In a nutshell
This study investigated the effectiveness of bladder training in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and urinary symptoms (US). Researchers suggested that BT improves the outcomes of these patients.
Some background
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic disorder that affects brain cells. These cells lose their ability to control body functions which causes symptoms such as tremors. US are also common in patients with PD. These complications affect the daily living and quality of life of patients with PD.
US includes urination frequency, urgency, incontinence (urine leakage) among others. This happens often in patients with PD due to changes in the bladder muscle. The standard treatment for this condition is an anticholinergic medication. However, this is associated with severe side effects.
Prior studies showed that in healthy patients, bladder training improves US control. However, too little is known about bladder training in patients with PD and US.
Methods & findings
This study included 38 participants with PD and US. These participants were assigned to receive a 12-week bladder training program (20) or conservative advice (CA; 18). The bladder training program consisted of urge control, pelvic muscles exercise, and urination schedule.
Both treatment groups were associated with improvements in symptom severity and quality of life. However, when compared to the CA group, bladder training was associated with the highest rate of improvement at 12 weeks. The improvements were seen in the number of urination episodes (2.3 episodes decrease in the BT group vs 0.3 episodes decrease in the CA group) and in quality of life. These effects were still present at 20 weeks.
The bottom line
This study concluded that bladder training may improve the outcomes of urinary symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease.
The fine print
This study included a limited number of participants, Further studies with bigger populations are necessary.
Published By :
Neurology
Date :
Feb 13, 2020
