Athletes at London 2012: too elite to leak?

Author(s): K. Crotty - Pages: 30–35

Abstract

Although elite athletes are known to have strong pelvic floor muscles (PFMs), studies have shown that more than 50% may experience urinary incontinence (UI) during their sporting activities. No more than 5% of these individuals will have discussed this issue with a medical practitioner. Of those who admit that they experience UI, approximately 15% find it to be a moderate to severe problem. Very few of them will be undertaking systematic training for their PFMs, which are known to be related to continence. High-impact athletic activity may have long-term effects, including an increased risk of UI and prolapse. The effect of UI on performance is unknown, although it has been proposed that this condition may affect concentration, and athletes have reported that it has a negative impact on their sporting performance. Adaptive behavioural tactics such as fluid restriction may also have a negative effect on performance. The PFMs are also known to be important with regard to lumbopelvic health, although this has not been investigated specifically in athletes. In the general population, UI has been reported to be a barrier to exercise and lifelong fitness. The London 2012 Olympic Games presented an opportunity to introduce and establish education and assessment programmes with respect to PFM training for the athletes who competed, as well as to leave a legacy for future Olympics. It also had the potential to provide an excellent platform from which to educate the public about UI, many of whom are both surprised and reassured to hear that athletes suffer from this condition. This article presents the results of a literature review, discusses UI in athletes, and describes the journey undertaken by the organization Chartered Physiotherapists Promoting Continence, which, in collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire, attempted to exploit the opportunities presented by London 2012.

Keywords: athletes, pelvic floor muscles, urinary incontinence.