ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo observe the inhibitory effects of a novel wearable transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulator on bladder reflex in cats under different stimulation parameters. MethodsA total of 18 cats were divided into intensities, frequencies and waveforms groups, which wore the stimulator on the ankles and stimulated in different threshold (T) intensities (1/2 T, 1 T, 3/2 T and 2 T), frequencies (5 Hz, 10 Hz, 15 Hz and 30 Hz) and waveforms (A and B). The cats were anesthetized and infused normal saline to induce bladder reflex, while the bladder capacity was measured. Cystometrograms were compared among stimulation parameters. ResultsThe bladder capacity was not significantly different among the intensities (F = 1.997, P = 0.126), while the bladder capacity was more after TNS of 3/2 T and 2 T than baseline (P < 0.05). The bladder capacity was significantly different among the frequencies (F = 3.894, P = 0.014), while the bladder capacity was more after 5 Hz, 10 Hz and 15 Hz of TNS (P < 0.05). The bladder capacity was significantly different between the waveforms (F = 5.184, P = 0.019), while the bladder capacity was more after waveform A of TNS than baseline (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe novel wearable transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulator can effectively inhibit the physiological bladder reflex in cats, which associates to the intensity, frequency and waveform of stimulation.