Impact of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on the Autonomic Nervous System in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder (StimHAV)

August 18, 2026 updated by: Centre Hospitalier de Roubaix

Impact of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on the Autonomic Nervous System in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder: A Prospective, Single-Center Study (StimHAV)

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the impact of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on the autonomic nervous system in adults women with overactive bladder.

The main question it aims to answer is :

Does Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation to treat overactive bladder have an impact on the autonomic nervous system ?

To answer this question, the primary outcome measure will be heart rate variability (HRV) during transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy

Participants will:

  • Receive their first and last sessions of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the hospital.
  • Complete questionnaires during their first and last transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation sessions.
  • Have their heart rate variability measured during their first and last transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation sessions.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

Rationale :

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition that can have a major impact on quality of life. Transcutaneous peripheral electrical stimulation therapies are a recognized treatment option, but their mechanisms of action are still not fully understood.

Recent data suggest that their effectiveness may be related to changes in the autonomic nervous system. However, no study has yet evaluated this effect in patients with non-neurogenic overactive bladder. This study aims to better understand the physiological mechanisms involved, improve knowledge about these treatments, and contribute to their better use in clinical practice.

Objectives :

Primary objective:

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of transcutaneous electrical stimulation therapies on the overall balance of the autonomic nervous system in patients with overactive bladder.

Secondary objectives:

  1. To assess the impact of transcutaneous electrical stimulation on autonomic nervous system function in patients with overactive bladder.
  2. To assess the clinical effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical stimulation in patients with overactive bladder.
  3. To assess the clinical effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical stimulation on associated pelvic floor dysfunctions, including anal incontinence, constipation, and genitosexual disorders.
  4. To assess the tolerability of transcutaneous electrical stimulation in patients with overactive bladder.

Study design :

This is a prospective, single-center, observational study conducted in routine clinical practice. It will include female patients with overactive bladder who are receiving transcutaneous peripheral electrical stimulation as part of their usual care.

Study procedure :

After confirmation of the diagnosis of overactive bladder by a specialist physician, patients will be prescribed transcutaneous peripheral electrical stimulation, transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) or interferential stimulation (IF). They will then be referred to the study investigator for an inclusion visit.

At the initial visit (Week 0), after checking the eligibility criteria and obtaining informed consent, participants will receive pelvic health education and their first electrical stimulation session. Heart rate variability will be recorded using an ECG Holter monitor. Clinical data and study questionnaires will also be collected.

Participants will receive two 72-hour bladder diaries. The first will be completed at the beginning of the study and the second before the final visit.

Treatment will continue for 12 weeks according to the prescribed method: TTNS will be performed at home, IF will be performed in a physiotherapy clinic. A follow-up telephone call will be made at 6 weeks (± 1 week) to assess treatment adherence.

At 12 weeks (± 1 week), participants will attend a final visit. This visit will include an electrical stimulation session with HRV measurement, completion of the follow-up questionnaires, and collection of the final bladder diary.

Data collected at baseline and at 12 weeks will be compared to assess the impact of electrical stimulation therapies on the autonomic nervous system and overactive bladder symptoms.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
70

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Contact Backup

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Female
  • Adult patient aged 18 years or older
  • Clinical diagnosis of overactive bladder made by a urologist or gynecologist with no identified cause
  • Eligible for transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) or interferential stimulation (IF) as part of the management of non-neurogenic overactive bladder
  • Body mass index (BMI) ≤ 30 kg/m²
  • Able to understand and complete the study questionnaires independently
  • No objection to participating in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Neurogenic overactive bladder.
  • Local irritative factors, such as bladder stones, bladder tumors, or urinary tract infection.
  • Previous treatment with transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS).
  • Previous treatment with interferential stimulation (IF).
  • Contraindications to electrical stimulation, including: cancer, Pacemaker, Pregnancy, Conductive prosthetic material in the area of stimulation, Heart disease, Epilepsy, Active phlebitis or thrombophlebitis, Skin lesions in the treatment area
  • Use of anticholinergic medication during the previous three weeks
  • Objection to participating in the study.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
  • Allocation: N/A
  • Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Women with overactive bladder who have been prescribed transcutaneous electrical stimulation
Other: heart rate variability assement

Participants will:

  • Receive their first and last sessions of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the hospital.
  • Complete questionnaires during their first and last transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation sessions.
  • Have their heart rate variability measured during their first and last transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation sessions.

These interventions are performed specifically as part of the study and are not part of routine care.

