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The relationship between urinary bladder control and gait in women
Joanne Booth1, Lorna Paul, Danny Rafferty
1School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK. jo.booth@gcu.ac.uk
Neurourology and Urodynamics
|June 14, 2012
Summary
A strong desire to void significantly alters gait speed and rhythm in healthy women, suggesting a link between bladder control and gait. This may explain fall risks associated with bladder issues.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Urology
Background:
- Urinary incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB) are linked to increased fall risk in older adults.
- This suggests a potential relationship between bladder function and gait control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the interaction between gait and bladder control.
- To examine the effects of bladder control on gait parameters in healthy adult women.
Main Methods:
- 36 continent women (mean age 50.8 ± 15.8 years) participated.
- Gait parameters were recorded using an electronic walkway under three bladder conditions: first desire to void (FDV), strong desire to void (SDV), and post void (PV).
Main Results:
- Gait velocity significantly decreased at SDV compared to PV (P < 0.025).
- Stride length significantly decreased at SDV compared to FDV and PV (P < 0.001).
- Gait variability (cadence, stride times) increased significantly at SDV compared to PV (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- In healthy women, gait speed and rhythmicity are altered when experiencing a strong desire to void.
- This indicates a potential interaction between urinary bladder control and gait control.
- Further research is needed to understand this relationship and its implications for fall risk.
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