Pelvic floor evaluation in CrossFit® athletes and urinary incontinence: a cross-sectional observational study

Athletic urinary incontinence is characterized by urinary loss during sports practice. This condition occurs in the case of CrossFit®, a modality based on high intensity training and functional movements, it can also be considered as having a high impact on the pelvic floor. This study aimed to compare the force and the contraction capacity of the pelvic floor musculature and urinary incontinence between female CrossFit® practitioners (AG) and non-practitioners (CG). We performed a cross-sectional observational study in the period from December 2018 and May 2019. Complaints of urinary incontinence was assessed by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF); the functional evaluation of the pelvic floor was performed by digital palpation; resting tone, maximum voluntary contraction, fast contractions and sustained contraction of the pelvic floor muscles was tested by electromyography. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was significantly higher in AG compared with CG (p < .001). Nevertheless, we did not find significant differences between the two groups for functional assessment and electromyographic parameters. The AG presented a prevalence 60% of UI, while CG only 9,5 (p < 0,001). Considering this point, tailored prevention strategies seem mandatory in this population, in order to allow early identification and management of urinary incontinence.