Incontinence is an unfortunate side-effect of aging. It can occur for many reasons, one of which is weakening of the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder. That can lead to “stress incontinence”, or release of urine in response to sneezing, coughing, or exercise. But a new study reports that maintenance of low body weight (measured in terms of BMI) and general muscle strength can reduce the development of this type incontinence in aging women.
Key Takeaways:
- Women who have more lean muscle mass or better grip strength may be less likely to experience a common type of urinary incontinence, a study suggests.
- Women who experienced at least a 5 percent decrease in grip strength during the study were 60 percent more likely to have new or persistent stress incontinence by the end.
- Women should optimize their body composition by achieving a normal BMI and improve their muscle strength, and they should continue to do so well into their 70s.
“Women who have more lean muscle mass or better grip strength may be less likely to experience a common type of urinary incontinence”