Effects of acupuncture and pelvic floor muscle training on bladder dysfunction after spinal cord injury: A meta-analysis

Medicine, 2023 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000033048 · Published: March 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effectiveness of acupuncture and pelvic floor muscle training in treating bladder dysfunction following spinal cord injury. The meta-analysis included 20 studies with a total of 1468 patients, examining the impact of these therapies on bladder function recovery. The findings suggest that both acupuncture and pelvic floor muscle exercises are effective in improving bladder function in individuals with spinal nerve injury.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

1468 (734 in control, 734 in experimental) with bladder dysfunction caused by spinal cord nerve injury

Evidence Level

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Key Findings

1
Acupuncture treatment showed a statistically significant positive effect on bladder dysfunction rehabilitation after spinal cord injury.
2
Pelvic floor muscle treatment also demonstrated a statistically significant positive effect on bladder dysfunction rehabilitation after spinal cord injury.
3
The meta-analysis provides evidence supporting the use of acupuncture and pelvic floor muscle training as effective interventions for bladder dysfunction following spinal cord injury.

Research Summary

This meta-analysis assessed the effects of acupuncture and pelvic floor muscle training on bladder dysfunction (BD) after spinal cord injury (SCI). The study included 20 randomized controlled trials, with a total of 1468 participants, to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. The results indicate that both acupuncture and pelvic floor muscle training are effective treatment methods for the rehabilitation of bladder dysfunction following spinal nerve injury.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Acupuncture and pelvic floor muscle training can be integrated into clinical practice as effective interventions for managing bladder dysfunction after spinal cord injury.

Rehabilitation Programs

Rehabilitation programs for individuals with spinal cord injury should incorporate acupuncture and pelvic floor muscle training to improve bladder function and quality of life.

Future Research

Future research should focus on combining acupuncture and pelvic floor muscle training to explore potential synergistic effects in treating bladder dysfunction after spinal cord injury.

Study Limitations

1
The number of studies on urinary control treatment for BD after SCI is limited, requiring more extensive medical research.
2
The scientific guiding theory, preciseness of clinical experiments, and standardization of operation methods need improvement.
3
Only Chinese and English studies were included, potentially limiting the comprehensiveness of the results due to the exclusion of studies in other languages.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Urology