Urinary Slings and Whole Body Vibration
Urinary Incontinence (UI) is the loss of ability to control the bladder leading to a leakage of urine from
the urethra. There is usually an underlying medical condition, physical condition or daily habit that
causes UI. It can cause minimal dribbles to frequent soaking of an individual’s clothing. Stress or effort
urinary incontinence (SUI) is caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles. The urethra is supported by the
pelvic floor muscles, thus when they are weakened and accompanied with increased abdominal
pressure, the downward movement of the urethra leads to urine leakage. Small amounts of urine may
leak when an individual with SUI coughs, laughs, sneezes or performs other movements that increase
intra-abdominal pressure. SUI affects both men (following prostatectomies) and women (following
pregnancy, childbirth and menopause). In women, the severity is related to estrogen levels. Treatment
includes kegel or pelvic floor exercises and bladder behaviour training. Surgery is also used in severe
cases.
One type of surgery to treat UI in females is to create a urethral, vaginal or bladder sling. A sling is
created using muscle, ligament or tendon tissue from the individual, an animal, or synthetic material.
This is done to lift the urethra back into a normal position and put pressure on the urethra to help with
urinary retention. The surgery may be done laproscopically or more invasively. Some procedures take 30
minutes and are done on an outpatient basis. Other sling procedures require two to three days in
hospital, with almost a month for full recovery.
Some general guidelines following bladder surgery include avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous
activity/exercise for a minimum of six weeks to prevent further injuries or complications1. It is also
recommended to discontinue any type of activity that elicits any discomfort or pain1. Following surgery,
it is important to consult a physician or physical therapist when considering the addition of any type of
exercise.
Whole body vibration (WBV) has been found to be an effective exercise tool for improving SUI. A
significant increase in muscle activation of the pelvic floor using sinusoidal vibration (SV) and stochastic
resonance vibration (SRV) was demonstrated. SRV demonstrated a greater significance in muscle
activation than SV specifically at a frequency of 6-12 Hz, and particularly in post partum women2.
Another study used a WBV platform at a frequency range between 5-30 Hz to examine the improvement
of both objective and subjective measures of SUI3. The most significant improvements were found using
a combination of both traditional physical therapy treatment and WBV.
Despite the positive findings regarding SUI and WBV, there is no research looking at how it may affect an
individual following urinary sling surgery. Recent surgery, fresh incisional wounds and synthetic implants
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DO NOT PRESCRIBE OR DIAGNOSE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR
HEALTH PROVIDER.
25 Curity Ave., Unit 2A, Toronto, ON M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918
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-2are potential contraindications to using WBV. Contraindications are recommended due to the lack of
research in a particular area or when there is a known consequence. Without the research, it cannot be
determined if the benefits to using WBV would outweigh any potential risks. The concern with recent
surgeries and fresh surgical wounds is that the vibration may delay healing. With recently placed
implants, there is a concern regarding migration of the implant. This is why it is essential for an
individual to discuss the addition of WBV to an exercise routine following surgery for their UI. It is
important the physician understand WBV in order to help the individual determine if the benefits to
using the machine outweigh the potential risks and contraindications given his/her specific medical
history.
Once cleared by a physician to use WBV, an individual should start with a reduced intensity and
duration. If an individual experiences any pain or increase in UI symptoms, WBV should be discontinued
and symptoms discussed with a physician. Intensity and duration as well as exercises may be added as
the individual(s) comfort level with the machine increases. If symptoms worsen, WBV should be
discontinued. In general, if an individual experiences any pain, dizziness or shortness of breath while
using the WBV platform, it should be discontinued immediately.
References
1. http://www.livestrong.com/article/374445-how-to-exercise-after-bladder-surgery/, retrieved
September 8, 2011.
2. Lauper M., Kuhn, A., Gerber, R., Luginbuhl, H., Radinger, L. (2009). Pelvic floor stimulation: what
are the good vibrations? Neurology and Urodynamics, 28(5), 405-10.
3. Von der Heide, S., Emons, G., Hilgers, R., Viereck, V., Effect on muscles of mechanical vibrations
produced by the WBV in combination with physical therapy in treating female stress urinary
incontinence. Retrieved November 27, 2009, from
http://wholebodyvibrationsystem.com/effectonincontinence.pdf
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DO NOT PRESCRIBE OR DIAGNOSE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR
HEALTH PROVIDER.
25 Curity Ave., Unit 2A, Toronto, ON M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918
info@t-zonehealth.com www.t-zonevibration.com