Korean J Adult Nurs.  2018 Aug;30(4):417-425. 10.7475/kjan.2018.30.4.417.

Effects of Leg Strength Exercise on Muscle Strength, Flexibility and Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence of Elderly Women

• Yang NY
• Yoo YK
• Song MS

• KMID: 2418984
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2018.30.4.417

Abstract

PURPOSE
The study aimed to investigate the effects of leg strength exercise for elderly women on their muscle strength, flexibility, and frequency of urinary incontinence.
METHODS
The participants were 117 elderly women. The data were collected between June and November 2017. The leg strength exercise was performed for 60 minutes, twice a week, for 24 weeks. Exercise classes were for 60 minutes including 10 minutes of warm-up exercises, 40 minutes of strength exercise, and 10 minutes of cool-down exercises. The muscle strength, flexibility, and frequency of urinary incontinence were measured before and after the leg strength exercise. The results were analyzed with χ2 test and, repeated measures ANOVA using the SPSS/WIN 22.0 program.
RESULTS
After the leg strength exercise, the leg strength significantly increased after 3 and 6 months each, and the flexibility of the leg significantly increased after 3 months. Additionally, frequency of urination before sleep significantly decreased after 6 months, and frequency of urination during bedtime also decreased. Moreover, frequency of urinary urgency and urge urinary incontinence significantly decreased.
CONCLUSION
The leg strength exercise had a positive effect on elderly women in terms of muscle strength, flexibility, and urinary incontinence. A follow-up study is needed to determine the long-term effects of the leg strength exercise.

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Cool-Down Exercise
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Leg*
Muscle Strength*
Pliability*
Urinary Incontinence*
Urination
Warm-Up Exercise

Figure

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  Figure 1 Flowchart of the study.

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