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Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a painful bladder condition. Because of a reported link between exercise and pain reduction, a case study analysis was conducted to explore exercise effects on IC. Exercise was provided 3 days per week for 6 months. Two subjects appeared to have benefitted from the program. Implications for future research are dis-
Recently, Ratner and Perilli (2003) presented a review of interstitial cystitis (IC). They described a chronic, inflammatory, disabling, painful bladder wall syndrome, for which management is often challenging and controversial. The cause of IC is unknown, and despite research efforts there is no cure or optimal therapy available. Propert, Payne, Kusek, and Nyberg (2002) suggest that the disease may afflict as many as 37 to 67 per 100,000 persons in the United States.
As a result of a local urologist's clinical observations and support, a small, multiple exercise case study project was undertaken to determine if exercise might benefit patients with IC. This decision was informed by the professional literature, which suggests that exercise may aid in alleviating chronic pain (Abrams, 1990; Janal, 1996; O'Connor & Cook, 1999; Weinberg & Could, 2003). Also, the author's professional experiences drove speculation that strengthening the pelvic area and associated muscle groups might support or promote dynamic posture, which could affect bladder carriage and function.
Six women with IC diagnosed using the National Institute of Diabetes Digestive and Kidney Diseases criteria, and findings from cystoscopic distention, were entered into a 6-month, 3 days per week, IC exercise study. The outcomes of two women who completed the program are reported in this article.
Description of Subjects
Subject 1 was a 68-year-old widow with grown children. She was 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighed 174 pounds, and had IC for approximately 48 years. Other health problems included knee osteoarthritis and spinal osteoporosis. Her medication regimen consisted of Ditropan® (10 mg once per day), Elmiron® (100 mg once per week), Lipitor® (100 mg once per day), Fosamax® (70 mg once per week), acetaminophen (500 mg once per day), calcium (600 mg once per day), Finest Nature Fish Oil®(100 mg once per day), coenzyme Q10 (one capsule once per day), glucosamine (500 mg once per day), chondroitin (400 mg once per day), and one Tylenol PM® each...