Strong and Vital No 2

Pelvic Floor

Sport and Urine Loss among Women Female Competitive Athletes Are Affected More than Average

Urinary incontinence in sport remains a taboo sub ject, even though it is a widespread problem. One in three active women may apparently suffer from sym ptoms of urinary incontinence. Women should there fore be better informed about measures that can be taken to prevent the involuntary leakage of urine.

In fact, only the muscle group located in the pelvic area supports the organs downwards due to gravity. However, there are strategies that can be used to prevent or at least minimise unwanted urine leakage during sport. These include gentle, targeted trai ning in which women learn to tense the pelvic floor muscles independently before or during exercise, as the pelvic floor muscles should be automatically tensed during strenuous movements. For noticeable and faster results a more intensive pelvic training is recommended with the use of pelvic floor equipment, which strengthens effectively deep muscles thanks to functional magnetic stimulation. THE LARGE LIQUID LEAKS ON THE FLOOR WHEN DOING «PRESS» EXER CISES WITH HEAVY WEIGHTS ARE NOT DUE TO PROFUSE SWEATING, BUT TO INCONTINENCE.

In the general female population between the ages of 15 and 64, the prevalence is around ten per cent in younger women and up to 40 per cent in older women. With about one third of competitive sports women affected by incontinence, the prevalence is above average compared to the general population, with the frequency varying depending on the type of sport. In low-impact sports such as golf, cycling or swimming, less athletes are affected, while in high impact disciplines such as ball sports, gymnastics, ballet, trampolining or efforts such as weightlifting, the percentage rises. The super strenuous trend sport CrossFit also falls into this category. The risk of urinary incontinence among competitive athletes is higher despite the fact that they are well toned and trained all round. The daily training of a weightlifter is an effort comparable to giving birth for the pelvic floor, it is explained in urology. As uri nary incontinence restricts quality of life and has an unfavourable effect on the social and mental well being and performance of female athletes, much more attention should be paid to this issue than has been the case to date. It is estimated that one fifth of female athletes with urinary incontinence would even have given up their sport because of this embarras sing condition.

In fact, extremely stressful training situations are the typical cause of incontinence in competitive athletes. However, not everyday strain on the pelvic floor does will cause such a condition. In fitness centres, are rather older women and men who are affected. The unfortunate thing is that if some happen to leak urine, they feel ashamed, fea ring that others might smell it and therefore refrain from training properly or even from joining a gym.

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STRONG and VITAL No. 2 - 2024