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

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Stroke
• Neurogenic Overactive Bladder

Interventions

DEVICE

Active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

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.

DEVICE

Sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

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.

BEHAVIORAL

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT)

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Priya Kannan, PhD · The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-09-14

Primary Completion

2027-12-31

Completion

2027-12-31

FDA Device

Yes

Countries

• China

Study Locations