Pelvic floor dysfunction negatively impacts general functional performance in patients with multiple sclerosis

Background There is a lack of evidence to assess whether gait functionality can be affected by the condition of the pelvic floor musculature in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective To evaluate the relationship between pelvic floor functionality and general functional performance, and also their relationship depending on dependence degree in MS patients. Participants Forty‐three MS patients performed the study. The pelvic floor musculature and its functionality were evaluated by urinary incontinence (UI), fecal incontinence, and constipation. General functional performance was evaluated by the Barthel index, the Health Status Questionnaire Short Form‐12 (SF‐12), and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Results UI was moderately related to general functional performance (SF‐12 Physical: R = −0.413; Barthel index: R = −0.501; TUG: R = 0.482). The comparative analysis showed differences between UI and gait functionality (P = .008), with poorer results in the TUG in patients with moderate/severe dependence (P