Sebastian-Rico Julia M, Muñoz-Fernández María Jesús, Martínez-Aranda Luis Manuel, Calvo-Lluch África, Ortega-Becerra Manuel
Department of Sports and Computer Sciences, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain.
Department of Physiotherapy, Francisco Maldonado University School, 41640 Osuna, Seville, Spain.
Diagnostics (Basel). 2025 Jul 26;15(15):1881. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics15151881.
Urinary incontinence (UI), defined as the involuntary loss of urine, is common among female athletes. As more women engage in competitive sports, numerous studies have explored UI in young, nulliparous, and physically active women. The objectives of this study were (i) to analyze the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of UI in professional nulliparous female soccer players and (ii) to compare the status of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) between professional soccer players and physically active young women. This descriptive cross-sectional study included professional soccer players ( = 18) and physically active women ( = 14). UI was assessed using the ICIQ-SF questionnaire, and PFM function was evaluated through intracavitary examination using the PERFECT method. Additional data were collected on body composition and on urinary, bowel, and sexual health. UI affected 35.7% of physically active women and 50% of professional soccer players. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was the most common type, present in 100% of affected soccer players and 60% of affected active women. The severity of UI was mostly mild, with no significant differences between groups. PFM assessment revealed deficiencies in control, relaxation, endurance, and rapid contractions, as well as difficulties performing an effective perineal locking (PL) maneuver during increased intra-abdominal pressure. These findings highlight the need for targeted programs focused on strengthening and educating athletes about their PFMs, aiming to prevent UI and improve both performance and quality of life. The study reinforces the importance of preventive strategies for pelvic floor health in sports.
尿失禁（UI）被定义为尿液的不自主流失，在女性运动员中很常见。随着越来越多的女性参与竞技体育，众多研究探讨了年轻、未生育且身体活跃的女性中的尿失禁情况。本研究的目的是：（i）分析职业未生育女足运动员尿失禁的患病率、严重程度和特征；（ii）比较职业足球运动员与身体活跃的年轻女性之间盆底肌肉（PFM）的状况。这项描述性横断面研究纳入了职业足球运动员（n = 18）和身体活跃的女性（n = 14）。使用ICIQ - SF问卷评估尿失禁情况，并通过使用PERFECT方法进行腔内检查来评估盆底肌肉功能。还收集了关于身体成分以及泌尿、肠道和性健康的其他数据。尿失禁影响了35.7%的身体活跃女性和50%的职业足球运动员。压力性尿失禁（SUI）是最常见的类型，在所有受影响的足球运动员中占100%，在受影响的活跃女性中占60%。尿失禁的严重程度大多为轻度，两组之间无显著差异。盆底肌肉评估显示在控制、放松、耐力和快速收缩方面存在不足，以及在腹内压增加时进行有效的会阴锁定（PL）动作存在困难。这些发现凸显了针对运动员盆底肌肉强化和教育的针对性项目的必要性，旨在预防尿失禁并改善运动表现和生活质量。该研究强化了体育中盆底健康预防策略的重要性。
