The Improvement of Quality of Life in Female Patients after Childbirth By Hifem with Synchronized Radiofrequency for the Strengthening of Core Muscles

Goals/Purpose: Women's bodies undergo many changes and challenges during pregnancy and the postpartum period. After childbirth, regaining strength in the core muscles is important for preventing incontinence, pelvic floor disorders, and back pain issues. This study investigates the effect of the consecutive abdominal HIFEM+synchronized RF and pelvic (standalone HIFEM) treatments for core muscle strengthening and improving quality of life.

Methods/Technique: Thirty-six female subjects were enrolled in this multicentre, single-arm, open-label, interventional study. The treatment schedule consisted of seven visits, four HIFEM+RF abdominal procedures spaced 5-10 days apart, and six standalone HIFEM procedures on the pelvic floor spaced 2-4 days apart. Both procedures were used consecutively in the first, third, and fifth treatment visits, starting with HIFEM+RF. The follow-up visits were scheduled 1 month and 3 months after the treatments. The primary evaluation included measuring the core strength by a pressure biofeedback device and waist circumference. 5-point Likert scale questionnaires documenting patients’ satisfaction and comfort were used, including a 10-point visual analog pain scale (VAS).

Results/Complications: Thirty patients (31-42 years, BMI 22.7 – 34.5 kg/m²) underwent the measurements after the last treatment, with eleven patients finishing the 1-month follow-up visit. The preliminary evaluation of muscle strength showed a 14.1% (+14.7±15.05 mmHg, p-value<0.001) increase after the last treatment with a 36.4% (+32.9±19.7 mmHg, p-value<0.05) increase at 1-month follow-up. The waist circumference was reduced by 1.5±1.8 cm and 3.7±2.5 cm (both p-value<0.001) after the last treatment and at 1 month, respectively. Patients found the combined treatment comfortable (3.9±0.9) and painless (VAS=2.7±2.1). Additionally, 1 month after the last treatment, the patients reported a stronger core (4.3±0.5), being more comfortable in their clothes (3.7±0.5), and spending quality time with their children (3.8±0.6). No adverse events or side effects were observed.

Conclusion: Preliminary analysis suggests substantial effectiveness of the consecutive use of HIFEM+RF abdominal procedure followed by pelvic floor therapy with standalone HIFEM for strengthening the core muscles, resulting in quality of life improvements along with high satisfaction.