An investigation of respiratory muscle strength, quality of life, and physical activity levels in women with urinary incontinence

The aim of this study is to examine the respiratory muscle strength, quality of life, and physical activity levels of women with urinary incontinence and to compare the differences with healthy individuals. This comparative-descriptive research design consists of women diagnosed with urinary incontinence and healthy women with similar sociodemographic characteristics. Participants' sociodemographic data, obstetric history, and urinary symptom data were recorded. Participants' respiratory muscle strength was assessed using a portable mouth pressure measurement device to measure maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) parameters. Urinary incontinence severity was assessed using the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI) questionnaire. Quality of life was assessed using the Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (I-QOL) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7). Finally, participants' physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). A statistically significant difference was found between the urinary incontinence (UI) and control groups in terms of respiratory muscle strength (p<0.05). Furthermore, a significant difference was detected between the UI and control groups in terms of quality of life and urinary incontinence severity (p<0.05). A significant difference was also found between UI types in terms of quality of life (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in the physical activity levels of the groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, this study shows that individuals with UI have weaker respiratory muscle strength and lower quality of life compared to healthy individuals. In this regard, there is a need for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies investigating the effect of UI on respiratory muscle strength and quality of life. It is also recommended that exercises targeting respiratory muscle strength be included in the rehabilitation of individuals with UI. Keywords: Physical activity level, Quality of life, Respiratory muscle strength, Types of urinary incontinence, Urinary incontinence