Evaluating Electroacupuncture as an Additional Treatment for Women Aged 20 to 80 With Overactive Bladder

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 Kings 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.

Clinical Efficacy Evaluation of Electroacupuncture as Adjuvant Therapy for Female Patients With Overactive Bladder