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Introduction and Hypothesis: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is defined as involuntary leakage of urine on physical effort and is prevalent among power- and weightlifters. However, there is scant knowledge on treatment options for this population. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the potential outcomes and feasibility of a pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program on SUI in nulliparous female power- and weightlifters., Methods: This was a case-series study, including one weightlifter and two powerlifters aged 21-32 years. The participants conducted 12 weeks of PFMT at home, with weekly follow-up by a physiotherapist. Change in total score of the International Consensus of Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcome was perceived change assessed by the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) Scale and impact on sport participation. PFM strength, endurance, and resting pressure was measured using vaginal manometry. Feasibility was evaluated as adherence to training and self-efficacy (Self Efficacy Scale for Practicing Pelvic Floor Exercises)., Results: One athlete reduced their ICIQ-UI-SF score and experienced improvement in symptoms. One athlete reported no change, and one reported a worsening of symptoms. All three participants improved PFM strength and endurance, completed the testing, and 12 weeks of PFMT, but adherence varied between 40 and 80%. Participants reported a lack of time and energy and forgetting to perform the exercises, as reasons for low adherence., Conclusion: There were varying effects of a 12-week PFMT program on SUI in three strength athletes. The results can create the basis for a future randomized controlled trial., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction and Hypothesis: Artistic gymnastics, team gymnastics and cheerleading are sports including high-impact activities. It is presumed that the athletes' pelvic floor must be functioning well to prevent urinary (UI) and anal incontinence (AI) during sports. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for UI and AI in female artistic gymnasts, team gymnasts and cheerleaders; the influence of UI and AI on daily living and sport performance; and the athletes' knowledge about the pelvic floor muscles (PFM)., Methods: All female athletes ≥ 12 years of age competing in ≥ 1 National Championship in artistic gymnastics, team gymnastics or cheerleading in 2018/2019 were invited. International Consensus on Incontinence Questionnaires were used to assess the prevalence/bother of UI and AI., Results: Among the 319 gymnasts and cheerleaders who participated, the prevalence of UI and AI was 67% and 84%, respectively. Age, training ≥ 4 days/week and straining to void were significantly associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and years of training with AI. Eighty-three percent of athletes with SUI reported a negative effect on sports performance, 22% would occasionally avoid training or specific exercises because of leakage, and 28% used pads for protection. Forty-one percent of the athletes had never heard about the PFM, and 74% reported an interest in PFM training to prevent/treat UI or AI., Conclusions: UI and AI were prevalent in female gymnasts and cheerleaders, and SUI negatively influenced sport performance. The athletes' knowledge about the PFM was limited., (© 2021. The Author(s).)