The effect of lower urinary system symptoms on balance, falling risk and quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lower urinary tract symptoms on balance, the risk of falling and quality of life in women with Multiple Sclerosis and to compare these parameters with healthy women. 48 women with Multiple Sclerosis, whose age average was 41,13±10,93 years and 51 healthy volunteer women, whose age average was 38,88±10,26 years, were included in the study. After the socio-demographic characteristics of the women were recorded, lower urinary tract symptoms were assessed with Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Index (BFLUTSI), and pelvic floor problems were assessed with Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) and Global Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire (GPFBQ), overactive bladder symptoms were assessed with Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-V8 (OAB-V8), fall risks, static and dynamic balances were assessed with Biodex balance system, quality of life was assessed with Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Questionnaire-54 (MSQOL-54). It was determined that the fall risk of women with Multiple Sclerosis was higher than healthy women (p=0,046). It was found that as BFLUTSI storage subscale score increased in women with Multiple Sclerosis, the dynamic balance was decreased (p=0,034), the risk of falling was increased (p=0,002). Women with Multiple Sclerosis who were classified as without urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, stress urinary incontinence and mixed urinary incontinence according to lower urinary tract symptoms was found to be similar risk of falling, balance and quality of life (p˃0,05). In this study, it was seen that the risk of falling, balance and quality of life of women with Multiple Sclerosis who classified according to lower urinary tract symptoms were similar but decreased dynamic balance and increased risk of falling as women increased complaints about bladder storage. As a result, it was thought that evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms would be useful in evaluating women with Multiple Sclerosis. Keywords: Demyelinating diseases, urinary incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction, risk of falling