Urinary incontinence in disabled elderly women: a randomized clinical trial on the effect of training mobility and toileting skills to achieve independent toileting.
BACKGROUND
Urinary incontinence is very prevalent in elderly women, and it is considered a major burden for both patient and caregiver.


OBJECTIVE
To determine feasibility and effect of training mobility and toileting skills on the severity of urinary incontinence in elderly, dependent women.


METHODS
In a randomized, single-blinded trial, 57 dependent, nondemented, elderly women with long-standing urinary incontinence and a mild to moderate disorder in mobility and transfers were recruited in 24 long-term care institutions. The participants were randomized to receive either no treatment (n = 28) or an individualized 8-week training program of mobility and toileting skills (n = 29), provided by physiotherapists and/or occupational therapists.


RESULTS
The intervention resulted in a 37.7% reduction in the daily amount of urine loss. Three women in the intervention group compared to none in the control group became continent. A change from dependent to independent toileting occurred in 6 women in the intervention group and in 2 women in the control group. All these results, however, were not statistically significant. The intervention did have a significant effect on the daytime sum score of the toilet timing test.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that it is possible to influence long-standing incontinence in dependent elderly women by training mobility and toileting skills. Future studies should have a larger sample size, and more attention should be paid to the motivation of the participants.
van Houten
Paul
P
Zonnehuisgroep Amstelland, Amstelveen, The Netherlands.
Achterberg
Wilco
W
Ribbe
Miel
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D009426:Netherlands; D009735:Nursing Homes; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*