Abstract
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.
Key words
prevalence - urinary incontinence - high-impact exercises