Prevalence of urinary incontinence and quality of life in female long-distance runners
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22754308Keywords:
urinary incontinence, pelvic floor, running, quality of life, physical therapyAbstract
Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common pelvic floor dysfunction in physically active women, particularly in high-impact sports such as running. The aim was to determine the prevalence of UI and describe its functional and quality-of-life impact among female middle- and long-distance runners of the club "Todos Somos Corredores" in October 2023.
Materials and methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative study. Anonymous self-administered questionnaire (Google Forms) with sociodemographic and training data, ICIQ-SF and King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), validated Spanish versions. Forty-eight athletes responded; 9 were excluded; final analysis n=39.
Results: Mean age 44 years (SD 11.6). UI was reported by 64.1% (25/39). Most associated situations: physical effort or exercise (31%) and cough or sneeze (28%). Daily-life impact null or minimal in 61.5%. On the KHQ, greatest impact in general health and emotions (44% each), followed by physical activities (40%). No clear association between mode of delivery and UI.
Conclusions: UI was prevalent in these runners, with impact on emotional sphere and physical activity. Awareness, screening and preventive pelvic floor training are supported.
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