Second-generation Radiofrequency Application and Therapeutic Exercise for Stress Urinary Incontinence

Summary

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is defined as the loss of the ability to hold urine after exertion, i.e., as a result of imbalances in intra-abdominal pressure, which directly affect the lower urinary tract. SUI has been shown to have a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected, impacting physical, social, and psycho-emotional aspects. Among the proposed treatments is a physiotherapeutic approach, which is offered as a less invasive and painless therapy with fewer adverse effects than pharmacological or surgical treatment. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is the most effective physiotherapeutic treatment for SUI, increasing the contractile capacity of the muscles and restoring stability throughout the pelvic diaphragm, thereby ensuring proper support of the pelvic organs. Radiofrequency (RF) therapy is currently being proposed as a therapeutic option that may offer certain advantages over those reported for photoplethysmography (PPMT). The potential benefits of RF therapy are attributed to its ability to stimulate collagen metabolism, thereby promoting tissue regeneration. Radiofrequency (RF) is a non-invasive and painless method that has the potential to yield analogous results to pelvic physical therapy (PPMT) as a standalone treatment or enhance the efficacy of PPMT when administered in conjunction with RF for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

The objective of the present study is to analyse the effectiveness of PFMT and RF as single or combined treatments for SUI in women at Clínica Traña, a clinic specialising in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction in Costa Rica. Following the process of obtaining informed consent, patients will be offered a single or combined treatment of RF and/or PFMT. The strength of the pelvic floor muscles, pelvic function and the impact of pelvic dysfunctions on quality of life will be evaluated with a one-year follow-up after the conclusion of treatment.

The project possesses the facilities, equipment, and personnel necessary to ensure its viability, as well as proven clinical experience.

The scientific and technical impact of the proposed treatment protocol will be achieved by establishing an effective therapeutic strategy to address SUI. The social impact of SUI is significant, given its high prevalence and the fact that it has physical consequences as well as a negative impact on the social activities, work functions and emotions of women who suffer from it.

Conditions

• Stress Urinary Incontinence

Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Short International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-SF)

This is a self-administered questionnaire with four questions and a total score ranging from 0 \[best\] to 21 \[worst\] that identifies people with urinary incontinence and its impact on quality of life.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ)

The KHQ is a self-administered instrument specifically designed to assess quality of life in women with UI. It consists of 21 items distributed across 9 dimensions: perception of overall health (1 item), impact of UI (1 item), limitations in daily activities (2 items), physical limitations (2 items), social limitations (2 items), personal relationships (3 items), emotions (3 items), sleep/energy (2 items), and severity of UI (5 items). The score range for each dimension is from 0 (lowest impact of UI and therefore best quality of life) to 100 (highest impact, worst quality of life). This questionnaire provides an overall value for the quality of life of the patient with UI (Overall Score-OS) and another specific value for each dimension on a scale with the following range: 0: Best possible quality of life - 100: Worst possible quality of life.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Ultrasound evaluation

A two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound system with B-mode capability and cine-loop function, a 3.5 to 6 MHz curved convex probe transducer, was used for the perineal image. The examination will be performed in the dorsal lithotomy position, with the hips flexed and slightly abducted and the heels placed close to the buttocks, or in a standing position if necessary.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Sandvik Severity Index

It allows the severity of UI to be determined based on two questions. Interpretation based on the score is classified as follows: 1-2 mild UI, 3-6 moderate UI, 8-9 severe UI, 12 very severe UI.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Oxford's scale

The strength of the Pelvic floor muscles will be evaluated digitally using functional ultrasound and classified according to the Oxford scale.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Biofeedback

Muscular (mmHg) and static strength (seconds); Fatigability or Dynamic Endurance (% and cmH₂O)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cardenal Herrera University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

FACTORIAL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-08-01

Primary Completion

2025-08-20

Completion

2025-09-30

Countries

• Spain

Study Locations