Η τηλεαποκατάσταση ως νέα μέθοδος αποκατάστασης της ακράτειας ούρων στις γυναίκες. Ανασκόπηση βιβλιογραφίας

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation in the treatment of women with urinary incontinence. Method: A literature review was performed through PubMed and PEDro electronic databases. The included randomized controlled trials were retrieved in English, in full-text and were conducted over the last 10 years. The evaluation of the methodological quality of the included studies was carried out using the PEDro scale. Results: Five eligible studies were retrieved,which ranged from 3 (low quality) to 7 (high quality) to 10 (mean±SD:5,4±1.35) in the PEDro scale. Studies showed heterogeneity in the type and method of tele-rehabilitation (via mobile applications, internet sites) as well as in the pelvic floor muscle exercise protocols that they used.All studies concluded that tele-rehabilitation is an effective method for women with urinary incontinence in both, short term (at 3 months) and long-term (at 2 years). Conclusions: The growing use of the internet is creating a new horizon in the rehabilitation of women with urinary incontinence. Τherefore, tele-rehabilitation, seems to be effective in pelvic floor exercises for incontinence problems, allowing new and effective ways of communication between patient and therapist. However, physiotherapy supervision still plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process. Further research is needed on the most effective method and duration of a tele-rehabilitation program, as well as on the optimal mode of physiotherapy supervision.