Comparison of urinary incontinence, based on pelvic floor and abdominal muscle strength, between nulliparous female athletes and non-athletes: A secondary analysis

Abstract

Aims: To compare the strength of abdominal and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) between nulliparous female athletes (FAs) and non-athletes (FNAs), to determine the frequency of urinary incontinence (UI) in these groups.

Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study of nulliparous women included 39 professional FAs, who competed at the district level or above, and 34 FNAs. Participants underwent pelvic floor and abdominal muscle assessments. PFM function and strength were assessed using the modified Oxford scale and a manometer (PERINA 996-2 QUARK). Abdominal muscle function and strength were assessed using a 4-Pro isokinetic dynamometer. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form was used to assess UI symptoms among the athletes, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form was used to establish the level of physical activity among the non-athletes.

Results: The prevalence of UIs in the FAs was 53.8%, while that for FNAs was 35.3%. There was no association between being an athlete and having UI (p = 0.112). FAs were found to weigh more (p = 0.012) and have increased abdominal muscle strength (p = 0.014) and maximum voluntary PFM contraction as recorded by the manometer (p = 0.035), as well as a decreased PFM contraction endurance time (p = 0.025) than FNAs.

Conclusion: FAs had stronger abdominal muscles and PFM contraction, as assessed by a manometer, but less PFM endurance when compared to FNAs. Despite these differences, the prevalence of UI was similar between groups.

Keywords: abdominal muscles; athletes; pelvic floor; urinary incontinence.