The aim of this cross-sectional study was to monitor the prevalence of symptoms of stress (SUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) in sportswomen performing high-impact exercises. A further objective was to compare the symptoms of urinary incontinence (UI) and quality of life in sportswomen. We used the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-SF), the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q), the Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (I-QOL) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), short version. The group consisted of 503 sportswomen with a mean age of 21.1±3.6. The response rate was 71.15%. ICIQ-SF results confirmed mild difficulties with urine leakage in 72 (14.3%) sportswomen. Urinary leakage was not noted in 431 (85.7%) sportswomen. The OAB-q and I-QOL showed a significant difference, with pronounced symptoms of UUI and worse QOL in the group of sportswomen with urine leakage (p<0.000). The I-QOL recorded significantly worse parameters in the group of sportswomen with urine leakage (p<0.000). Prevalence of SUI was found in 68 (13.52%), and MUI was found in 4 (0.80%) sportswomen. Every seventh sportswoman (14.3%) in the study group had reported problems with UI when practising high-impact sporting activities, with a negative impact on QOL.
International journal of sports medicine. 2017 Feb 17 [Epub ahead of print]
Magdaléna Hagovska, Ján Švihra, Alena Buková, Agáta Hrobacz, Dana Dračková, Viera Švihrová, Lenka Kraus
Department of Physiatry, Balneology, and Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, PJ Safarik University, Kosice, Slovak Republic., Department of Urology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Slovak Republic., Institute of Physical Education and Sport, PJ Safarik University, Kosice, Slovak Republic., Department of Public Health, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Slovak Republic., Gynaecological - Obstetric Department, University Hospital of L. Pasteur, Kosice, Slovak Republic.