OBJECTIVE: Determining the factors which influence the success of training 
therapy in women suffering from urinary incontinence.
DESIGN: Descriptive.
SETTING: Thirteen general practices in Nijmegen and environs, the Netherlands.
METHOD: A total of 110 women between 20 and 65 years old, suffering from urinary 
incontinence were examined by their general practitioners. Age, personality, 
parity, psychological features and type, duration, severity, beginning of the 
disease, as well as the presence of cystocele or prolapse were recorded. Women 
were asked about their own experiences regarding factors that influenced 
success. The treatment consisted of training of pelvic muscles in stress 
incontinence and bladder training in urge incontinence. Outcomes and compliance 
were measured 3 and 12 months after start of treatment by means of a so-called 
incontinence diary.
RESULTS: After 3 months the mean frequency of urine loss per week diminished 
from 21 to 8, and after 12 months to 6 times. Compliance was the most important 
contribution to success. Patients were more motivated to practise when the 
subjective burden of the urine loss was more severe. Other features did not 
influence success.