Thread Embedding Acupuncture in Postmenopausal Women with Overactive Bladder: A Prospective, Single-Arm, Before-After Study

Su-Ji Choi,1 Hyeonhoon Lee,2,3 Dong-Il Kim4 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-Eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea; 2Department of Data Science Research, Innovative Medical Technology Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 3Department of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang-si, Republic of KoreaCorrespondence: Su-Ji Choi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, 52-57 Yangjeong-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan, 47227, Republic of Korea, Tel +82-51-850-8660, Fax +82 505-182-6883, Email [email protected]: Overactive bladder is a major public health concern that negatively impacts a patient’s quality of life, and it is highly prevalent in menopausal women. Acupuncture has been suggested as a viable therapeutic approach. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of thread-embedding acupuncture in postmenopausal women with overactive bladder.Methods: This was a single-centre, single-arm, open-label study conducted on 20 postmenopausal women with overactive bladder. Participants received thread-embedding acupuncture treatment once a week for 8 weeks. Patients were evaluated using a bladder diary, overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), and King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ) at three time points: baseline, end of treatment (week 8), and 4 weeks after treatment completion (week 12).Results: Nineteen participants completed the study. Average daily micturition frequency decreased significantly after thread-embedding acupuncture treatment (week 8: − 2.55 ± 0.37, P=0.001, week 12: − 2.69 ± 0.37, P=0.001). Daytime and nighttime micturition frequency and OABSS significantly decreased at week 8 and 12. However, no significant differences were observed in urgency, incontinence, or KHQ. No serious adverse events were reported.Conclusion: Considering that thread-embedding acupuncture was shown to improve daily quality of life by reducing daytime and nighttime episodes, this pilot study suggests that thread-embedding acupuncture is a feasible alternative for treating overactive bladder. Keywords: overactive bladder, postmenopausal women, quality of life, thread-embedding acupuncture, lower urinary tract symptoms