Associations of urinary incontinence with postpartum physical activity: A cross-sectional study

Postpartum women are largely insufficiently active and therefore, at risk for many adverse health outcomes.

The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines recommend postpartum women perform moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and muscle strengthening exercise (MSE) to promote overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Urinary incontinence (UI) is a barrier to physical activity in the general population, but postpartum women have not been represented in previous studies.

To determine the association of UI and its characteristics (presence, severity, type, and bother) with postpartum MVPA and MSE.

This cross-sectional study used electronic self-report questionnaires to assess UI, physical activity, and demographic characteristics. Multiple logistic regression assessed odds of meeting or not meeting postpartum physical activity guidelines. Multiple linear regression assessed associations of UI characteristics with weekly minutes of MVPA and MSE.

Nearly two-thirds (64 %) of 244 postpartum women (32.9 ± 4.4 years) had UI. No UI characteristic was associated with meeting or not meeting physical activity guidelines. Greater UI severity and mixed-type UI were, however, associated with lower weekly minutes of MVPA. Mixed and undefined type UI were associated with lower weekly minutes of MSE.

Postpartum women with severe, mixed, or undefined UI may be at greater risk for low physical activity and associated health consequences. Additional research using a longitudinal study design and more diverse populations is recommended to confirm this association.

Postpartum women should be screened for UI and referred to healthcare professionals with expertise in UI and postpartum exercise prescription.