Impact of Stress Urinary Incontinence on Physical Activity Level of Females - Observational Analytical Study

This study evaluates the impact of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) on physical activity levels among Indian women aged 18–60 years and identifies associated risk factors including age, body mass index (BMI), parity, delivery type, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and caffeine consumption. An observational analytical study was conducted among 219 women attending the Outpatient Department of Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Pune. Participants completed the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and a structured risk factor questionnaire. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, Pearson’s correlation, and Bonferroni post-hoc analysis (SPSS v26.0; p<0.05). SUI was diagnosed in 84 (38%) participants, predominantly among women aged 41–50 years. Significant associations were observed between SUI and age, BMI, parity, vaginal delivery, prolonged labor, caffeine intake, and UTIs (p<0.05). A moderate negative correlation existed between urinary distress severity and physical activity levels (r=0.4395, p<0.00001). Chi-square analysis revealed that physical activity decreased significantly with age (p=0.0026). Women with higher UDI-6 scores exhibited lower physical activity, indicating a strong relationship between sedentary behavior and worsening SUI symptoms. SUI substantially decreases physical activity levels among Indian women, exacerbating health risks and deteriorating quality of life. Early detection, education, and physiotherapeutic interventions focusing on pelvic floor rehabilitation and lifestyle modification are imperative for mitigating symptoms and enhancing functional health. Key words: Stress Urinary Incontinence, Physical Activity, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction