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Acupuncture for overactive bladder: a randomized controlled trial.
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, 97239, USA. emmonss@ohsu.edu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|July 5, 2005
Summary
Acupuncture treatment for overactive bladder significantly improved bladder capacity, urgency, and frequency compared to placebo. Quality of life scores also improved in the acupuncture group.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Integrative Medicine
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Overactive bladder (OAB) and urge incontinence significantly impact quality of life.
- Current treatments for OAB and urge incontinence have limitations and side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of bladder-specific acupuncture versus placebo acupuncture for OAB with urge incontinence.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 85 women with OAB and urge incontinence.
- Participants received either true acupuncture or sham acupuncture weekly for 4 weeks.
- Outcomes measured included incontinent episodes, voiding diary data, cystometric testing, and validated quality-of-life questionnaires.
Main Results:
- While both groups showed reduced incontinence episodes, the true acupuncture group experienced greater improvements in urinary frequency, urgency, and bladder capacity.
- The acupuncture group demonstrated a 14% reduction in urinary frequency and a 30% reduction in urgency.
- Significant improvements in quality-of-life scores were observed in the true acupuncture group compared to placebo.
Conclusions:
- Bladder-specific acupuncture is an effective treatment for overactive bladder with urge incontinence.
- Acupuncture offers significant benefits in improving bladder function and patient-reported outcomes.
