Article

The objective of this study was to examine the frequency and types of
urinary incontinence (UI) in patients seeking outpatient physical therapy for
neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional analysis.
PATIENTS: A convenience sample of patients that positively responded to a UI
screening question was included in this study. METHODS:
Data were collected for
age, sex, and primary treatment condition classified into one of the following
(i.e., urinary dysfunction, fecal dysfunction, pelvic pain, spine, neurological
disorders, or extremity disorders); UI type (i.e., mixed, urge, stress, or
insensible); UI symptom severity; and quality of life (QoL) impact. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of UI type, symptom severity, health-related quality of life
(HRQoL) impact, and pad use were compared between treatment groups. RESULTS:
The mean age of the sample (n = 599) was 49.8 years (SD = 18.5) and 94.7% were
female. The urinary dysfunction group comprised 44.2% of the total sample,
followed by the spine group with 25.7% and pelvic pain with 17.2%. The urinary
dysfunction group scored significantly higher on UI symptom severity and impact
on QoL compared to the pelvic pain and spine groups, but not compared to the
extremity disorders, fecal dysfunction, or neurological disorder group.
CONCLUSION: These preliminary data indicate that UI is a condition afflicting
many individuals who present to outpatient physical therapy beyond those seeking
care for UI. We recommend using a simple screening measure for UI and its impact
on HRQoL as part of a routine initial evaluation in outpatient physical therapy
settings.

Langue : ANGLAIS