Is there an association between device measured physical activity and self-reported stress urinary incontinence in women? A cross-sectional study with HUNT4 data.

Kvithyll H1, Mørkved S1, Stafne S1

Research Type

Pure and Applied Science / Translational

Abstract Category

Female Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)

Abstract 65
Conservative 2 - Patient and Clinician's Experience of Education and Intervention
Scientific Podium Short Oral Session 6
Thursday 18th September 2025
11:30 - 11:37
Parallel Hall 4
Female Incontinence Questionnaire Stress Urinary Incontinence
1. NTNU
Presenter
Links

Abstract

Hypothesis / aims of study
Aim of the study was to explore association between device measured physical activity and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). We hypothesized that level of physical activity was lower in women reporting SUI compared to continent women.
Study design, materials and methods
The study use data from the HUNT4 study which is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2017-2019. Women >18 years in a community in Norway were invited. Only women >30 years were asked about continence status and eligible for this study. Primary outcome was SUI, assessed with a questionnaire. Level of physical activity was measured with two triaxial accelerometers, one placed on the thigh and one at the lower back (L3 level). Participants were encouraged to wear the accelerometers on seven consecutive days, and the participants movement and sedentary time was measured continuously. Level of physical activity was calculated as total daily physical activity and weekly moderate-vigorous physical activity measured with MET (metabolic equivalent).
Results
A total of 11,062 women were included in the analysis. Mean age was 57 (±14) and 31.9 % reported SUI.
SUI women had lower level of daily physical activity compared to continent women (103 ± 37 vs. 109 ± 36 minutes) and less time with moderate-vigorous physical activity measured with MET-min/week (822 ± 633 vs. 940 ± 665). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis level of moderate-vigorous physical activity lower than recommended (<500 MET-min/week) were associated with increased risk of reporting SUI (OR 1.17 [1.04,1.31], p <0.001).
Interpretation of results
The strength of the present study is the use of accelerometers to assess physical activity. Our results support previous studies using self-reports of physical activity, thus strengthening the association between SUI and lower levels of physical activity. Although we cannot conclude on causality between SUI and sedentary behavior, physical inactivity is a major concern for public health.
Concluding message
We found that women reporting SUI in general were less physically active and fewer women had weekly physical activity level as recommended by health authorities.
Disclosures
Funding None Clinical Trial No Subjects Human Ethics Committee Regional Ethical Committee, #744248 Helsinki Yes Informed Consent Yes
03/07/2025 07:47:44