Pelvic floor training with or without electrotherapy in the treatment of detrusor overactivity symptoms in women with multiple sclerosis e myelopathy associated with HTLV-I (HAM/TSP): a randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common of demyelinating diseases, characterized by multiple demyelination plaques in white brain and spinal cord. Myelopathy associated with HTLV-I (HAM/TSP) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease whose immune response is exacerbated. Objective: To evaluate the effect of electrotherapy in the pelvic floor muscles (MAP) on the symptoms of overactive bladder in women with MS and HTLV-1. Methods: Randomized, controlled clinical trial with 4 months of follow-up, in which 20 women in the moderate stage of MS or HTLV-1 performed a MAP training program associated or not with electrotherapy. The variables analyzed were: overactive bladder, validated OAB v8 questionnaire, perineal contraction by PERFECT scheme, and quality of life index using the Qualiveen questionnaire. Divided into two groups, control group (G2) and treatment group (G1) who underwent a MAP training protocol, performed twice a week for 20 sessions and after this time period all the women were re-evaluated. Results: Under initial homogeneity observed in the personal and clinical variables, the protocol to which the treatment group (G1) was submitted resulted in the improvement of the voluntary contraction (p = 0.001), stress test (p ≤ 0.001), pudendo-anal reflex (p ≤ 0.001), contraction force (p ≤ 0.001), sustentation (p ≤ 0.001), rapid contractions (p ≤ 0.001), slow contractions (p ≤ 0.001) and symptoms of overactive bladder (p ≤ 0.001) compared to the initial controle. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of MAP strengthening exercises followed by a physiotherapist and the use of medium frequency electrotherapy currents for the treatment of BH in multiple sclerosis and HTLV-1 associated myelopathy. Conclusion: The protocol of electrostimulation was beneficial in patients with MS and HTLV-1, promoting improvement of overactive bladder and degree of perineal contraction. (AU)