Investigation of Non-Invasive Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy for Female Patients With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS)
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Summary
The purpose of this study is to gather information about the safety and effectiveness of the non-pharmacological (non-drug), non-invasive treatment known as low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy. The study team will distribute the PEMF device to female adults with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) to measure its ability to decrease bladder and pelvic pain as well as other urinary symptoms associated with IC/BPS. There are two sequential Aims in this study and subjects will be recruited to participate in only one Aim. In both Aims, data will be collected at baseline/enrollment, 4-weeks after using PEMF therapy, and 8, 12, and 16 weeks post-enrollment.
Description
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a clinical diagnosis based primarily on chronic symptoms of pain perceived by the patient to emanate from the bladder and/or pelvis associated with urinary urgency or frequency in the absence of another identifiable cause of the symptoms. Although it is not a life-threatening disease, the chronicity and severity of pain, along with other urinary symptoms, causes great impairment in a patient's quality of life. In addition, IC/BPS poses a significant clinical challenge for many reasons. For one, the pathophysiology described in the literat…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–80 years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Previously established clinical diagnosis of IC/PS * Current numeric rating scale (NRS) score of ≥ 6 * History of cystoscopy with hydrodistension with bladder capacity determination under anesthesia * No cognitive deficits Exclusion Criteria: * History of bladder, ovarian, vaginal cancer * History of urethral diverticulum * History of radiation cystitis * History of spinal cord injury or spina bifida * History of Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke * Current placement of a pacemaker or metal prosthesis * Active urinary tract infection * BMI \> 40 * Resid…
Interventions
- DevicePulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Device
BEMER PEMF device consists of a B. Body (full body mat), B. Pad (targeted pelvic pad), and Control Unit which powers the device. Both B. Body and B. Pad must be plugged in simultaneously into the Control Unit and activated individually. B. Body must be placed on a flat surface (e.g. floor, bed, reclining chair, etc) for best results.
- DeviceSham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Device
The sham PEMF device appears identical to the BEMER PEMF device, with all of the same components and accessories, but does not emit a pulsed electromagnetic field.
Location
- Wake Forest University Health SciencesWinston-Salem, North Carolina