Evaluation of a new management approach using a mobile application in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women

Abstract

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is effective in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate a new management approach involving the use of a mobile application (app) along with standard pelvic floor physiotherapy. The study included 30 female participants with SUI who were aged between 30 and 60 years. The women in the intervention group performed exercises at home using an app connected to an intravaginal probe. Those in the control group performed the same exercises using paper-based instructions. The period of the intervention was 3 months, and five parameters were analysed: adherence, compliance, SUI symptoms, pelvic floor functionality and quality of life (QOL). All participants received physiotherapy sessions in parallel with PFMT. The intervention group showed improvements in incontinence symptoms (P = 0.002), QOL (P = 0.003) and pelvic floor functionality over the course of treatment. Improvements in symptoms (P = 0.021), QOL (P = 0.008), and the strength and speed of contractions were observed in the control group. Intergroup tests only identified a significant difference for the PERFECT speed parameter (P = 0.011). A decrease in motivation was noted in both groups. This study did not show that an app connected to a probe was superior to paper-based instructions for PFMT. However, it did confirm that a home exercise programme combined with physiotherapy has a positive impact on SUI symptoms and QOL.