**6. References**


hypermobility can occur in patients without UI and the reason to extent urethral hypermobility has been related to (the severity) of UI remains unclear 28,29. However, regardless the cause of SUI, nowadays, there is some consensus also to measure urethral hypermobility30. Recently, ultrasound seems to play an important role in the study of the urethral vesical junction(UVJ) and the proximal urethra (PU), also because it is a simple,

In this study, there was a statistically relevant reduction in urethral mobility (p<0.0001) in Gbio after the treatment compared to Gc. These results contradict that of a study with transvaginal electrostimulation in a group of 23 women suffering from SUI who did not show a significant difference in bladder neck mobility before and after treatment (p= 0.30)33. However, our data are in line with the studies of Balmforth et al34, which comprised 97 women (49.5±10.6 years) and demonstrated a positive and significant association of the improved position of the bladder neck and the anatomical and functional improvement of the pelvic floor, accompanied

Regarding the impact on the quality of life of the SUI patients in this study, in the intergroup comparison considering the KHQ domains there was a positive response in the following ones: incontinence impact on life (p = 0.0305), activity of daily life limitations (p = 0.0099), physical limitations (p = 0.0010), personal relationships (p = 0.0426) and severity (coping) measures (p = 0.0021) in Gbio. Similar results were obtained by other studies9,30. It is worth to notice that the impact of these symptoms on the life of each patient is closely related to the individual perception these women have of the severity, type and amount of

This study showed that the most prevalent symptoms were SUI, urinary frequency and nocturia, and that, after treatment, the Gbio presented a reduction or elimination of these symptoms compared to the Gc, in line with the findings of the Rett study26, in which a sample of 26 women of reproductive age with SUI showed a significant response to the use of EMG BF, with a decrease of urinary symptoms, especially urinary frequency, nocturia,

We concluded that the EMG BF for the PFM can lead to changes in anatomo-functional changes in the PF assessed in this study, with a positive influence on the quality of life of these women, although we cannot prove there was a reduction in SUI since we did not use a quantitative instrument to measure the decrease of urinary loss. Considering the results, this study was of huge importance regarding the use of ultrasound as an objective instrument on the evaluation of the efficacy of EMG BF on the reduction of urethral mobility, which is one

[1] Abrams P, Cardozo L, Fall M, Griffiths D, Rosier P, Ulmsten U. et al (2003) The

[2] Korelo RIG, Kosiba CR, Grecco L, Matos RA. Influência do fortalecimento abdominal na

standardization of terminology of lower urinary tract function: report from the standardization of terminology sub-committee of the International Continence

função perineal,associado ou não à orientação de contração do assoalho pélvico, em

low-cost, innocent and easily repeatable technique30,31,32.

by an improvement in the quality of life as measured by the KHQ.

loss, in addition to each individual's cultural context35.

urinary urgency and urine loss during stress.

of the important factors that is directly related to SUI.

nulíparasFisioter Mov. 2011 jan/mar;24(1):75-85.

Society. Urology 61:3-49.

**6. References** 


**5** 

Aletha Caetano

*Brazil* 

**Incontinence: Physical Activity** 

**as a Supporting Preventive Approach** 

*Faculdade de EducaçãoFísica- Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP* 

Aerobic exercises, as well as those for muscle strength and flexibility, might play a positive role in preventing and treating heart diseases, hypertension, osteoporosis, obesity and diabetes, to name a few, especially when practiced on a regular basis, under supervision and properly adapted to each individual (Carrol & Dudfield, 2004). Furthermore, the benefits brought by physical activity reach as far as the emotional aspects of the individual and help prevent the negative effects of stress, reduce tensions, enhance mood, lower the symptoms of stress and anxiety (Gorayeb & Turibio, 1999), and, eventually, improve health and boost the quality of life. According to the American Heart Association, the lack of physical activity can lead to a higher mortality and morbidity rate (America Heart Association, [AHA], 2007) Disengagement in physical activities is quite often associated to sedentary habits which might lead up to degenerative-chronic diseases, offering great risk to the population as a whole (Who, 1995). There are evidences that the incidence of these pathologies, plus other health conditions, including diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, some cancers, obesity, the maintenance of body mass index (BMI) and hypertension, can be reduced by encouraging a

Urinary incontinence is a disease which interferes with the practice of physical activities, mostly among women; since physical workouts may trigger involuntary episodes and urinary leaking, incontinent women are likely to be caught on an embarrassing and uncomfortable spot while exercising (Brown & Miller, 2001; Caetano et al., 2009a). This is a huge limitation for the practice of physical exercises by women (especially those with moderate to severe incontinence), and dangerous for female health (Nygaard et al., 2005; Stach-Lempinem et al., 2004). Significant morbidity and mortality prevalence has been reported among women with urinary incontinence (Mullins & Subak, 2005). Putting it this way, quitting physical activities and sports practice might lead up to a sedentary life style, a

Given that, this chapter aims to: (1) review publications on important available data about urinary incontinence as related to sports and physical activities.; (2) based on a systematic program of physical activities, introduce strategies which enable the Physical Education instructor and other professionals to take supplementary action in order to help prevent

more active life style, based on a constant and regular physical practice.

major risk for and cause of several diseases.

urinary incontinence in women and lower its prevalence rate.

**1. Introduction** 

