Do Physical Therapy Interventions Improve Urinary Incontinence and Quality of Life in patient with Multiple Sclerosis: A systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Najwa Alfarra PT, Hala Aldosary PT, Sultan Almefleh PT

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) presents with many symptoms, including urinary incontinence (UI) that physical therapy can play very important role, which is widely prevent, but the physical therapy management for UI in MS population lacks consensus. We analyzed the current evidence for effectiveness of physical therapy to decrease UI and improve quality of life (QOL) in population with MS.

Purpose: To systematically review the literature and present the best available evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of physical therapy intervention in treating the urinary incontinence for MS population and improve QOL.

Data Source: Pub Med, Cochrane library, BMJ Group, BioMed Central, Wiley online library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PEDro. Study 

Selection: 5 randomized, control trials (RCTs) and one clinical trial published in English from 2006- May 2019.

Data Extraction: Any study concentrated on surgical or pharmaceutical treatment interventions, focused on bowel incontinence or were not within the physical therapy scope of practice.

Data Synthesis: The study focuses on physical therapy intervention for MS patients with UI and randomized control study.

Limitation of the Study: The reviewed study is limited to 6 randomized control trials.

Conclusion: There is significant evidence that physical therapy interventions in MS patients with urinary incontinence are very effective and had significant change in reducing UI and increasing QOL.

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