Pınar YAŞAR, Mehmet DURAY, Süleyman KUTLUHAN, Vedat Ali YÜREKLİ
Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi - 2025;32(4):291-298
Objective This study aims to evaluate the relationship between post-stroke urinary incontinence and the severity of spasticity, balance, and gait performance. Material and Method This cross-sectional study was conducted with 46 patients with stroke. The Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) was used to determine the functional status of the participants. A 24-hour pad test was performed to assess urinary incontinence, and the Danish Prostate Symptom Score (DANN-PSS) was utilized to evaluate urinary function. Spasticity, as one of the motor symptoms, was assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), while balance and gait were evaluated through the Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment. Results The mean age of patients with urinary incontinence was significantly higher than that of those without incontinence (p<0.05). When comparing balance and gait performance between groups, the balance scores of the incontinent group were found to be significantly lower (p<0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed in gait scores (p>0.05). According to the Tinetti test results, both the balance and total scores were significantly lower in the group with urinary incontinence (p<0.05). Conclusion While urinary incontinence in post-stroke patients was not associated with spasticity, it was negatively associated with balance and, to a lesser extent, walking performance. These findings suggest that UI may contribute to functional dependence by indirectly affecting motor functions.
