Continence: Bowel and Bladder and Physical Function Decline in Women.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review the various forms of incontinence, highlight their impact on older women, and to explore current literature regarding the link between physical activity, physical function, and incontinence. Both urinary and fecal incontinence become more prevalent with age, and are associated with significant morbidity. In parallel, there is a well-established decline in physical function that occurs with age. Furthermore, incontinence has a bidirectional relationship with physical function decline. Given the known link between increasing physical activity and preserved physical function, there is an emerging body of literature seeking to determine whether increases in physical activity may also improve incontinence outcomes. We review some recent data on this topic. Continence and physical function are two closely linked entities. Further research is needed to determine whether interventions that increase physical activity might result in improved continence outcomes.