The effects of pelvic floor muscle training combined with Kinesio taping on bladder symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength, and quality of life in women with overactive bladder syndrome: A randomized sham-controlled trial

Background: There is insufficient study using Kinesio taping (KT) in bladder problems. Objectives: To investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) combined with KT on bladder symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength, and quality of life in women with overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome and compare this combination with PFMT plus sham tape (ST). Methods: Women with OAB were randomly allocated into PFMT+KT and PFMT+ST groups. All patients were given PFMT for 6 weeks and applied taping according to groups. Before and after treatment, the OAB symptoms with the Overactive Bladder Assessment Form (OAB-V8) and Patients' Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale (PPIUS), bladder function with a 3-day voiding diary, pelvic floor muscle strength with the Modified Oxford Scale, and quality of life with the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) were assessed. Results: OAB-V8, PPIUS, and KHQ scores decreased and the MOS improved in both groups (P < .05) after treatment. The intergroup comparisons revealed a further decrease in voids/day, voids/night, incontinence episodes/day, and personal limitation scores of the KHQ in the PFMT+KT group compared to the PFMT+ST group (P < .05). Conclusion: PFMT+KT was more effective in reducing the OAB symptoms compared to PFMT+ST. KT could be a complementary application for reducing symptoms in OAB.