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Urge Urinary IncontinenceUCV/INCONTINENNCT06783374

Effect of Neuromodulation and Therapeutic Exercise in Urinary Incontinence

A study testing Neuromodulation and Exercise in people with Urge Urinary Incontinence and Overactive Bladder (OAB), run by Fundación Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir at 1 site in Spain.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Urge urinary incontinence (UUI) is a component of the condition known as overactive bladder, a severe and debilitating chronic disorder affecting healthcare systems worldwide. The efficacy of therapeutic exercise and neuromodulation in the treatment of UUI is evaluated, and these techniques are combined. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 45 years and older, women only
What is being tested?
Neuromodulation and Exercise
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
63 participants
Where
1 siteSpain
Study dates
4 Mar 2025to 10 Nov 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 45 years and older
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Present with a diagnosis of urinary incontinence or overactive bladder
  • Women of menopausal age (>45 years)
  • ≥3 months of duration
  • Fulfill the established criteria for patient selection for neuromodulation treatment (urge urinary incontinence)
  • Speak native Spanish or English

Who cannot join

  • Prior or scheduled surgical procedures in the lumbar or abdominal region
  • Presence of fractures or severe pathological conditions
  • Current pregnancy or potential for pregnancy during the study period
  • Neurological or psychiatric disorders
  • Presence of stress urinary incontinence
  • Female subjects with autoimmune diseases or malignancies
  • Belonephobia
  • Subjects who have undergone previous neuromodulation

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Jesica L-G Leal García, PhD Student contact

+34 657390304

jesica.leal@ucv.es

Juan V-M Vicente Mampel, PhD contact

+34 674177877

juan.vicente@ucv.es

Spain1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Catholic Univerity of Valencia

    Valencia, Valencia, 46001

    Jesica L-G Leal García, PhD Student, +34 657390304, jesica.leal@ucv.es

    Juan V-M Vicente Mampel, PhD, +34 674177877, juan.vicente@ucv.es

    Recruiting

Other trials in Spain

About this study

Official title: Effect of a Peripheral and Central Neuromodulation Protocol Combined With the Application of Therapeutic Exercise in Patients Diagnosed With Urinary Incontinence. A Randomized Control Trial (RCT)

Urge urinary incontinence (UUI) is a component of the condition known as overactive bladder, a severe and debilitating chronic disorder affecting healthcare systems worldwide. The efficacy of therapeutic exercise and neuromodulation in the treatment of UUI is evaluated, and these techniques are combined.

Read the detailed description

Urge urinary incontinence (UUI) is a component of the condition known as overactive bladder, a severe and debilitating chronic disorder that affects the neurophysiology of micturition and bladder functionality, particularly in processes associated with menopause, leading to a deterioration in quality of life. Various therapeutic approaches are employed to treat overactive bladder. Among the most frequently implemented interventions are sacral or tibial nerve neurostimulation. This intervention targets the pathophysiological substrate by modulating the somatic afferent activity of the bladder and interfering with the activity of fibers responsible for pain modulation and neuromuscular system functionality. In essence, the described approach focuses on reducing peripheral input. Based on the aforementioned information, it was hypothesized that training through a pelvic floor strength protocol, performed adjunctively with peripheral neuromodulation prior to its implementation, may provide the ability to inhibit detrusor contractions via involuntary contractions of the perineal musculature.

Being tested
Neuromodulation, Exercise, Exercise control group, Sham Neuromodulation
Keywords
Menopause, exercise, Neuromodulation, Posterior tibial nerve
Medical subject headings
Urinary Incontinence, Urge, Urinary Bladder, Overactive, Motor Activity

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • NeuromodulationProcedure or surgery

    A protocol of posterior tibial nerve electrostimulation will be implemented, inducing retrograde electrostimulation through the pelvic nerves, which are connected to the spinal cord via the sacral plexus at segments S2 and S3. It is recommended to conduct an average of 10 sessions to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment, within a range of 6 to 16 sessions, each lasting 30 minutes, completing a treatment period of 3 months.

  • ExerciseProcedure or surgery

    Participants will engage in a 60-minute exercise session, divided into two blocks: Block 1 will comprise 10 to 12 repetitions per set, aiming to achieve a perceived exertion level of 7 to 10 on the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Block 2 will utilize the 5P® LOGSURF Method, termed Proprioceptive Perineal Postural Reeducation, which employs unstable positions to promote postural adjustment and continuous balance. This approach facilitates the activation of the abdominopelvic muscles, enhancing control and strengthening of the pelvic-perineal region.

  • Exercise control groupProcedure or surgery

    Exercise The control group engages in specific pelvic floor exercises, which are less complex in terms of neuromuscular processing, such as Kegel's exercise. The protocol for these exercises is standardized and conducted individually, comprising 8 to 12 sessions of 20-40 minutes each, performed twice weekly.

