A pilot study on the potential of photobiomodulation to safely modify symptoms of an overactive bladder

Wendy F Bower; David Michael Whishaw; Erik Biros; Christine Baldrey; Mary P Galea

doi:10.14440/bladder.2024.0014

A pilot study on the potential of photobiomodulation to safely modify symptoms of an overactive bladder

Bladder (San Franc). 2024 Sep 11;11(2):e21200007. doi: 10.14440/bladder.2024.0014. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Wendy F Bower¹, David Michael Whishaw¹, Erik Biros², Christine Baldrey¹, Mary P Galea³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Aged Care, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
² College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia.
³ Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), the University of Melbourne, Grattan Street Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.

Abstract

Background: Photobiomodulation (PBM) may stabilize autonomic neural drive from the pontine micturition Center to the urinary bladder in individuals with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

Methods: A safety profile study preceded a single-case experimental design with repeated measures across subjects to establish the safety and effect direction of PBM to modify symptoms in patients with OAB.

Results: No adverse events occurred with PBM, specifically blood pressure remained unchanged. Urinary frequency improved significantly during the intervention and at follow-up. PBM therapy was associated with a meaningful impact on OAB-related quality of life and a small to medium-to-high effect size on OAB symptom severity.

Conclusion: Nasal application of PBM is safe and may impact OAB symptoms. A controlled trial of PBM in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms is warranted.

Keywords: Incontinence; Near-infrared light; Overactive bladder; Photobiomodulation; Urinary urgency.