Efficacy of non‐pharmacological interventions in females with overactive bladder: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis

Abstract Aims and objectives To compare and rank the effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions for symptoms of Overactive Bladder (OAB) in network meta‐analysis. Background Overactive Bladder affects many patients, which often generates bothersome symptoms and debilitates the quality of life. Non‐pharmacological therapies have been widely used in OAB. However, due to insufficient evidence, it remains unclear which strategies are most suitable for OAB. Methods We integrated randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which were searched up to 1 January 2021, from 8 databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and China Biology Medicine disc). Studies that met the eligible criteria were assessed the risk of bias. Then, network meta‐analyses were conducted by STATA, R, and OpenBUGS. The review followed PRISMA statement. Results A total of 24 studies comprising 2347 patients with OAB were included in this review, most of which were low to moderate risk of bias. The results of network meta‐analysis implied that electric stimulation (ES) was the most effective intervention to reduce voided frequency and nocturia frequency of OAB. Conclusions Electric stimulation ranked the best in the management of OAB, and future studies should pay more attention to ES.