Biofeedback as a complementary therapy for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome
Biofeedback in interstitial cystitis
Abstract
Introduction: Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic condition that affects the quality of life of those who suffer from it, primarily women, with an incidence ratio of 10:1 compared to men. Its global prevalence is 18.1 per 100,000 inhabitants, while in the United States it affects between 3.3 and 7.9 million women and 1.3% of men. In Japan, 1% of the population reports daily bladder pain, and in Korea, the prevalence in women is 0.26%. In Ecuador, there are no precise data on IC/BPS, but the prevalence of urinary tract infections in women is 14.6% nationwide, suggesting a possible underdiagnosis of IC/BPS. Globally, data may be underestimated due to the lack of adequate diagnosis by healthcare professionals.
Materials and methods: A non-experimental, descriptive literature review was conducted to scientifically support the use of biofeedback as a complementary therapy for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. The search encompassed recognized databases such as Springer Link, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using specific descriptors. Documents in English and Spanish published between 2019 and 2024, such as reviews, clinical trials, and original articles, were included. The objective was to synthesize the available evidence on the topic.
Results: Biofeedback therapy is a mind-body technique that uses visual or auditory feedback to correct inappropriate behaviors, restoring physiological muscle coordination and improving overall health. It is a learning process through electronic monitoring of automatic bodily functions, training the patient to voluntarily control them. It has proven effective, causing no side effects, and is essential for sphincter retraining. It is used in people with high-tone pelvic floor dysfunction, generally after manual therapy. It offers relief from IC/BPS by reducing pelvic floor muscle tone, promoting relaxation through muscle contractions of varying intensities.
Conclusion: Despite significant limitations in the treatment of interstitial cystitis, biofeedback has offered favorable results in improving the quality of life of patients with IC/BPS as a complementary therapy to combined oral and intravesical management.
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References
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Cistitis intersticial Síndrome de vejiga dolorosa Biofeedback Terapia complementaria Calidad de vida Suelo pélvico Reeducación esfinteriana Disfunción del suelo pélvico Relajación muscular Prevalencia global Diagnóstico subestimado Estados Unidos, Japón, Corea, Ecuador Infecciones urinarias Terapia manual
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