BACKGROUND: Women’s bodies undergo many changes and challenges after pregnancy and during the postpartum period. After childbirth, regaining the strength of core muscles is important in preventing incontinence, pelvic floor disorders, and back pain issues.
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of abdominal HIFEM and synchronized RF with consecutive pelvic (standalone HIFEM) treatments for core muscle strengthening and improving quality of life.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six female subjects (27-44 years, BMI 19.4 – 34.5 kg/m2) were enrolled in this multicentre, single-arm, open-label, interventional study. The treatment schedule consisted of seven visits, four HIFEM+RF abdominal procedures spaced 5-10 days apart, and six standalone HIFEM pelvic floor procedures spaced 2-4 days apart. Both procedures were used consecutively at the first, third, and fifth treatment visits, the HIFEM+RF was applied prior to HIFEM-only treatment. The follow-up visits were scheduled 1 month and 3 months after the treatments. The primary evaluation included measuring the core strength by with a pressure biofeedback device and waist circumference. 5-point Likert scale questionnaires documenting patients’ satisfaction and comfort were used, including a 10-point visual analog pain scale (VAS).
RESULTS: N=32 patients completed the 3-months follow-up evaluation. The core muscle strength showed a 22.8% (+24.07±22.14 mmHg, p<0.05) increase at 1-month follow-up, with a 25.2% (+26.58±28.45 mmHg, p<0.05) increase at 3-month follow-up. The waist circumference was reduced by 3.12±2.99 cm and 4.61±3.48 cm (both p-value<0.001) at 1-month and 3-months follow-up, respectively. Patients found the combined treatment comfortable and painless (VAS=2.6). According to 5-point Likert-scale satisfaction questionnaires evaluated 3 months post-treatment, 97.1.% of patients reported stronger core muscles (average score 4.3±0.6), 94.1% of subjects felt a stronger pelvic floor (average score 4.20.6), and 88.2% of subjects had improved physical performance during exercise (average score 4.1±0.6). Furthermore, 91.2% of patients reported being more comfortable in their clothes (average score 3.7±0.5), while all patients stated they were able to perform daily routine/activities without issue and spend quality time with their children (average score 4.5±0.5). No adverse events or side effects were observed.
CONCLUSION: 3-month data analysis outcomes indicated that the treatment regimen of consecutive HIFEM+RF and HIFEM-only effectively improves core and pelvic floor strength, and function, through stimulation of abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. This resulted in improved patients’ quality of life along with high satisfaction.