Can a Standing Program Improve Bladder Function?

This is a guest post on the EasyStand Blog by Ginny Paleg, DScPT, MS, PT.

Sometimes I have to share not such great news. Here it is. There is very little research that supports using passive standing programs to improve bladder and or kidney function/health. It may – and we have lots of anecdotal (testimonial) information that standing does help the bladder empty and decreases urinary tract infections, but when you go to the literature, the information is just not there. Kinda makes me crazy because I often read articles that say that standing does improve bladder function and they often site a particular research study. Then I go to that study and see that there was no data – just someone’s opinion. UGH! Can someone please add that outcome next time they do a study…..

I found 5 studies on passive standing and bladder function. Four of the studies are based on answers given on 2 surveys sent to consumers who returned their user cards from two brands of standers. The surveys were not standardized or validated and the researchers designed it just for these series of studies. While each published study take s a different twist on the question, all four are based on the same type of data. Of the subjects with spinal cord injury, Dunn (1998) found 21% reported being able to empty their bladder more completely and decrease in bladder infections. Eng (2001) reported 16% improved bladder emptying. Huston (2001) reported 53% improved bladder function. Walter (1999) also reported fewer bladder infections. Gould (1955) looked at normal subjects and found that the bladder pressure increases at 60 degrees tilt from supine. Increased bladder pressure is thought to correspond to increased bladder emptying. This data could mean that if we are looking to improve bladder emptying and thus decrease bladder and urinary tract infections we may only need to stand as upright at 60 degrees.

Sorry I couldn’t give you better news, but stay tuned, I have better news in the next installment!

Read more blog posts from Ginny Paleg, PT
Can a Standing Program Improve Bowel Function?
Can a Standing Program Improve Bone Density?
Can a Standing Program Improve Hip Integrity?
Can a Standing Program Improve Motor Skills?

Are you a clinician who would be interested in doing a research study on standing and bladder function? Do you have anecdotal evidence that standing helps improve bladder function?