Long-term effectiveness of the response restriction method for establishing diurnal bladder control

The long-term effectiveness of the response restriction method for establishing diurnal bladder control was assessed with 48 participants with intellectual disabilities. Intervals of assessment ranged from 28 to 66 months across the individuals following initial baseline. Difference scores in terms of the mean number of toileting accidents per hour were related to participants’ stereotypic behaviour and their housing conditions, as these were hypothesized to differentially influence the maintenance of diurnal bladder control. It was found that (a) across all participants there was a statistically significant decrease of the mean number of toileting accidents during follow-up as compared to initial baseline (b) stereotypic behaviour failed to be related to maintenance of bladder control, and (c) housing condition was significantly related to the above dependent variable, in that those living in a residential facility were more likely to wear a diaper again as compared to those living with their family. Implications for the clinical practice are discussed.