Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Neurogenic Overactive Bladder Symptoms Among People With Stroke

Sponsor
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Study ID
NCT07768137
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

  • Neurogenic Overactive Bladder
  • Stroke

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - 80 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) — DEVICE
    Participants will receive active tDCS (1.5 mA for 20 minutes; current density 0.06 mA/cm²) 3 times per week for 8 weeks. tDCS will be conducted using two 5 x 7 cm² surface electrodes connected to a battery-powered stimulator (Neuroelectrics Instrument Controller, v 2.0). The anodal electrode will be placed over the supplementary motor area, and the cathodal electrode over the contralateral supraorbital region.
  • Sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) — DEVICE
    Participants will receive sham tDCS (active current for 30 seconds, then turned off) 3 times per week for 8 weeks. tDCS will be conducted using two 5 x 7 cm² surface electrodes connected to a battery-powered stimulator (Neuroelectrics Instrument Controller, v 2.0). The anodal electrode will be placed over the supplementary motor area, and the cathodal electrode over the contralateral supraorbital region.
  • Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) — BEHAVIORAL
    Immediately following tDCS, participants will receive supervised, individual (1:1) PFMT for 30 minutes per session, consisting of pelvic floor contraction exercises (contracting the urethra/shortening the penis and controlling passage of gas), each held for 10 seconds and followed by 10 seconds of relaxation. PFMT will be performed 3 times per week for 8 weeks.

Study Details

Neurogenic overactive bladder (nOAB) is a common and distressing sequela following stroke, significantly impairing quality of life and imposing a substantial financial burden. Existing pharmacological options often present adverse effects, while standard non-pharmacological treatments, such as pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), face compliance and efficacy limitations in individuals with functional impairments. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique capable of modulating neuronal excitability and cortical plasticity. Targeting the supplementary motor area (SMA) via tDCS may regulate pelvic floor muscle (PFM) and detrusor activities. However, clinical evidence evaluating tDCS as an adjuvant to PFMT for stroke survivors with nOAB is lacking. This randomized controlled pilot trial aims to evaluate the feasibility, preliminary effectiveness, and cost-utility of active tDCS combined with PFMT compared to sham tDCS plus PFMT in stroke survivors suffering from nOAB.

Key Dates

First listed
Aug 17, 2026
Start date
Sep 14, 2026
Status verified
Aug 2026
Primary completion
Dec 31, 2027
Completion
Dec 31, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment
60 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: Active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) + pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT)
  • Sham Comparator: Sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) + pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT)

Primary Outcome Measure

Overactive bladder symptoms severity [ Time Frame: Baseline and post-intervention at 8 weeks ]

Central Contacts

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