Urinary Incontinence After Stroke: Does Rehabilitation Make a Difference? A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Behavioral Therapy

There is limited evidence that bladder retraining with urge suppression in combination with pelvic floor exercises results in reduction of UI in male individuals with stroke.

Abstract

This study uses a comprehensive review of the literature to assess the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of behavioral therapies to treat urinary incontinence (UI) post stroke. Evidence for the different behavioral therapies was critically appraised to achieve a level of evidence based on Foley's classification of levels of evidence. Only four randomized clinical trials (RCTs), one cohort study, and recommendations from three clinical practice guidelines were found. There is limited evidence that bladder retraining with urge suppression in combination with pelvic floor exercises results in reduction of UI in male individuals with stroke. Further research is urgently needed to elucidate clinical recommendations about the efficacy of behavioral approaches.