RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Keep On Keep Up Bladder Health: Co-creating and Testing a Self-management Technological Solution for Ageing Well

We’re working on a new digital program called KOKU Bladder, designed to help people aged 50 and older better manage bladder problems, specifically urinary incontinence. This program will be part of an existing app, 'Keep-on-Keep-up.' We're creating it together with people who have bladder issues, healthcare professionals, and experts to make sure it's helpful and easy to use. The study will involve groups in the UK, Spain, and Lithuania. Later, we'll test the program with at least 120 individuals to see if it makes a real difference in improving bladder health and allowing people to age well. We'll compare it to standard recommendations for managing bladder symptoms.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia

Enrolment target

120

Start

24 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2028

Urinary Incontinence in Old Age

What is this study about?

This research project, called 'Keep On Keep Up Bladder Health,' is creating and testing a new digital program designed to help older adults manage bladder problems, particularly urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is when you accidentally leak urine, and it can affect many people as they get older. This program will be a new section within an existing app called 'Keep-on-Keep-up' (KOKU), which is already approved for other health goals.

The main aim is to develop a user-friendly and effective online tool that provides good advice and strategies to improve bladder health. We're working closely with people who actually experience bladder issues, alongside doctors, researchers, and other experts. This way, we can be sure the program meets real needs and is practical for everyday use. We'll be gathering ideas and feedback through group discussions in places like the UK, Spain, and Lithuania.

Once the program is developed, we'll test it in a study involving at least 120 people. Some participants will use the new KOKU Bladder program, while others will receive general advice on managing bladder symptoms. By comparing these two groups, we'll learn if the KOKU Bladder program is an effective way to help people take control of their bladder health as they age, helping them to live more comfortably and independently.

Key takeaways

A new digital program is being created to help older adults with bladder leakage.
It's called KOKU Bladder and will be part of an existing 'Keep-on-Keep-up' app.
The program is being designed with input from real people who have bladder issues.
The study will check if using this app helps improve bladder health.
If you're 50 or over and experience bladder leaks, you might be able to take part.
Participation involves either helping design the tool or testing its effectiveness.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would generally need to be 50 years old or older. You should also be experiencing some urinary incontinence, meaning you leak urine at least once a month. It's important that you can read and understand English (or the national language where you are participating) and have access to a mobile phone or tablet, as the program is digital.

Before joining, you'll need to give your informed consent, which means you understand what the study involves and agree to take part voluntarily.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have any serious symptoms like bleeding, or if your overall health isn't stable, you wouldn't be able to participate. This is to ensure your safety throughout the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 50 years old or older?
Do you experience urine leakage at least once a month?
Can you read and understand English?
Do you have a mobile phone or tablet you can use?
Do you feel generally well and have stable health?
Do you NOT have any 'red flag' symptoms like bleeding when you urinate?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves several phases. If you're part of the early stage of development, you might attend focus groups (group discussions) to help shape the content of the KOKU Bladder program. These discussions would be about your experiences with bladder health and what you'd find helpful in a digital tool. Each focus group might take a few hours.

If you take part in the later testing phase, you would be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either using the KOKU Bladder program on your mobile phone/tablet, or receiving general recommendations for managing bladder symptoms. We expect this testing phase will last for a few months. During this time, you would likely provide regular feedback and possibly complete surveys about your bladder health and how you find the program or recommendations. There are no specific medications involved, and the entire study focuses on a self-management digital solution or recommendations.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you the benefit of learning new ways to manage your bladder health and potentially improving your urinary incontinence symptoms through a new digital tool. You'd also be helping to create a resource that could benefit many others in the future. As with any new program, there's always a chance it might not work for everyone, and it won't address 'red flag' symptoms that need immediate medical attention. We don't anticipate significant risks, as the interventions are focused on self-management strategies and recommendations, but you will be monitored for safety. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time and for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (4)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Lithuanian Sports University
Verified postcode
Kaunas, Lithuania· Recruiting
Hospital Santa Maria
Verified postcode
Lleida, Spain· Recruiting
Hospital Consortium of Vic
Verified postcode
Vic, Spain· Recruiting
University of Manchester
Verified postcode
Manchester, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence means you accidentally leak urine. This study focuses on helping people manage this condition.

What is KOKU Bladder?

KOKU Bladder is a new digital program (part of an app) being developed to help people aged 50 and over improve their bladder health and manage bladder issues.

Do I need to visit a clinic for this study?

For the early development, you might attend a group discussion. For testing the program, it largely involves using an app on your own device, so clinic visits are unlikely for that stage.

Will I have to take new medication?

No, this study does not involve new medications. It focuses on self-management strategies and recommendations, delivered through a digital program or general advice.

Who is developing this program?

The program is being developed by researchers, healthcare professionals, and technology experts, working together with people who experience bladder issues.

How to find out more

Javier Jerez-Roig, Professor, PhD

javier.jerez@uvic.cat +34 93 881 60 25 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.