Clinical Studies on the Effects of Acupuncture and Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on the Neurogenic Bladder / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

The effects of transsomatic physical therapies (acupuncture and TENS) on the neurogenic bladder were examined in 73 patients (50 men and 23 women) aged 15-78 years old (mean, 59.8 years old). The capacity of the bladder and residual urine volume were observed by cystometry, uroflowmetry and by determining the urethral pressure profile. The following results were obtained:<br>1. In the patients with dysuria due to hypertonus of the sympathetic nerve system, the tonus of the sphincter urethrae and urethral resistance decreased due to the effects of acupuncture anesthesia, resulting in a decline in residual urine volume and improved urination in 71.4%.<br>2. Urethral resistance also decreased, in the patients with hypotonic bladder, resulting in a decline in residual urine volume and improved urination in 75%.<br>3. Acupuncture anesthesia by applying TENS seems to be clinically significant for improving urination in the neurogenic bladder.