How to report electrotherapy parameters and procedures for pelvic floor dysfunction

• Published in: International Urogynecology Journal Vol. 29; no. 12; pp. 1747 - 1755
• Main Authors: Barbosa, Angélica Mércia Pascon, Parizotto, Nivaldo Antonio, Pedroni, Cristiane Rodrigues, Avila, Mariana Arias, Liebano, Richard Eloin, Driusso, Patricia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Springer London 01.12.2018; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Clinical Opinion; Electric Stimulation Therapy - standards; Gynecology; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Pelvic Floor Disorders - therapy; Researchers; Urology; Electrodes; Electric stimulation therapy; Pelvic floor disorders; Parameters; Consensus
• ISSN: 0937-3462; 1433-3023
• DOI: 10.1007/s00192-018-3743-y

Electrical stimulation is widely used for pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions (PFMDs), but studies are not always clear about the parameters used, jeopardizing their reproduction. As such, this study aimed to be a reference for researchers and clinicians when using electrical stimulation for PFMD. This report was designed by experts on electrophysical agents and PFMD who determined all basic parameters that should be described. The terms were selected from the Medical Subject Headings database of controlled vocabulary. An extensive process of systematic searching of databases was performed, after which experts met and discussed on the main findings, and a consensus was achieved. Electrical stimulation parameters were described, including the physiological meaning and clinical relevance of each parameter. Also, a description of patient and electrode positioning was added. A consensus-based guideline on how to report electrical stimulation parameters for PFMD treatment was developed to help both clinicians and researchers.