A incontinência urinária em mulheres praticantes de exercício recreativo: um estudo transversal.

Abstract

Introduction: Urinary incontinence affects up to 1/3 of women in Portugal. Exercise can be a precipitating/exacerbating factor but also protective, if appropriate. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence in women who practice recreational exercise, to assess its relationship with the type of exercise and other coexisting risk factors, and whether the topic is addressed in gyms. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study using self-reported questionnaires in gyms in Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Results: Two hundred and ninety women completed the questionnaires; 67.6% were under 40 years old; 25.2% reported incontinence; 53.4% had at least one risk factor unrelated to exercise. There was a statistically significant association (p<0.05) between incontinence, obesity and constipation. High impact exercises were included in the training of 62.1% continent and 50.9% incontinent women. The topic of incontinence and strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles was addressed in only 5.5% in the initial assessment, 9.7% in collective training and in 13.5% of the 37 women with individual training. Discussion: The greater proportion of continent women - compared to incontinent - who practiced strenuous exercise suggests that this might be a provocative factor for some, although there was no statistically significant association between incontinence and type of exercise. Conclusion: Urinary incontinence affects women who practice recreational exercise, regardless of age and exercise characteristics. It is rarely addressed in gyms, and it is necessary to sensitize professionals to enhance the preventive/therapeutic effects of exercise on the function of the pelvic floor and in the control of modifiable risk factors.