URINARY INCONTINENCE AND PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE ACTIVITY IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

This study investigates the relationship between urinary incontinence (UI) severity and pelvic floor muscle activity in women with multiple sclerosis (MS). UI is common in MS and negatively affects quality of life, physical activity, and social participation. The study also explores how UI severity is associated with disability, fatigue, and overall quality of life.

Participants' demographic and clinical information, including age, disease duration, MS type, and disability level (measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS), will be recorded. Standardized questionnaires will assess urinary symptoms, their impact on daily life, physical activity, and fatigue. Pelvic floor muscle activity will be evaluated using surface electromyography (EMG) with biofeedback, conducted by trained physiotherapists.

The study will be conducted at the Pelvic Floor Health Center and is planned as a cross-sectional study. All assessments, including questionnaires and EMG measurements, are expected to take approximately 45 minutes per participant. Findings from this study aim to improve understanding of UI in women with MS and guide future interventions.

Inclusion criteria

Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) according to the 2017 revised McDonald criteria.

Female patients aged 30-50 years (age range with higher prevalence of urinary incontinence in MS).

Experiencing urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms according to the International Continence Society (ICS) definition.

EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) score below 6.5.

Patients with no communication difficulties. -

Exclusion criteria

MS patients who do not provide consent to participate in the study.

MS patients who have had a medication change within the last 6 months.

Pregnant MS patients.

History of vaginal or cesarean delivery within the last 6 months.

Pelvic organ prolapse.

Urinary tract infection

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