The Association Between Urinary Incontinence With Pelvic Pain and Sensory-Motor Function in Older Women With Stroke

The study aimed to investigate the association between urinary incontinence (UI) severity, pelvic pain, and sensory-motor function in older women with stroke.

A cross-sectional prospective study was carried out with 102 older women individuals with stroke. Barthel Index (BI), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form (IIQ-7), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Pelvic Pain Impact Questionnaire (PPIQ), Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SASS), and Somatic Sensitivity Scale (SeSS) were used for clinical measurements.

Partial correlational analyses with age, stroke duration, and BMI as covariates revealed a moderate positive correlation between SASS and IIQ-7 (r = 0.315, p < 0.001) and UDI-6 (r = 0.376, p < 0.001). On the other hand, there was a strong positive correlation between SASS and PPIQ (r = 0.522, p < 0.001). SeSS had a low positive correlation with IIQ-7 (r = 0.198, p < 0.05) and UDI-6 (r = 0.203, p < 0.05). In addition, there was a positive and moderate correlation between SeSS and PPIQ (r = 0.384, p < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed causality of SASS (R² = 0.381, p < 0.001) and SeSS (R² = 0.167, p < 0.001) with PPIQ.

Increased abnormal sensory sensitivity is associated with increased pelvic pain levels in women with stroke. Clinicians should consider sensory abnormalities, especially pain, within the scope of UI in women with stroke. Our results provide preliminary essential data for sensory and pain awareness during pelvic rehabilitation in stroke patients.