Sono-Electro-Magnetic Therapy for Treating Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome in Men: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial

PLoS ONE, 2014 · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113368 · Published: December 29, 2014

Simple Explanation

This study investigated a new therapy called sono-electro-magnetic therapy for men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) that hasn't responded to other treatments. The study compared this new therapy to a placebo (inactive treatment) to see if it could reduce symptoms. The results showed that the therapy didn't significantly improve symptoms in the overall group, but a subgroup of men with shorter symptom duration (less than 12 months) seemed to benefit.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

60 male patients with refractory CPPS

Evidence Level

Level 1: Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial

Key Findings

1
Sono-electro-magnetic therapy did not result in a significant improvement of symptoms in the overall cohort of treatment refractory CPPS patients compared to placebo treatment.
2
In secondary comparisons of NIH-CPSI sub-scores, we found differences between groups most pronounced for the quality-of-life sub-score.
3
The benefit of the active device appeared more pronounced in patients who had a symptom duration of 12 months or less.

Research Summary

The primary outcome was the between-group difference in the change of total NIH-CPSI score from baseline to 12 weeks. The observed difference of 3 points corresponds to an effect size of 0.5 to 0.6 standard deviations and is likely to be clinically relevant despite its lack of statistical significance. Subgroup analysis indicates, however, that patients with a symptom-duration of 12 months or less may benefit from sono-electro-magnetic therapy, warranting larger randomized controlled trials in this subpopulation.

Practical Implications

Further Research

A larger trial of similar design is required to confirm or refute our preliminary results, particularly in patients with symptom duration of 12 months or less.

Treatment Timing

The significant interaction with duration of symptoms suggests that patients should be treated early in the course of the disease.

Future Guidelines

There are as yet no treatment standards for neuromodulation therapy, and no guidelines for therapeutic and maintenance regimens, and these must be developed through further research and testing.

Sono-Electro-Magnetic Therapy for Treating Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome in Men: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Further Research

Treatment Timing

Future Guidelines

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Sono-Electro-Magnetic Therapy for Treating Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome in Men: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Further Research

Treatment Timing

Future Guidelines

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?