A Norwegian pilot study suggests that acupuncture may be more effective for preventing urinary incontinence than pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). Thirty-four women with incontinence were randomly assigned to receive either 12 sessions of acupuncture, 12 sessions of PFMT, or to a waiting list control group for 12 weeks. The acupuncture points used were semi-standardised, with alternation between front and back points. Zhongji REN-3, Guanyuan REN-4, Qihai REN-6, Sanyinjiao SP-6, Taixi KID-3 and Fuliu KID-7 were used with patients in a supine position, and Neiguan P-6, Taichong LIV-3 and Taibai SP-3 were added based on specific symptoms. Shangliao BL-31 to Xialiao BL-34, Shenshu BL-23, Panguangshu BL-28, Sanyinjiao SP-6, Mingmen DU-4 and Baihui DU-20 were used with the patient in a prone position, with Jueyinshu BL-14, Ganshu BL-18 and Pishu BL-20 added for specific symptoms. Mean improvement in incontinence scores was found to be significantly higher in the acupuncture group compared with either PFMT or controls.
A pilot study on the use of acupuncture or pelvic floor muscle training for mixed urinary incontinence. Acupunct Med. 2015 Sep 11. pii: acupmed-2015-010828.
Quelle: www.jcm.co.uk