Functional Status and Muscle Evaluation in Older Women with Urinary Incontinence

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) and mobility limitations are prevalent in older women suggesting common pathophysiology. Objectives: 1) to evaluate Short Physical and Performance Battery (SPPB) and Modified Physical Performance Test (MPPT); 2) to describe lower extremities/pelvic floor muscles among older women with UI. Methods: Women age ≥ 70 years with UI underwent functional testing, clinical, and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated between UI and mobility limitations. Results: MPPT was inversely moderately associated with UI severity impact on daily activities. SPPB was negatively associated with UI but findings were not statistically significant. Levator ani muscles were atrophic in all participants. Obturator and gluteal muscles had mild and moderate fatty infiltration, respectively. Conclusions: Lower MPPT is associated with increased UI severity impact on daily activities. Further research into shared pathophysiology between UI and mobility