Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Assessment of Neuromuscular Function Using Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Published on: September 13, 2015
Daily bilateral pudendal nerve electrical stimulation improves recovery from stress urinary incontinence
Kangli Deng1,2,3, Brian M Balog1,3,4, Dan Li Lin1,3
1Advanced Platform Technology Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
Abstract:
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women is strongly associated with childbirth which injures the pudendal nerve (PN) and the external urethral sphincter (EUS) during delivery. Electrical stimulation (ES) can increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in injured neurons, activate Schwann cells and promote neuroregeneration after nerve injury. The aim of this study was to determine if more frequent ES would increase recovery from SUI in a rat model. Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent either sham injury or pudendal nerve crush (PNC) and vaginal distention (VD) to establish SUI. Immediately after injury, electrodes were implanted at the pudendal nerve bilaterally. Each injured animal underwent sham ES, twice per week ES (2/week), or daily ES of 1 h duration for two weeks. Urethral and nerve function were assessed with leak point pressure (LPP), EUS electromyography and pudendal nerve sensory branch potential (PNSBP) recordings two weeks after injury. LPP was significantly increased after daily ES compared to 2/week ES. EUS neuromuscular junction innervation was decreased after injury with sham ES, but improved after 2/week or daily ES. This study demonstrates that daily bilateral ES to the pudendal nerve can accelerate recovery from SUI. Daily ES improved urethral function more than 2/week ES.
More Related Videos
11:34Breathing-controlled Electrical Stimulation BreEStim for Management of Neuropathic Pain and Spasticity
Published on: January 10, 2013
06:43Increased Recovery Time and Decreased LPS Administration to Study the Vagus Nerve Stimulation Mechanisms in Limited Inflammatory Responses
Published on: March 29, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Classical Conditioning in Daily Life
John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner famously demonstrated the development of fear through classical conditioning in their experiment with Little Albert. They paired the...
Introduction to Urinary System
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the retroperitoneal space, on either side of the vertebral column, between the T12 and L3 vertebrae. They are partially protected by the rib cage and surrounded by perirenal fat, which provides cushioning. They are responsible for urine formation and play critical roles in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and hormone production. The ureters...
Urinary Bladder
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
Disorders of the Urinary System
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...
Responses to Heat and Cold Stress
Responses to Salt Stress