Urinary incontinence among adolescent female athletes

A collection of studies have demonstrated that approximately one-third of female nulliparous athletes experience urinary incontinence during their athletic activities. Contributing factors of incontinence that have thus far been the focus of study include type of sport, duration and intensity of athletic activity, use of hormonal contraception, and weight. There has, as yet, been a notable underemphasis on several other factors which influence incontinence, including bowel pattern, urinary habits, and menstrual status. The purpose of this pilot study was to describe the urinary habits and frequency of incontinence among adolescent female athletes. A secondary purpose was to identify factors associated with incontinence.

To investigate these factors, a questionnaire was completed by 44 female high school athletes. Descriptive statistics were used, including means and percentages to answer the first purpose of our study. Chi-square tests and effect sizes were employed to determine the magnitude and statistical significance of the differences. The second research purpose was tested using correlations and logistic regression. Approval was obtained for this study from the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects.

There is an even higher rate of athletic incontinence (34.15%) among high school female athletes surveyed in this study than in previous studies of college age athletes. The more seasons athletes are engaged in vigorous exercise, the higher the rate of incontinence in athletics as well as during laughter and activities of daily living (ADLs). A habit of voiding more than six times per day was associated with incontinence.

Athletic incontinence is common among adolescent female athletes. Athletes who compete four seasons of the year have higher rates of all types of incontinence (athletic, laughter, and during ADLs) than athletes who compete during fewer seasons of the year. Avid participation in vigorous exercise may be a risk factor not only for athletic incontinence but also incontinence during laughter and ADLs. Several areas of findings warrant further research, including the impact of hot weather on incontinence and increased incontinence with particular body positions or athletic maneuvers.