Controlling Urgency Through Relaxation Exercises
Phase: NA
Conditions: Overactive Bladder, Urgency Urinary Symptoms, Urgency Incontinence
Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco

 
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A Behavioral Slow-Breathing Exercise Program for Female Overactive Bladder  
 
(Public title: Controlling Urgency through Relaxation Exercises-- CURE) 
 
Protocol Version 1.3 
 
 
 
 
 
Investigators 
Alison Huang, MD, MAS 
Leslee Subak, MD 
Deborah Grady, MD, MPH 
Wendy Mendes, PhD 
Eric Vittinghoff, PhD 
 
Data safety monitor  
Andy Avins, MD  
Data management 
Mike Schembri, BS 
 
Research staff 
Ann Chang– Project Coordinator 
Lisa Abinanti – Project Coordinator 
Traci Coggins-Plaut – Clinic/Recruitment Coordinator 
Sarah Jorgensen – Clinic/Recruitment Coordinator 
Sponsoring agency 
 
National Institute on Aging 
Sponsor Representative/Program Officer
Marcel Salive, MD 
Date 
April 4, 2016 
 

 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 
A. 
Synopsis………….……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3 
 
B. 
Specific Aims………………………………………………………………………………………………...…… 4 
 
C.  
Background and Justification…………………………………………………………………………………… 4 
 
D. 
Research Design and Methods………………………………………………………………………………… 5 
 
 
D.1 
General Study Design ……………………………………………………………...………………..… 5 
 
D.2 
Study Population and Eligibility Criteria………………………………………………...…………….. 6 
 
D.3 
Recruitment and Consent…………………………………………………….………………………… 7 
 
D.4 
Interventions, Randomization, and Blinding………………………………….………………………. 8 
 
D.5 
Measurements……………………………………………………………………………………...….. 10 
 
D.6 
Study Visits and Procedures………………………………………………………………………..... 15 
 
D.7 
Adherence, Discontinuation, and Reimbursement..……………………………………………..… 18 
 
D.8. 
Potential Risks and Safety Monitoring……………………………………………………….……… 19 
 
D.9 
Data Management Plan……………………………………………………………………….....…… 22 
 
D.10 Statistical Considerations……………………………………………………………………….…….. 23 
 
 
 
 
Appendix A: Summary of Measures & Procedures……………………..………………………...………… 27 
 
References Cited………………………………..………………………………………………………………. 28 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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A.   SYNOPSIS 
 
Overactive bladder (OAB), a syndrome defined by recurring strong urges to urinate, frequent trips to the 
bathroom, and in some cases involuntary urine leakage, affects up to one in five adult women and can 
have a profound effect on women’s day-to-day activities and quality of life.  Existing treatments for OAB, 
such as anti-cholinergic medications, are associated with multiple side effects or have other limitations 
that limit their usefulness or result in high rates of discontinuation.  Because OAB is associated with 
increased levels of self-reported anxiety and perceived stress, as well as abnormalities in autonomic 
nervous system control that are linked with anxiety disorders, behavioral interventions that decrease 
anxiety and improve autonomic nervous system control offer a potentially novel approach to treating this 
condition.   
We previously examined the feasibility of teaching women with OAB symptoms to practice slow-paced 
respiration, a behavioral technique that involves slowing the resting breathing rate to 5 to 10 breaths per 
minute to improve autonomic balance.  Women were assigned to practice slow-breathing exercises for 
approximately 15 minutes a day at home for 6 weeks using a small, commercially-available guided-
breathing device that is currently FDA-approved for treatment of other conditions associated with 
autonomic nervous system imbalance (i.e., hypertension).  In our pilot trial, recruitment of women was 
rapid, completion of home slow-breathing exercise sessions was high, and participants randomized to the 
slow-breathing intervention showed a promising trend toward reduction in OAB-related urine leakage 
compared to usual care. 
To rigorously evaluate the effects of this intervention on female OAB syndrome, we propose to conduct a 
12-week randomized controlled trial, in which 160 women with OAB symptoms will be randomized to: 1) 
use a standard guided-breathing device to practice slowing their breathing rate to 5 to 10 breaths per 
minute for at least 15 minutes per day, or 2) use an identical-appearing control device that plays relaxing, 
non-rhythmic music while monitoring their spontaneous breathing rate.  All women will complete symptom 
diaries and questionnaires to monitor the severity and impact of their OAB symptoms, undergo measures 
of autonomic function, and complete questionnaires about anxiety and stress.   
Our goals are to: 1) determine whether the proposed slow-breathing exercise program is effective in 
reducing the severity of OAB symptoms in women; 2) determine whether this slow-breathing intervention 
is effective in improving autonomic nervous system control and examine change in autonomic function as 
a mediator of treatment effects on OAB; and 3) determine whether this slow-breathing intervention is 
effective in improving anxiety symptoms and explore improvement in anxiety as a mediator of treatment 
effects on OAB.  This study has the potential to significantly advance treatment of OAB in women, as well 
as change current research paradigms regarding this widely prevalent health problem. 

 
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B.  
SPECIFIC AIMS 
 
We will conduct a rigorous 12-week randomized controlled trial in which 160 women with overactive bladder 
(OAB) syndrome will be assigned to: 1) use a standard guided-breathing device to slow their respiratory rate 
to 5 to 10 BPM for at least 15 minutes per day at home, or 2) use an identical-appearing control device that 
does not guide their breathing but plays relaxing, non-rhythmic music while monitoring their spontaneous 
breathing pattern.  Our aims are:  
Aim 1:  To determine whether a device-guided slow-breathing exercise program can reduce the 
frequency and severity of OAB symptoms in women.   
Compared to controls, we hypothesize that women randomized to practice slow breathing for at least 15 
minutes per day for 12 weeks will report a more than 20% greater reduction in frequency of any voiding or 
incontinence episodes associated with moderate or severe urgency (measured by a validated voiding diary), 
in addition to greater improvements in frequency of other OAB symptoms and quality-of-life impact of OAB 
symptoms (measured by diary or by questionnaire). 
Aim 2:  To determine whether this slow-breathing intervention can improve autonomic nervous 
system control in women with OAB, and explore change in autonomic control as a mechanism of 
treatment effects on OAB symptoms.   
Compared to controls, we hypothesize that women randomized to practice slow-breathing will demonstrate 
significantly improved autonomic control as measured by high-frequency heart rate variability and pre-ejection 
period parameters, and that treatment effects on OAB symptoms will be at least partly mediated by 
improvements in autonomic control. 
Aim 3: To determine whether this slow-breathing intervention can improve anxiety-related symptoms 
in women with OAB, and explore changes in anxiety as a mediator of treatment effects on OAB 
symptoms.   
Compared to controls, we hypothesize that women with OAB randomized to practice slow-breathing 
exercises will report significant improvement in anxiety-related symptoms (as measured by validated 
questionnaires), and that treatment effects on OAB symptoms will be at least partly mediated by improvement 
in anxiety. 
 
 
C.   BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION 
 
Nearly one in five adult women suffer from overactive bladder, a syndrome characterized by recurrent, strong 
urges to void, increased frequency of daytime or nocturnal voiding, and in many cases involuntary leakage of 
urine when women are unable to get to the toilet in time.1-3  Among women in the community, OAB is 
associated with sleep disruption, social isolation, decreased work productivity, sexual dysfunction, and 
depression.2-9 When further complicated by involuntary urine leakage (i.e., urgency incontinence), OAB can 
also lead to falls and fractures, increased caregiver burden, and loss of ability to live independently, with 
potentially devastating consequences for quality of life.10-12  
Currently, the most widely used treatments for OAB are anticholinergic drugs that can decrease involuntary 
bladder contractions, but are associated with multiple problematic side effects such as dry mouth, 
constipation, and even cognitive impairment, especially in older women.13-17  As a result, many clinicians are 

