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Management of non-neuropathic underactive bladder in children with voiding dysfunction by animated biofeedback: a
Sanam Ladi-Seyedian1, Abdol-Mohammad Kajbafzadeh1, Lida Sharifi-Rad2
1Pediatric Urology Research Center, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Pediatric Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (IRI).
Insights
Animated biofeedback and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercise significantly improved bladder function in children with underactive bladder (UB). This combination therapy enhanced voiding frequency and reduced urinary tract infections compared to standard urotherapy alone.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
- Bladder Dysfunction Management
Background:
- Underactive bladder (UB) in children can lead to significant voiding dysfunction.
- Current management often involves standard urotherapy, but efficacy can be limited.
- Novel therapeutic approaches are needed to improve bladder control and reduce associated complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of animated biofeedback combined with pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises for treating non-neuropathic underactive bladder in children.
- To compare the outcomes of this combined therapy against standard urotherapy alone.
Main Methods:
- Fifty children (aged 5-16) with non-neuropathic UB were randomized into two groups.
- Group A received standard urotherapy plus animated biofeedback and PFM exercise.
- Group B received standard urotherapy alone. Follow-up was 1 year, with assessments including voiding diaries, uroflowmetry, and bladder ultrasound.
Main Results:
- Children receiving animated biofeedback and PFM exercise (Group A) showed a significant increase in daily voiding episodes (6.6 vs. 4.5).
- Urinary tract infection relapse rates were lower in Group A (81%) compared to Group B (38%).
- Group A demonstrated improved uroflowmetry parameters, including increased maximum urine flow and decreased postvoid residual volume.
Conclusions:
- The combination of animated biofeedback and PFM exercise is an effective treatment for children with underactive bladder.
- This approach improves bladder sensation and contractility, leading to better voiding dysfunction management.
- The findings support the integration of interactive biofeedback and PFM training in pediatric urological care.
Objective:
To assess the efficacy of animated biofeedback and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercise in managing children with non-neuropathic underactive bladder (UB).
Methods:
A total of 50 children with UB without underlying neuropathic disease, aged 5-16 years, were included in this study. They were randomly divided into 2 equal treatment groups comprising standard urotherapy (hydration, scheduled voiding, toilet training, and diet) with (group A) or without (group B) animated biofeedback and PFM exercise. The follow-up period for each participant was 1 year. A complete voiding and bowel habit diary was recorded by participants' parents before and after 2 evaluations. In addition, uroflowmetry with electromyography and bladder ultrasound were performed before, 6 months, and 1 year after treatment. Results were compared between the 2 cohorts.
Results:
Mean number of voiding episodes was significantly increased in group A after biofeedback therapy compared with group B with only standard urotherapy (6.6 ± 1.6 vs 4.5 ± 1 times a day; P <.000). Urinary tract infection did not relapse in 9 of 11 (81%) and 8 of 15 (38%) patients in groups A and B, respectively (P <.02). Postvoid residual volume and voiding time decreased considerably, whereas maximum urine flow increased significantly in group A compared with group B (17.2 ± 4.7 vs 12.9 ± 4.6 mL/s; P <.01).
Conclusion:
Combination of animated biofeedback and PFM exercise effectively improves sensation of bladder fullness and contractility in children with UB due to voiding dysfunction.
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