Design and Evaluation of a Targeted Protocol for the Management and Prevention of Overactive Bladder: An Interventional Approach to Optimizing Patient Care

Sharma A1, Tilala A1

Research Type

Clinical

Abstract Category

Overactive Bladder

Abstract 470
Open Discussion ePosters
Scientific Open Discussion Session 103
Thursday 18th September 2025
15:45 - 15:50 (ePoster Station 2)
Exhibition
Pelvic Floor Underactive Bladder Conservative Treatment Quality of Life (QoL)
1. RK University
Presenter
Links

Abstract

Hypothesis / aims of study
Null Hypothesis (H₀):
There is no statistically significant difference in Overactive Bladder Symptom Scores (OABSS) before and after implementing the structured intervention protocol in adult females.

Alternative Hypothesis (H₁):
There is a statistically significant improvement in Overactive Bladder Symptom Scores (OABSS) following the implementation of the structured intervention protocol in adult females.

Aim of the Study:

To design and evaluate the effectiveness of a structured, multi-component intervention protocol incorporating pelvic floor muscle training, yogic postures, bladder retraining techniques, and dietary modifications in reducing symptoms and improving the management of Overactive Bladder (OAB) in adult females.
Study design, materials and methods
Study Design:

This study was designed as an interventional, single-group, pre-post study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a structured physio therapeutic protocol in reducing symptoms of Overactive Bladder (OAB) among adult females.
Study Setting:

Community-based settings in and around Rajkot, Gujarat, India, including voluntary female participants recruited via online and offline screening methods
Study Duration:

6 months

Sample Size:

A total of 40 female participants aged 18 years and above were included in the study, based on the eligibility criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

    Females aged 18 years and above

    OAB-v8 questionnaire score of ≥8

    Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

    Pregnant women

    Individuals using intrauterine devices

    Participants with urinary tract infections or renal stones

    Uncooperative individuals


Materials Used:

    Exercise mat and chair for exercise demonstrations

    Outcome Measures:

        Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS)

        OAB-v8 Questionnaire (used for initial screening)

Methodology:

    Ethical Approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of RK University
    
        Recruitment and Screening:

        OAB-v8 questionnaire was distributed among females aged 18 and above via Google Forms and direct distribution.

        Based on scores (≥8), eligible participants were contacted and enrolled after written informed consent.

    Pre-Intervention Assessment:

        Baseline OAB symptoms were recorded using the OAB Symptom Score (OABSS).

    Intervention Protocol (3 Weeks):

        Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) – max holds and quick flicks

        Elevator Exercise – step wise contraction and relaxation

        Yoga Asanas – including Tadasana, Utkatasana, Trikonasana, Setubandhasana, Malasana, Baddhakonasana

        Bladder Retraining – timed voiding, urge control, double voiding

        Dietary Modifications – reducing bladder irritants, optimizing fluid intake

        Two supervised sessions per week were conducted (total 6 sessions). Participants were instructed to continue home exercises and lifestyle strategies on non-supervised days.


        OABSS was re-administered after 3 weeks to evaluate changes.
Results
A total of 40 female participants, aged 18 years and above, were included in the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) was used as the primary outcome measure to evaluate symptom severity before and after the 3-week intervention.
Overall Results:

    Mean Pre-Intervention OABSS: 11.00 ± 2.91

    Mean Post-Intervention OABSS: 8.40 ± 2.11

    Statistical Test: Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test

    P-value: 0.00 (p < 0.05) — 

This reflects a clinically and statistically significant reduction in the symptoms of Overactive Bladder following the implementation of the structured physiotherapy-based protocol.
Interpretation of results
The structured intervention protocol, which included pelvic floor muscle training, yogasanas, bladder retraining, and dietary modifications, demonstrated significant improvement in OAB symptoms. The effectiveness was evident across various age groups and BMI categories, with the highest impact seen in women with advanced age and higher BMI.
Concluding message
The structured physiotherapy-based intervention—comprising pelvic floor muscle training, specific yogasanas, bladder retraining techniques, and dietary modifications—proved to be effective in significantly reducing the symptoms of Overactive Bladder in adult females. The protocol not only demonstrated statistical and clinical significance but also showed consistent benefits across different age groups and BMI classifications.

This evidence-based approach offers a safe, non-pharmacological, and home-manageable strategy for the management and prevention of Overactive Bladder.
Figure 1 Different Yogasana
Figure 2
References
  1. Fitz F, Sartori M, Girão MJ, Castro R. Pelvic floor muscle training for overactive bladder symptoms - A prospective study. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2017 Dec;63(12):1032–1038.
  2. Wieland LS, Shrestha N, Lassi ZS, Panda S, Chiaramonte D, Skoetz N. Yoga for treating urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Feb 28;2(2):CD012668
  3. Willis-Gray MG, Dieter AA, Geller EJ. Evaluation and management of overactive bladder: strategies for optimizing care. Res Rep Urol. 2016 Jul 27;8:113–122.
Disclosures
Funding NONE Clinical Trial Yes Public Registry No RCT Yes Subjects Human Ethics Committee Ethics Committee School of Physiotherapy RK University (ECR/259/Indt/GJ/2016/RR-21) Helsinki Yes Informed Consent Yes
16/07/2025 03:47:47