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Electroacupuncture for post-stroke overactive bladder: a multi-centre pilot randomized controlled trial
Haiyong Chen1,2, Changde Wang3, Minjie Zhou3
1School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Summary
Electroacupuncture (EA) may reduce overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in stroke survivors. This pilot study found EA feasible and potentially effective, warranting further research for post-stroke OAB treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common post-stroke complication.
- Existing treatments for post-stroke OAB are limited.
- Acupuncture has shown promise for OAB, but RCT data for post-stroke patients is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) for treating overactive bladder (OAB) in patients who have experienced a stroke.
- To assess the feasibility and tolerability of a six-session EA treatment protocol.
Main Methods:
- A multi-site, randomized, assessor-blind, controlled pilot trial was conducted.
- 34 patients with post-stroke OAB were randomized to receive six EA sessions over 4 weeks or usual care.
- Outcomes included the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), bladder diary, and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SSQoL) scale.
Main Results:
- EA demonstrated a moderate effect size on OABSS scores at 1 and 3 weeks post-treatment (ES 0.57-0.60, p<0.05).
- Statistical significance was not maintained after Bonferroni correction.
- No significant differences were observed in bladder diary parameters or SSQoL scores.
- EA treatment was well-tolerated.
Conclusions:
- A six-session EA protocol appears feasible and may reduce OAB symptoms in post-stroke patients.
- Larger, fully powered trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of EA for post-stroke OAB.
