Examination of Relationships between Sitting Ability, Eating and Swallowing Function, and Urinary Incontinence

[Purpose] To analyze the relationships between sitting ability, eating and swallowing function, and urinary incontinence. [Subjects] The subjects were 128 hospital patients who were receiving physical therapy. [Method] We collected data on sitting ability, eating and swallowing function, and urinary incontinence from physical therapy assessments and nursing records, and analyzed relationships between all combination pairs. [Results] Sitting ability category 3, had a low level of eating and swallowing function, and the sitting ability categories and 10 grades of eating and swallowing function were the same. Furthermore, urinary incontinence was often seen when sitting ability category was low, and those in the urinary incontinence group had low levels of eating and swallowing function. However, those with sitting ability category 1 had good eating and swallowing function, and few of them had urinary incontinence. [Conclusion] It is important to first address sitting ability, when trying to improve eating and swallowing function and urinary incontinence.