Movement Impairments in Women with and without Urinary Urgency/Frequency

Abstract

Objectives: 1) examine the relationship between spine, hip, and pelvis movement patterns and urinary urgency and frequency 2) report the prevalence of pelvic girdle and hip joint impairments among women with and without urinary urgency and frequency 3) report the most common movement impairments observed in women with and without urinary urgency and frequency.

Methods: Women age 18-60 with urinary urgency and frequency were matched 1:1 to women without on age, body mass index, and vaginal parity. Participants completed primary movement tests of the hip, pelvis and spine. Additional clinical tests included Stork test, sidelying position, pubic symphysis palpation, flexion-abduction-external rotation, flexion-adduction-internal rotation, and seated hip internal and external rotation. Urge symptoms were monitored before and during each test. Movement patterns and positioning of the thoracic and lumbar spine, pelvis, and hips were observed. Secondary tests to correct a movement or positional impairment were performed if an impairment was noted or if symptoms were provoked during the primary test.

Results: 42 women completed testing. More participants with urinary urgency and frequency 1) demonstrated impairments during forward bend, single leg stance, sidelying and Stork tests; 2) reported urgency provocation during forward bend, flexion-adduction-internal rotation test, pubic symphysis palpation, and hip internal rotation; and 3) reported symptom relief with sidelying position secondary test; and secondary tests of the thoracic, lumbar and hip regions compared to those without.

Conclusion: Musculoskeletal impairments may be associated with urinary urgency and frequency and should therefore be considered when determining management options for these patients.

Keywords: Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms; Movement; Musculoskeletal system; Physical Therapy Specialty; Urinary Bladder, Overactive.