  • Sham NeuromodulationProcedure or surgery

    A needle with a retractable handle will be used, commonly employed in experimental research with Streitberger and Kleinhenz placebo needles. This creates the appearance of insertion without penetrating the skin and allows the needles to remain in place for the duration of the intervention.

Study groups in NCT06783374
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Exercise + neuromodulationExperimentalThe Intervention group will initially undergo posterior tibial nerve neuromodulation following a standardized protocol: 30 minutes per session, 2 sessions per week for 3 months. Sessions will have a duration of 60 minutes and will be structured into three distinct blocks. In the initial two treatment blocks, exercises will emphasize CORE stabilization and general strength training with forced exhalation to ensure appropriate activation of the transverse abdominal muscle, with the objective of preventing adverse effects associated with increased intra-abdominal pressure. The third work block will focus on addressing anticipatory postural adjustment control, given its established relationship with the pelvic floor muscles. This technique will be actively implemented in conjunction with the Proprioceptive Postural Reeducation Method (5P® LOGSURF).
Receives: Procedure: Neuromodulation; Procedure: Exercise
Exercise+ ShamNeuromodulationSham comparatorFor the SHAM group, a non-penetrating needle with a retractable handle will be utilized, which is commonly employed in experimental research with Streitberger and Kleinhenz placebo needles. This method creates the appearance of insertion without penetrating the skin and allows the needles to remain in situ for the duration of the intervention. The SHAM group participants will adhere to the exercise protocol in the same manner as the intervention group.
Receives: Procedure: Exercise; Procedure: Sham Neuromodulation
Control GroupActive comparatorConventional Physiotherapy. The control group engages in specific pelvic floor exercises, which are less complex in terms of neuromuscular processing (focusing on fundamental spinal stimuli), in contrast to the more comprehensive and intricate tasks of the intervention group. Additionally, manual therapy techniques are employed to inhibit trigger points in the musculature and ligamentous structures of the pelvic cavity, as well as intracavitary techniques aimed at alleviating mechanical pain.
Receives: Procedure: Exercise control group

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. The Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-Short Form

    The Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-Short Form (OAB-q SF) is a concise, self-administered patient-reported outcomes instrument comprising two scales that assess symptom bother and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in patients with OAB. This self-administered, disease-specific questionnaire evaluates symptomatic discomfort (6 items) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL, 13 items) using a 6-point Likert scale. Scores are transformed to a 0-100 scale, where higher symptom scores indicate greater severity, and higher HRQoL scores reflect better quality of life

    Measured: At baseline, Post1month, Post3months, Post6months

Secondary outcomes (8)
  1. Mapping of Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL)

    Mapping of Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL) is a widely utilized self-reported health-related quality of life instrument for individuals with urinary incontinence (UI). It comprises 22 items, each employing a 5-point ordinal response scale where 1 = extremely, 2 = quite a lot, 3 = moderately, 4 = a little, and 5 = not at all.

    Measured: at baseline, Post1month, Post3months, Post6months

  2. Bladder Diary

    Bladder Diary is a non-invasive assessment tool that provides insights into bladder function. It is utilized to measure the frequency and severity of urinary dysfunction symptoms, such as overactive bladder.

    Measured: at baseline, Post1month, Post3months, Post6months

  3. Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF)

    Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) comprises three components that assess subjective frequency, subjective severity, and quality of life through a self-administered questionnaire. Questions 3 to 5 are scored items, with responses totaled to achieve a minimum score of 0 and maximum of 21.

    Measured: at baseline, Post1month, Post3months, Post6months

  4. Electromyography (EMG)

    Electromyography (EMG) is a reliable, non-invasive method to assess pelvic floor muscle (PFM) tone, strength, endurance, and function. Electrical activity is recorded using a vaginal probe to monitor deep and superficial PFM layers. Measurements are obtained in supine and standing positions.

    Measured: at baseline, Post1month, Post3months, Post6months

  5. Oxford Scale

    Oxford Scale is a subjective classification system utilized to evaluate the strength and quality of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractions through intracavitary palpation with one or two fingers. The modified scale comprises 5 grades: 0 = no contraction; 1 = flickering muscle movements; 2 = weak contraction; 3 = increased pressure with slight muscle elevation; 4 = firm contraction with moderate elevation of the vaginal posterior wall; 5 = strong contraction with finger resistance against the abdominal wall.

    Measured: at baseline, Post1month, Post3months, Post6months

  6. Tampa Scale-11 (TSK-11)

    Tampa Scale-11 (TSK-11) is a validated instrument for assessing kinesiophobia, or fear of movement, in individuals with chronic pain. It identifies fear-avoidance beliefs with scores ranging from 11 to 44, where higher scores indicate greater fear of reinjury. The TSK-11 demonstrates reliability (α = 0.84) and is widely employed in musculoskeletal pain populations.

