Publication:

Physiotherapeutic interventions for overactive bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common urinary disorder characterized by urgency, frequency, nocturia, and urge urinary incontinence (UUI), which can significantly impair quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to review the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic interventions in the management of OAB. Relevant studies published between 2013-2026 were collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Cochrane Library. Outcome measures commonly used across the studies included OAB symptom score (OABSS), OAB questionnaire (OAB-q), international consultation on incontinence questionnaire OAB (ICIQ-OAB), dysfunctional voiding scoring system (DVSS), visual analogue scale (VAS), bladder diaries, uroflowmetry parameters, QoL questionnaires, pad tests, and frequency-volume charts. A total of 22 studies were included based on predefined eligibility criteria, including 10 studies on electrotherapeutic modalities, 5 studies on therapeutic exercises, and 7 studies examined the combined effects. Regarding the study population, 5 studies were conducted on children, 11 studies on women, and 6 studies included both men and women, while no study exclusively investigated only men. Findings demonstrated electrotherapeutic modalities such as transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), interferential current (IFC) and biofeedback significantly reduced urinary urgency, frequency, nocturia, and UUI while improving QoL. This study concludes that therapeutic exercises, including pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), bladder training, urge suppression techniques and bladder training (BT), showed significant improvements in OAB symptoms and bladder control. Studies investigating combined interventions, particularly behavioral advice and PFMT (BA-PFMT), TTNS with behavioral therapy, and PFMT combined with tibial nerve stimulation, reported greater clinical benefits compared with single interventions. The existing studies indicate both electrotherapeutic modalities and therapeutic exercises are effective, safe, and non-invasive treatments for OAB. However, the combination of these approaches results in superior outcomes, leading to greater reductions in symptoms, enhanced bladder control and improved QoL.