The Role of Physiotherapy in the Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Abstract

Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are highly prevalent in both male and female patients after stroke, ranging up to 94%. Physiotherapy has been involved in treatment of LUTS in neurologically healthy patients for decades and, over the past few years, and mostly in research, in patients with neurological diseases. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe how physiotherapy can be involved in the prevention, diagnostic and treatment during the rehabilitation of stroke patients with LUTS. Summary: This study introduces basic evidence for LUTS in stroke patients. Identify factors and describe exercise interventions for prevention of LUTS. Followed by validated and reliable specific assessments indicated for physiotherapy, and present treatment programs of pelvic floor muscle at different levels for stroke patients. Conclusion: It is recommended that physiotherapy can provide valuable contribution in the prevention, diagnostic and treatment during the rehabilitation of stroke patients with LUTS.