Abstract
Objectives: To (1) examine the relationship between spine, hip, and pelvis movement patterns and urinary urgency and frequency; (2) report the prevalence of pelvic girdle and hip joint impairments among women with and without urinary urgency and frequency; and (3) report the most common movement impairments observed in women with and without urinary urgency and frequency.
Methods: Women age 18 to 60 years with urinary urgency and frequency were matched 1:1 to women without based on age, body mass index, and vaginal parity. Participants completed primary movement tests of the hip, pelvis, and spine. Additional clinical tests included Stork test, side-lying position, pubic symphysis palpation, flexion-abduction-external rotation, flexion-adduction-internal rotation, and seated hip internal and external rotation. Urge symptoms were monitored before and during each test. Movement patterns and positioning of the thoracic and lumbar spine, pelvis, and hips were observed. Secondary tests to correct a movement or positional impairment were performed if an impairment was noted or if symptoms were provoked during the primary test.
Results: Forty-two women completed testing. More participants with urinary urgency and frequency (1) demonstrated impairments during forward bend, single-leg stance, side-lying, and Stork tests; (2) reported urgency provocation during forward bend, flexion-adduction-internal rotation test, pubic symphysis palpation, and hip internal rotation; and (3) reported symptom relief with side-lying position secondary test; and secondary tests of the thoracic, lumbar, and hip regions compared with those without.
Conclusion: Musculoskeletal impairments may be associated with urinary urgency and frequency and should therefore be considered when determining management options for these patients.