Abstract:

Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on urge urinary incontinence after stroke.
Methods From May, 2015 to May, 2018, 40 patients with urge urinary incontinence after stroke were randomly divided into control group (n = 20) and electroacupuncture group (n = 20). Both groups accepted routine rehabilitation, while the electroacupuncture group accepted electroacupuncture at Zhongji (CV3) and Guanyuan (CV4) in addition, for four weeks. They recorded the urination log (72 hours), and were assessed with Incontinence Scale, and tested with urodynamics before and after treatment.
Results There were 17 cases in the control group and 18 in the electroacupuncture group finishing the trial. The total number of urination, the number of urge incontinence and the number of calls for urination carer at night decreased, the average volume of urine increased, and the score of Incontinence Scale decreased (|t| > 4.770, P < 0.001) in both groups, which were better in the electroacupuncture group than in the control group (| t| > 2.962, P < 0.01). The maximum cystometric bladder capacity and bladder compliance increased in both groups, while the maximum bladder pressure and maximum detrusor pressure decreased after treatment (| t| > 4.052, P < 0.001), which were better in the electroacupuncture group than in the control group (| t| > 2.716, P < 0.05).
Conclusion Electroacupuncture at Zhongji and Guanyuan is effective on urge urinary incontinence, which relates with reducing detrusor and bladder pressure, increasing bladder volume, and improving bladder compliance.

Key words: stroke, urge urinary incontinence, electroacupuncture, urodynamics