Pelvic Organ Prolapse Among Female CrossFitters and Non-CrossFitters: A Cross-Sectional Study

High-intensity exercises, such as CrossFit (CF), may increase risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) due to pelvic floor muscle (PFM) overload.

There is no significant difference in the prevalence, severity, or affected compartment of POP between women who practice CF and those engaged in other sports of similar intensity.

Cross-sectional.

Level 3.

A total of 36 women (age, 32.7 ± 7.7 years) participated in the study-18 CF practitioners and 18 engaging in other forms of high-intensity exercise (non-CF [NCF]). A sample-characterization form and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS) assessed vaginal symptoms. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and endurance of PFM assessed POP and PFM variables, respectively.

According to POP-Q, 38.9% and 44.4% of women in the CF and NCF groups, respectively, had POP (P = 0.73). Using ICIQ-VS, the prevalence was higher in both groups: 66.7% and 61.1% in CF and NCF, respectively (P = 0.69). First-degree POP was the most common, affecting 27.8% of women in each group. The most affected compartment was the anterior (22.2% [CF], 27.8% [NCF]). Using ICIQ-VS, "dragging pain or heaviness in the lower abdomen" and "very dry vagina" were most reported in both groups. MVC using modified Oxford scale (3 ± 3 vs 3 ± 2), MVC manometer (28.1 ± 25.8 vs 29.9 ± 22.5) and endurance (3.4 ± 1.7 vs 3.4 ± 2.3) were similar between both groups.

The prevalence, degree, and symptoms of POP and PFM variables in women practicing CF are similar to those in women engaging in other forms of high-intensity exercise.

Trainers, clinicians, and physiotherapists should understand the impact of high-intensity exercise on PFM and inform women about these dysfunctions to ensure they exercise safely.