URINARY INCONTINENCE

Urinary incontinence (UI) is the loss of ability to control the bladder leading to a leakage of urine from the urethra. There is usually an underlying medical condition, physical condition or daily habit that causes UI. It can cause minimal dribbles to frequent soaking of an individual’s clothing.  Stress or effort urinary incontinence (SUI) is caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles. The urethra is supported by the pelvic floor muscles, thus when they are weakened and accompanied with increased abdominal pressure, the downward movement of the urethra leads to urine leakage. Small amounts of urine may leak when an individual with SUI coughs, laughs, sneezes or performs other movements that increase intra-abdominal pressure. 

SUI affects both men (following prostatectomies) and women (following pregnancy, childbirth and menopause). In women the severity is related to estrogen levels. Treatment includes kegel or pelvic floor exercises and bladder behaviour training. Surgery is also used in severe cases.

Whole body vibration (WBV) has been found to be an effective exercise tool for improving SUI.  The most significant improvements were found using a combination of both traditional physical therapy treatment and WBV. When adding WBV to an exercise routine, it is important that an individual consults with his/her doctor to review possible contraindications. An individual should start with an intensity and duration that they feel most comfortable with. Exercises may be added as the individual(s) comfort level with the machine increases. If symptoms worsen WBV should be discontinued. In general, if an individual experiences any pain, dizziness or shortness of breath while using the WBV platform is should be discontinued immediately.

References

            • Lauper M., Kuhn, A., Gerber, R., Luginbuhl, H., Radinger, L. 

(2009). Pelvic floor stimulation: what are the good vibrations? 

Neurology and Urodynamics, 28(5), 405-10.

            • Von der Heide, S., Emons, G., Hilgers, R., Viereck, V., Effect on muscles of mechanical vibrations produced by the WBV in combination with physical therapy in treating female stress urinary incontinence. 

Retrieved November 27, 2009, from http://wholebodyvibrationsystem.com/effectonincontinence.pdf

            • Urinary Incontinence. Retrieved November 27, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urinary_incontinence

            • Urinary incontinence. Retrieved November 27, 2009 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/urinary-incontinence/DS00404

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