Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease: Results from a Phase II Randomized Control Trial (STRIPE).

BACKGROUND

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common Parkinson's disease (PD), causing great impact.

OBJECTIVE

The goal was to undertake a phase II randomized control trial of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) delivered by Geko device for LUTS related to overactive bladder (OAB) in PD, an easy to use of the shelf solution.

METHODS

Participants were randomized to active/sham stimulation. Primary outcome measure was the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Overactive Bladder score (ICIQ-OAB) at 12 weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 148 participants were allocated to active (73) and sham arms (75). No difference was seen between arms (coefficient, 0.48; 95% CI, -0.2 to 1.2; P = 0.17), although both active and sham showed improvements over baseline. Pain was the most common adverse event.

CONCLUSION

No difference was seen between active and sham arms. Symptom improvements seen in both groups are consistent with a placebo effect, however, we cannot exclude a biological effect from the sham intervention. Although negative, this result should be taken only in context of Geko use rather TTNS in general. © 2025 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.