A pilot study of electromagnetic therapy versus biofeedback-based pelvic floor muscle training for pelvic organ prolapse: A mixed-methods approach.
Kuan-Yin Lin, Li-Ying Wang, Pei-Chi Wu et al.
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In 30 seconds
This mixed-methods pilot randomised trial compared high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) therapy, supervised pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with biofeedback and/or electrostimulation, and usual care in women aged over 20 years with stage I–III pelvic organ prolapse. Among 28 completers, HIFEM improved pelvic floor muscle endurance versus usual care (p = 0.001); PFMT improved strength, endurance, and rapid contractions. Only HIFEM showed significant improvements in prolapse symptom severity (p = 0.015) and pelvic floor distress (p = 0.041). No serious adverse events were reported, and the authors caution that the small sample limits comparative conclusions.
Key findings
- HIFEM improved pelvic floor muscle endurance compared with usual care (p = 0.001).
- PFMT improved muscle strength (p = 0.034), endurance (p = 0.023), and rapid contractions (p = 0.019).
- Only HIFEM showed significant improvement in prolapse symptom severity (p = 0.015) and pelvic floor distress (p = 0.041).
- No serious adverse events were reported; satisfaction was highest with HIFEM at 100%.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that both electromagnetic therapy and supervised PFMT may affect pelvic floor function, while symptom and distress improvements were observed only in the HIFEM group in this pilot. The comparison is clinically relevant because it evaluates non-surgical approaches alongside usual care, but the small study cannot establish that one intervention is superior or confirm the observed benefits.
What to keep in mind
Only 28 women completed the pilot, limiting the reliability of comparative efficacy conclusions; the authors call for larger studies.