Effect of low level laser on pelvic floor muscles and fascia in cases of stress urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to determine the effect of low level laser applied for 3 months, 2 sessions per week, on pelvic floor muscles and fascia compared with a pelvic floor exercise program in patients with stress urinary incontinence.MethodsThe randomized controlled trial involved 30 patients with stress urinary incontinence and with pelvic floor muscle strength not less than grade 1 on the Oxford scale. They were assigned to 2 equal groups. The experimental group received low level laser for 15 minutes and a pelvic floor muscle exercise program for 30 minutes, 2 sessions per week, for 12 weeks; the control group only received the pelvic floor muscle exercise program for 30 minutes, 2 sessions per week, for 12 weeks. The pelvic floor muscles were evaluated before and after treatment with a Neen Peritone perineometer and the Modified Oxford Grading Scale. The Revised Urinary Incontinence Scale served to assess incontinence severity before and after treatment.ResultsThe statistical analysis indicated a significant increase in pelvic floor muscle strength (<i>p</i> < 0.05), a significant improvement of the grade muscle test of pelvic floor muscles (<i>p</i> < 0.05), and a significant reduction of Revised Urinary Incontinence Scale score (<i>p</i> < 0.05) after treatment compared with pre-treatment status in both groups. Also, there was a significant improvement in all dependent variables in favour of the experimental group.ConclusionsLow level laser may be an effective intervention in treating stress urinary incontinence and improving pelvic floor muscle strength and fascia.