Ambulatory bio-feedback for stress incontinence exercise regimes: a novel development of the perineometer

Stress incontinence is a debilitating condition affecting a large proportion of the female population. Pelvic floor exercising with the aid of bio-feedback is well established as an effective treatment regime. However, current monitoring devices are restrictive in the way they may be employed in community-based therapy. A prototype unit is described, which is both compact and accurate and suitable for ambulatory monitoring of vaginal pressure. This device is suitable for self-help domiciliary regimes and may also be used as an accurate yardstick to judge individual response to therapy. Conceptual changes in health-care provision are leading to greater emphasis on community-centred care for non-acute conditions such as stress incontinence. Development of more appropriate scientific and technological support is likely to have a fundamental role in the success of such schemes.