Researchers studied two treatments for overactive bladder syndrome in older women. They compared a standard behavior therapy program to that same therapy plus a treatment called transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS). TTNS is a non-invasive method that uses gentle electrical pulses on the ankle to influence bladder nerves.
The study included 38 older women, split into two groups of 19. One group received only behavior therapy, which involves bladder training and lifestyle changes. The other group received behavior therapy plus the TTNS treatment. Researchers measured symptoms using questionnaires and a 3-day diary where women tracked their bathroom habits.
Both groups saw improvements in their quality of life related to bladder symptoms. The group that received the combination of therapy and TTNS showed a significant reduction in episodes of urgent, accidental urine leakage and nighttime urination (nocturia) based on their diaries. The treatment was reported to be safe and well-tolerated, with no observed complications.
It is important to be cautious because this was a very small study with only 38 participants. The follow-up period was short, so we don't know if the benefits last over time. The results are promising for this specific group of older women, but larger, longer studies are needed before this combination can be widely recommended.