Electroacupuncture vs PTNS for women with refractory overactive bladder

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a single-site feasibility randomized trial comparing electroacupuncture (EA) with PTNS in women with refractory overactive bladder. Twenty-four participants will be randomized to receive either EA or PTNS over 12 weeks, with follow-up at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. The aim is to determine if a larger definitive trial is feasible by examining recruitment, retention, adherence, data completeness, safety, and participant acceptability, to inform future study design. The study sits within a pelvic health physiotherapy service and explores non-pharmacological treatment options for OAB. Outcomes will help clarify whether EA and PTNS merit direct comparison in a larger trial.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants must meet all of the following criteria:

* Female adults aged 18 years or older.
* Diagnosed with overactive bladder syndrome (ICIQ-OAB score ≥10).
* Symptoms present for at least three months and refractory to first-line treatments.
* Willing to refrain from starting new bladder-related treatments during the study period.
* Able and willing to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants meeting any of the following criteria will be excluded:

  * Pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study period.
  * Bleeding disorders.
  * Severe needle phobia.
  * Presence of a pacemaker.
  * Active cancer diagnosis.
  * Active urinary tract infections or other urological conditions requiring urgent intervention.
  * Participation in another clinical trial for bladder dysfunction within the past six months.
  * Neurological conditions affecting continence (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease).
  * Life-threatening infections.
  * Severe cognitive deficits, unconsciousness, dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's or other neurodegenerative diseases).
  * History of incontinence surgery.
  * Previous acupuncture for OAB within the past two months.
  * History of thromboses.
  * Recovering from or suffering from a serious illness or major surgery.

Where it's running

• Chelsea and Westminster hospital NHS foundation Trust
  London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Elmas X Court — Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and Imperial College London
• Study coordinator: Elmas Court
• Email: elmas.court@nhs.net
• Phone: +447538355975

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.