Introduction and hypothesis: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of low-frequency pulsed electrotherapy combined with acupoint massage on postpartum urinary retention (PUR).
Methods: The patients were divided into control group, intervention group 1, and intervention group 2 according to the nursing method. The control group received conventional postpartum care, intervention group 1 received conventional postpartum care and low frequency pulsed electrotherapy, and intervention group 2 received conventional postpartum care, low-frequency pulsed electrotherapy, and Shuidao point massage. The bladder function, comfort score, and quality of life score before and after intervention were compared among the three groups.
Results: The bladder function, comfort level, and quality of life of intervention group 1 and intervention group 2 after nursing were significantly better than those of the control group. In addition, intervention group 2 had better bladder function than intervention group 1, with lower residual urine volume and higher bladder compliance. In the Kolcaba score, the mental dimension of intervention group 2 was significantly higher than that of intervention group 1. In terms of QOL scores, the social function, physical function, and state of material life scores of intervention group 2 were significantly higher than those of intervention group 1.
Conclusions: Low-frequency pulsed electrotherapy combined with acupoint massage can significantly improve the bladder function, comfort, and quality of life of patients with PUR.
Keywords: Acupoint; Low-frequency pulsed electrotherapy; Postpartum urinary retention; Vaginal delivery.
© 2024. The International Urogynecological Association.