 
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reluctant to prescribe these drugs to older women, and at least half of women who start anticholinergic drugs 
for OAB discontinue them in less than a year.18  While behavioral treatments such as pelvic floor exercises 
can be effective in reducing OAB, these are only modestly effective in the absence of time-intensive, one-on-
one training with physical therapists.19,20  At this time, there is an urgent need for alternate therapies for OAB 
that are more effective, better tolerated, and more widely generalizable. 
Recent clinical studies have documented strong associations between self-reported anxiety, perceived stress, 
and OAB, including an increased risk of new-onset OAB in women with high baseline anxiety.21-24  Prior 
research has also shown that many women with OAB have impaired autonomic nervous system control as 
documented by heart rate variability measures25-28 that are in turn associated with clinical anxiety disorders.  
These findings suggest that OAB symptoms, anxiety disorders, and autonomic dysfunction may share 
important underlying physiologic mechanisms.  As a result, behavioral treatment approaches that decrease 
anxiety and improve autonomic control may offer a novel way to alleviate OAB symptoms without exposing 
women to the side effects of anticholinergic drugs. 
To address this possibility, we propose to conduct a randomized trial of a mindfulness-based slow-breathing 
technique that has previously been shown to decrease anxiety and improve autonomic control.  Women with 
OAB will practice slow-breathing exercises at home using a commercially-available guided-breathing device 
that requires limited individual instruction, is relatively inexpensive, and is FDA-approved for treatment of 
hypertension—another chronic condition associated with both autonomic dysfunction and anxiety.  To enable 
rigorous evaluation of efficacy, women will be randomized to: 1) use a standard guided-breathing device to 
practice slowing their respiratory rate to 5 to 10 breaths per minute (BPM) for a minimum of 15 minutes per 
day (consistent with recommended use of the device to treat hypertension), or 2) use a visually-identical 
control device reprogrammed to promote breathing at a normal resting rate of 14 BPM.  All women will also 
receive a pamphlet with information about behavioral self-management of OAB, consistent with usual care. 
The proposed work is significant because it will provide new evidence to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability 
of a behavioral slow-breathing exercise program to treat OAB, and also evaluate autonomic dysfunction and 
anxiety symptoms as potential mediators of treatment effects.  If successful, this research may help decrease 
the burden of one of the most common chronic health problems in women, as well as reduce morbidity and 
costs associated with anticholinergic OAB therapy.   
 
 
D. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS 
 
D.1 
General Study Design 
We propose to conduct a rigorous, 12-week, randomized controlled trial of a device-guided slow-breathing 
exercise program in 160 ambulatory women who report an average of at least 3 urgency-associated voiding or 
incontinence episodes per day, do not have a history of urinary tract surgery, cancer, irradiation, or major 
neurologic disease, and are not receiving other medical treatments for OAB.  Participants will be randomized 
in a 1:1 ratio to: 1) practice slowing their resting respiratory rate to 5 to 10 breaths per minute for at least 15 
minutes/day at home using a portable guided-breathing device; or 2) use an identical-appearing control device 
that plays non-rhythmic music while monitoring their spontaneous breathing pattern.  Women will be told that 
they are enrolling in a study of two types of relaxation therapy for OAB, and that we do not know which, if 
either, is effective in treating OAB.  All women will also receive a usual care pamphlet providing basic 

 
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information about pelvic floor muscle exercises, and other traditional self-management strategies for OAB.   
Participants will return to the clinic at 1 week to reinforce correct use of their devices and at 6 and 12 weeks to 
provide outcomes data; they will also complete a mail-in packet 12 weeks after returning their devices.  To 
address Aim 1, we will assess changes in frequency of voiding and incontinence episodes associated with at 
least a moderate sensation of urgency as measured by validated voiding diaries, as well as changes in 
frequency of other OAB symptoms and quality-of-life impact of OAB symptoms measured by both diaries and 
validated questionnaires.  To address Aim 2, we will assess for improvement in autonomic nervous system 
control using several physiologic measures (heart rate variability, pre-ejection period) and explore change in 
autonomic control as a mechanism of treatment effects on OAB.  For Aim 3, we will assess changes in 
anxiety-related symptoms using validated questionnaires and assess whether these mediate treatment effects 
on OAB. 
 
D.2 
Study Population and Eligibility Criteria 
Overview: Participants will be ambulatory women who have frequent OAB symptoms, report no prior complex 
urologic history, are not currently using other OAB treatments, and are willing to use the breathing device. 
Inclusion criteria 
1) Women aged 21 years or older who are able to walk to the bathroom without assistance 
2) Report recurrent episodes of urgency (sudden or strong urges to urinate) beginning at least 3 months 
prior to screening  
3) Able to record all voiding and incontinence episodes on a screening 3-day voiding diary29,30 and rate the 
severity of urgency associated with each episode using a validated urgency severity scale31 
4) Document at least 9 voiding or incontinence episodes on the above 3-day voiding diary that are 
associated with at least moderate sensation of urgency (using the above validated urgency severity 
scale) 31 
5) Willing to refrain from initiating other treatments that may affect voiding pattern during the trial period 
Exclusion criteria 
1) Use of anticholinergic OAB medications or other medications known to affect urinary function (i.e., 
diuretics, tricyclic antidepressants) within 1 month of screening 
2) Current urinary tract infection (detected via screening dipstick urinalysis or urine culture) or a history more 
than 3 urinary tract infections in the preceding 1 year 
3) Prior history of lower urinary tract surgery, pelvic cancer, or pelvic irradiation; or other pelvic or abdominal 
surgery within 6 months of screening 
4) History of interstitial cystitis, fistula in the bladder or rectum, or congenital or childhood defect leading to 
chronic urinary incontinence, retention, or other chronic urinary symptoms 

 
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5) Known history of major neurologic conditions likely to have major or permanent effects on bladder 
function such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or Parkinson’s disease  
6) Use of bladder botulinum injections, electrostimulation, or other invasive therapies for OAB or 
incontinence within 3 months of screening   
7) Formal pelvic floor rehabilitation or other formal behavioral therapy for bladder symptoms involving a 
physical therapist or other certified practitioner within 3 months of screening 
8) Started, stopped, or changed dosage of a psychoactive medication likely to affect anxiety (SSRIs/SNRIs, 
tricyclics) within 3 months of screening, or plans to start, stop, or change dosage during the trial 
9) Resting blood pressure (average of 2 measures) less than 100/60 at screening (women with baseline low 
blood pressure may theoretically be at increased risk of hypotension with use of RESPeRATE) 
10) Resting breathing rate already below 10 breaths/minute before treatment (as measured during run-in) 
11) History of chronic pulmonary disease likely to interfere with breathing exercises (e.g., emphysema) 
12) Currently pregnant, gave birth within the past 3 months, or planning pregnancy during the study period 
13) Unable or willing to sign an informed consent, fill out questionnaires, or undergo study procedures 
 
 
D.3 
Recruitment and Consent 
D.3.1   Recruitment strategies 
Participants will be recruited from the greater San Francisco Bay Area community.  As with past studies 
directed at urinary tract symptoms, the investigative team will use a multi-component IRB-approved 
recruitment approach, including contacting a database of women who have given permission to be contacted 
about future research opportunities, direct community-based media efforts (newspaper notices, radio 
advertising, brochures in local clinics, talks to local community groups, notices in churches), social 
media/networking sites and direct recruitment from physician offices (specifically in gynecology, primary care, 
and alternative medicine clinics).  Recruitment efforts will be based at the UCSF Women’s Health Clinical 
Research Center at the Mt. Zion campus at  300 Frank Ogawa Plaza, in Oakland, CA, where coordinators will 
bring equipment needed for measurements to a rented private office.  To facilitate recruitment, UCSF 
Women’s Health Clinical Research Center includes 2 rooms that are staffed by professional research staff 
including coordinators, recruiters, and research assistants.  
D.3.2   Informed consent & documentation 
Before entering the study, all study procedures, time requirements, risks and potential benefits will be 
explained to each potential study participant using the information in the UCSF IRB-approved informed 
consent form.  The potential study participant will be given adequate time to read the informed consent 
document and ask questions. Eligible participants who choose to enter the study will sign the inform consent 
form and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) form prior to beginning study treatment.  
Each participant will be given a copy of the signed documents and the original will be a part of the research 

 
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record.  All study-specific data will be kept confidential and stored in locked files at the clinical center.  
 
