Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Gynecology and Obstetrics

Background:Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is a common gynecologic problem that has a substantial negative effect on women, their lives and their communities.Objectives: To determine the effect of laser acupuncture on pelvic floor muscle strength, SUI severity and its impact on quality of life in female SUI. Subjects: Thirty women with SUI were randomly divided into two equal groups; the study group received laser acupuncture on neurogenic acupoints plus pelvic floor muscle training for 6 weeks (n=15), while the control group received only pelvic floor muscle training for 6 weeks (n=15). Methods: Women were assessed pre- and post-treatment by XFT-0010 Pelvic Muscle Trainer device which assessed pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS), Severity Index (SI) for urinary incontinence which assessed SUI severity, and by International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-SF) which assessed SUI impact on the quality of life. Results: Comparing both groups post-treatment revealed that there was a significant improvement in PFMS, and significant reductions in scores of SI for urinary incontinence and ICIQ-SF (p<0.05). Conclusion: The neuromodulation effect of laser therapy on neurogenic acupoints increases significantly the pelvic floor muscle strength and decreases significantly both SUI severity and impact on quality of life in females with SUI

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