Overview
This is a prospective cohort study of 30 older women ages 65 and older with urinary incontinence (UI) who will under go a standardized 12-week hip muscle exercises (isometric strengthening of hip external rotators with progressive resistance training).
Description
This is a prospective cohort study of 30 older women ages 65 and older with urinary incontinence (UI) who will under go a standardized 12-week hip muscle exercises (isometric strengthening of hip external rotators with progressive resistance training). Participants will take part in a 12-week hip muscle exercise program (weekly supervised hip exercises with resistance progression) plus a home program with the same exercises 3 days per week. the exercise program will be administered by the licensed physical therapist with special focus in hip strength. The change in pelvic floor muscle strength (peak pelvic floor muscle squeeze pressures) pre- to post hip muscle exercises. Changes in UI symptom severity, and impact of UI symptoms on quality of life will be assessed. Objective measurement of pelvic floor muscle strength will be obtained using a perineometer. UI symptom severity and quality of life will be measured using validated questionnaires (PFDI and PFIQ, respectively).
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Women ages ≥65
- UI for at least the last 3 months UI will be defined using the following (a widely-accepted definition in epidemiologic studies) Scores 3 - 12 on the validated 2-item Incontinence Severity Index (ISI)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Women unable to follow-up, not willing to, or unable to participate in the exercise intervention program
- Prior or current treatment for UI including previous FDA approved medications for UI, prior surgery for UI within the past 12 months
- Pelvic organ prolapse beyond the hymen
- Potential causes or conditions associated with neurogenic bladder (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, spinal cord injury)
- Urinary retention, incomplete bladder emptying (via bladder scan, >150mL post-void residual)
- Conditions (neurological or musculoskeletal) that compromise mobility, requiring assisted device for ambulation or wheel chair
- Diagnosis of dementia or cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA] <25, mild cognitive impairment)