Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Gynecology and Obstetrics

This study was conducted to compare the effect of transcutaneous versus percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation on overactive bladder (OAB) in postmenopausal women. Sixty postmenopausal women with overactive bladder, aged 55-65 years, were randomized into 3 equal groups. The control group only received medical drugs in the form of selective anti Muscarinic drugs (10mg) once daily for 12 weeks. Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) group received the same medical treatment and TTNS, 3 sessions/week for 12 weeks. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) group received the same medical treatment and PTNS, 3 sessions/week for 12 weeks. Evaluation was done by using urodynamic investigation system to assess volume at first desire to void and maximum bladder capacity (MBC), overactive bladder questionnaire short form (OAB-q SF) to assess bladder severity symptoms and health related quality of life (HRQoL), 3-day bladder diary to assess urgency and incontinence episodes, and pad test to assess amount of leakage pre-and post-treatment. Results showed that the volume at first desire to void, MBC, and HRQoL were significantly increased (p=0.0001) in all groups post-treatment, while bladder severity symptoms, urgency episodes, incontinence episodes, and the amount of leakage were significantly decreased (p=0.0001) in all groups post-treatment. Compared to the control group, TTNS and PTNS groups showed a significant increase (p=0.0001) in the volume at first desire to void, MBC, and HRQoL, and there was a significant decrease (p=0.0001) in bladder severity symptoms, urgency episodes, incontinence episodes, and amount of leakage. Also, there was insignificant difference (P>0.05) between TTNS group and PTNS group in all variables post-treatment

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