Author(s):
Sani Widya Firnanda, Dwi Indriani Lestari, Gutama Arya Pringga, Andri Kustono, Viera Wardhani, Jatrifia Ramadhani
Email(s):
saniwidyafirnanda@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00590 
Address:
Sani Widya Firnanda1,2*, Dwi Indriani Lestari1, Gutama Arya Pringga1, Andri Kustono3, Viera Wardhani4, Jatrifia Ramadhani1
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,
Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia.
2Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Permata Medika Hospital, Kebumen Regency, Indonesia.
3Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia.
4Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 19,
Issue - 9,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) represents a prevalent condition that exerts considerable physical, psychological, and social burdens. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is the established first-line conservative intervention; however, its efficacy relies heavily on patient compliance and correct technique. Recently, High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) stimulation has emerged as a non-invasive alternative capable of eliciting supramaximal pelvic floor contractions. Comparative evidence between HIFEM and PFMT remains limited in Indonesia. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Urology and Medical Rehabilitation Clinics, Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang. Twenty individuals diagnosed with UI were randomly assigned to HIFEM (n = 10) or PFMT (n = 10) groups. Both interventions were administered for 30 minutes per session, twice weekly, over three weeks. Outcomes were measured pre- and post-intervention using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) and the King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ). Within-group comparisons employed paired t-tests, while between-group analyses utilized independent t-tests. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The HIFEM group exhibited a significant reduction in ICIQ-UI SF scores (–4.30±3.43, p = 0.003), whereas the PFMT group showed a smaller, non-significant decrease (–0.70±1.06, p = 0.066). Between-group comparisons revealed superior improvement with HIFEM (p = 0.005). Quality of life, assessed via KHQ, improved significantly in the HIFEM group (–6.80±3.25, p = 0.006) but not in the PFMT group (–3.10±3.21, p = 0.057). HIFEM enhanced general health perception, physical, role, social, and emotional domains, as well as severity measures, while PFMT improvements were confined to physical limitations and incontinence impact. Conclusion: HIFEM therapy demonstrated superior short-term efficacy compared with PFMT in reducing urinary incontinence symptoms and enhancing quality of life. These findings support the use of HIFEM as a promising non-invasive treatment modality, particularly for individuals with limited adherence to PFMT. Larger-scale studies with extended follow-up periods are warranted to validate long-term outcomes.
Cite this article:
Sani Widya Firnanda, Dwi Indriani Lestari, Gutama Arya Pringga, Andri Kustono, Viera Wardhani, Jatrifia Ramadhani. Comparison of the effects of High-Intensity Focused Electro-Magnetic (HIFEM) and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) on Symptom Improvement and Quality of Life in patients with Urinary Incontinence. Research Journal Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(9):4223-9. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00590
Cite(Electronic):
Sani Widya Firnanda, Dwi Indriani Lestari, Gutama Arya Pringga, Andri Kustono, Viera Wardhani, Jatrifia Ramadhani. Comparison of the effects of High-Intensity Focused Electro-Magnetic (HIFEM) and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) on Symptom Improvement and Quality of Life in patients with Urinary Incontinence. Research Journal Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(9):4223-9. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00590 Available on: https://rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-19-9-36
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