To evaluate Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC) of the Pelvic Floor Muscles (PFM) in sportswomen, to observe the urinary symptoms and their impact on the Quality of Life (QoL).
Observational cross-sectional study.
Gyms and teams in the North of Portugal.
Sportswomen (n = 197).
The measurement was performed using a manometer. The sportswomen were instructed to perform 3 MVC of the perineum, held for 3 s. The Kings Health Questionnaire (KHQ) was used to evaluate urinary symptoms and the QoL of the sportswomen.
Age significantly influenced (p < 0.05) the QoL in all domains. An increase in BMI was also significantly associated with a decrease in the QoL. MVC values had a highly significant effect on the overall QoL and all domains, including a reduction in urinary symptoms. The weekly time of physical activity was associated with a better QoL in symptomatology. The practice of high-impact activities decreased the QoL (compared to low-impact activities). The vaginal resting pressure values ranged from 1.60 to 59.80 (24.34 ± 11.00).
Age, BMI and high-impact sports appear to be the leading factors that promote the onset of SUI, which in turn decrease the QoL in sportswomen. There was a positive association between MVC and weekly time of physical activity in the QoL.
Physical therapy in sport : official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine. 2020 Feb 29 [Epub ahead of print]
Telma Pires, Patrícia Pires, Helena Moreira, Ronaldo Gabriel, Sara Viana, Rui Viana
Department Sports Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal. Electronic address: ., Department Sports Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal. Electronic address: ., Department Sports Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal. Electronic address: ., Department Sports Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal. Electronic address: ., Department of Health Sciences, University of Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal. Electronic address: ., Department of Health Sciences, University of Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal. Electronic address: .