Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 30, 2025
Real-Time Void Spot Assay
Published on: February 10, 2023
Effect of a strong desire to void on walking speed in individuals with multiple sclerosis and urinary disorders
Claire Hentzen1, Nicolas Turmel1, Camille Chesnel1
1Sorbonne Université, GRC 001, GREEN Groupe de Recherche Clinique en Neuro-Urologie, AP-HP, Hopital Tenon, 75020 Paris, France.
Background:
Lower urinary tract symptoms, especially overactive bladder, are frequent and disabling in individuals with multiple sclerosis (IwMS). An association with gait disorders is common, which could aggravate continence difficulties and affect quality of life. The association between the need to void and walking has never been studied in this population.
Objective:
The primary aim of this study was to assess the effect of a strong desire to void (SDV) on walking speed in IwMS and lower urinary tract symptoms. The secondary aim was to identify clinical or urodynamic factors associated with walking speed impairment at SDV in this population.
Methods:
We included IwMS with urinary disorders and Expanded Disability Status Scale score<7 in this observational study. Individuals underwent 3 10-m walk tests (10MWT) and one Timed Up and Go (TUG) test at SDV and at post-void (PV).
Results:
Among the 72 IwMS included (mean [SD] age 50.6 [11.6] years; 46 [64%] females), the mean (SD) speed for 10MWT was 1.00 (0.31) m.s-1 at SDV and 1.07 (0.30) m.s-1 at PV (P<0.0001). Time for TUG was also increased when individuals felt SDV: mean 11.53 (4.6) sec at SDV versus 10.77 (3.8) sec at PV (P=0.004). No predictors of greater impairment of walking speed at SDV were identified.
Conclusion:
This study suggests a clinical impact of bladder sensation on walking speed in IwMS and urinary disorders. None of the individual characteristics could predict greater decrease in gait velocity at SDV.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry
01:26The Micturition Reflex
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating...
01:23Urinary Bladder
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
01:20Disorders of the Urinary System
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...
01:20Physiology of the Genitourinary System III: Urine Concentration and Dilution
01:26Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations