Study design and treatment
VAGINA
This is a prospective, single-center, open-label RCT. The patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to the intervention group and the control group at a 1:1 ratio on the basis of computer-generated random number. Randomization was performed by concealing the allocations in sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. Blinding was not available due to the obvious proprioception of the patients receiving the intervention of ES. In order to reduce bias, the researchers who were responsible for the follow-up and evaluation were blinded to the allocation.Patients in the control group received routine postoperative nursing care. Patients in the intervention group underwent ES plus biofeedback therapy for 10 sessions started from the 60th day (2 months) after the pelvic floor reconstructive surgery. The duration and frequency of therapy were 30 min and 3 times a week. For the ES treatments, the electric parameters were as follows: frequency: 10–50 Hz; pulse duration: 200–300 μs; on/off: 1:1; and stimulation intensity: increasing steadily from 0 mA to maximal level tolerable. The patients adopted the supine positions with 45° relaxed abducted hip and knee angles. The electrode was placed inside the vagina. For the first 3 sessions, the patients underwent ES treatments for 30 min each. From the 4th session, the biofeedback therapy was added into the therapeutic regimen. For each patient, ES treatments were conducted for 15 min, followed by 15 min of Kegel exercise with the assistance of biofeedback [