The Relationship Between Urinary Incontinence, Physical Performance, and Physical Activity Levels in Women with Low...

Area of Science:

• Physiotherapy
• Urogynecology
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) may impact neuromuscular control and pelvic stability, potentially contributing to stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
• Understanding the interplay between NSLBP, SUI, musculoskeletal function, and physical activity is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between SUI, musculoskeletal performance, and physical activity level (PAL) in women with NSLBP.
• To compare these parameters between women with NSLBP and a healthy control group.

Main Methods:

• 152 women were divided into NSLBP (n=76) and healthy control (n=76) groups.
• Assessed pain (VAS), SUI severity (ICIQ-SF), musculoskeletal performance (TFET, WSHT, 3-MBT, SRT), and PAL (IPAQ-LF).
• Used Mann-Whitney U and Spearman correlation analyses for comparisons and correlations.

Main Results:

• The NSLBP group exhibited higher SUI (ICIQ-SF) and lower trunk flexor endurance (TFET), agility (3-MBT), and flexibility (SRT) scores.
• In the NSLBP group, SUI severity (ICIQ-SF) negatively correlated with TFET, 3-MBT, and PAL (IPAQ-LF).
• Higher pain severity (VAS) positively correlated with PAL (IPAQ-LF) in the NSLBP group.

Conclusions:

• Increased severity of NSLBP is associated with a higher prevalence and severity of SUI.
• Diminished trunk flexor muscle endurance, agility, and reduced physical activity levels are linked to increased SUI severity in women with NSLBP.