Effects of Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Adults

Effects of Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Adults: A Randomized Control Trial

For overactive bladder symptoms, there are numerous physiotherapy techniques have been found to be beneficial. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve is one of those treatment options, that is entirely a non-invasive, easy to apply, and cost-effective technique.

Transcutaneous stimulation of the tibial nerve targets the sacral nerve plexus that contracts the pelvic floor muscles and controls the bladder function.

This research aims to study the effectiveness of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in adults with overactive bladder symptoms along with the conventional physiotherapy for overactive bladder (pelvic floor muscle training through Kegel's exercises) among 60 patients with overactive bladder symptoms on the basis of non-probability purposive sampling technique with screening for study criteria through a consultant urologist. After taking informed consent, all participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. Group A will receive pelvic floor muscles training through Kegels exercises along with transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve and Group B will receive pelvic floor muscles training through Kegels exercises. The treatment duration will of six weeks. Outcomes will be assessed before the start of the treatment and after the end of the treatment sessions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinically diagnosed overactive bladder
• A total OABSS score of 3 or more and an urgency score of 2 or more
• 30-65 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Acute urinary tract infection (within 15 days)
• Any surgical procedure for urinary incontinence
• Genito-urinary cancer history
• Stage II pelvic organ prolapse according to pelvic organ prolapse-quantification system
• Lesion on the site of stimulation or around it
• Pelvic pacemakers
• Lower limbs prostheses
• Patients who will not be able to perform Kegel's exercises
• An impaired sensation at the site of stimulation.
• Patients receiving any treatment other than the prescribed medications by the referring physician (that will be the same for all patients of both groups) will be excluded.