Abstract: Objective To compare the effects of 2 kinds of frequency of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on urinary incontinence after stroke. Methods 81 patients with post-stroke urinary incontinence were randomized into group A (n=27), group B (n=27) and group C (n=27), who accepted TENS (biphasic square waves with pulse durations of 150 μs) in 20 Hz, 75 Hz and medcine only, respectively, for 90 days. They were assessed with Overactive Bladder Symptom Scores (OABSS), Barthel Index (BI), and voiding diary before and after treatment. Results The OABSS, BI and voiding diary improved significantly after treatment (P<0.05) in groups A and B, and improved more in the group A than in the group B. There was not significant improvement in the group C (P>0.05). Conclusion TENS of 20 Hz is more effective to reduce the incontinence post stroke.

Key words: stroke, urinary incontinence, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, frequency