[Effect of muscle strength training on urinary incontinence and physical function: a randomized controlled trial in long-term care facilities].
OBJECTIVE
This study was done to determine whether muscle strength training programs have an impact on improving symptoms of urinary incontinence (UI) and physical function among elderly women with UI who reside in long-term care facilities.


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants had to be over 65 years, score over 15 score on the mini-mental state examination, and be able to walk alone or with an assistant. Seventy residents were randomly allocated to either the training group (n=35) or control group (n=35). The program consisted of 50 minutes, twice a week for 8 weeks, and included Kegel's exercise, Thera-band training and indoor walking. Main outcomes were UI symptoms, peak vaginal pressure and physical functions measured with timed up and go test (TUG), one leg standing test (OLST), activities of daily living (ADL) and grip strength. Changes in outcome measurements were calculated from baseline to 4 weeks and to 8 weeks using repeated measures ANOVA.


RESULTS
There were significant differences in peak vaginal pressure (p<.001), TUG (p<.001), OLST (p=.012) and grip strength (p<.001) in the interaction between groups and time.


CONCLUSIONS
Future studies are suggested to confirm the effect of muscle strength training in long-term care facilities where elderly women with UI reside.
College of Nursing, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea. kangfung@hanyang.ac.kr.
Hyekyung
H
Kang
College of Nursing, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
Gwi-Ryung Son
GR
Hong
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014621:Vagina / Q000502:physiology; D016138:Walking
Elderly women; Long-term care facility; Muscle strength training program; Physical function; Urinary incontinence