Electrical stimulation as a treatment for stress incontinence.

Much research has been conducted into the use of electrical stimulation to restore function in weak/atrophied muscle and it is used widely in the field of muscle rehabilitation. As stress incontinence is a condition which is the result of pelvic floor muscle weakness, it is thought that the symptoms of this condition may be alleviated once the strength and endurance characteristics of this muscle group have been improved. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of various types of electrical stimulation, although definitive conclusions have yet to be drawn. Current forms of electrical stimulation for stress incontinence involve the use of uniform frequencies. In animal studies this type of stimulation has been shown to have drawbacks that are unacceptable when trying to rehabilitate muscle. Consequently, there is a need to develop more physiological patterns of stimulation that will enhance both strength and endurance characteristics without causing premature fatigue.