Can exercise intensity improve symptoms of overactive bladder in patients who are overweight?

This study compared the effects of high versus low-intensity exercise in overweight female patients with overactive bladder (OAB). The authors found that high-intensity exercise, but not low, decreased body fat and improved OAB symptoms for these patients.

OAB is a condition where a patient persistently experiences an urgency to urinate. This results in frequent trips to the bathroom, sometimes during the night (nocturia). In the U.S., OAB affects 1 out of 7 women. OAB can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and overall well-being, as it can interrupt sleep and social activities.

Exercise has previously been shown to improve symptoms of OAB in female patients who are overweight. However, it is not known if the frequency of exercise has an impact on OAB symptoms. Whether high-intensity exercise can reduce body fat and improve OAB symptoms compared to low-intensity exercise is unclear.

This study had 77 women with OAB and whose body mass index (BMI) was between 25 and 29.9 kg/m² (overweight). Patients were divided into two groups. In Group 1, 39 patients exercised 3 times a week (high-intensity). In Group 2, 38 patients exercised once a week (low intensity). Patients were given questionnaires to assess their OAB symptoms after 12 weeks.

After 12 weeks of exercise, OAB symptom scores significantly decreased from 11.36 to 1.45 (Group 1) and 11.22 to 9.56 (Group 2). Significantly fewer patients in Group 1 still had persistent OAB symptoms compared to Group 1 (7.7% vs. 89.5%).

In Group 1, the average volume of urine voided (expelled out of the body) over 24 hours increased from 1303.82 mL to 1360 mL. In Group 2, this volume decreased from 1231.76 mL to 1151.76 mL. 

In Group 1, the average number of visits to the bathroom over 24 hours dropped from 8.92 to 6.87. In Group 2, this number decreased slightly, from 9.11 to 8.32. The average number of visits to the bathroom at night (nocturia) also greatly decreased in Group 1 (2.05 to 0.59) compared to Group 2 (2.08 to 1.71).

High-intensity exercise significantly reduced BMI and body fat more than low-intensity exercise. In Group 1, the average BMI decreased from 25 kg/m² to 21.97 kg/m². Average body fat decreased from 20.3 kg (31.93%) to 16.02 kg (23.5%). In Group 2, the average BMI decreased from 26.16 kg/m² to 25.92 kg/m². Average body fat increased from 21.71 kg (32.83%) to 24.45 kg (32.73%).

The authors concluded that high-intensity exercise improved OAB symptoms and decreased body fat more than low-intensity exercise for women who are overweight or obese.

This study had a small number of participants. Also, participants were supervised by a trainer during exercise, which may not reflect real-life circumstances. Participants’ diets were also not monitored, which may bias these results.