Extracorporeal magnetic innervation therapy: assessment of clinical efficacy in relation to urodynamic parameters

Clinical efficacy and urodynamic changes in women treated by extracorporeal magnetic innervation therapy (ExMI) were studied.

Women, presenting with urge, stress and mixed urinary incontinence, were included in a prospective study. ExMI was applied by an electromagnetic chair. To document clinical efficacy, a voiding diary and visual analogue scale were completed before and after treatment, together with a pad test. Detrusor overactivity (DO) and urethral instability (URI) were urodynamically documented. Clinical success was defined as more than 50% improvement in symptoms.

Sixteen patients were included. At baseline, DO was observed in 10 patients, and URI in 12 patients. DO did disappear at follow-up in 60%, and a decrease in URI was seen in 66%. No significant clinical improvement was seen at follow-up.

Although significant changes in urodynamic variables were observed, no significant improvement in clinical efficacy was seen after ExMI.