Incontinence, or loss of bladder or bowel control, is a symptom - not a disease in itself. A broad range of conditions and disorders can cause incontinence, including birth defects, pelvic surgery, injuries to the pelvic region or to the spinal cord, neurological diseases, multiple sclerosis, poliomyelitis, infection, and degenerative changes associated with aging. It can also occur as a result of pregnancy or childbirth.

Incontinence occurs in children and young adults, but the largest number affected is the elderly. Fifty percent or more of elderly persons living at home or in long-term care facilities are incontinent. Sufferers may experience emotional as well as physical discomfort. Many people affected by loss of bladder or bowel control isolate themselves for fear of ridicule and lose self-esteem.

There are three basic types of incontinence: stress incontinence, urge incontinence and total incontinence. When both stress and urge incontinence are present it is called "mixed incontinence". The different types have different causes and treatments.

• Stress incontinence is loss of urine associated with coughing, straining, laughing, sneezing, etc. It is a gush of urine associated with a sudden action or stress.
• Urge incontinence is a sudden uncontrollable urge to void, the "mad dash" syndrome.
• Mixed incontinence is a combination of both stress and urge incontinence.
• Total incontinence is a continuous leaking of urine, sometimes without urge, stress or even knowledge that urine is passing.

How is biofeedback used to manage incontinence?

Biofeedback is a group of techniques that use various sensors to detect muscular activity and present them in a way so that you become aware of whether you are producing the desired effect. In treating incontinence many techniques are used.

Biofeedback plays a major role in helping patients acquire more functional pelvic muscles whether it is through strengthening, reducing excessive muscle activity or using the muscles appropriately. To patients who have little or no sense of the pelvic floor, biofeedback may be the only way to first identify the correct muscle for exercising. For those with weak muscles the information provided by the biofeedback acts as an external proprioceptive aid until the muscles begin to gain strength and generate more internal sensation.

Biofeedback equipment used in managing incontinence

U-Control
The U-Control is an easy-to-use SEMG training device. The battery-operated U-Control allows you to practice pelvic floor muscle exercises in the comfort of your own homes.

With both visual and audio feedback and easy to set thresholds, the U-Control is the perfect portable pelvic floor trainer. Two lights cue you to contract or relax your muscles. Progress is viewed on an ascending or descending bargraph scale of 15 LEDs. The U-Control also allows you to designate an audio tone for feedback, either continous, or above or below threshold. The adjustable threshold setting allows for revision of your training program as you progress.

By using a five or ten second work/rest protocol, you can progressively enhance your pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation for improved bowel or bladder control.

sEMG Sensors
For use with the U-Control sEMG unit, these uniquely designed sensors are remarkably comfortable, durable and reusable. The self-seating T-bar design and longitudinal sensor plates insure better placement and superior long term results. Vaginal and anal sensors are available.