[Jiuci renmai therapy combined with bladder function training for post-stroke neurogenic bladder: a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Urology
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Post-stroke neurogenic bladder (PSNB) significantly impacts patient quality of life.
• Conventional treatments often have limitations in fully restoring bladder function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Jiuci renmai therapy (moxibustion and acupuncture on the conception vessel) combined with bladder function training for PSNB.

Main Methods:

• Sixty PSNB patients were randomized into a control group (bladder training + conventional treatment) and an observation group (Jiuci renmai therapy + bladder training + conventional treatment).
• Jiuci renmai therapy involved warm needling and moxibustion on specific acupoints (CV3, CV4, CV6, CV2, KI11, CV9, CV10, CV12) every other day for 4 weeks.
• Urodynamic parameters, voiding parameters, symptom scores (NBSS, LUTS), and quality of life (I-QoL) were assessed before and during treatment.

Main Results:

• The observation group showed significant improvements in maximal urine flow rate (Qmax), maximal detrusor pressure (PdetQmax), maximal bladder capacity (MCC), and maximal intravesical pressure (Pvesmax) compared to the control group.
• Residual urine volume (RUV), micturition frequency, and urinary leakage episodes were significantly reduced in the observation group.
• Quality of life scores (I-QoL) and overall treatment effectiveness were higher in the observation group (90.0%) versus the control group (70.0%).
• Adverse event incidence was low and comparable between groups.

Conclusions:

• Combining Jiuci renmai therapy with bladder function training offers an effective treatment for PSNB.
• This integrated approach improves bladder voiding function, alleviates symptoms, and enhances patient quality of life.
• The combined therapy demonstrates a favorable safety profile for managing PSNB.