Anal Incontinence and Disorders of Obstructive Defecation

Abstract Introduction and hypothesis Artistic gymnastics, team gymnastics and cheerleading are sports including high-impact activities. It is presumed that the athletes’ pelvic floor must be functioning well to prevent urinary (UI) and anal incontinence (AI) during sports. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for UI and AI in female artistic gymnasts, team gymnasts and cheerleaders; the influence of UI and AI on daily living and sport performance; and the athletes’ knowledge about the pelvic floor muscles (PFM). Methods All female athletes ≥ 12 years of age competing in ≥ 1 National Championship in artistic gymnastics, team gymnastics or cheerleading in 2018/2019 were invited. International Consensus on Incontinence Questionnaires were used to assess the prevalence/bother of UI and AI. Results Among the 319 gymnasts and cheerleaders who participated, the prevalence of UI and AI was 67% and 84%, respectively. Age, training ≥ 4 days/week and straining to void were significantly associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and years of training with AI. Eighty-three percent of athletes with SUI reported a negative effect on sports performance, 22% would occasionally avoid training or specific exercises because of leakage, and 28% used pads for protection. Forty-one percent of the athletes had never heard about the PFM, and 74% reported an interest in PFM training to prevent/treat UI or AI. Conclusions UI and AI were prevalent in female gymnasts and cheerleaders, and SUI negatively influenced sport performance. The athletes’ knowledge about the PFM was limited.

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Do resistance exercises during biofeedback therapy enhance the anal sphincter and pelvic floor muscles in anal incontinence?

Neurogastroenterology & Motility ◽

10.1111/nmo.14212 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Lori J. Tuttle ◽

Ali Zifan ◽

Jessica Swartz ◽

Ravinder K. Mittal

Keyword(s):

Pelvic Floor ◽

Anal Sphincter ◽

Anal Incontinence ◽

Pelvic Floor Muscles ◽

Biofeedback Therapy ◽

Resistance Exercises

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Anal incontinence, urinary incontinence and sexual problems in primiparous women – a comparison between women with episiotomy only and women with episiotomy and obstetric anal sphincter injury

BMC Women s Health ◽

10.1186/s12905-014-0157-y ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Mona Stedenfeldt ◽

Jouko Pirhonen ◽

Ellen Blix ◽

Tom Wilsgaard ◽

Barthold Vonen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Urinary Incontinence ◽

Anal Sphincter ◽

Anal Incontinence ◽

Sexual Problems ◽

Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury ◽

Sphincter Injury ◽

Anal Sphincter Injury ◽

Primiparous Women

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