Photobiomodulation (PBM) may stabilize autonomic neural drive from the pontine micturition Center to the urinary bladder in individuals with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.
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.
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.
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.
Bladder (San Francisco, Calif.). 2024 Sep 11*** epublish ***
Wendy F Bower, David Michael Whishaw, Erik Biros, Christine Baldrey, Mary P Galea
Department of Aged Care, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia., College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia., Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), the University of Melbourne, Grattan Street Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.