Assessment of Pelvic Floor Muscle Pressure in Female Athletes

Publication year: 2012
Source:PM&R

Lílian Cristina Marques da Silva Borin, Fabiana Roberta Nunes, Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira Guirro

Objective Urinary incontinence is highly prevalent in female athletes. The aim of this research is to evaluate the pressure of the pelvic floor muscles in female athletes and the associated signs and symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. Design A prospective observational study. Setting An academic institution, primary level of clinical care. Participants Forty women between 18 and 30 years of age divided into 4 groups: 10 volleyball players, 10 handball players, 10 basketball players, and 10 nonathletes. Methods The measurement of intracavity pressure was performed with use of a perineometer. The volunteers were instructed to perform 3 maximum isometric contractions of the perineum, held for 4 seconds. Data regarding specific training and urinary symptoms were collected through a questionnaire. Main Outcome Measurements Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance, with a significance level of 5%. The Spearman correlation was used to verify the degree of association between variables related to training, urinary symptoms, and perineal pressure. Results The average (standard deviation) perineal pressure for nonathletes was 6.73 ± 1.91 mm Hg. The average perineal pressure for handball players was 5.55 ± 1.43 mm Hg; for volleyball players, 4.36 ± 1.43 mm Hg; and for basketball players, 3.65 ± 1.35 mm Hg. Statistically significant differences were found in the perineal pressure of volleyball (P = .009) and basketball players (P = .039) compared with nonathletes. The number of games per year, strength training, and on-court workout correlated significantly with perineal pressure (Spearman correlation coefficient [Rs] of −0.512 for the 3 variables). Urine leakage through effort and nocturia correlated moderately with perineal pressure (Rs of −0.51 and −0.54, respectively). A strong correlation was found between urinary frequency and perineal pressure (Rs of −0.85). Conclusions Analysis of these data suggests that perineal pressure is decreased in female athletes compared with nonathlete women. A lower perineal pressure correlates with increased symptoms of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction.

Source: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSSEARCH&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1934148212004315&_version=1&md5=546ef90f93d3652b3d86674956184057

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