February 15, 1999 – A geriatric center affiliated with the University of Michigan conducted a study to determine whether elderly women with cough-induced urinary incontinence could reduce urine loss by learning to contract their pelvic muscles at the time of coughing.
The study was carried out on 27 women over the age of 60 (mean age 68) with mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence (from once a week to five times a day). Women who were unable to contract their pelvic muscles despite the explanations received were excluded from the study.
The participants were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received explanations on the muscle contraction technique and practical notions. Participants had to practice muscle contraction just before coughing and maintain it throughout the effort.
The results were striking, although there was no difference in the strength of muscle contraction before and after the procedure. Eighty percent of women were able to use the technique successfully, resulting in a decrease in urine loss in the control group of 98% during moderate coughing effort and 73% during maximum effort.
In summary, the study shows that older women can learn to contract their pelvic muscles within a week to significantly reduce urine loss caused by coughing.
When we know that 30 to 50% of the geriatric clientele is affected by this problem which greatly affects the quality of life, this is a simple technique available to people who remain cognitively alert and able to contract the pelvic muscles. at the appropriate time.
HealthPassport.net
Miller JM, Ashton-Miller JA, DeLancey OL. A pelvic muscle precontraction can reduce cough-related urine loss in selected women with mild SUI (stress urinary incontinence). J Am Geriatr Soc, July 1998; 46: 870-4.
