Effect of isostretching on the quality of life of incontinent older women

Abstract

Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) can be defined as a brief involuntary loss of urine. It is a hygienic and social problem that affects mainly older women and contributes to reduced quality of life (QoL). There are currently several therapeutic strategies available for the treatment of UI, including the method of Isometric Stretching, which is based on balance exercises that lead to greater flexibility and stronger joints, tendons and muscles. Objective: To investigate the effect of Isometric Stretching on the QoL of 10 institutionalized older women with complaint of UI. Materials and methods: We used the ICIQ-SF to assess women´s QoL pre- and post-treatment. The study duration was 12 weeks. Results: 80% of the women showed a significant improvement in UI (p = 0.007061) and QoL (p = 0.011). Conclusion: We concluded that Isometric Stretching contributed to a significant improvement in urinary incontinence symptoms and quality of life in incontinent older women.