Effects of Leg Strength Exercise on Muscle Strength, Flexibility and Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence of Elderly Women

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the effects of leg strength exercise for elderly women on their muscle strength, flexibility, and frequency of urinary incontinence. Methods: The participants were 117 elderly women. The data were collected between June and November 2017. The leg strength exercise was performed for 60 minutes, twice a week, for 24 weeks. Exercise classes were for 60 minutes including 10 minutes of warm-up exercises, 40 minutes of strength exercise, and 10 minutes of cool-down exercises. The muscle strength, flexibility, and frequency of urinary incontinence were measured before and after the leg strength exercise. The results were analyzed with x 2 test and, repeated measures ANOVA using the SPSS/WIN 22.0 program. Results: After the leg strength exercise, the leg strength significantly increased after 3 and 6 months each, and the flexibility of the leg significantly increased after 3 months. Additionally, frequency of urination before sleep significantly decreased after 6 months, and frequency of urination during bedtime also decreased. Moreover, frequency of urinary urgency and urge urinary incontinence significantly decreased. Conclusion: The leg strength exercise had a positive effect on elderly women in terms of muscle strength, flexibility, and urinary incontinence. A follow-up study is needed to determine the long-term effects of the leg strength exercise.

A Multisite Study on the Effect of a Urinary Incontinence Self-Management Program on Community-Dwelling Older Women in Korea

“…According to Lorig and Holman,10 chronic disease self-management skills include problem-solving, decision-making, resource utilization, the formation of a patient-provider partnership, action planning, and self-tailoring. However, several studies of UI intervention programs conducted in Korea have examined the effects of self-management using only one intervention (e.g., pelvic floor muscle training [PFMT], muscle strength training) 11–13. There is a lack of empirical literature on UI educational programs that are based on self-management principles.…”

“…However, several studies of UI intervention programs conducted in Korea have examined the effects of self-management using only one intervention (e.g., pelvic floor muscle training [PFMT], muscle strength training). [11][12][13] There is a lack of empirical literature on UI educational programs that are based on self-management principles. Community-based UI self-management programs are especially important in rural areas where patients have poor access to healthcare services for UI.…”