The influence of physical activity on functional performance and urinary incontinence in elderly women

Abstract

Introduction Urinary incontinence (UI) is the involuntary urine loss, with the prevalence of 17% to 24% in women over 65 years-old. It has a multifactorial cause, being a condition that affects many people in all ages mainly postmenopausal women, it is also found in athlete women who have a high level of training associated mainly to high impact activities. Objective The aim of this study is to conduct a literature review that relates the influence of physical activity on functional performance and on UI among women on the stage of aging. Method The bibliographical review was done in Medline, Scielo, Pubmed and Sports-Disco databases using the keywords physical activity or exercise, postmenopause or aging and urinary incontinence and stress urinary incontinence. Conclusion Elderly women engaged in a regular exercise program have a lower incidence of UI.