Effects of a Multidisciplinary Intervention on Fall Risk and Urinary Incontinence in Older Women

Overview

This will be a quantitative, quasi-experimental, and longitudinal study spanning 18 weeks of intervention, followed by a 24-week follow-up, scheduled to begin in January 2025. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of a multidisciplinary intervention comprising physiotherapy, physical exercise, and psychoeducation on fall risk and urinary incontinence in non-institutionalized older adult women aged 60 to 80 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: 1. A multicomponent exercise group with verbal instructions for pelvic floor exercises. 2. A multicomponent exercise group with verbal instructions for pelvic floor exercises and psychoeducation. 3. A multicomponent exercise group without verbal instructions for pelvic floor exercises. 4. A control group. Multicomponent exercise sessions will be conducted twice a week, while the psychoeducation group will participate in five group therapy sessions throughout the program. The variables to be analyzed include balance, strength, power, pelvic floor function, quality of life, and self-esteem.

The aging process can lead to the development of major geriatric syndromes, such as falls and urinary incontinence. Although there are studies demonstrating the effectiveness of physical exercise and education in addressing these conditions, there is currently very limited evidence on the combined effects of both therapies on these syndromes. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of a multidisciplinary intervention consisting of physiotherapy, physical exercise, and psychoeducation on the risk of falls and urinary incontinence in older adult women. Methods: This will be a quantitative, quasi-experimental, and longitudinal study with 18 weeks of intervention and a 24-week follow-up period. The study is scheduled to begin in January 2025. The sample will consist of non-institutionalized older adult women aged between 60 and 80 years, who will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: 1. A multicomponent exercise group with verbal instructions targeting the pelvic floor. 2. A multicomponent exercise group with verbal instructions targeting the pelvic floor and psychoeducation. 3. A multicomponent exercise group without verbal instructions targeting the pelvic floor. 4. A control group. Multicomponent exercise sessions will be conducted twice a week and will include exercises focused on balance, strength/power using elastic bands, aerobic capacity, and coordination. The verbal instructions for the pelvic floor will involve performing fast and slow contractions during the general exercises. Participants in the psychoeducation group will attend five group therapy sessions throughout the program. The study will analyze variables related to balance (Timed Up and Go test, functional reach test, and posturography), lower limb strength/power (isometric strength tests and jump performance), and pelvic floor function (using the PERFECT scale and electromyography). Additionally, physical, psychological, and social well-being variables will be assessed using instruments such as the SF-36, ICIQ-SF, and Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Results/Conclusion: It is anticipated that differences will emerge between the study groups, with the trimodal intervention group (multicomponent exercise + specific verbal instructions for the pelvic floor + psychoeducation) showing greater improvements in certain parameters.