenty-hertz TENS improved
incontinence symptoms and promoted activities of daily living better than 75-Hz
TENS. These results will aid future research regarding TENS parameters.

Langue : ANGLAIS