Relationship between the types of urinary incontinence, handgrip strength, and pelvic floor muscle strength in adult women

Abstract

To investigate the relationship between handgrip strength with types of urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) in women.Methods: Ninety-two women, who presented to the geriatric and urology outpatient clinics complaining of UI between July 2019 and February 2020 and had indicated to undergo urodynamic assessment after basic neurourological evaluation, were included in this cross-sectional study. The presence and types of UI were identified by clinical examination and urodynamic studies. Demographic parameters, anthropometric data, comorbidities and medications were recorded. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form was applied. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured by a hand dynamometer. The PFMS was subjectively assessed via vaginal digital palpation and measured quantitatively by the vaginal probe of the perineometer.Results: Thirty-eight urodynamic stress, 28 detrusor overactivity, 26 urodynamic mixed UI patients were reported. Perineometer measurements were significantly lower in the urodynamic stress UI group compared to the other two groups (p = 0.020). There was no relationship between the types of urinary incontinence and HGS. However, a positive correlation was found between PFMS and HGS (p = 0.045, r = 0.298). Conclusion:The positive correlation between HGS and PFMS indicates that low HGS may be a marker for PFMS weakness. Furthermore, the association between sarcopenia and UI may be explained by this condition.

Urinary incontinence and its associated factors in nursing home residents: a multi-centre cross-sectional study in Central Catalonia

“…There is a correlation between measured muscle strength with the handgrip test, which is one of the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia, and the perineometer test, which measures UI. Therefore, low muscle strength may be a marker of pelvic oor muscle weakness leading to UI (49).…”

High prevalence of frailty in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms

“…of sarcopenia and decreased skeletal muscle mass. 17,18 Skeletal and pelvic floor muscles are similarly composed of striated muscle, and a decrease in total body skeletal muscle mass may be closely related to weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. LUTS is reportedly associated with a decline in activities of daily living (ADL), which involve basic life activities, such as bathing and showering; 19 with a decline in IADL, such as shopping and housework 20 ; and with the onset of symptoms of depression, 21 which are all also regarded as peripheral symptoms of frailty.…”

“…Among LUTS, OAB and urinary incontinence are thought to be caused by dysfunction of pelvic floor muscles. There have been reports of a correlation between pelvic floor muscle strength and decreased grip strength in patients with urinary incontinence, as well as reports that urinary incontinence is associated with the presence of sarcopenia and decreased skeletal muscle mass 17,18 . Skeletal and pelvic floor muscles are similarly composed of striated muscle, and a decrease in total body skeletal muscle mass may be closely related to weakness of the pelvic floor muscles.…”

What is the impact of a multi‐component exercise intervention on the cure rate of urinary incontinence among older women living in the community?

“…Nonetheless, other studies have supported the association between lower BMI and decreased UI, 26,97, especially SUI. 98 Being overweight increases intra-abdominal pressure, impairing the pelvic floor muscles and becoming a risk factor for UI. Therefore, exercises that reduced BMI also improved UI.…”