Comparative effects of exercise-based pelvic floor training with kinesio-taping and electrical stimulation on overactive bladder symptoms in women

Background and purpose This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of pelvic floor exercises combined with either Kinesio taping or electrical stimulation in reducing overactive bladder symptoms, enhancing ‘pelvic floor muscle strength, and improving quality of life’ among affected women. Materials and methods This randomized controlled trial (RCT) screened fifty women diagnosed with overactive bladder and allocated into two groups. Group A performed pelvic floor exercises alongside Kinesio taping applications. Group B performed pelvic floor exercises in conjunction with electrical stimulation therapy. Outcomes were evaluated using the eight-item Overactive Bladder Questionnaire, the Oxford Grading Scale for manual muscle strength assessment, and a perineometer device measuring contraction pressure. Results Patients in both groups experienced major relief from overactive bladder symptoms. This was reflected in OAB-Q score decreases of 21.53% (Group-A) and 22.09% (Group-B), alongside Oxford Grading Scale score increases of 79.55% (Group-A) and 97.62% (Group-B). Perineometer assessments indicated improvements of 61.48% (Group A) and 55.91% (Group B). Crucially, statistical comparisons showed no significant differences between Group-A and Group-B for any of these outcomes. Conclusion Combining pelvic floor exercises with either Kinesio taping or electrical stimulation yielded comparable effectiveness in alleviating overactive bladder symptoms and improving pelvic floor muscle function. Both adjunctive approaches represent safe, non-invasive, and clinically practical treatment options.