Pelvic physiotherapy for patients with OverActive Bladder syndrome a case series report

Abstract

Abstract Background & purpose. The overactive bladder is a highly prevalent syndrome. Conservative treatment is recommended as first treatment option by a lot of practice guidelines. Conservative therapy is often conducted by pelvic physiotherapists. The primary purpose of this case series was to describe the treatment and its results for patients with overactive bladder syndrome with pelvic physiotherapy. The secondary purpose was to evaluate the research protocol used for feasibility. Case descriptions. Three female patients with overactive bladder syndrome were included in a 12-week pelvic physiotherapy program. The program included information and education, bladder training and, pelvic floor muscle exercises. The primary outcome measures were the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) and number of urgency urinary incontinence episodes/24 hours. Secondary outcome measures were the Protection, Amount, Frequency, Adjustment and Body image (PRAFAB), Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency scale (PPIUS), Incontinence Quality Of Life (I-QOL), number- and volume of voids/24 hours and, number of urgency- and nocturia episodes/24 hours according to a 3-day micturition diary. Outcomes of PPBC, PRAFAB and, I-QOL were registered at baseline and 12-weeks. Outcomes of the 3-day micturition diary and PPIUS were registered at baseline, 6- and, 12-weeks. To test the feasibility of the protocol a tailor-made questionnaire regarding the protocol was developed. Outcomes. The three patients completed the 12-week pelvic physiotherapy program. No urinary incontinence episodes were reported. One patient improved significantly on the PPBC. All patients had a significant improvement on the PRAFAB and a mean micturition frequency of <8/24 hours. I-QOL outcomes showed a general improvement. Layout of form 1 scored a mode of 1 on 5, “not very clear”, in the feasibility questionnaire. Discussion. A significant outcome was reported for 1 patient after completion of the pelvic physiotherapy program. However, the findings are only indicative. Methodologically sound studies with large numbers are needed to confirm these results. The study protocol seems feasible and may be implemented in future studies