Mindfulness Exercises to Reduce Anxiety and Pain During Urodynamic Testing

The subjects are being asked to consider participation in this research study. The purpose of this study is to see if incorporating mindfulness exercises prior to urodynamic studies (UDS) results in less pain, anxiety and discomfort.

The participants will be guided through a mindfulness meditation exercise by a licensed professional. During this exercise participants will be asked to focus attention on breathing, physical sensations, and thoughts. This exercise will last for approximately 10 minutes in which participants will not be asked to engage in any physical activity other than sitting and breathing. The participants will be randomly assigned to one of 2 treatment plans. Randomization is a process like flipping a coin and means the chance of being assigned to either of the plans. One treatment plan includes undergoing mindfulness exercises prior to your UDS evaluation. The other treatment plan includes simply undergoing the UDS evaluation.

After the participants UDS evaluation, questions will be asked about the urodynamic procedure. The participants will be asked to answer questions on a UDS and anxiety questionnaire which pertain to emotional and physical experiences during the procedure.

Inclusion criteria

• Clinical diagnosis of urinary symptoms requiring urodynamic testing

• Stress incontinence
• Mixed incontinence
• Urge incontinence
• Overactive bladder
• Urinary retention
• Lower urinary tract symptoms
• Are Department of Defense (DoD) beneficiaries

Exclusion criteria

• Neurogenic bladder
• Interstitial cystitis
• Chronic bladder pain
• Inability to have urodynamics performed
• Are Not DoD beneficiaries
• Pregnant
• Lack capacity to consent