LUTS mainly manifests through symptoms such as night waking, urgency and urinary incontinence, and the symptoms present in nearly half of the worldwide population.
This programme of research supports better understanding into the management of the symptoms of LUTS.
Projects
Urinary incontinence and neurological populations
This study aims to explore the perceptions of people with stroke, MS and PD living in Aotearoa New Zealand about the assessment and management of UI. This project area is led by Daniela Aldabe.
- Getting help for urine leakage: experiences of people with neurological conditions. See our dedicated participant study page. This study was funded with support from the University of Otago Research Grant
- Better care for people with neurological disorders and LUTS. Health Research Council of New Zealand, Health Delivery Activation Grant
Publications
Downes, T., Martin, R. A., Hay-Smith, E. J. C., & Aldabe, D. (2023). Urinary incontinence assessment and management after stroke: An exploratory qualitative study of physiotherapists' perceptions of their practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 51(1), 14-23. doi: 10.15619/NZJP/51.1.03
Doyle, E., Brettkelly, J., Buhler, R., Lovett, T., O'Neill, L., & Aldabe, D. (2020). Reliability and validity of outcome measures used for urinary incontinence in patients with stroke: A narrative review. Physical Therapy Reviews, 25(5-6), 305-315. doi: 10.1080/10833196.2020.1832709
LUTs and Older adults
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are prevalent in older adults, affecting over 70% of women and men over 65. Older people with LUTS have a higher risk of falling than those without LUTS,[3] associated with increased frailty, hospitalisations, mortality, and morbidity. This project area is led by Daniela Aldabe.
Publications
Biazus-Sehn, L. F., Baptista, R. R., Mestriner, R. G., Loss, B. P., Aldabe, D., & de Souza Stigger, F. (2021). Influence of different dual-task conditions during straight or curved walking on gait performance of physically active older women with cognitive decline. Journal of Aging & Physical Activity, 30(3), 411-420. doi: 10.1123/japa.2021-0099
The effects of urinary incontinence on Māori women's health and wellbeing
Through kaupapa Māori and grounded theory methodology, this qualitative study aims to explore the impact of urinary incontinence on Māori women's health and wellbeing. This research is led by Master's candidate, Elisabeth Dacker.
Funded by Health Research Council of New Zealand, Māori Masters Scholarship.
The team
Dr Daniela Aldabe
Daniela is a Lecturer at CHARR, School of Physiotherapy at the University of Otago. Daniela aims for her work to contribute to the field of pelvic health and people living with long term neurological conditions with a focus on clinical practice changes. Daniela values interprofessional, whānau centred clinical practices that address meaningful health care and meet the end-user cultural values and goals.
Contact: daniela.aldabe@otago.ac.nz