Does physical activity affect urinary incontinence in women with multiple sclerosis?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Urinary incontinence (UI) and physical activity levels are significant concerns for women with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Understanding the interplay between UI, physical activity, and disease burden is crucial for improving quality of life in MS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the associations between urinary incontinence (UI), physical activity, and disease burden among women with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 574 women with MS.
• Utilized questionnaires including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7), Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6), and Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29).

Main Results:

• Negligible associations were found between overall physical activity (IPAQ-SF) and UI scores (IIQ-7, UDI-6).
• Significant positive correlations were observed between physical activity and MSIS-29 physical and mental scores.
• Hierarchical regression identified education, MSIS-29 physical impact, UDI-6 score, childbirth status, and birth weight of heaviest child as significant predictors of physical activity.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity in women with MS is influenced by education, MS-related physical impact, UI, and reproductive factors.
• Moderate and vigorous physical activity levels remain notably low in this population.
• Tailored interventions targeting socio-demographic, clinical, and reproductive determinants are needed to enhance physical activity in women with MS.