Association Between Overactive Bladder and Sarcopenia in Older Adults: A Population-Based Cohort Study

To explore the association between overactive bladder (OAB) and sarcopenia in older adults using a questionnaire-based, population-based cohort study.

The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) and Strength, Assistance with walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs, and Falls (SARC-F) questionnaires were mailed to residents in several areas of Yamagata Prefecture from 2021 to 2022. OAB was defined according to International Continence Society criteria, and sarcopenia was identified using the SARC-F questionnaire.

In total, 9008 respondents aged ≥ 65 years who fully completed the questionnaires were included (3798 men, 5210 women; median age, 74 years). OAB was present in 27% of participants and was significantly more common in men (34% vs. 23%, p < 0.001). Sarcopenia was observed in 12% of participants, with a higher prevalence in women (13% vs. 10%, p < 0.001). In the univariable analysis, the presence of OAB was significantly associated with all SARC-F items, and sarcopenia was similarly associated with all OABSS items. In the age- and sex-adjusted multivariable analysis, OAB was significantly associated with all SARC-F items except "assistance with walking." Sarcopenia was associated with all OABSS items except "frequency," while falls were significantly associated only with the OABSS items "nocturia" and "urgency urinary incontinence" (UUI).

This is the first large, population-based cohort study to investigate the association between OAB and sarcopenia screened with SARC-F. A strong association between the two conditions was observed, with particular risk for falls suggested in relation to nocturia and UUI.