Clinical characteristics of participants included in studies on transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve electrical stimulation for urinary dysfunction after stroke: A scoping review

Abstract

Urinary dysfunctions resulting from neurogenic bladder are common following a stroke, compromising individuals' functionality, autonomy, and quality of life. Transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (TPTNS) has shown therapeutic potential in managing these conditions. However, the clinical characteristics of participants included in studies on this intervention have not yet been systematized, hindering the understanding of the study populations and the applicability of results in clinical practice. In this context, this scoping review aims to map the clinical characteristics of individuals included in studies using TPTNS to treat post-stroke urinary dysfunction. The scoping review will be conducted in accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute recommendations and reported following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches will be performed in the MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and LILACS databases, with no language or date restrictions. Studies involving post-stroke individuals undergoing TPTNS for urinary dysfunction will be included; data regarding demographic profiles, stroke type and time since onset, and urinary dysfunction characteristics will be extracted. The results are expected to help identify gaps in the literature, guide future research, and support evidence-based clinical practice.