Other Names:
  • Questionnaires completion
  • visits in hospital

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Heart rate variability
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 12
The primary outcome measure is the change in SDNN (Standard Deviation of Normal-to-Normal intervals, expressed in ms), a time marker of heart rate variability , between the initial measurement session (Week 0) and the final measurement session (Week 12)
Baseline and Week 12

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
To assess the impact of transcutaneous electrical stimulation on autonomic nervous system function in patients with overactive bladder.
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 12

Change in the low-frequency power (LF, 0.04-0.15 Hz) of heart rate variability between Week 0 and Week 12, assessed for each of the three evaluation phases:

  • 1 resting phase
  • 2 active stimulation
  • 3 post-stimulation resting phase
Baseline and Week 12
To assess the impact of transcutaneous electrical stimulation on autonomic nervous system function in patients with overactive bladder.
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 12

Change in the High-frequency power (HF, 0.15-0.40 Hz) of heart rate variability between Week 0 and Week 12, assessed for each of the three evaluation phases:

  • 1 resting phase
  • 2 active stimulation
  • 3 post-stimulation resting phase
Baseline and Week 12
To assess the impact of transcutaneous electrical stimulation on autonomic nervous system function in patients with overactive bladder.
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 12
Low Frequency /High Frequency ratio : is calculated by dividing the low-frequency power by the high-frequency power.
Baseline and Week 12
To assess the impact of transcutaneous electrical stimulation on autonomic nervous system function in patients with overactive bladder.
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 12
Root Mean Square of Successive Difference (RMSSD) : it is calculated as the average of the time intervals between successive heartbeats. It is expressed in milliseconds (ms).
Baseline and Week 12
To assess the clinical effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical stimulation in patients with overactive bladder.
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 12
Change in bladder diary parameters between Week 0 and Week 12. The bladder diary is a detailed record completed by the patient, which serves to assess the patient's bladder function.
Baseline and Week 12
To assess the clinical effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical stimulation in patients with overactive bladder.
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 12
Change in the total score and subscale scores of the ICIQ-OAB (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Overactive Bladder) self-administered questionnaire between Week 0 and Week 12. The overall score ranges from 0 to 16, where higher values indicate increased symptom severity.
Baseline and Week 12
To assess the clinical effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical stimulation in patients with overactive bladder.
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 12

Change in the total score and subscale scores of the ICIQ-LUTSqol (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life) self-administered questionnaire between Week 0 and Week 12. The overall score ranges from 19 to 76.

A score of 19 indicates the absolute lowest possible impact. A score of 76 indicates the highest possible level of impact.
Baseline and Week 12
To assess the clinical effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical stimulation on anal incontinence.
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 12

Change in the total score and subscale scores of the anal incontinence questionnaires (Jorge and Wexner) between Week 0 and Week 12.

The overall score ranges from 0 to 20. Score of 0: represents perfect continence Score of 20: represents complete incontinence
Baseline and Week 12
To assess the clinical effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical stimulation on constipation.
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 12

Change in the total score and subscale scores of the ODS (Obstructed Defecation Score) constipation questionnaire between Week 0 and Week 12.

The overall score ranges from 0 to 20. Score of 0 : represents normal defecation Score of 20 : represents severe obstructed defecation
Baseline and Week 12
To assess the clinical effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical genitosexual disorders.
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 12

Change in the total score and subscale scores of the FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) self-administered questionnaire between Week 0 and Week 12.

The overall score ranges from 2.0 to 36.0 Score of 2.0 : represents absence of sexual activity or the maximum possible degree of sexual difficulty and pain Score of 36.0 : represents perfect sexual function and total freedom from sexual pain or difficulties
Baseline and Week 12
To assess the tolerability of transcutaneous electrical stimulation in patients with overactive bladder.
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 12

Assessment of treatment tolerability using a Likert scale at Week 0 and Week 12.

The total score ranges from 1 to 5. A score of 1 represents the highest level of discomfort experienced by the patient.

A score of 5 represents the highest level of comfort experienced by the patient.
Baseline and Week 12
To assess the tolerability of transcutaneous electrical stimulation in patients with overactive bladder.
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 12

Pain assessment related to the treatment using a visual analog scale at Week 0 and Week 12.

A score of 0 represents no pain experienced by the patient. A score of 10 represents the maximum level of pain experienced by the patient.
Baseline and Week 12

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Centre Hospitalier de Roubaix

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Principal Investigator: Guillaume Carnaux, physiotherapist specialized in, Centre Hospitalier Roubaix

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
October 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
October 1, 2028

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
October 1, 2028

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
August 11, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
August 18, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
August 24, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
August 24, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
August 18, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
August 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • 2025-002
  • ID RCB 2026-A01741-50 (Other Identifier: ANSM)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

Cookie Settings

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. For more details carefully read our Privacy and Cookies Policy. ...>>>You can change your preferences or withdraw your consent at any time by deleting the cookies from your website or computer as described in the policy. Please accept it and choose your preferences by ticking the corresponding boxes in the "Manage Settings" section below. Please carefully read our Terms of Service before you proceed with using any part of this website.
«Manage Settings