This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicine in improving urinary incontinence symptoms among older adults. Urinary incontinence is a common condition in aging populations that can significantly impact quality of life, yet existing treatments are often limited by side effects or insufficient efficacy. The primary research question is whether a standardized Chinese herbal formula can reduce the frequency and severity of urinary incontinence compared to a placebo. We hypothesize that participants receiving the herbal intervention will demonstrate greater improvement in urinary symptoms and quality of life measures than those receiving placebo, without significant adverse effects. To test this hypothesis, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will be conducted. Eligible older adults will be randomly assigned to receive either the herbal treatment or a matched placebo over a defined study period. Outcomes will include validated measures of urinary incontinence severity, frequency of episodes, and patient-reported quality of life. Potential benefits of this research include generating high-quality evidence on the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for urinary incontinence, which may inform clinical practice and expand treatment options for older adults. If effective, this intervention could offer a complementary or alternative approach with fewer side effects, contributing to improved symptom management and overall well-being in this population.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
150
Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) supplement
Placebo Control
Student Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic
Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF).
Primary outcomes will focus on the frequency and severity of urinary incontinence episodes, measured using validated questionnaires. Min = 0 and Max = 6, with higher scores indicating more frequent/severe urinary incontinence.
Time frame: From enrollment to approximately week 4.
Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QOL)
Secondary outcomes include quality of life, symptom distress, and any adverse events. A mean score for each subscale is calculated (averaging the scores for the items in each subscale) as well as a total score for all 22 items (sum of all subscale scores). The scores are then transformed to a 'Scale score' ranging from 0-100 points for ease of interpretation: Scale score = (sum of the items - lowest possible score)/possible raw score range X 100.
Time frame: From enrollment to approximately Week 4.
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