NCT04873037 · Corewell Health East
BTL Emsella Chair Versus Sham for the Treatment of Overactive Bladder
(EmsellaOAB)
What this study is about
The purpose of this clinical trial is to compare the Emsella Chair therapy to Sham and to determine whether electromagnetic technology is effective in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). Currently there are no other studies utilizing the Emsella Chair for the treatment of OAB. Eligible subjects will receive 2 treatments per week for a total of 4 weeks.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this clinical trial is to compare the Emsella Chair therapy to Sham and to determine whether electromagnetic technology is effective in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). Currently there are no other studies utilizing the Emsella Chair for the treatment of OAB. Eligible subjects will receive 2 treatments per week for a total of 4 weeks.
Interventions
DEVICE
BTL Emsella Chair
The Emsella Chair is a novel high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology for the treatment of pelvic floor related disorders. HIFEM technology induces deep pelvic floor muscle contractions designed to deliver the equivalent of 11,200 Kegel exercises over 28 minutes. The treatment paradigm consists of 3 different phases. The phases consist of an intense stimulation of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), which consists of stimulation and relaxation. The repetition of the phases and focused electromagnetic energy delivery leads to pelvic floor stimulation, adaptation, and remodelation.
DEVICE
Sham BTL Emsella Chair
The sham treatment will provide some sensation without active HIFEM technology. The programming for the sham treatment will have an amplitude limitation, with the setting below therapeutic level (less than 10%) power.
Primary outcome measures
Compare the efficacy of Emsella Chair versus Sham by evaluating the proportion of subjects reporting "moderately improved" or "markedly improved" responses on the Global Response Assessment (GRA) for overall bladder symptoms.
Time frame: 4 weeks after completing all treatments; week 8 of the study
The GRA evaluates the patients' perceptions of overall improvement in symptoms on a 7-point scale (markedly worse, moderately worse, mildly worse, unchanged, slightly improved, moderately improved, markedly improved).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Able to read, understand, and provide written, dated, informed consent prior to screening, and be likely to comply with study protocol, including independently complete study questionnaires and communicate with study personnel about AEs and other clinically important information.
- Women and men ≥ 18 years of age
- Self-reported bladder symptoms present ≥ 3 months
- Self-reported failed conservative care of behavioral modifications and/or oral medications
- On a stable dose of antimuscarinics/beta-3 agonists for ≥ 4 weeks, and willing to remain on the medication for the duration of the study OR discontinued antimuscarinics/beta-3 agonists for ≥ 2 weeks
- Ambulatory and able to use a toilet independently, without difficulty
- Subject agrees not to start any new treatment for OAB (medication or otherwise) during the treatment and follow-up periods. For Females Only:
- If of child-bearing age and female, agree to practice approved birth-control methods (oral contraceptives, condom barrier, injection, diaphragm or cervical cap, vaginal contraceptive ring, IUD, implantable contraceptive, surgical sterilization (bilateral tubal ligation), vasectomized partner(s))
Exclusion criteria
- Botox® use in bladder or pelvic floor muscles in the past year
- Subject weighs greater than 330 pounds
- Pulmonary insufficiency, defined as difficulty breathing and fatigue, especially during exercise; chest pain, such as squeezing, pressure of tightness; the sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations); swelling of the legs or feet; dizziness or fainting; and/or bluish discoloration of the nails and/or lips (cyanosis)
- Any condition that causes a lack of normal skin sensation to the pelvis, buttocks, and thighs, at the discretion of the investigator.
- Major metal implants such as: metal plates, screws, joint replacements, implanted cardiac pacemakers, drug pumps, neurostimulators, electronic implants, copper intrauterine devices, defibrillators, and metal implants in the pelvic area. Patients with other metal implants will be evaluated by the investigator for inclusion in the study.
- Subject has a piercing between the waist and knees and is not willing to remove it before each treatment
- Active urethral diverticula
- Known vesicoureteral reflux
- Currently healing from surgical procedures where muscle contraction may disrupt the healing process
- Subject is currently receiving treatment for a malignant tumor that would interfere with study participation. Skin cancers are permitted.
- Subject has used the BTL EMSELLA device previously
- Subject has urinary incontinence of neurogenic etiology, such as multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, Parkinson's, spinal cord injury, diabetic neuropathy, neurogenic bladder etc.
- Current urinary tract infection. If a subject has a confirmed symptomatic UTI at screening, per investigator's clinical judgment, they will be deferred from screening until treatment is completed, and may resume once symptoms have resolved
- Current use of neuromodulation therapy, including interstim and PTNS, for bladder symptoms within 3 months of screening visit (if past sacral/pudendal implant, must be explanted)
- Currently participating in an investigational study that may impact study results or previously received an investigational drug or treatment within 30 days of the Screening Visit
- Current or history of any physical condition that, in the investigator's opinion, might put the subject at risk or interfere with study results interpretation For Females Only:
- Pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, at screening or anytime throughout the study period
- Note: For the sake of preserving scientific integrity, one or more of the eligibility criteria have been left off the list posted while the trial is ongoing. A full list of eligibility criteria will be posted upon completion of the trial.
Where
- Royal Oak, Michigan
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 9, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations