Actively Recruiting
Clinical Efficacy Evaluation of Electroacupuncture as Adjuvant Therapy for Female Patients With Overactive Bladder
Led by Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation · Updated on 2025-06-05
100
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
104 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition commonly marked by frequent urination and nocturia, which can cause psychological stress and impact interpersonal relationships, reducing quality of life for women. Treatments include lifestyle changes, behavioral therapy, medications, neuromodulation, botulinum toxin, and surgery. Anticholinergic drugs are often first-line but have side effects like dry mouth that reduce adherence. This research evaluates electroacupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique similar to transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, as an additional treatment for women with OAB receiving conventional Western medicine. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The electroacupuncture group receives treatment at specific acupoints (Baihui, bilateral Sanyinjiao, and Fuliu) for 20 minutes twice weekly. The control group receives placebo acupuncture where needles do not penetrate the skin and the electroacupuncture device is not activated, but otherwise treatment is similar. The study lasts 8 weeks, including treatment and follow-up. During the 8-week study, participants complete urinary tract symptom questionnaires, the King's Health Quality of Life Questionnaire, and heart rate variability assessments at the start and every two weeks, with a one-week break after six weeks. Researchers also track medication dose and side effects weekly. These measures help assess symptom improvement, quality of life, and autonomic nervous system function. The study aims to understand how electroacupuncture may support women managing OAB.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Clinical Efficacy Evaluation of Electroacupuncture as Adjuvant Therapy for Female Patients With Overactive Bladder
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Female patient aged 20-80 with overactive bladder.
You will not qualify if you...
- History of cancer, stroke, or hyperthyroidism.
- Unwillingness to accept acupuncture or moxibustion treatment.
- Pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Current urinary tract infection.
- Previous treatment with botulinum toxin (Botox), PTNS, or SMN.
- Previous acupuncture treatment.
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants receive electroacupuncture or sham acupuncture at specific acupoints twice a week while continuing conventional Western medicine treatment for overactive bladder.
Twice weekly visits for 8 weeks
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants complete questionnaires and have assessments of urinary symptoms, quality of life, and heart rate variability throughout the 8-week study period.
Five questionnaire rounds including initial, biweekly, and final assessments over 8 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Buddhist Taipei Tzu Chi General Hospital
New Taipei City, Taiwan
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here