Evaluation of the Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of Different Intensities on Neurogenic Bladder Function after Spinal Cord Injury

Neurogenic bladder (NB) is a complex bladder dysfunction that arises subsequent to spinal cord injury (SCI), profoundly affecting the quality of life. This study examined the effects of varying intensities of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on NB treatment outcomes.

Patients admitted because of SCI-induced NB between March 2022 and March 2024 were enrolled. Patients were divided according to the treatment methods they received: 120% resting motor threshold (RMT) and 80% RMT groups. Baseline data, lower urinary tract symptoms and the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scores were analysed and compared between the groups.

A total of 128 participants successfully completed the study (120% RMT: n = 68; 80% RMT: n = 60). The groups exhibited similar baseline characteristics and yielded equivalent pre-intervention outcomes (all p > 0.05). After the intervention, significant decreases in daily voiding, leakage frequency and residual urine volume (RUV), NBSS, HAMA and HAMD scores were observed (all p < 0.05 compared with pre-intervention values). The 120% RMT group exhibited more pronounced decreases (p < 0.05). Significant increases in maximum flow rate, single void volume and WHOQOL-BREF (all p < 0.05) and more pronounced advancements were observed in the 120% RMT group (p < 0.05).

This study demonstrates that 120% RMT improves the physical symptoms, psychological well-being and overall quality of life for patients with SCI-induced NB.