What is the prevalence of urinary incontinence among competitive female athletes?

Baldini Prudencio C1, Peloggia Cursino M1, Cristina Rodrigues R1, Rodrigues Pedroni C1, Mércia Pascon Barbosa A1

Research Type

Clinical

Abstract Category

Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) / Voiding Dysfunction

Abstract 595
Open Discussion ePosters
Scientific Open Discussion Session 105
Thursday 24th October 2024
13:55 - 14:00 (ePoster Station 3)
Exhibition Hall
Female Incontinence Pathophysiology Questionnaire Urgency Urinary Incontinence
1. São Paulo State University (UNESP), Postgraduate Program on Tocogynecology, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), Botucatu, CEP 18618- 687, São Paulo State, Brazil.
Presenter
Links

Poster

Abstract

Hypothesis / aims of study
The principal risk factors investigation of for urinary incontinence (UI) is related to reproductive outcomes. Other different situations in which intra-abdominal pressure increases are also an important risk factor, but its relation is not linear. It is important to consider that although physical activity increases intra-abdominal pressure, it has a positive effect on preserving UI. There is a need to comprehend the effect of physical performance at different levels on continence status. Very little is known about the status of continence in competitive athletes who are exposed to frequent and intense increases in intra-abdominal pressure. Among the sporting modalities, some have been listed regarding the risk factor for UI, with swimming and cycling classified as low-risk, running and tennis as moderate-risk, and basketball, volleyball, judo, gymnastics, and athletics as high-risk. Women, despite experiencing negative consequences with UI, feel embarrassed to discuss this issue with healthcare professionals, which implies that this matter is still underdiagnosed and undertreated in athletes. Similarly, prevention is not included in their routine. So, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence, type and occasion of UI in competitive athletes.
Study design, materials and methods
It was a cross-sectional study approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee (number: 0749/2013). Eligible female athletes of any age, who had participated in sports competitions for more than two years in any sport category, were considered. All athletes completed a questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics, UI subtypes, and occasion of leakage
Results
80 competitive female athletes (18,8+5,5 years old and 22,1+3,2 kg/m2) were included. 60 (75%) reported UI, the most prevalent UI type was Mixed-UI (50%) followed by Stress-UI (13,75%) and Urgency-UI (11,25%). Regarding the leakage occasion, among athletes who was considered incontinent (n=60), 77% reported UI during daily-life activities, 42,5% during training and 29% during the competition.
Interpretation of results
Urinary incontinence is commonly associated with pregnant or older women, however, evidence indicates that young and physically active women can also experience it, even in the absence of known risk factors. Regarding the representativeness of the sample in this research, it was primarily composed of athletes from regional and state tournaments, which may not reflect the population of high-performance athletes. Further research is needed to better understand this issue, especially because it affects many active women at a young age, and with the increasing popularity of sports among women, it is crucial to better understand the impact of sports on the female body to ensure healthy development throughout their careers.
Concluding message
These preliminary results showed that UI is very prevalent among female athletes, the most frequent UI subtype Mixed-UI and surprisingly the most prevalent leakage occasion is not linked to the time of sports practice
References
  1. Bonaldi L, Mascolini MV, Todesco M, Zara A, Rossato C, Fede C, Fontanella CG, Stecco C. Urinary Incontinence and Other Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions as Underestimated Problems in People under Forty Years: What Is Their Relationship with Sport? Life (Basel). 2023 Dec 30;14(1):67. doi: 10.3390/life14010067. PMID: 38255682; PMCID: PMC10817452.
  2. Rodríguez-Longobardo C, López-Torres O, Guadalupe-Grau A, Gómez-Ruano MÁ. Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Interventions in Female Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Health. 2023 Sep 9:19417381231195305. doi: 10.1177/19417381231195305. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37688407.
Disclosures
Funding None Clinical Trial No Subjects Human Ethics Committee Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências da UNESP Marília sob protocolo de número 0749/2013 Helsinki Yes Informed Consent Yes
13/11/2024 16:31:16