NESA Neuromodulation Versus Transcutaneous Posterior Tibial Stimulation

Non-invasive NESA Neuromodulation Versus Transcutaneous Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Overactive Bladder

Introduction: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition characterized by urinary urgency, frequency, and, in some cases, urge incontinence. Non-invasive neuromodulation has emerged as an effective therapeutic option by modulating the neural pathways involved in bladder control. This approach offers a promising alternative for patients who do not respond to conventional treatments.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of non-invasive NESA neuromodulation compared to posterior tibial stimulation in patients with overactive bladder.

compared to posterior tibial stimulation, with same-day exercises and patient education on quality of life, symptoms, discomfort and sleep.

day of the session and patient education on quality of life, symptoms, discomfort and sleep.

Methods: Twenty-four patients (24 women), aged 38-85 years with overactive bladder will be included in this experimental clinical trial study. Each patient will attend ten sessions two days a week. Patient life quality will be measured using SF-36, sleep quality with the Pittsburgh questionnaire, perception of urinari incontinence (UI) symptoms and patient quality of life with the ICIQ-SF questionnaire. All these variables will be measured before, immediately after the ten sessions and at two months after the end of treatment.

Ethic: The study was approved by the ethics committee of the University of Valencia, and all participants will be given an informed consent form.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Minimum criteria for a primary diagnosis of overactive bladder who have or have not received active/alternative treatments for this pathology.
• Patients with previous pharmacological treatments that have not obtained an adequate clinical response.
• Patients whose cognitive abilities are competent to participate in the study and are able to complete the study questionnaires and have given written consent to participate in the study.
• Without further contraindications for electrotherapy treatment such as serious use of pacemakers, pregnancy, internal bleeding, poor skin condition (ulcerations, wounds...) and/or phobia of electricity.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of urinary fistula.
• Infections in the last 12 months.
• Haematuria during the trial period.
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during the study.
• Pathology of the central or peripheral nervous system (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, etc.).
• Uncontrolled diabetes.
• Currently treated with Botox injections for the bladder or within the last year.
• Current treatment with interstim or currently implanted interstim device.
• Bladder outlet obstruction.
• Urinary retention.
• Treatment with more than two antidepressants and/or multiple benzodiazepines, as well as antiepileptics.
• Contraindications for electrotherapy treatment.