Urinary Symptoms and Sexual Dysfunction in National Level Wheelchair Rugby Male Athletes With Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a disruption of autonomic function negatively affecting bladder and sexual function. Research suggests that sport participation can improve physiological function and quality of relationships. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of bladder and sexual dysfunction in national level wheelchair rugby (WCR) males with a SCI.

Sixty-nine male WCR athletes completed a self-reported questionnaire during national competition. Participants provided information on sociodemographic, injury and sport characteristics, and completed the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score Short Form (NBSS-SF) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).

The NBSS-SF depicted an overall score of 9.8 ± 4.2, 3.2 ± 2.4 in incontinence, 4.1 ± 2.0 for storage and voiding, and 2.5 ± 1.2 in the consequence domains. Athletes with > 10-years of experience had significantly better bladder function, compared to those with < 10-years (p = 0.036). The IIEF showed values of 19.3 ± 7.0 for erectile function, 4.6 ± 2.4 in orgasmic function, 8.0 ± 1.8 in sexual desire, 11.8 ± 3.6 for intercourse satisfaction, and 7.7 ± 2.1 for overall satisfaction. Athletes with < 2-years of experience had notably lower scores in some domains.

While injury classification and completeness did not show differences in functional scores, long-term WCR participation was associated with significantly better bladder function, suggesting a rehabilitative benefit of sustained sport engagement.