NumberOne is creating a wearable device that allows users to perform home biofeedback therapy to treat stress urinary incontinence.

Project Overview

NumberOne is creating a solution for stress urinary incontinence, a problem that affects millions of Americans. Using specialized sensors, NumberOne is developing a wearable device that will allow users to comfortable and privately perform state-of-the-art pelvic floor muscle biofeedback therapy and assess and track the degree of their incontinence.

Healthcare Context

At least 13 million Americans suffer from stress urinary incontinence. The first-line therapy is Kegel exercises, which strengthen pelvic floor muscles. If done properly, Kegels are effective in up to 80% of patients. However, Kegels are “blind” and users do not know if they are doing them properly or making progress. Consequently, a significant number of patients abandon them. Electromyography (EMG)-guided Kegels, or pelvic floor muscle therapy (PFMT) biofeedback, is a solution to the “blindness” problem, but it requires invasive (intra-vaginal or intra-rectal) probes. PFMT is therefore underutilized, and many patients proceed to surgery without having given Kegel exercises a chance.

Interested in learning more about NumberOne?

Send us an email at accelerator@childrens.harvard.edu

Dr. Mei-Mei Chow
Director, Fluoroscopy; Director, Genitourinary Imaging
Dr. Carlos Estrada
Director, Spina Bifida Center; Director, Voiding Improvement Program; Co-Director, Neurology and Urodynamics