Using a stopwatch to assess pelvic muscle strength in the urine stream interruption test

Pelvic muscle strength is important in maintaining urinary continence. The urine stream interruption test provides a simple measure of pelvic muscle strength. This study evaluated the accuracy of the test as adapted for clinical use. Women (n = 75) were tested according to standardized protocol. The test was simultaneously timed using a uroflowmeter (for research purposes) and a stopwatch (a technique more feasible in the practice setting). The stopwatch-timed urine stream interruption test was consistent with the uroflowmeter score (r = 0.90, p < 0.00) and demonstrated adequate repeatability (r = -0.69, p < 0.00). The stopwatch test was related to a digital measure of pelvic muscle strength (r = -0.49, p = 0.00), i.e., women with greater pelvic muscle strength were able to interrupt the stream of urine more quickly. Significantly less involuntary urine loss was seen in women whose stopwatch test score was two seconds or less as compared with those whose scores were greater than two seconds (t = -4.83, p = < 0.00, df = 73). Clinicians can use the urine stream interruption test as a baseline measure and as a tool to assess changes in pelvic muscle strength.