    Measured: at baseline, Post1month, Post3months, Post6months

  7. Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)

    Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) is a 13-item self-administered instrument assessing pain magnification, rumination, and helplessness. Scores range from 13 to 62, with higher scores indicating greater catastrophizing. The validated Spanish version exhibits high reliability (α = 0.95; test-retest r = 0.70-0.75).

    Measured: at baseline, Post1month, Post3months, Post6months

  8. Sport Injury Rehabilitation Adherence Scales (SIRAS)

    Sport Injury Rehabilitation Adherence Scales (SIRAS) evaluates patient adherence during rehabilitation sessions, as rated by healthcare professionals. It assesses the intensity with which patients complete exercises, their consistency in following instructions, and their receptiveness to program adjustments. The scale comprises three items scored to produce a total between 0 and 15, with higher scores indicating greater adherence.

    Measured: at baseline, Post1month, Post3months, Post6months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted20 Jan 2025
  2. Study start4 Mar 2025
  3. Primary completion10 Nov 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion10 Nov 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
63 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06783374
Sponsor's protocol ID
UCV/2024-2025/020
Other IDs
Ethical Commithe
Acronym
UCV/INCONTINEN
Status last verified
Dec 2024
First submitted
14 Jan 2025
Last updated
13 Apr 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Fuentes-Aparicio L, Arranz-Martin B, Navarro-Brazalez B, Bailon-Cerezo J, Sanchez-Sanchez B, Torres-Lacomba M. Postural Sensorimotor Control on Anorectal Pressures and Pelvic Floor Muscle Tone and Strength: Effects of a Single 5P(R) LOGSURF Session. A Cross-Sectional Preliminary Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 2;18(7):3708. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18073708.

    PubMed 33918217
  • Sonmez R, Yildiz N, Alkan H. Efficacy of percutaneous and transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in women with idiopathic overactive bladder: A prospective randomised controlled trial. Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2022 Jan;65(1):101486. doi: 10.1016/j.rehab.2021.101486. Epub 2021 Nov 11.

    PubMed 33429090
  • Arlandis S, Ruiz MA, Errando C, Villacampa F, Arumi D, Lizarraga I, Rejas J. Quality of life in patients with overactive bladder: validation and psychometric properties of the Spanish Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-short Form. Clin Drug Investig. 2012 Aug 1;32(8):523-32. doi: 10.2165/11633760-000000000-00000.

    PubMed 22741748
  • Fernandez-Cuadros ME, Martin-Martin LM, Albaladejo-Florin MJ, Perez-Moro OS, Alava-Rabasa S, Goizueta-San-Martin G. [Transcutaneous stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve modifies the sympathetic skin response and improves overactive bladder syndrome: Case series and possible diagnostic test]. Rehabilitacion (Madr). 2022 Oct-Dec;56(4):255-263. doi: 10.1016/j.rh.2021.04.005. Epub 2021 Sep 24. Spanish.

    PubMed 34565565
  • Bo K, Berghmans LC. Nonpharmacologic treatments for overactive bladder-pelvic floor exercises. Urology. 2000 May;55(5A Suppl):7-11; discussion 14-6.

    PubMed 10767443
  • Abrams P. Describing bladder storage function: overactive bladder syndrome and detrusor overactivity. Urology. 2003 Nov;62(5 Suppl 2):28-37; discussion 40-2. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2003.09.050.

    PubMed 14662404
  • Carcelen-Fraile MDC, Aibar-Almazan A, Martinez-Amat A, Cruz-Diaz D, Diaz-Mohedo E, Redecillas-Peiro MT, Hita-Contreras F. Effects of Physical Exercise on Sexual Function and Quality of Sexual Life Related to Menopausal Symptoms in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Apr 14;17(8):2680. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17082680.

    PubMed 32295114
  • Leal-Garcia J, Blanco-Gimenez P, Jaenada-Carrillero E, Martinez-Soler M, Huertas-Ramirez B, Mahiques-Sanchis A, Vicente-Mampel J. Effect of a Peripheral Neuromodulation Protocol Combined with the Application of Therapeutic Exercise in Patients Diagnosed with Urinary Incontinence-A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. Healthcare (Basel). 2025 Jul 21;13(14):1759. doi: 10.3390/healthcare13141759.

    PubMed 40724784

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Neuromodulation and Exercise in people with Urge Urinary Incontinence and Overactive Bladder (OAB), run by Fundación Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir at 1 site in Spain.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Apr 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Spain. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Jesica L-G Leal García, PhD Student (+34 657390304, jesica.leal@ucv.es), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

The Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-Short Form (time frame: At baseline, Post1month, Post3months, Post6months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06783374, which also lists 8 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 Apr 2025.

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