STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE AMONG FEMALE STRENGTH ATHLETES: A REVIEW OF PATHOMECHANISM, RISK FACTORS, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT, AND REHABILITATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.4(52).2026.6732Keywords:
Stress Urinary Incontinence, Female Athletes, Strength Training, Pelvic Floor Muscles, Rehabilitation, Resistance TrainingAbstract
Background: Stress urinary incontinence is a common pelvic floor disorder among women and is increasingly recognized in female strength athletes. Urinary leakage may occur during heavy resistance exercise and high-impact activities that substantially increase intra-abdominal pressure. Despite its prevalence, stress urinary incontinence is frequently normalized and underreported by athletes.
Objective: This review aimed to synthesize current evidence regarding the pathomechanisms, risk factors, diagnostic assessment, and rehabilitation of stress urinary incontinence in female strength athletes.
Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed English-language publications from database inception to September 2026. Studies addressing stress urinary incontinence, pelvic floor function, female athletes, resistance training, and rehabilitation were included.
Key findings: The reviewed evidence indicates that stress urinary incontinence in female strength athletes is associated with the interaction of increased intra-abdominal pressure, pelvic floor muscle function, neuromuscular coordination, exercise characteristics, and individual risk factors. High prevalence has been reported among strength and CrossFit athletes, including young and nulliparous women. Assessment should include clinical history, symptom evaluation, a micturition diary, and pelvic floor muscle assessment. Pelvic floor muscle training remains the primary conservative treatment, while biofeedback, electromyography, and ultrasound may assist with correct muscle activation. However, evidence regarding their additional benefits remains limited.
Conclusions: Stress urinary incontinence should not be considered an inevitable consequence of strength training. Early recognition, education, and individualized pelvic floor rehabilitation are important, while further research is needed to establish sport-specific diagnostic and treatment protocols.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ewa Jagodzińska, Julia Kamińska, Julia Sadowska, Karolina Strzelecka, Zuzanna d’Obyrn, Ewa Weronika Pływak, Weronika Patrycja Polar, Martyna Stawicka, Alicja Szemberg
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