BACKGROUND: The prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in homes for the elderly is 50%. UI is usually managed with incontinence pads. Preventive interventions that have proven effective, such as pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and bladder training (BT), are rarely implemented. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the group-based training programme INcondition was designed to reduce UI, to improve mobility, and to increase quality of life in women living in homes for the elderly. The programme, which includes training of pelvic floor muscles, bladder function, and mobility, is delivered by physiotherapists. METHOD: The randomized controlled multilevel trial with process evaluation involved 10 experimental (n = 51 subjects) and 8 control homes (n = 60 subjects). Outcome measures were percentage and frequency of UI episodes (3-day bladder diary), quality of life (I-QOL), and physical performance (PPT). The programme consists of 22 weekly group sessions lasting 1 hour and provides information about incontinence and exercises to improve mobility, to enable independent toilet use. RESULTS: The frequency and severity of UI improved considerably but were not significantly different between the two groups. However, PPT was significantly better in the experimental group (p < 0.05). Participants, physiotherapists, and homes for the elderly, were positive about the programme. CONCLUSION: The positive outcome of the process evaluation was not reflected by a similar outcome of the effect evaluation. Both groups showed improvement on several outcome measures, which means that UI can be improved among elderly women living in homes for the elderly. However, we were not able to show an additional benefit of the programme, with the exception of an improved physical performance. An intervention for the management of incontinence is needed that can be adapted for specific, populations living in homes for the elderly or in the community.

There are no links to full text for this record.