Background: Percutaneous electrical stimulation and transcutaneous electrical stimulation (PTNS and TTNS) of the posterior tibial nerve are internationally recognized treatment methods that offer advantages in terms of treating patients with overactive bladder (OAB) who present with urinary incontinence (UI). This article aims to analyze the scientific evidence for the treatment of OAB with UI in adults using PTNS versus TTNS procedures in the posterior tibial nerve. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, between February and May 2021 in the Web of Science and Scopus databases, in accordance with the PRISMA recommendations. Results: The research identified 259 studies, 130 of which were selected and analyzed, with only 19 used according to the inclusion requirements established. The greatest effectiveness, in reducing UI and in other parameters of daily voiding and quality of life, was obtained by combining both techniques with other treatments, pharmacological treatments, or exercise. Conclusions: TTNS has advantages over PTNS as it is more comfortable for the patient even though there is equality of both therapies in the outcome variables. More research studies are necessary in order to obtain clear scientific evidence.
Background: Therapeutic exercise is recommended for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA), although it could be complemented with other treatments such as dry needling (DN). The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the resulting data on pain, functionality, strength and range of motion in subjects with knee osteoarthritis after being treated with a specific therapeutic physical exercise program alone or in combination with the DN technique in the popliteus muscle. Methods: A total of 33 participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the dry needling plus therapeutic physical exercise group (n = 15) and the therapeutic physical exercise alone group (n = 18). Both groups received the same exercise protocol, and the dry-needling group conducted three sessions of this technique over 3 weeks. Results: Variables such as pain, functionality, neuropathic pain, stiffness, strength, range of motion, pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia were evaluated before and after the intervention, as well as at a follow-up 3 months after the intervention. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in pain intensity, stiffness, functionality, pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The combination of dry needling targeting the popliteus muscle and therapeutic physical exercise showed better results in terms of pain, functionality and strength compared to therapeutic physical exercise alone, especially after the intervention.
About Me
A young physiotherapist who wants to continue investigating some areas of physical therapy.
A young physiotherapist who wants to continue investigating some areas of physical therapy.