Comparison of oxybutynin, electrostimulation of the posterior tibial nerve and perineal exercises in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of perineal exercises, transcutaneous electrostimulation of the posterior tibial nerve (TPTNS) and oxybutynin in women with overactive bladder syndrome, which is the second most common cause of urinary incontinence, with extremely uncomfortable urinary symptoms which impair their quality of life. A total of 65 women were randomized, of whom 57 completed treatment. Three groups were formed: the perineal exercises group, the TPTNS group and the control group, which used oxybutynin. The exercises were performed in groups, in the standing, supine and sitting positions, twice a week in 30-minute sessions, totaling 12 sessions. In the TPTNS group, carried out with 10Hz frequency and 200 microsecond pulse width, a transcutaneous electrode was positioned on the patients’ medial malleolus, and another was positioned 10cm above it. The patients of the control group received 10 mg/day doses of immediate release oxybutynin, divided into two 5mg/day doses for 12 consecutive weeks. Before and after the treatments, the patients’ voiding diary was analyzed, their pelvic floor was functionally evaluated and they were asked to fill in an OAB-V8 quality of life questionnaire. Urge incontinence was reduced by 50%, 70.5% and 41% in the exercises, TPTNS and oxybutynin groups, respectively, and statistical significance was detected for stimulation only. The three treatment modalities were effective for improving quality of life in the short-term therapy, and were statistically similar to each other.