ORIGINAL PAPER
Effect of low level laser on pelvic floor muscles and fascia in cases of stress urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial
 
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1
Cairo University Hospitals, Kasr Al Aini, Giza, Egypt
 
2
Department of Physical Therapy for Women’s Health, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
 
3
Genitourinary Imaging Unit, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
 
4
Urology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
 
5
Department of Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
 
 
Submission date: 2020-04-04
 
 
Acceptance date: 2020-06-18
 
 
Publication date: 2021-11-30
 
 
Physiother Quart. 2021;29(4):22-27
 
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The 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.

Methods:
The 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.

Results:
The statistical analysis indicated a significant increase in pelvic floor muscle strength (p < 0.05), a significant improvement of the grade muscle test of pelvic floor muscles (p < 0.05), and a significant reduction of Revised Urinary Incontinence Scale score (p < 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.

Conclusions:
Low level laser may be an effective intervention in treating stress urinary incontinence and improving pelvic floor muscle strength and fascia.

 
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