Pelvic floor dysfunction negatively impacts general functional performance in patients with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of evidence to assess whether gait functionality can be affected by the condition of the pelvic floor musculature in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between pelvic floor functionality and general functional performance, and also their relationship depending on dependence degree in MS patients. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-three MS patients performed the study. The pelvic floor musculature and its functionality were evaluated by urinary incontinence (UI), fecal incontinence, and constipation. General functional performance was evaluated by the Barthel index, the Health Status Questionnaire Short Form-12 (SF-12), and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. RESULTS: UI was moderately related to general functional performance (SF-12 Physical: R = -0.413; Barthel index: R = -0.501; TUG: R = 0.482). The comparative analysis showed differences between UI and gait functionality (P = .008), with poorer results in the TUG in patients with moderate/severe dependence (P < .001). CONCLUSION: UI appears to have a negative impact on the performance of daily living activities, walking, and the physical dimension of quality of life in patients with MS. In addition, patients with moderate or severe dependence showed higher UI and gait disturbance compared with those with mild dependence or independence.