Urinary Incontinence Amongst Women With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

UriCO - Effect of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training and Cough-suppression Therapy on Urinary Incontinence Amongst Women With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; a Randomised Controlled Trial

The primary aim of the study is to investigate whether pelvic floor muscle training or cough-suppression therapy reduces symptoms of urinary incontinence amongst women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease grade 1-4 (mild to very severe disease).

This two-centre study will consist of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) with a parallel group design and include two intervention groups and one control group. Recruitment and data collection will occur simultaneously at the ØHT and St. Olav's Hospital in Trondheim.

All participants will complete an initial four week general group exercise class (1 hour once a week) prior to randomisation. This intervention will focus on strength exercises (lower limb and upper limb), endurance training, balance training and thorax mobilising exercises. All participants will be examined and complete questionnaires at two occasions; after the initial four weeks general exercise/before intervention, and at 16 weeks post-randomisation.

Participants will be randomised to either Intervention group A (pelvic floor muscle training group), Intervention group B (cough-suppression group) or a control group who will receive brief written information about pelvic floor muscle training and cough-suppression, but no other form of regular follow-up or intervention throughout the intervention period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• COPD grade 1-4
• Subjective urinary incontinence
• Ability to perform an active contraction of the pelvic floor muscles

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable COPD
• More than 4 hospital admissions due to COPD in the past twelve months
• Neurological conditions
• Previous gynecological surgery