Urinary incontinence, or leaking urine when you don’t mean to, is connected to a higher risk of falling, especially in older adults. Individuals with incontinence often feel they have to get to the bathroom quickly, causing them to move too fast and increase the chance of falling. Worrying about accidents and leaking may also cause individuals to limit their activity, which can make their muscles weaker and make it harder to keep their balance, making falls more likely.
Additionally, getting older can make these problems worse because muscles and balance naturally become weaker. Some medications for incontinence might also cause side effects like feeling dizzy or off-balance. Treating urinary incontinence through interventions like physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and improve movement, which can lower the chance of falling and make daily life safer.
This video defines the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and the types of urinary incontinence. The impact of physical therapy for urinary incontinence decreasing fall risk is discussed with example exercises provided.
Examples of exercises that may be given include:
- Modified Happy Baby, or Knee to Chest. This exercise is performed lying on the back. Bring the knees to the chest, and grab them either in front of the knees or behind the thighs, pulling the knees towards the shoulders. 3-5 deep breaths should be performed.
- Child’s Pose, or Four Point Sit Back. This exercise begins in the hands-and-knees position. From this position, bend at the hips to sit the bottom back onto the heels. 3-5 deep breaths should be performed.