Evaluation of the effect of acupuncture combined with cross-moxibustion in the treatment of patients with severe overactive bladder

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture combined with cross-moxibustion in patients with severe overactive bladder (OAB). Methods: OAB patients from August 2018 to July 2023 were collected, and 101 severe OAB patients were selected based on the Overactive Bladder Symptom Scale (OABSS) score. The patients were divided into three groups according to their treatment methods, including 33 cases of behavioral therapy group, 32 cases were in the acupoint acupuncture group, and 36 cases were in the acupuncture combined with cross-moxibustion group. The treatment outcomes of the three groups were evaluated through the OABSS score, and the quality of life (QOL) was assessed. Results: Among the 101 patients with severe OAB, no statistical differences in age and gender were observed among the three groups of treatments. The treatment effects were evaluated using the OABSS score and it was found that behavioral treatment was basically ineffective. In contrast, both acupuncture and acupuncture combined with cross-moxibustion had significant differences via comparing at pre-post treatment periods, which the OABSS score decreased by 3.25 ± 1.83 and 7.83 ± 1.34 respectively, suggesting that acupuncture combined with cross-moxibustion is more effective than acupuncture group alone. The patient’s quality of life was further evaluated through QOL scores, and the results showed that while the acupuncture group was effective, acupuncture combined with cross-moxibustion improved more significantly. Conclusion: The combination of acupuncture and moxibustion is the most effective treatment for patients with severe overactive bladder.