Functional electrical stimulation: Physiological basis and clinical principles.

The treatment of urinary incontinence by means of electrical stimulation is a physiologic way to handle the problem. When selected afferent nerve fibers within the perineal area are stimulated with appropriate pulse parameters, normally silent, powerful reflex mechanisms are evoked, resulting in inhibitory effect on pathologic bladder overactivity. Vaginal stimulation (utilizing afferents within the clitoral nerves) elicits bladder inhibition by a reflex designed for bladder inhibition during intercourse. Anal electrical stimulation evokes a similar bladder inhibitory reflex via pelvic nerve afferents. Electrical stimulation also improves striated muscle function. Based on the available knowledge of lower urinary tract neurophysiology, indications, methods and modalities are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]