Surface functional electrical stimulation combined with electroacupuncture in treating neurogenic bladder after the spinal cord injury

Abstract

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of surface functional electrical stimulation combined with electroacupuncture on neurogenic bladder after the spinal cord injury. Methods Forty cases of neurogenic bladder after the spinal cord injury were randomly divided into a control group (n=20) and a combination group (n=20). The combination group was treated with surface functional electrical stimulation combined with electroacupuncture on the basis of internal urethral catheterization, while the control group was treated with surface functional electrical stimulation on the basis of internal urethral catheterization. The bladder urination was tested using urodynamic study before and after two months of treatment. Results There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the average maximum bladder capacity, detrusor pressure at filling time, maximal urethral closure pressure, maximum urine flow rate and residual urine volume before the treatment. After the treatment, however, the average maximum bladder capacity, maximal urethral closure pressure and maximum urine flow rate in the combination group were significantly higher than those of the control group, while the average detrusor pressure at filling time and the residual urine volume of the combination group were significantly lower than the control group. Conclusion Surface functional electrical stimulation combined with electroacupuncture could remarkably improve bladder function of patients with the neurogenic bladder after the spinal cord injury. Key words: Surface functional electrical stimulation; Electroacupuncture; Urodynamic study; Neurogenic bladder