The Mobility and Voiding Exercises in Older Women with Urinary Incontinence (MoVEonUp) randomized controlled trial: study protocol and rationale.

BACKGROUND

Urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), a risk factor for falls, affects 40% of women over the age of 70 years. Multicomponent interventions have the potential to decrease the risk of falls and urinary symptoms in women. We previously designed and conducted a pilot study of a multicomponent, theory-driven intervention in women with UUI. The Mobility and Voiding Exercises in Older Women with Urinary Incontinence (MoVEonUp) Trial will assess the efficacy of this intervention to decrease falls and urinary incontinence in community-dwelling older women.

METHODS

In the MoVEonUp Trial, 314 women ages ≥ 70 years with UUI will be randomized to the intervention group or an attention control group. Women randomized to the intervention will participate in a home-based multicomponent program consisting of strength and balance training, bladder training with urge suppression strategies, and a home hazard assessment by an occupational therapist. Women in the control group will receive an educational booklet on falls prevention and behavioral treatment for urinary incontinence. Outcomes of falls, urinary incontinence, physical function, functional limitations, and mobility will be measured at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

DISCUSSION: This study will determine if a home-based multicomponent program reduces the risk of falls and improves incontinence among older women with UUI. If the intervention is efficacious, it will help address the critical need to reduce falls in this population via an intervention that can be implemented in the home setting.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05375344.