Telma Pires1, Patrícia Pires2, Helena Moreira3, Ronaldo Gabriel4, Sara Viana5, Rui Viana6. 1. Department Sports Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal. Electronic address: al65253@utad.eu. 2. Department Sports Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal. Electronic address: patriciamrpires@utad.pt. 3. Department Sports Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal. Electronic address: hmoreira@utad.pt. 4. Department Sports Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal. Electronic address: rgabriel@utad.pt. 5. Department of Health Sciences, University of Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal. Electronic address: sviana@ufp.edu.pt. 6. Department of Health Sciences, University of Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal. Electronic address: ruiav@ufp.edu.pt.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: 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). DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study. SETTING: Gyms and teams in the North of Portugal. PARTICIPANTS: Sportswomen (n = 197). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSIONS: 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.
OBJECTIVES: 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). DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study. SETTING: Gyms and teams in the North of Portugal. PARTICIPANTS: Sportswomen (n = 197). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSIONS: 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.