The STARTUP trial: Tibial nerve stimulation

A study to see if electrical stimulation applied to the lower leg relieves bladder problems in people with Parkinson's.

Condition(s)

  • Parkinson’s & movement disorders

Project type

  • Understanding the condition

About the project

Bladder problems are common in people with Parkinson’s. This includes having to go to the toilet frequently and urgently, especially during the night, sometimes leading to urine leakage (incontinence).

These symptoms impact significantly on people's quality of life and unfortunately, there are few treatment options to help with these symptoms. Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, also called TTNS, is a treatment which has helped many men and women to reduce their bladder problems. However, this treatment has not been tested in people with Parkinson’s. This study is investigating if TTNS helps people with Parkinson’s who have bother with their bladder.

Funder(s)

Parkinson's UK & Dunhill Medical Trust

Publication(s)

Stimulation of the tibial nerve - a randomised trial for urinary problems associated with Parkinson's - the STARTUP trial

Doreen McClurg, Andrew Elders, Suzane Hagen, Helen Mason, Jo Booth et al

2022 Jun 01 in Pub Med - National Library of Medicine

DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac114

Toilet signs

Status

Completed

Eligibility criteria

Recruitment criteria are correct at the time of publishing.

Anyone with a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's who has urinary frequency. 

 

Image credit: IrKiev/GettyImages

×