A comparison of Kinesio taping and external electrical stimulation in addition to pelvic floor muscle exercise and sole pelvic floor muscle exercise in women with overactive bladder: a randomized controlled study

Abstract

Purpose To compare the effects of Kinesio taping® (KT) and external electrical stimulation (ES) in addition to pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) and sole PFME in women with overactive bladder (OAB). Material and methods Patients with OAB were randomly allocated into PFME, PFME + KT, PFME + ES groups. All treatments were carried out for 6 weeks. OAB symptoms with voiding diary and Overactive Bladder-Version8 (OAB-V8), pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) with perineometer, quality of life with King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ) were assessed before (BT) and after treatment (AT). AT, the perception of improvement was inquired. Results AT, OAB symptoms and KHQ scores decreased and PFMS improved in all groups (p < 0.05). The intergroup comparisons revealed a further decrease in voids/day, voids/night, OAB-V8, and some KHQ scores, and a further increase in the perception of improvement in the PFME + KT and PFME + ES groups compared to the PFME group (p < 0.05). In the PFME + ES group, there was a further decrease in numbers of incontinence compared to the PFME group, and in severity measures scores compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion KT and external ES in addition to PFME were more effective than PFME alone in the treatment of OAB. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Pelvic floor muscle exercise was found to be effective in reducing overactive bladder symptoms and increasing quality of life. Kinesio taping or external electrical stimulation in addition to pelvic floor muscle exercise is more effective in improving overactive bladder symptoms, quality of life, and perception of improvement than pelvic floor muscle exercise alone. Kinesio taping and external electrical stimulation can be used as a complementary application in the treatment of overactive bladder. Pelvic floor muscle exercise, pelvic floor muscle exercise + Kinesio taping, and pelvic floor muscle exercise + electrical stimulation applications should be included in conservative treatment options in patients with overactive bladder to reduce symptoms and cost, and improve quality of life.