Pilot Study of a Digital Behavioral Therapy for Overactive Bladder in Women

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Digital Health
• Behavioral Therapy

Background:

• Overactive bladder (OAB) presents a significant health burden, necessitating novel and accessible treatment options.
• Traditional behavioral therapies for OAB face barriers to widespread adoption and adherence.
• Digital therapeutics offer a potential solution to overcome these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a smartphone-based digital therapeutic for managing overactive bladder (OAB).
• To evaluate a novel app-delivered intervention combining behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and pelvic muscle training for OAB patients.

Main Methods:

• A multicentered prospective pilot study involving 30 women with OAB symptoms.
• An 8-week smartphone app intervention delivering weekly modules with educational content and skill-building exercises.
• Primary outcome measured by combined scores on the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire; secondary outcomes included quality of life, urinary diary parameters, and patient-reported improvement.

Main Results:

• 100% of participants reported a reduction in OAB symptoms.
• Significant improvements observed in urinary frequency (10.19 to 6.71/day) and incontinence episodes (10 to 3.57).
• 82% experienced improved quality of life, and 72% showed Patient Global Impression of Improvement; the app was rated highly for functionality.

Conclusions:

• This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of a digital therapeutic for OAB treatment.
• The findings support the use of digital platforms to overcome real-world barriers in first-line OAB management.
• Further evaluation of the safety and efficacy of this digital OAB intervention is warranted.