The following is a summary of “Women Who Avoid or Stop Exercise Due to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Prevalence, Symptom Profile, and Associated Factors,” published in the AUGUST 2023 issue of Urology by Gan, et al.

For a study, researchers sought to determine the prevalence of women who avoid exercise or discontinue workouts due to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a community-based population. Additionally, it sought to characterize the specific symptoms experienced by these women and identify clinical and demographic factors associated with discontinuing exercise because of LUTS.

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among women in the community. The study calculated the prevalence of women who have avoided exercise or halted workouts due to LUTS. It compared clinical and demographic variables, as well as comprehensive urinary symptoms assessed using the Lower Urinary Tract Research Network-Symptom Index (LURN-SI 29), between women who had experienced this outcome and those who had not. Multivariable logistic regression and random forest models were employed to identify the variables associated with discontinuing exercise due to LUTS.

Among the 1,707 women who participated in the survey, 18.9% reported avoiding exercise or stopping workouts because of LUTS. These women reported a range of LUTS, including incontinence, pain, voiding difficulties, urgency, and nocturia. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that LURN SI-29 score, White race, and prior vaginal delivery were significantly associated with this outcome. In contrast, the random forest model identified LURN SI-29 score, age, and body mass index (BMI) as the most important factors.

In the population-based study, approximately one in five women reported discontinuing exercise or avoiding workouts due to LUTS. The symptoms encompassed various domains, and factors linked to exercise cessation included the severity of symptoms, older age, higher BMI, White race, and a history of vaginal delivery. Addressing LUTS may help improve women’s ability to resume and maintain exercise routines.

Source: goldjournal.net/article/S0090-4295(23)00460-0/fulltext