Application of biofeedback in the treatment of urinary incontinence

There is sufficient empirical support to warrant the use of biofeedback for the treatment of common forms of urinary incontinence. However, biofeedback should be provided as a part of a behavioral ''package'' that includes a functional analysis of the disorder, patient education, a home exercise program, and bladder training strategies when indicated for urge incontinence. Our understanding of the physiologic events associated with clinical improvement will improve with further study. Because incontinence is a symptom of an underlying disorder, a medical evaluation should always be undertaken before a psychophysiological treatment begins. Ideally, biofeedback and other behavioral therapies for incontinence should be offered as an integral part of a multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment program.