Pelvic floor therapy in post-stroke urinary incontinence is considered when?

• A. Not recommended at all
• B. Required for all patients
• C. If feasible given the patient's deficits
• D. Only if patient is fully independent

Answer: (C)

Pelvic floor therapy in post-stroke urinary incontinence is considered when the patient can feasibly participate given their deficits. After a stroke, urinary incontinence may improve with targeted pelvic floor muscle training, which helps restore voluntary control and coordination of the pelvic floor. But its effectiveness hinges on the person’s ability to actively participate: adequate motor control to perform pelvic floor contractions, sufficient cognitive function or communication to learn and follow instructions, and the stamina to engage in a training program. If these prerequisites are met, pelvic floor therapy can be a useful part of a broader continence plan. If a patient has too severe weakness, cognitive impairment, aphasia, or other barriers that prevent safely teaching and performing the exercises, the therapy isn’t feasible at that time, and alternative strategies or timing adjustments are considered.