26/06/2024
➡️A report by Rebullido et al 2021 completed a systematic review looking at the prevalence of urinary incontinence in adolescent female athletes.
🔑Key findings
1️⃣ younger athletes seem to have isolated pure stress incontinence ( those under the age of 19)
2️⃣ 48.5% of adolescent athletes reported urinary incontinence when compared with their sedentary counterparts
3️⃣ up to 80% were too embarrassed to talk to coaches
4️⃣ it lead to embarrassment, poor quality or life and sport drop out
5️⃣ trampolining, high impact sports such as running and throwing were shown to have higher risks
6️⃣ the underlying mechanism is not scientifically understood
7️⃣ assumptions are due to the neuromuscular fatigue during strenuous activity, changes to the pelvic floor muscles, low energy availability, low bmi, estrogen changes and hypermobility.
8️⃣they are also more at risk of incontinence in later life
This study doesn’t include factors other studies have found that am an effect the pelvic floor. Such as urine infections, constipation, injuries to hip and back in particular and respiratory conditions.
⭐️this needs to better studies so that support and care can be provided in early life.
🏃♀️if you work with young athletes make sure their pelvic health/training is also considered as part of their training plans.
See a pelvic health physio
If you would like me to talk to young female athletes please get in touch.
Early identification and education is key
