Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pressure of the pelvic floor muscles in female
athletes and the associated signs and symptoms of stress urinary incontinence.
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.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS