Females with Urinary Incontinence Demonstrate Impaired Postural Stability

Authors

• Jean L. McCrory, West Virginia UniversityFollow
• Corrie Mancinelli, West Virginia UniversityFollow
• Kate Harrison, BOA TechnologyFollow
• Samantha K. Rondini Monaco, West Virginia UniversityFollow
• Krystal L. Thomas, West Virginia UniversityFollow

Abstract

Introduction: Females with urinary incontinence (UI) have an increased risk of falls.  Few studies have quantified postural control, namely center of pressure (COP) movement and vertical ground reaction force in static and dynamic tasks, in females with UI. Purpose: The aim of our study was to examine static and perturbed postural stability in females with UI compared to unaffected females. Methods: The study design was a between-group comparison (UI vs control) on our static outcome variables of anteroposterior and mediolateral COP sway, COP displacement, average and instantaneous maximum COP velocity, and standard deviations of anteroposterior and mediolateral COP movement and vertical force and dynamic outcome variables of initial sway, total sway, and sway velocity.  Fourteen females diagnosed with UI and 14 age and parity-matched Controls participated. Following consent, static postural stability was assessed using the standard Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and dynamic (perturbed) postural stability was assessed via the Adaptation Test (ADT) on a commercially available dynamic posturography device. Center of Pressure (COP) sway and standard deviation of the vertical force were assessed. A two factor ANOVA (group, condition) was performed on each static variable and a second two factor ANOVA (group, direction) was performed on each perturbation variable.  Results: Females with UI reported smaller COP displacement and average COP velocity, and greater standard deviation of the vertical force during the static trials (pConclusions: During static postural stability assessments, COP displacement and average velocity were smaller in the women with UI, possibly indicative of an altered postural control strategy.  The standard deviation of the vertical force was larger in females with UI. This is reported in other populations that fall. Further research is necessary to understand the mechanism of falls as well as the effectiveness of physical therapy in fall prevention in this population.

Author Bio(s)

Jean L. McCrory, PhD, is a Professor of Exercise Physiology in the Department of Health Professions, School of Medicine at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. She is a biomechanist who specializes in gait and balance biomechanics.

Corrie A. Mancinelli, PT, PhD, GCS is a Professor of Physical Therapy and Assistant Dean and Director of PT Clinical Services in the Department of Health Professions, School of Medicine, at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV.

Kathryn D Harrison, PhD is the Manager of Biomechanics Research at BOA Technologies in Denver, CO. She was an MS student in Exercise Physiology in the School of Medicine at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV, at the time of this research.

Samantha K Rondini Monaco, MS was an MS student in Exercise Physiology in the School of Medicine at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV, at the time of this research. She is currently working in private industry in Sagamore Hills, OH.

Krystal L. Thomas, DPT, MS, was an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy in the School of Medicine at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV at the time of this research. She is certified in Womens Health PT. She is currently working in private practice in Morgantown, WV.

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the West Virginia University ICRC Exploratory Research program.

Recommended Citation

McCrory JL, Mancinelli C, Harrison K, Rondini Monaco SK, Thomas KL. Females with Urinary Incontinence Demonstrate Impaired Postural Stability. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Sep 01;24(3), Article 13.