The effect of bladder training on urinary incontinence in community-dwelling older women.

OBJECTIVE

The effect of bladder training on urinary incontinence among a group of community-based older women was investigated.

DESIGN

Quasi-experimental.

SETTING AND SUBJECTS: Nineteen functionally independent, community-dwelling women, aged 64 to 88 years, with a history of urinary incontinence occurring at least once a week, participated in the study.

METHODS

Bladder training methods consisted of mandatory voiding schedules, self-monitored voiding records, and weekly telephone communication between subject and researcher.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The number of incontinent episodes over a 1-week period was used to determine the effectiveness of bladder training.

RESULTS

The mean frequency of incontinent episodes at baseline was compared to the frequency of incontinent episodes at both end of treatment and at 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Bladder training is effective in reducing episodes of urinary incontinence in community-dwelling older women.