For fear of acquiring stress urinary incontinence (SUI) which is very common among women in the advancing years, those in their middle ages have been discouraged from engaging in any kind of exercise since this condition has been known to be triggered by physical activities such as jumping and lifting. While it may be true that certain exercises, particularly high-impact exercises, may cause SUI or worsen it, a recent survey has shown that light to moderate physical activities may in fact, lessen significantly the risk of getting this pelvic floor disorder.
Conducted by a team of medical researchers from different renowned institutions, the Nurses’ Health Study II was initiated to determine the relationship between moderate physical activity and incident urinary incontinence. For this biennial study, registered women nurses who were between the ages of 37 to 54 at the start of the study in 1989 were used as subjects.
Relevant data, especially on physical activities, were monitored from 1989 to 2001 and averaged to project long-term activity levels. A total of 4,081 cases of urinary incontinence with at least a monthly occurrence were identified from 2001 to 2003. This was further broken down to cases with weekly episodes of urinary incontinence for a more comprehensive outcome.
At the completion of the study, it was found that the risk of urinary incontinence, at least on a monthly basis, was reduced significantly with regular moderate exercises or recreational activities. Women who had the most involvement in physical activities were reported to have lower rates of SUI and urge incontinence compared to those with lesser amount of activity. Lower rates of SUI and urge incontinence were reported among women who had the most involvement in physical activities than those with lesser amount of activity.
While no explanation for this improvement has been officially recognized, medical experts offer two possible reasons. These exercises, even at a moderate level, may play an important role in strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles, which are critical in the function of the bladder. It has also been suggested that these activities may contribute to the decrease in weight, which has been found to be very vital in the management of urinary incontinence.
For the millions of women in their middle ages, these findings can be very encouraging especially if we consider that at this stage, there is an increased risk of developing SUI. One does not have to go to the gym and perform complicated and demanding routines in order to realize significant gains. In choosing the type of moderate exercise to engage in, a woman may pick from a number of choices, including the very effective and safe fitness walking.
Noteworthy is the fact that a 26 percent lower risk of developing urinary incontinence was reported by subjects who were into walking, the exercise that constituted half of the activities participated in. With the risk of SUI significantly reduced, a woman may also benefit by being spared the need for surgical interventions, such as vaginal mesh surgeries, for the treatment of this disorder.
Thousands of women have filed vaginal mesh lawsuits as a result of serious injuries attributed to the used of vaginal mesh implants. These lawsuits have gained wide media mileage including a latest report where sanctions against Ethicon were requested by plaintiffs for “spoliation of evidence”.
References:
science.naturalnews.com/2008/582699_Physical_activity_and_incident_urinary_incontinence_in_middle_aged_women.html
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18206951
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar