Exercise and Physical Activity Reduce Risk of Overactive Bladder in Adults

Recent research highlights the beneficial impact of physical activity on bladder health, indicating that adults who maintain an active lifestyle tend to have a lower risk of developing overactive bladder (OAB). A study published online on May 10, 2025, in Scientific Reports, analyzed data from over 17,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted between 2007 and 2018. Researchers Tianen Wu and Binbin Xu from Jinjiang Municipal Hospital in Quanzhou, China, explored the relationship between physical activity levels and OAB risk. They employed various statistical methods, including logistic regression and cubic spline analysis, to assess the data.

The findings revealed that adults who engaged in regular exercise, such as weekend warriors or consistently active individuals, had a slightly reduced likelihood of experiencing overactive bladder compared to inactive adults. Specifically, the odds ratios indicated a protective effect. Additionally, the study found a nonlinear relationship between weekly physical activity duration and OAB risk, with around 915 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week associated with the lowest risk. This suggests that increasing physical activity could be a key component in preventing or managing overactive bladder.

The authors advocate considering physical activity as part of a comprehensive strategy for OAB prevention, though they acknowledge that more research is needed to understand causality and clinical applications fully. These findings support the broader notion that staying physically active not only benefits overall fitness but also promotes lower urinary tract health.

For more details, the study can be accessed through ScienceX. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-physically-adults-overactive-bladder.html