A pilot study on the potential of photobiomodulation to safely modify symptoms of an overactive bladder

Background: Photobiomodulation (PBM) may stabilize autonomic neural drive from the pontine micturition Center to the urinary bladder in individuals with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. Methods: A safety profile study preceded a single-case experimental design with repeated measures across subjects to establish the safety and effect direction of PBM to modify symptoms in patients with OAB. Results: No adverse events occurred with PBM, specifically blood pressure remained unchanged. Urinary frequency improved significantly during the intervention and at follow-up. PBM therapy was associated with a meaningful impact on OAB-related quality of life and a small to medium-to-high effect size on OAB symptom severity. Conclusion: Nasal application of PBM is safe and may impact OAB symptoms. A controlled trial of PBM in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms is warranted.