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Higher Adherence to Pelvic Floor Therapy Among OAB Patients Without Medications

A recent investigation has uncovered intriguing insights into how adherence to pelvic floor physical therapy (PFTP) differs among patients coping with overactive bladder (OAB) conditions, particularly when treatment regimens vary. Published in the International Urogynecology Journal, this retrospective study led by the Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Women’s Institute explores the nuances of treatment efficacy in these patients.

Understanding Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder is a common condition characterized by an urgent need to urinate frequently, potentially resulting in significant complications including nocturnal awakenings and urinary incontinence. This condition affects nearly 43% of women in the United States, drastically impacting their daily lives, sleep quality, and, in many cases, leading to heightened healthcare costs amounting to over $24 billion annually in the U.S. alone.

Study Overview

The study encompassed a cohort of 346 women diagnosed with various forms of OAB. Out of these, 196 underwent PFTP exclusively, while the remaining 150 utilized a combination of PFTP and medication. The medications primarily included anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists.

Despite the overall low adherence rate—a typical challenge in pelvic floor therapy, where only 24% of participants completed over half the recommended sessions—it was found that adherence rates were notably higher among those treated exclusively with PFTP, with 30.6% of this group meeting the physical therapy threshold, compared to just 15.3% in the dual regimen group. Furthermore, patients in the PFTP-only category exhibited a greater tendency to proactively schedule their therapy sessions.

Implications of Findings

Dr. Jessica Sassini, lead author of the study and AHN urogynecologist, noted that the low adherence in the dual medication group might stem from patients feeling better due to their medication, which led them to forgo physical therapy sessions. The research suggests that a multimodal approach—combining various therapeutic options—might significantly benefit patients suffering from OAB, rather than relying solely on medication or singular therapies.

Guidelines for treating OAB have evolved over recent years, shifting from a strict behavioral method to a more integrated approach that promotes diverse treatment options through thorough discussions between healthcare providers and patients regarding their goals and preferences. Behavioral methods, which include bladder training and pelvic floor exercises, are now encouraged alongside other therapeutic avenues.

AHN's Commitment to Women's Health

Dr. Marcia Klein-Patel, Chair of AHN Women’s Institute, emphasized the institution's commitment to advancing women's health. The findings from this pivotal study lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the factors that influence therapy adherence among OAB patients. The results are significant not only for improving individual treatment protocols but also for informing broader healthcare strategies aimed at effectively managing this prevalent condition.

Combining strength with knowledge, AHN continues to lead in the field of urogynecology, hoping to enhance the quality of life for women experiencing OAB through comprehensive care strategies.

For more information about scheduling an appointment with the AHN Women's Institute or learning more about their services, please visit ahn.org.

Conclusion

This study spearheaded by the AHN's Women Institute provides critical insights into treatment adherence and the effectiveness of pelvic floor therapy for women with overactive bladder, underscoring the importance of individualized treatment plans and the potential for improved health outcomes through integrated patient care.