Management of non-neuropathic underactive bladder in children with voiding dysfunction by animated biofeedback: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy of animated biofeedback and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercise in managing children with non-neuropathic underactive bladder (UB).

Methods: A total of 50 children with UB without underlying neuropathic disease, aged 5-16 years, were included in this study. They were randomly divided into 2 equal treatment groups comprising standard urotherapy (hydration, scheduled voiding, toilet training, and diet) with (group A) or without (group B) animated biofeedback and PFM exercise. The follow-up period for each participant was 1 year. A complete voiding and bowel habit diary was recorded by participants' parents before and after 2 evaluations. In addition, uroflowmetry with electromyography and bladder ultrasound were performed before, 6 months, and 1 year after treatment. Results were compared between the 2 cohorts.

Results: Mean number of voiding episodes was significantly increased in group A after biofeedback therapy compared with group B with only standard urotherapy (6.6 ± 1.6 vs 4.5 ± 1 times a day; P <.000). Urinary tract infection did not relapse in 9 of 11 (81%) and 8 of 15 (38%) patients in groups A and B, respectively (P <.02). Postvoid residual volume and voiding time decreased considerably, whereas maximum urine flow increased significantly in group A compared with group B (17.2 ± 4.7 vs 12.9 ± 4.6 mL/s; P <.01).

Conclusion: Combination of animated biofeedback and PFM exercise effectively improves sensation of bladder fullness and contractility in children with UB due to voiding dysfunction.