Urinary incontinence and sport: first and preliminary experience with a combined pelvic floor rehabilitation program in three female athletes

Abstract

A relationship between sport or fitness activities and urinary incontinence (UI) previously has been described in women. We report our preliminary experience with the use of a complete pelvic floor rehabilitation program in three female athletes affected by UI. The athletes were submitted to a combined pelvic floor rehabilitation program, including biofeedback, functional electrical stimulation, pelvic floor muscle exercises, and vaginal cones. After the scheduled rehabilitation scheme, none of the patients reported incontinence, nor referred to urine leakage during sport or during daily life. We therefore conclude that UI that affects female agonistic athletes may be effectively treated with this combined approach.