Evaluating the Feasibility and Efficacy of At-Home Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS) for Overactive Bladder in Rural Women
Oregon Health and Science University
Summary
This study contains a mixed-methods design consisting of a single-arm, interventional study and prospective patient interviews evaluating a novel self-implemented at-home Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS) treatment protocol for management of treatment naïve overactive bladder (OAB) among rural-dwelling women. This study will be conducted in 3 rural Oregon communities where Oregon Health \& Science University satellite campuses are located.
Description
A total of 38 participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be recruited from clinical sites in three rural Oregon counties: 1) Klamath County, 2) Jefferson County, and 3) Coos County. Potential subjects with overactive bladder (OAB) who are being seen at healthcare clinics including primary care, obstetrics and gynecology, and pelvic floor physical therapy will be informed of this research study. Interested participants will be referred to the study coordinator via a flyer. Participants will be screened by phone and if deemed eligible and elect to participate, they will be consented over…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Rural residence (as defined by the Federal Office of Rural Health policy confirmed with the "Am I rural?" tool) * Clinical diagnosis of overactive bladder (OAB) with urinary frequency \>= 8 times per day * Able to complete questionnaires, urination diaries, and interview in English or Spanish * Have reliable access to a telephone or email for communication * Ambulatory and able to use the toilet independently Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to consent * Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant during the study period * Previous treatment for OAB including medication, intr…
Interventions
- DeviceTranscutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS)
Participants will perform self-implemented at-home transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation using a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit. Participants will be instructed to use the TENS unit to deliver stimulation to the tibial nerve on one ankle for a 30-minute session, three times per week for 12 weeks upon receipt of the device. Intensity will be based on the participant's tolerance, just above the perception threshold but not painful.
Location
- Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortland, Oregon