The test−retest reproducibility of the multiple array probe Leiden in men with lower urinary tract symptoms

Abstract

Background: We aimed to study the test-retest reliability of the Multiple Array Probe Leiden (MAPLe), a multiple electrode probe designed to acquire and discriminate electromyography signals in the pelvic floor muscles, in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Methods: Adult male patients with LUTS with sufficient knowledge of Dutch language, but without complications (e.g., urinary tract infection), or previous urologic cancer and/or urologic surgery were enrolled. In the initial study, next to physical examination and uroflowmetry, all men underwent MAPLe assessment at baseline and after 6 weeks. Second, participants were reinvited for a new assessment using a stricter protocol. A time interval of 2 h (M2) and 1 week (M3) after baseline (M1) allowed the calculation of the intraday agreement (M1 vs. M2), and the interday agreement (M1 vs. M3) for all 13 MAPLe variables. Results: The outcomes of the initial study in 21 men suggested a poor test −retest reliability. The second study in 23 men showed a good test−retest reliability with intraclass correlations ranging from 0.61 (0.12−0.86) to 0.91 (0.81−0.96). The agreement was generally higher for the intraday determinations than for the interday determinations. Conclusions: This study revealed a good test−retest reliability of the MAPLe device in men with LUTS, when using a strict protocol. With a less strict protocol, the test−retest reliability of MAPLe was poor in this sample. To