Diaphragm Function and Urinary Incontinence in Stroke

Launched by ISTINYE UNIVERSITY · Jun 24, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how the strength and movement of the diaphragm—the main muscle that helps us breathe—relate to urinary incontinence (leaking urine) in people who have had a stroke. After a stroke, the diaphragm and other breathing muscles can become weak, which might not only affect breathing but also cause problems with balance and bladder control. The study will involve 50 stroke patients and will use special tests to measure diaphragm strength, endurance, and how well it works with posture and breathing. Researchers will also compare these muscle measurements with patients’ experiences of urinary incontinence to better understand the connection.

To take part, individuals need to be between 40 and 75 years old, have had a confirmed stroke, and currently experience urinary incontinence. Participants must be able to understand instructions, speak Turkish, and have no other major health issues that could affect the study results. During the trial, participants will undergo breathing and muscle function tests and complete questionnaires about how urinary incontinence affects their daily life. This study hopes to find new ways to support breathing and bladder control after stroke, potentially improving quality of life for those affected.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged between 40 and 75 years,
• • Diagnosed with hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke confirmed by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conducted by a specialist physician,
• • Presence of urinary incontinence,
• • No other orthopedic, rheumatologic, or neurological diagnoses apart from stroke,
• • Ability to understand the investigator's instructions and a score of ≥24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE),
• • Voluntary participation in the study,
• • Ability to speak and understand Turkish.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Presence of serious diseases affecting vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys,
• • Presence of a genitourinary infection,
• • Pelvic organ prolapse at stage 3 or higher,
• • Uncontrolled cardiopulmonary or unstable chronic diseases,
• • Presence of one or more neurological disorders that may cause balance impairments,
• • Severe cognitive, speech, or visual impairments,
• • History of urogynecological surgery within the past 6 months,
• • History of abdominal surgery within the past 6 months.