D.4 
Interventions, Randomization, and Blinding 
D.4.1    Overview of interventions  
Participants in this trial will use RESPeRATE, a small, commercially-available guided-breathing device 
manufactured by Intercure, Ltd. that is currently FDA-approved for treatment of mild hypertension.  The 
RESPeRATE device includes a belt-type respiration sensor that is placed 
around the user’s chest over the clothing, along with a small computerized box 
that generates musical tones transmitted through attached earphones.  Using 
the belt-type sensor, the device first senses the user’s spontaneous respiratory 
rate, while playing quiet, relaxing, non-rhythmic music.  The device then begins 
to play distinct musical tones to guide the user in slowing her respiratory rate 
and prolong her expiratory phase.  In the proposed clinical trial, women will be 
randomized to receive either: 1) a standard, active RESPeRATE device that 
guides the user in breathing at a rate slower than 10 BPM, or 2) an identical-
appearing control device that does not pace respiration but continues to monitor 
spontaneous breathing rate while playing relaxing, non-rhythmic music.  
Participants in both groups will be instructed to use their devices for at least 15 
minutes per day for 12 weeks. 
D.4.2   Active intervention  
Participants who are randomized to the active intervention group will receive an 
active RESPeRATE device at the baseline visit that is programmed to pace respiration at less than 10 BPM 
(identical to current FDA-approved use of the device for treatment of hypertension).  After reading the device 
instructions, the participant will be asked to place the belt-like elastic strap respiratory sensor around the upper 
chest over clothing under the axillae and above the breasts.  The participant will then place the headphones on 
the ears and breathe normally until the device recognizes her normal respiratory rate.   
After sensing the participant’s normal respiratory pattern, the active device will begin to play a distinct musical 
tone to prompt inspiration and a second tone to prompt expiration.  The device will first synchronize its tones to 
the user’s spontaneous respiratory pattern, and then gradually increase the timing and duration of its tones to 
guide the user in slowing her respiratory rate and prolonging her expiratory phase.  The participant will be 
instructed to simply try to match her inspiration and expiration to the tones.  Participants will be asked to use 
the RESPeRATE device for at least 15 minutes per day at home while sitting quietly and alone in a comfortable 
location, not listening to other music, watching television, reading, sleeping, or performing any other distracting 
activity.   
During practice sessions, the active device will automatically collect data on: a) the  time, date, and number of 
sessions in which it was used; b) duration of time for each practice session; c) average and range of 
respiratory rate; d) data quality (i.e., percent time that breathing was detected by the sensor), e) amount of time 

 
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that the participant succeeds in slowing respiration to less than 10 BPM in each session, and f) the percentage 
of time that the participant’s breathing pattern follows the device’s musical tones.  Participants will be instructed 
to use RESPeRATE for at least 15 minutes per day for a total of 12 weeks.   
D.4.3    Control intervention  
Participants who are randomized to the control group will a control RESPeRATE device that does not pace 
respiration, but plays relaxing, non-rhythmic music while monitoring participants’ spontaneous breathing rate at 
home.  RESPeRATE devices can be re-programmed by research staff to be either active or control devices 
using software provided by Intercure, Ltd., and research staff will re-program devices as needed at 
participants’ baseline visits. The control device will look exactly like the active RESPeRATE device, except that 
the device will not play musical tones synchronized to inspiration and expiration, but will play quiet, non-
rhythmic music while monitoring spontaneous breathing.   
Like participants in the active group, participants in the control group will be asked to use their devices for at 
least 15 minutes per day for 12 weeks.  Participants in the control group will be given the same instructions as 
those randomized to use the active RESPeRATE device, except that they will be told to simply listen to the 
music played by the device rather than using the device as a guide for breathing.  Like the active device, the 
control device will automatically collect data on: a) time, date, and number of sessions in which it was used; b) 
duration of time for each session; c) average and range of respiratory rate, and d) data quality (i.e., percent 
time that breathing was detected by the sensor).   
This control device will control for the fact that participants will be sitting still and relaxing while wearing the 
RESPeRATE device breathing sensor belt for at least 15 minutes per day.  It will also allow collection of data 
on spontaneous breathing pattern in the control group and monitoring of adherence to use of the control 
intervention.   
D.4.4   Randomization  
Randomization to either the active or control device will be performed by computer at in a 1:1 ratio, using 
randomly permuted blocks of 2, 4, and 6.  Following a brief run-in period in which women use the control 
device and complete other eligibility assessment procedures, women will be randomized either to: 1) receive a 
new active RESPeRATE device that paces respiration at a slow rate, or 2) continue using a control device that 
monitors spontaneous breathing rate while playing non-rhythmic music. Sealed, opaque envelopes will be 
prepared by the study statistician containing treatment assignment codes. When a participant fulfills study 
inclusion and exclusion criteria, the next sequential envelope will be opened by study staff and treatment 
assignment will be irrevocably entered on a participant case report form.   A subset of the randomization 
envelopes will be assigned to the Oakland Satellite office. 
D.4.5  Blinding 
Because of the behavioral nature of the treatment interventions, study participants cannot be fully blinded to 
treatment assignment.  However, several steps will be taken to minimize possible bias arising from lack of 
blinding.  Participants will be told that they are participating in a study of two different types of relaxation 
therapy, slow-paced respiration versus music-listening, for treatment of overactive bladder symptoms.  They 
will be told that the investigators do not yet know whether one form of therapy is more effective than the other 

 
10
in controlling bladder symptoms (which is true).  All participant materials will be developed to avoid giving 
participants the impression that slow-paced respiration is believed to be more effective than relaxing music-
listening in controlling overactive bladder.  Information listed on clinicaltrials.gov and other public registries will 
also avoid implying that one form of therapy is more effective than the other.   
When interacting with participants, study staff will refer to the RESPeRATE device as the “CURE study 
relaxation device” rather than a “RESPeRATE device,” since the control device will used differently from a 
standard, commercially-available RESPeRATE device.  Participant-oriented study materials will also refer to 
the device as a “relaxation device” and avoid referring to either RESPeRATE or Intercure Ltd. 
The primary outcome, change in frequency of voiding or incontinence episodes associated with at least 
moderate urgency, will be assessed using 3-day voiding diaries, which are likely to be more resistant to bias 
than other types of self-report measures.  Although clinical staff responsible for conducting study visits will not 
be blinded to treatment assignment (so that they can assist participants with problems using their RESPeRATE 
devices), the study investigators will be blinded to treatment assignment., A subset of voiding diaries from both 
the 2300 Post St. and 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza sites will be reviewed by a blinded analyst for quality control.  
D.4.6  Overactive bladder self-management pamphlet 
All participants, regardless of treatment assignment, will also receive a pamphlet that provides basic patient-
directed information about behavioral self-management of OAB, including pelvic muscle exercises and urge 
suppression.  As information about self-management of OAB is available from multiple websites and public 
resources, systematic provision of this information will minimize differential use of self-management techniques 
between treatment groups, and also reflect expected concomitant use of these techniques with slow-paced 
respiration in clinical practice. 
 
D.5      Measurements 
D.5.1    Overactive bladder symptoms (assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks, and 24 week mail-in) 
A.   Frequency of voiding or incontinence episodes associated with at least moderate urgency 
The primary outcome of this trial, change in frequency of any voiding or incontinence episodes 
associated with at least a moderate sensation of urgency, will be assessed using a validated 3-day 
voiding diary.29,30 At each relevant time point, participants will receive a blank voiding diary along with 
written instructions and a sample completed diary page.  Women will use the diary to record each time 
they experience a sense of urgency, void in the toilet, or leak urine over 3 days.  They will also rate the 
severity of urgency associated with each of the above episodes using a validated severity scale (the 
Indevus scale): a) none, b) mild—urgency that is easily tolerated, c) moderate—urgency that interferes 
with activities, c) severe—extreme urgency that abruptly stops activities).31  Urgency that results in 
urine leakage (incontinence) will be assumed to be severe.   
B.   Frequency of other OAB symptoms 
Data abstracted from voiding diaries will also be used to assess secondary voiding outcomes, including 

 
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change in frequency of the following additional OAB symptoms: 1) urgency-type incontinence; 2) any 
voiding or incontinence associated with severe urgency, 3) total daytime or nighttime voiding 
(regardless of association with urgency).   
Diary data will also be used to calculate an Overactive Bladder Symptom Composite Score (OAB-
SCS), in which points are assigned for each episode of urgency incontinence (5 points each), urgency-
associated voiding (2 to 4 points depending on the severity of urgency), and non-urgency-associating 
voiding (1 point).32   
C.   Bothersomeness and quality-of-life impact of OAB symptoms 
Additional secondary voiding outcomes such as bothersomeness and quality-of-life impact of OAB will 
be assessed using several validated, self-administered, structured-item questionnaires, including:  
1) Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-Q), a 33-item measure of the bothersomness and impact of 
multiple OAB symptoms (such as urgency, incontinence, nocturia) along a 100-point scale33  
2) Urgency Severity and Impact Questionnaire (USIQ), a 13-item measure of the severity and impact of 
urgency validated specifically in patients with OAB34,35  
3) Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form (UDI-6), a 6-item measure of the bothersomeness of 
multiple urinary symptoms, including urgency and incontinence;36 scores range from    
4) Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC),37,38 a single-item assessing patient’s overall 
perception of their bladder problems using a 6-point Likert scale 
5) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI),39,40 an 18-item validated questionnaire evaluating sleep quality, 
sleep latency, sleep efficiency, and sleep problems over a one-week period.   A global sleep quality score 
ranging from 0 to 21 can be derived from the PSQI, with higher scores reflecting poor sleep quality. 
D.5.2    Autonomic nervous system measures  (assessed at baseline and 12 weeks) 
A.  Heart rate variability: Heart rate variability (i.e., fluctuation in instantaneous heart rate that results from 
autonomic influences on the sinus node) is a well-established measure of overall autonomic balance, and a 
validated marker of risk for adverse outcomes of other chronic conditions associated with autonomic 
dysfunction such as coronary disease and heart failure 41.  In particular, the high frequency (0.12-0.40 Hz) 
component of heart rate variability provides a reliable marker of parasympathetic autonomic activity, based 
on autonomic blockade studies showing that heart rate variability in the high frequency range is influenced 
by vagal but not sympathetic influences on the heart 42-44.  Measurements will be obtained at baseline and 
12 weeks for visits at the 2330 Post St. site only  using a Biopac MP150 monitoring system (Santa 
Barbara, CA), according to protocols established by the North American Society of Pacing and 
Electrophysiology 45.  Specifically, two electrocardiograph (ECG) electrodes will be attached to participants’ 
torso/chest, and a 20-minute continuous ECG recording will then be taken with the participant in the seated 
position.  Prior to measurement, women will be queried about any history of cardiac arrhythmias that could 
influence heart rate variability interpretation. To minimize diurnal variation, recordings will be obtained in 
the same 2-hour time of day at both visits.  Women will sit in a quiet, ambient-temperature room, and will 
also be asked to abstain from tobacco or alcohol for 24 hours prior to recording.   For 10 minutes during 
recording, they will also be asked to perform two computer-based stress tasks designed to assess vagal 
reactivity and sympathetic nervous system activity.  Data will be analyzed using Mindware software 
(Gahanna, OH), which will calculate multiple time domain heart rate variability parameters (e.g., mean 
heart rate, standard deviation of N-N interval, square root of mean squared difference of successive N-N 

 
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intervals), as well as frequency domain heart rate variability parameters reflecting the distribution of heart 
rate variability over different frequencies (e.g., high frequency (0.12-0.40 Hz), low frequency (0.04-
0.12 Hz), and low frequency/high frequency ratio). 
B.  Pre-ejection period: Pre-ejection period (i.e., PEP, or, the time period during which the left ventricle of the 
heart contracts while the aortic and mitral valves are still closed) is an established measure of sympathetic 
autonomic activity that can be measured non-invasively using impedance cardiography 42,44.  Using the 
same Biopac MP150 monitoring system used to assess heart rate variability (see above), cardiac 
impedance measurements will be obtained at baseline and at 12 weeks for visits at the 2330 Post St. site 
only.   According to established protocols 46, a standard tetrapolar electrode system will be attached to 
each participant while in the seated position (two inner electrodes placed at the xiphisternal joint and the 
base of the neck, outer electrodes place 3 cm distally to the inner electrodes).  Impedance cardiogram 
recordings will be obtained by the Biopac monitor at the same time that heart rate variability recordings.  
Prior to measurement, women will be queried about any history of heart murmurs suggesting heart valve 
abnormalities that could influence pre-ejection period interpretation. Cardiac PEP will be determined by 
calculating the time between ventricular depolarization (assessed by ECG output) and the B point of the 
dZ/dt wave (measured by impedance cardiography).   Standard Mindware software will be used to 
generate the dZ/dt waveform by averaging minute-to-minute ECG and impedance data for each subject.  
D.5.3.  Anxiety and perceived stress (assessed at baseline, 6 week, 12 weeks, and 24-week mail-in) 
Validated self-administered questionnaires will be used to gather additional information about somatic and 
cognitive anxiety, depression, and perceived stress. 
A. Somatic anxiety: Somatic anxiety (i.e., the affective component of anxiety believed to be related to 
autonomic physiological arousal response) will be measured using the trait component of the Spielberger 
State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), a 20-item self-administered measure validated in both clinical and 
psychiatric populations, including patients with bladder symptoms.47,48  Scores range from 20 to 80, with 
higher scores indicating greater somatic anxiety. 
B. Cognitive anxiety: Cognitive anxiety (i.e., the mental component of anxiety associated with fear of failure) 
will be measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), a validated self-administered 
questionnaire that includes a 7-item Anxiety Subscale49 shown to be sensitive to change in incontinence 
trials.50 Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety. 
C. Depressive symptoms: Depressive symptoms will be assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies 
Depression Scale, a 20-item measure that has been widely used in clinical trials, including trials of bladder 
interventions, and is sensitive to change.51 Total scores range from 0 to 60, with higher scores indicating 
greater likelihood of depression. 
D. Perceived stress: Perceived stress will be assessed using the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), a 10-
item self-administered questionnaire assessing subjective feelings and thoughts related to perceived stress 
in the past month, validated in a probability sample of the United States.52  Scores range from 0 to 40, with 
higher scores indicating greater perceived stress. 

 
13
D.5.4    Respiratory parameters 
Respiratory parameters will be measured daily throughout the study by participants’ RESPeRATE devices.  
The RESPeRATE device automatically collects data on respiratory parameters such as average and range of 
respiratory rate during each practice session.  Additionally, the active RESPeRATE device collects data on 
effectiveness of slow-paced respiration (minutes of breathing in each session in which the respiratory rate was 
under 10 BPM) and device ‘followness’ (percent time that breathing was synchronized with the guiding tones).  
Data are downloaded directly from the device, providing an objective and blinded measurement of respiratory 
status during sessions.  Decrease in respiratory rate with preserved ‘followness’ indicates that a participant has 
successfully paced her respiration at a lower rate without holding her breath, and is associated with 
improvement in blood pressure in prior research 53. 
D.5.5    Actigraphy (assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks at the 2330 Post St. site only) 
To complement subjective data on sleep quality assessed by questionnaire, actigraphy data will be collected 
over a 3-day period prior to the Baseline and 12 Week visits using the Motion Logger actigraph (Ambulatory 
Monitoring, Inc., Ardsley, NY), a small device that designed to be worn on the wrist. This wrist actigraph 
contains a piezoelectric linear accelerometer (sensitive to 0.003 g and above), a microprocessor, 32K RAM 
memory, and associated circuitry.  The orientation and sensitivity of the accelerometer are optimized for highly 
effective sleep-wake inference from wrist activity.54,55 The Motion Logger is able to collect data in three modes 
simultaneously: the zero-crossing mode, which has been rigorously validated for sleep-wake activity,54 time-
above-threshold, and digital integration mode.  The output from the actigraph supplies information about total 
sleep time, percent sleep, number and duration of awakenings per night, and circadian rhythms. 
D.5.6    Demographic and clinical covariates 
Structured-item questionnaires will collect data on the following covariates at screening/baseline to provide 
information on eligibility, characterize the study cohort, provide evidence that treatment groups were 
comparable at baseline, and guide statistical adjustments in the unlikely situation that groups are not balanced 
at baseline: demographics (date of birth, race/ethnicity, education, relationship/marital status), urologic history 
(age of onset of OAB, past urologic surgery, prior treatment of OAB, past response to treatment for OAB), 
current medications (including psychoactive drugs), gynecologic history (gravidity, parity, menopausal history, 
hysterectomy, oophorectomy), health-related habits (tobacco and alcohol use, physical activity), and selected 
co-morbid chronic health conditions (such as diabetes). Height, weight, and seated resting blood pressure, 
heart rate, and respiratory rate will also be measured at visits.  Women will undergo urinalysis testing at 
baseline to assess for urinary tract infection or hematuria, and to rule out pregnancy. 
D.5.7    Safety measures 
Because the main potential adverse effect of RESPeRATE is a decrease in blood pressure to symptomatic 
levels, resting blood pressure will be measured twice in the dominant arm at each study visit, and treatment 
with RESPeRATE will be discontinued in women with average blood pressure <90/50, and in those with blood 
pressure <100/60 as well as symptoms suggestive of hypotension such as dizziness.  If a participant 
experiences dizziness while using RESPeRATE, she will also be asked to come to the clinic and practice using 
RESPeRATE under supervision, with blood pressure measured at the beginning and end of practice.  In 

 
14
published trials of RESPeRATE including a total of 492 participants,56-63 blood pressure lowering was 
contingent on higher blood pressure at baseline, such that use of the device in participants with systolic blood 
pressure <120 mmHg at baseline had no effect on blood pressure; no symptomatic hypotension was reported. 
Other unexpected side effects will be assessed using standardized adverse event or serious adverse event 
forms.  At each phone and in-person contact, participants will also be asked about any negative changes in 
their health.  An adverse event will be defined as any undesirable sign, symptom, or medical condition that 
occurs after starting therapy, whether considered related to the study intervention or not.  According to 
standard practice, adverse events will be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.  Events that result in death or 
disability, are life threatening, or cause hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization will be classified as 
serious adverse events and recorded on severe adverse event forms that also note the potential relationship to 
study interventions and any medical treatment or therapy provided in response to the event. 
 
D.6 
Study Visits and Procedures 
This clinical trial involves 5 in-person study visits (Screening, Baseline, 1-Week, 6-Week, and 12-Week) and 2 
telephone visits (3-Week and 9-Week) over a 12-week period.  Additionally, women will complete daily 
RESPeRATE practice sessions at home, and will complete voiding diaries at home at 3 timepoints over this 
12-week period.  There is also a 24-week mail-in assessment, in which women will complete an additional 
voiding diary and packet of questionnaires and return them to study staff by mail. 
Study Visits will be conducted in outpatient research facilities associated with the UCSF Women’s Health 
Clinical Research Center at 2330 Post Street on the Mt. Zion campus, where two side-by-side office/exam 
rooms are equipped with all equipment needed to collect study measurements, or at 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza, 
in Oakland, CA, where coordinators will bring equipment needed for measurements to a rented private office. 
D.6.1    Telephone Screening  
Women who respond to study advertisements and notices by calling the study phone number will be provided 
with a general overview of the study and, if still interested, will complete a brief telephone survey to determine 
initial eligibility (age, severity of OAB, current and past OAB treatment, exclusionary conditions, availability 
during the study time period, and willingness to participate).  Eligible respondents will be invited to attend a 
clinic screening visit and will be asked to bring all medications to the visit. 
D.6.2    Screening Visit 
At the screening visit, the study will be explained in detail, and informed consent will be obtained.  Candidate 
participants will be told that this is a randomized trial of two different forms of relaxation therapy, slow-paced 
respiration and relaxing music-listening, for treatment of overactive bladder syndrome.  They will complete 
questionnaires assessing demographics, medical history, surgical and gynecological history, medications, 
alcohol and tobacco use, and OAB symptoms.  They will be shown the list of medications that they will need to 
avoid for the duration of the study.  Height, weight, blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate will be measured.  

 
15
Women will provide a clean-catch urine sample for assessment of urinary tract infection of hematuria, as well 
as to rule out pregnancy.   
If eligible to continue, participants will be given a demo RESPeRATE run-in device and taught how to use it.  At 
the screening visit, the participant will open the box containing the device, sensor strap, earphones, and 
batteries.  After brief instruction (<5 minutes), the research assistant will assist the participant in correctly 
starting and using the device, answering any questions and making sure the participant is comfortable with 
device use.  The participant will be instructed to place the belt-like elastic strap respiratory sensor around the 
upper chest over clothing, place the headphones on the ears, and breathe normally until the device recognizes 
her normal respiratory rate and begins to play background music.  Each participant will then be asked to use 
their device to listen to relaxing music for at least 15 minutes per day at home during a 7-day run-in period.  
Each participant will be given a 3-day voiding diary and instructions on using it to record all voiding and 
incontinence episodes for 3 days during the run-in period and indicate whether episodes were accompanied by 
a sensation of urgency.   Each participant will also be asked to wear a wrist actigraph during the same 3-day 
period that they complete their voiding diary. 
D.6.3  Run-in period 
Because previous studies of RESPeRATE for other indications have shown that efficacy improves with 
adherence,57,60 all women will complete a 7-day run-in period between the screening and baseline visits in 
which they will demonstrate willingness to adhere to home RESPeRATE practice.  For the run-in, women will 
be given a demo RESPeRATE run-in device that plays relaxing, non-rhythmic background music but does not 
pace their breathing.  The music played by the demo run-in RESPeRATE devices will be similar but not 
completely identical to the music played by the regular RESPeRATE control devices that serve as the main 
control intervention for the study.  Like the regular RESPeRATE control device, the demo RESPeRATE control 
device will automatically collect data on: a) time, date, and number of sessions in which it was used; b) 
duration of time for each session; c) average and range of respiratory rate during each session; and d) data 
quality (i.e., percent time that breathing was detected by the sensor).  Women will be told to use their run-in 
RESPeRATE devices for at least 15 minutes each day during the run-in period, while sitting quietly and alone 
in a comfortable location, and avoiding listening to other music, watch TV, read, sleep, or perform any other 
distracting activity.   For at least 3 days during the run-in period, women will also complete daily voiding diaries, 
which will be used to further assess women’s compliance and to collect data on baseline severity of overactive 
bladder symptoms.  Women will also be asked to wear a wrist actigraph while they complete their voiding 
diaries, push a button on the actigraph to indicate when they go to bed and when they get up each night, and 
complete a simple sleep diary over this same 3-day period. 
D.6.4    Baseline/Randomization Visit 
A baseline visit will be scheduled one to two weeks after the screening visit and completion of the run-in 
procedures.  Participants will return with their completed voiding diary, the demo RESPeRATE run-in device, 
and the wrist actigraph and sleep diary.  Diary data will be abstracted, and data from the run-in device and the 
actigraph will be downloaded.  Those who are non-adherent to RESPeRATE practice or the diary will not be 
eligible to continue.  Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate will be re-measured; participants who 
have a blood pressure <100/60 will also be ineligible to continue. If the demo RESPeRATE device indicates 

 
16
home practice for at least 12 minutes on each of at least 6 days, the voiding diary is completed correctly on at 
least 3 days, and the diary reveals an average of at least 3 voiding or incontinence episodes per day 
associated with at least moderate urgency, and the participant meets other eligibility criteria and agrees to 
enroll in the study, she will be eligible for randomization to a regular active or control RESPeRATE device.  
Immediately following proof of eligibility, the study coordinator will randomize the participant, using the next 
sequential randomization envelope.  
Following randomization, instruction in use of the active or control RESPeRATE device will be reviewed, and 
the participant will be asked to use the device for at least 15 minutes per day at home.  The participant will be 
given the study phone number and instructed to call study staff for any questions or problems with the devices.  
Participants will be given a pamphlet providing brief information about usual care behavioral self-management 
of overactive bladder symptoms.  Participants will be reminded not to take any medications known to affect 
overactive bladder symptoms during the treatment period.   
Participants will also undergo non-invasive measurement of resting heart rate variability and pre-ejection 
period using the BIOPAC MP150 monitoring device at this visit (if they are randomized).  They will complete 
questionnaires assessing condition-specific quality of life and anxiety and perceived stress symptoms. 
D.6.5   Follow-up Visit (1 week) 
After one week of treatment, participants will return to the clinic for early follow-up, bringing their RESPeRATE 
active or control devices.  Downloaded RESPeRATE device data will be securely transferred to the study 
database.  The study coordinator will review adherence with use of the active or control device, assess for side 
effects of treatment, and answer any questions.  For safety monitoring, blood pressure, heart rate, and 
respiratory rate will be reassessed by study staff.  Adverse events will be recorded on standardized forms.  
Each participant will also be given a new, blank voiding diary to complete for 3 days before her 6-week visit. 
D.6.6   Follow-up Visit (6 weeks) 
After 6 weeks of treatment, women will return to the clinic for follow-up for assessment of adherence, side 
effects, and concurrent medications, and to address any questions.  They will return their 2nd completed 
voiding diary, in which they will have recorded all voiding and incontinence episodes over a 3-day period and 
indicated whether these episodes were associated with no, mild, moderate, or severe urgency.  Data from 
RESPeRATE devices will be downloaded before the device is returned to the participant.  Blood pressure, 
heart rate, and respiratory rate will be measured by study staff.  Adverse events will be recorded on 
standardized forms.  Participants will complete the same self-administered questionnaires about condition-
specific quality of life and anxiety and stress given at baseline visit.   
 
D.6.7    Follow-up Phone Call (9 weeks) 
After 9 weeks of treatment, the study coordinator will contact participants by telephone to review adherence 
with use of the RESPeRATE device, assess for side effects, and answer any questions.  At the participant’s 
request, or if there is a safety concern, this visit may also be conducted in person.  Participants will be 
reminded that to start completing their next voiding diary at least 3 days before their 12-week visit, and to wear 

 
17
the wrist actigraph and complete their sleep diary during this same 3-day period.  They will be reminded to 
bring their completed voiding diary, their RESPeRATE device, and their actigraph and sleep diary with them to 
that 12-week visit. 
D.6.8    12-Week Visit  
The final clinic visit will take place approximately 12 weeks after screening or at the time a participant decides 
to discontinue participation in the trial.  Participants will return their third completed voiding diary, the 
RESPeRATE device, and the wrist actigraph and sleep diary. Participants will complete the same self-
administered questionnaires that were given at the baseline and 6-week visits.  They will also complete a 
close-out questionnaire about their satisfaction with the study interventions and procedures.  Physical exam 
measures of blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate will be repeated.  Participants will also undergo 
repeat assessment of heart rate variability and impedance cardiography. Participants will receive instructions 
and materials for completing and returning the 24-week mail-in voiding diary and questionnaire packet. 
D.6.9   24-Week Mail-In 
Twelve weeks after returning their guided-breathing devices, women will complete a final voiding diary and set 
of questionnaires and mail it back to study staff, using a pre-addressed, pre-stamped envelope. 
D.6.10   Time commitment 
Telephone screening will require approximately 15 minutes.  The screening clinic visit will require up to one 
and a half hours.  The baseline clinic visit will require approximately two hours.  The 6-week follow-up visit will 
require one and a half hours.  The final (12-week) visit will require approximately two hours.  The one-week 
and 8-week follow-up telephone calls will each require between 5 and 15 minutes.  The total estimated time 
required for study visits is therefore 7 and a half hours, including 7 and hours of clinic visit time, and 
approximately one half hour of telephone time. 
Additionally, participants must practice either slow-paced respiration or music-listening using their 
RESPeRATE devices for at least 15 minutes per day for 12 weeks, for a total of 21 hours of home 
RESPeRATE practice time.   They must complete voiding diaries at four timepoints in the study (baseline, 6 
weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks), adding another 15 minutes at each of these timepoints.  They must also 
complete a mail-in questionnaire packet at 24 weeks, adding another 30 minutes at this timepoint.  The total 
estimated time required of participants at home is therefore 22 and a half hours. In summary, this 12-week 
study will require a total of 30 hours of participants’ time, including 7 and a half hours of visit time, and 22 and a 
half hours of home time. 
 
D.7 
Adherence, Discontinuation, and Reimbursement 
D.7.1   Overview 
 Every effort will be made to assure that participants adhere to the protocol and use the study interventions 
regularly.  Participant contact information including address, phone number(s), fax number(s), and email 

 
18
address will be obtained.  We will also request contact information for two family members or friends who will 
be able to locate the participant.  The study team will encourage retention by educating participants about the 
importance of the study, maintaining a friendly and efficient clinical center environment, and encouraging 
excellent staff-participant rapport.  All identifying information will be kept confidential, appropriately secured 
and destroyed at the end of the trial.  
D.7.2    Adherence to interventions 
Adherence to study interventions will be assessed using data automatically collected by the RESPeRATE 
device and down-loaded at baseline, 1 week, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.  All participants will be encouraged to 
use the device as recommended for at least 15 minutes per day.  Study staff will ascertain reasons for non-
adherence and attempt to help participants find ways to improve adherence.  However, participants who are 
non-adherent with study interventions will still be urged to attend all study visits and complete all study 
measurements as planned.  
D.7.3   Adherence to study visits  
All participants will be urged to attend all study visits and complete all study measurements as planned. 
However, participants can discontinue participation in the study at any time.  Participants who miss a visit will 
be contacted by the study coordinator to reschedule the visit and to provide assistance in completing the visit. 
Participants who state that they no longer desire to participate in the trial will be asked to undergo final study 
measurements and complete a close-out questionnaire if possible.  
D.7.4   Discontinuation of interventions 
The study interventions will be discontinued in women with average blood pressure <90/50 or in those with 
blood pressure <100/60 as well as symptoms suggestive of hypotension such as dizziness.  If possible, the 
final outcome measurements will be obtained in all participants who discontinue the intervention.  
D.7.5    Participant reimbursement 
Each participant will receive a $25 gift card at the Baseline Visit and at the Week 6 Visit, a $50 gift card after 
the Week 12 Visit, and a $20 gift card after returning their mail-in packet at 24 weeks.  Participants will 
therefore receive a total of $120 in gift cards of their choice for their participation in the study.  We will also 
provide parking voucher stickers for participants who wish to park in the UCSF Women’s Health Clinical 
Research Center garage for their study visits. 
 
D.8 
Potential Risks and Safety Monitoring 
D.8.1    Potential risks of study procedures 

 
19
A. Paced respiration:  RESPeRATE is a commercially-available guided-breathing device (Costco, Amazon) 
that is FDA-approved for treatment of mild hypertension and widely used without a prescription.   Risk to 
participants from use of RESPeRATE is minimal; in clinical trials that included over 492 participants, no 
side effects were reported.  Additionally, our research team observed no side effects in our other 
randomized trial of 120 women with menopausal hot flashes treated with slow paced respiration. The effect 
of RESPeRATE on blood pressure decreases with lower baseline blood pressure such that it does not 
lower blood pressure in persons with baseline less than about 120 mmHg systolic.  
B. Music-listening: There are no known risks to participants associated with use of the RESPeRATE control 
device for music-listening. Although the music-listening control is designed to be relaxing and pleasant, it is 
possible that participants randomized to the control group may find this music to be unappealing or 
irritating. 
C. Questionnaires and diaries: Although the information participants provide on data collection forms and 
diaries is confidential, some participants may feel embarrassed at having to answer questions, especially 
those related to incontinence symptoms or depression and anxiety symptoms.  Completion of diaries and 
questionnaires will involve slight inconvenience in time and effort.   
D. Physical exam measurements:  There are no direct risks associated with undergoing measurement of 
height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate at study visits, although some participants may experience 
this as inconvenient or unpleasant. 
E. Heart rate variability and impedance cardiography:  Heart rate variability and cardiac impedance 
measurements will be obtained using a non-invasive BIOPAC MP150 electronic monitoring system.  The 
only adverse effect that may result from these measurements is mild skin irritation at the site of the ECG or 
cardiac impedance electrodes, which generally disappears within 24 hours of removing the electrodes.  
Although noninvasive, measurement of heart rate variability and cardiac impedance may be experienced 
by participants as inconvenient or mildly unpleasant.  Women will need to lift their shirts (but not remove 
their brassieres or underwear) for placement of the electrode sensors.  They will also need to complete two 
brief computer-based tasks (approximately 5 minutes in duration each) that may be perceived as 
psychologically stressful while undergoing Biopac measurements. 
F. Computer-based concentration task:  Participants will perform two types of brief, computer-based mental 
concentration tasks while undergoing heart rate variability and cardiac impedance measurements, 
including a visual attention and tracking task directed at assessing vagal withdrawal and a navigation task 
designed to assess sympathetic reactivity. Some participants may perceive these tasks to be stressful or 
annoying. 
G. Wrist actigraphy:  There is no risk of injury from the wrist actigraph device to measure sleep activity though 
participants may find it mildly inconvenient to wear a wrist device for 3 days.  It is possible that the strap of 
the actigraph wrist watch device may leave a small area of red skin or irritation which is usually painless 
and resolves within a few days.   
D.8.2  Protections against risks  

 
20
Women with low blood pressure (<100/60) at the screening or baseline visit will be excluded from the study. 
Participants will undergo repeat blood pressure measurement at each follow-up clinic visit (1 week, 6 weeks, 
and 12 weeks) and will be instructed to come to the study clinic to have their blood pressure re-measured if 
they develop dizziness, fatigue, or other symptoms suggestive of orthostasis.  Use of RESPeRATE will be 
discontinued in participants with blood pressure <90/50, or in those with blood pressure <100/60 and 
symptoms consistent with hypotension.   
Staff will be trained to be courteous and discrete when administering questionnaires, obtaining physical exam 
measurements, and assessing heart rate variability and impedance cardiography, and to follow-up with 
referrals to appropriate medical personnel when measurements are outside allowable ranges.  Participants will 
be told that they can ask to pause or discontinue measurements if they become uncomfortable. 
Participants who report an allergy or sensitivity to adhesives can decline to undergo heart rate variability or 
impedance cardiography measurements.  Study staff will be trained to remove the EKG electrodes and tape in 
ways that minimize skin irritation or reaction.  Participants with an allergy to metal can wear the wrist actigraph 
monitor over their sleeve or use a wrist sports sweat band to protect their skin.  They can also decline to 
undergo wrist actigraphy measurements as a non-essential study procedure. 
D.8.3  Adverse event monitoring 
At each phone and in-person contact, participants will also be asked about any negative changes in their 
health, which will be recorded as adverse events or serious adverse events on standardized forms.  An 
adverse event will be defined as any undesirable sign, symptom, or medical condition that occurs after starting 
therapy, whether considered related to the study intervention or not.  Medical conditions or diseases present 
before starting the intervention will only be considered adverse events if they worsen after starting the therapy.  
According to standard practice, adverse events will be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.  Adverse event 
forms will also record whether the event resolved or continues. 
Serious adverse events will be defined as those that are life threatening, require overnight hospitalization or 
prolong hospitalization, or cause disability or death. Serious adverse events will be recorded on separate 
forms that note the potential relationship to the study interventions (i.e., no, unlikely, possible, probably, 
definitely), the time course of the event, and any medications or therapies provided in response to the event.  
Any participant deaths will be reported within 24 hours of awareness of the event to the UCSF institutional 
review board, to the Data and Safety Monitor (see below), and to the NIA program officer.  All other serious 
adverse events that are unanticipated and potentially related to the study interventions or procedures will be 
reported within 48 hours of awareness of the event to the UCSF institutional review board, the Data and Safety 
Monitor, and the NIA program officer.  In the setting of severe or serious adverse events, the study 
investigators may decide to terminate participants’ involvement in the trial prior to their expected termination 
date, if early termination is thought to be necessary to safeguard the health of participants. 
D.8.4  Data and safety monitor committee  
The conduct of the study and safety of participants will be evaluated by an independent Data and Safety 
Monitor (DSM), Dr. Andrew Avins, Senior Investigator at Kaiser Permanente of Northern California.  Dr. Avins 
is a clinical researcher with experience in clinical trials, research ethics, and statistics. The DSM will 

 
21
periodically review the conduct and outcomes of the study and provide feedback to the investigators, with 
particular attention to protecting the safety of study participants.  The DSM is independent of the institution and 
the investigators participating in the study and has no financial ties to the outcome of the study.  
Prior to initiation of the trial, the DSM will review and approve the study design and plans for recruitment, 
adherence, interventions, data quality, and safety monitoring.  At periodic intervals during the course of the 
trial, the DSM will evaluate the adequacy and timeliness of participant recruitment, evaluate the ability of the 
trial to reach stated goals, review adherence to visits and protocols, assess data quality and timeliness, 
evaluate the safety of participants, provide a report to the investigators and the IRB on the scientific progress 
of the trial and the safety of participants, make recommendations to the investigators on continuation, 
termination, or other modifications of the trial, and consider factors external to the study (i.e., new scientific or 
therapeutic developments) when relevant to  the safety of the participants or the ethical conduct of the trial. 
The DSM will periodically review aggregate and unblinded trial data after 30, 60, 90, and 120 participants 
complete the 6-week visit.  An emergency meeting may also be called by the principal investigator at any time 
should questions of participant safety arise.  Each review will include an assessment of the adequacy and 
timeliness of participant recruitment, adherence to the visit and intervention protocols, data quality and 
timeliness, adverse effects, and participant safety.   
Given that the study is of short duration, no assessment of interim efficacy will be done, and the study will not 
be stopped or altered for unexpected efficacy or lack of efficacy.  Interim reports for the DSM will be prepared 
by an unblinded biostatistician at the Women’s Health Clinical Research Center, and sent to the DSM at least 
5 days prior to a pre-scheduled meeting or conference call.  A copy of the interim reports will be retained in a 
locked, confidential file by the DSM.  
After each interim review, the DSM will provide a signed statement that indicates whether the study should 
continue, terminate, or be altered based on ability to meet study recruitment and data quality goals and 
participant safety. He will include any recommendations for changes to the protocol if necessary to enhance 
participant safety or potentiate the ability of the trial to answer the research hypotheses.  This statement will be 
provided to the principal investigator and will be sent to the UCSF IRB and to the NIA program officer.  All 
materials, discussions, and proceedings of the DSM process will be completely confidential.  
 
 
D.9 
Data Management Plan 
D.9.1   Overview 
Data will be entered, managed, edited and secured by the UCSF Data Management Group (DMG) which 
enables simple real-time electronic data entry, ensures timely identification and resolution of data 
discrepancies, and facilitates the transformation of data to SAS for viewing, reporting, and analyses.  Most of 
the forms and database management modules required for the proposed trial have already been developed 
and used in previous studies. 

 
22
D.9.2   Data collection & editing 
Machine-readable data forms created with Teleform® software and available for printing at the clinical site 
from the study website will be completed by participants and clinic staff and transmitted to the DMG using a 
standard fax machine.  The data forms are received at the DMG as electronic images and are evaluated 
automatically for duplication errors or incomplete scanned images and verified manually by a staff member 
using Verifier software. This is an important step in which possible misinterpretations in the automated input of 
data are corrected (e.g. misreading a particular text entry).  As each form is verified, the data are written to a 
pre-defined Microsoft SQL Server database.  All of the original form images can be viewed via the password-
protected study website.  Every hour, preprogrammed error-checking programs scan incoming forms for 
completeness, data ranges and logic sequences. The results of the error-checking procedures are posted to 
the study web site where clinical site personnel monitor successful transmission of forms and address any 
errors that have been detected. Thus, data cleaning is an ongoing process throughout the trial facilitating rapid 
analysis of results after the final participant visit.  
D.9.3   Data monitoring reports 
Data are monitored on an ongoing basis to produce a number of standard reports that are made available on 
the study website automatically, including recruitment reports comparing goal versus actual recruitment rates; 
adherence reports comparing the number of expected visits to actual visits; participant retention reports 
indicating the number of participants active, completed, lost, etc. 
D.9.4   Computer & data security 
The UCSF DMG follows standard operating procedures for computer system security in compliance with 
established standards for Information Technology Security.  The network is privately maintained, hardware 
fire-walled and none of the workstations or database servers can be directly addressed from outside the Local 
Area Network.  All study data will be stored on Microsoft SQL servers that are backed-up nightly to disk and 
mirrored to a “failover” site at a co-location facility in San Francisco.  In addition, back-up copies of the entire 
enterprise are archived in Sacramento, CA by Recall, Inc. to protect study data in case of a natural disaster in 
the San Francisco Bay Area.  All servers are housed in a state-of the-art secure server room with controlled 
access.  All servers are protected from viruses by Network Associates Netshield 4.x, Groupshield, and 
VirusScan Enterprise 7.x (McAfee, Santa Clara, CA).  This software automatically checks for virus signature 
file updates from Network Associates’ FTP and HTTP sites once an hour.   
 
D.10 
Statistical Considerations 
D.10.1 Statistical analysis plans 
Aim 1: To determine whether a device-guided slow-breathing exercise program can reduce the frequency 

 
23
and severity of OAB symptoms in women. 
Expected outcomes:  Compared to controls, women randomized to slow breathing will demonstrate a more 
than 20% greater reduction in frequency of voiding or incontinence episodes associated with moderate 
urgency, as well as greater reductions in other OAB symptoms and in impact of symptoms. 
The primary outcome will be change in the frequency of any voiding or incontinence episodes associated 
with at least moderate urgency (measured over 3 days using the validated voiding diary and urgency 
scale29-31) from baseline to 12 weeks.  Treatment effects will be estimated using ANCOVA models, 
adjusting for baseline frequency of the outcome.  Analyses will be by intention to treat, according to 
treatment assignment, and without regard to adherence with use of the active or control interventions.  
For additional confirmation of treatment effects on this primary outcome, we will also use ANCOVA 
models to examine treatment effects on frequency of other OAB symptoms, including 1) urgency 
incontinence, 2) voiding or incontinence episodes associated with a severe sensation of urgency, 3) total 
daytime and nighttime voiding (regardless of whether they are associated with urgency), and 4) 
Overactive Bladder Symptom Composite Scores, as well as on scores on validated urinary symptom 
bother and impact questionnaires (i.e., the OAB-Q, USIQ, UDI-6, PPBC, and PSQI).  Outcomes will be 
transformed if Shapiro-Wilk tests for normality of the residuals from initial models are significant at p 
<0.01.  In secondary analyses, if treatment benefits are detected at 12 weeks, we will also assess for 
persistence of effects 12 weeks post-treatment using data from the 24-week mail-in diary and 
questionnaires, and assess for dose response in treatment effects based on duration and cumulative 
time of treatment exposure (see the “Additional statistical issues” section below).   
Aim 2: To determine whether this slow-breathing intervention can improve autonomic nervous system 
control in women with OAB, and explore change in autonomic control as a mechanism of treatment effects 
on OAB symptoms. 
Expected outcomes: Women randomized to practice slow-breathing will demonstrate significantly improved 
autonomic control as measured by high-frequency heart rate variability and pre-ejection period parameters, 
and that treatment effects on OAB symptoms will be at least partly mediated by improvements in autonomic 
control.  
Secondary outcomes include 12-week change in autonomic control as assessed by high frequency heart 
rate variability (RSA) and pre-ejection period (PEP), as the purest available measures of parasympathetic 
and sympathetic function.  Treatment effects on each of these measures will initially be estimated using 
ANCOVA models, first to examine effects on resting parameters, followed by examination of effects on 
rest-to-stress change (i.e., reactivity) while adjusting for baseline levels of each parameter.  Treatment 
effects will again be examined by intention to treat, according to treatment assignment, and without 
regard to adherence.  Autonomic parameters will transformed as necessary if their distributions appear 
significantly skewed.  We will then assess for mediation of treatment effects on OAB symptoms by 
improvement in autonomic control using structural equation modeling. This will involve fitting an initial 
model that includes both autonomic parameters and anxiety symptoms (as described below in the 
statistical plan for Aim 2), then extracting coefficients for each of the hypothesized mediating pathways. 

 
24
Aim 3: To determine whether this slow-breathing intervention can improve anxiety-related symptoms in 
women with OAB, and explore changes in anxiety as a mediator of treatment effects on OAB symptoms.   
Expected outcomes: Women with OAB randomized to practice slow-breathing exercises will report 
significant improvement in anxiety-related symptoms (as measured by validated questionnaires), and 
treatment effects on OAB symptoms will be at least partly mediated by improvement in anxiety. 
Additional outcomes will include change in anxiety symptoms from baseline to 12 weeks, measured by 
scores on the validated STAI, HADS, PSS, and BDI questionnaires. Intervention effects will again be 
estimated using ANCOVA, adjusted for baseline questionnaire scores.  Anxiety symptom outcomes will 
be transformed as necessary if their distributions appear skewed.  To assess for mediation of treatment 
effects on the primary outcome by change in anxiety symptom scores (as well as autonomic parameters 
as noted in the statistical plan for Aim 2), we will use structural equation modeling as outlined above).   
D.10.2    Sample size estimates 
Sample size is calculated based on parameter estimates derived from prior trials conducted by the 
investigators, such as BRIDGES and PRIDE: 64,65 a) mean baseline frequency of urgency- associated voiding 
or incontinence episodes of 12; b) mean reduction in frequency in controls of 30%; c) standard deviation (SD) 
of change in urgency-associated voiding or incontinence frequency of 5.8 and d) correlation between baseline 
and follow-up values of 0.59.  We assume that a clinically significant effect in the primary outcome would be a 
net reduction in the active group of more than 20% than that of controls.  Under these assumptions, a sample 
size of 160 (80 per group) would provide 80% power in 2-sided tests with type-I error of 5% to detect between-
group differences of >20% in the active vs. control arm.  This accounts for reduction in the residual variance 
achieved by adjustment for baseline frequency, as well as loss to follow-up of 15%.  In comparisons of 
changes in secondary outcomes (other OAB symptoms, impact scores, anxiety, and autonomic parameters), 
the sample will provide 80% power in 2-sided tests with type-I error of 5% to detect differences of 0.5 SDs, 
depending on within-subject correlation of outcomes, assumed to fall in the range of 0.4 to 0.8. 
D.10.3  Drop-out rates 
Given that the proposed trial is of short duration, dropout levels are expected to be low (i.e., less than 15%).  
The assumption of non-informative dropout will be examined by comparing baseline and early post-
randomization characteristics of dropouts and non-dropouts.  If dropout is differential between groups, 
analyses will be adjusted for maldistributed variables.  In a sensitivity analysis, we will also use multiple 
imputation of missing outcomes, in conjunction with standard methods for calculating summary estimates, 
confidence intervals, and p-values.66 
D.10.4 Dose effects  
In the event that treatment appears effective in improving OAB symptoms over 12 weeks, we will use a closed 
test procedure to assess for a dose response in duration of treatment without inflating type-I error:67 
specifically, if we detect a statistically significant benefit over 12 weeks at an alpha of 0.05, we will then 
assess change from baseline to 6 weeks, and from 6 to 12 weeks, also at alpha of 0.05.  In exploratory 

 
25
analyses, we will also assess for a dose response in cumulative time of effective breathing practice, by 
examining the relationships between total minutes of effective practice and OAB outcomes at 12 weeks, 
controlling for baseline levels of outcomes.  These analyses will allow for assessment of the extent to which 
differences in adherence and treatment exposure influence treatment benefits on OAB. 
D.10.5  Subgroup analyses 
Differences between treatment groups will be analyzed in pre-defined subgroups based on clinicopathologic 
factors in multivariate analysis.  For example, we will explore whether high baseline levels of autonomic 
imbalance or anxiety, past use of medications or other OAB treatments, or baseline use of psychoactive 
medications influence treatment-associated changes in outcomes. Subgroup-specific effect estimates will be 
considered only if the interaction with the subgroup is significant at p<0.05. 
 
 

 
26
Appendix A: Summary of Measures & Procedures at Study Visits 
 
 
Measures 
Telephone 
Screening 
Screening 
Clinic Visit 
Run-in 
period* 
Baseline 
Clinic Visit 
1week 
 Clinic Visit 
3-week 
Phone Call 
6-Week 
Clinic Visit 
9-week 
Phone Call 
12-week 
Final Visit 
24-week 
Mail-in 
Brief telephone screening interview 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Informed consent and HIPAA documentation 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demographic, medical & surgical history 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Review of current and past medications 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
Alcohol and tobacco use questionnaires 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Height and weight measurement 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
Heart rate and blood pressure measurement 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
RESPeRATE control device run-in 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Review of 3-day voiding diary 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
Overactive Bladder Questionnaire  
 
 
 
X 
 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
Urgency Severity & Impact Scale  
 
 
 
X 
 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
Urogenital Distress Inventory 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
Spielberg State-Trait Anxiety Inventory  
 
 
 
X 
 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale  
 
 
 
X 
 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
Perceived Stress Scale  
 
 
 
X 
 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
Randomize to active versus control device 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Self-management OAB pamphlet distributed 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Heart rate variability measurements 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
Impedance cardiography measurements 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
3-day wrist actigraphy 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
Sleep diary (to accompany actigraphy) 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
Adverse events assessment 
 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
Downloading of RESPeRATE device data 
 
 
 
X 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
Satisfaction questionnaire 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
  

 
27
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