Investigating the relationship of overactive bladder and mobility impairments in women with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Currently, there is a lack of studies investigating the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms and mobility impairment in women with multiple sclerosis.   The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of overactive bladder and mobility impairments in women with multiple sclerosis. 

Methods: patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with relapsing-remitting (RR) form, disability stage: EDSS ≤6.5, from the specialized outpatient clinic of the Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medical Sciences in Košice, numbering 106.  Urinary leakage symptoms were assessed by the modified International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ UI- SF), and overactive bladder symptoms were assessed by the Short Overactive Bladder Symptoms Questionnaire (OAB-q). The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) and the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) were used .

Conclusion: We found the above correlations in patients with SM: a significant positive mean correlation between OAB and UI symptom severity and physical attributes. We found a significant positive moderate correlation between severity of OAB and UI symptoms and psychological attributes. We found a negative significant moderate correlation between OAB and UI symptom severity and mobility. It was confirmed that the more severe the symptoms of UI and OAB, the greater the difficulty of mobility in performing physical activities, and thus the negative impact of SM disease on patients' psychological health increases.