ASSOCIATION BETWEEN URINARY INCONTINENCE AND DIFFERENT LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Abstract

Objective: This research study aimed to find out the association between physical activity and urinary incontinence in elderly population. Methods: A cross-sectional correlation study design was conducted with n=161 elderly male and female subjects with age ≥ 55 years. Non- probability convenience sampling was used in order to collect data from the respondents. Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) and MESA questionnaire was used to evaluate level of physical activity and presence of urinary incontinence. The association between physical activity and urinary incontinence was measured through Chi-square test. SPSS 21 was used to analyze the data. Results: The mean±SD age of subjects was 64.03± 9.56 years. Level of physical activity found to be significantly associated with urinary incontinence (p≤0.05). A significant association can be seen in participants who are sedentary (p=0.02), who perform moderate physical activity for 30 minutes/day for 5 days/week (p=0.04) and who perform strength activities (p<0.001). Conclusion: Moderate level of regular physical activity at-least 5 days in week and/or activities to increase muscle strength such as weight lifting, calisthenics once a week or more are prevent urinary incontinence in elderly people. Keywords: elderly, incontinence, physical activity, stress incontinence, urinary incontinence, urge incontinence.