‘’Needling the Urge: A New Solution for Pelvic Control?’’-V01
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Electroacupuncture in Adults with Overactive Bladder and Urge-Predominant Urinary Incontinence Refractory to First-Line Treatment. A three-arm mixed-methods feasibility study with an embedded randomised pilot control trial
IRAS ID
354646
Contact name
Elmas Yildiz-Court
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Summary of the Study
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition that causes sudden urges to pass urine, frequent urination, waking at night to urinate, and sometimes leakage. These symptoms can significantly affect daily life, sleep, confidence, and mental wellbeing. Many women do not improve with first-line treatments such as bladder training and pelvic floor physiotherapy, and current second-line treatments can be difficult to access or involve invasive procedures.This study aims to explore whether electroacupuncture could be a practical, acceptable, and affordable treatment option for women with overactive bladder, compared with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), a treatment currently used in specialist clinics. Electroacupuncture uses very fine needles combined with gentle electrical stimulation to activate nerves involved in bladder control. PTNS also works by stimulating nerves but requires specialist equipment and repeated clinic visits.
The main research question is whether it is feasible to run a larger clinical trial comparing these treatments and whether women find them acceptable. The study will also explore women’s experiences of treatment through short interviews.
This is a mixed-methods feasibility study with an embedded pilot randomised controlled trial. Women who have not improved after standard pelvic health physiotherapy will be invited to take part. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive either electroacupuncture or PTNS. A small subgroup will also take part in a sham (inactive) electroacupuncture comparison, which mimics treatment without stimulating the nerves, to help understand placebo effects.
Participants will attend weekly treatment sessions for up to 12 weeks at an NHS outpatient physiotherapy department. They will complete questionnaires about bladder symptoms and quality of life at the start, during treatment, and at follow-up.
This research is funded by the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Joint Research Committee and is supported by the physiotherapy and urology departments, with sponsorship from Imperial College London and will recruit from NHS pelvic health services. Findings will help decide whether a larger, definitive trial should be carried out and may inform future treatment options for women with overactive bladder.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0362
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion