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Is physical activity influenced by urinary incontinence?
Beata Stach-Lempinen1, Clas-Håkan Nygård, Pekka Laippala
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tampere University Hospital, Finland.
Summary
Women with urinary incontinence seeking treatment maintain similar physical activity levels to the general population. Successful treatment for incontinence does not alter their established exercise habits.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Physical Therapy
- Women's Health
Background:
- Urinary incontinence affects a significant number of women, potentially impacting their quality of life and physical activity levels.
- Understanding physical activity patterns in incontinent women is crucial for comprehensive care and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the physical activity levels of women with urinary incontinence before and after treatment.
- To determine if successful treatment for urinary incontinence influences exercise habits.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study involving 82 women with urinary incontinence.
- Physical activity assessed using self-report questionnaires and Caltrac accelerometers over one week.
- Urinary incontinence severity evaluated through urodynamics, pad tests, diaries, and quality of life measures.
Main Results:
- Approximately 25.6% of women reported exercising more than three times weekly.
- Higher leisure-time physical activity (>=6 MET) was associated with younger age, lower BMI, and greater urine leakage.
- No significant changes in physical activity parameters were observed one year post-treatment, even in women with resolved incontinence.
Conclusions:
- Women seeking treatment for urinary incontinence exhibit physical activity levels comparable to the general population.
- Successful treatment of urinary incontinence does not lead to changes in exercise habits.