The aim of this study was to systematize the scientific evidence that assessed the prevalence of urinary incontinence in female athletes and determine which modality is most predisposed to stress urinary incontinence. From September to December 2018, a systematic literature search of current interventional studies of stress urinary incontinence of the last ten years was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science databases. The methodological quality was assessed by the Downs and Black scale, while the data collected from the studies were analyzed through meta-analysis. Nine studies met the eligibility criteria, meaning they included reports of urinary incontinence in different sports. The meta-analysis showed 25.9% prevalence of urinary incontinence in female athletes in different sports, as well as 20.7% prevalence of stress urinary incontinence. The most prevalent high impact sport was volleyball, with the value of 75.6%. The prevalence of urinary incontinence can be high in female athletes, with high-impact sports potentially increasing the risk for stress urinary incontinence. Further research is needed regarding the potential risk factors related to the onset of urinary incontinence.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscles training in elite female volleyball athletes and whether it is an effective therapy for stress urinary incontinence. Fourteen athletes, both continent and incontinent, between 18 and 30 years of age, were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group received a protocol for pelvic floor muscle training for 4 months. This consisted of three phases: awareness/stabilization, strength training and power. The control group was not subject to any intervention during the same period. Measures were collected at the initial and final phase for both groups. Maximum voluntary contractions were evaluated with a perineometer, involuntary urine loss with a Pad test and quality of life with the King’s Health Questionnaire. Baseline sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics were not significantly different. Comparing the two groups, the experimental group improved maximum voluntary pelvic contractions (p<0.001) and reduced urine loss (p=0.025), indicating the existence of significant differences between groups in the variation from the initial and final phases. The percentage of urine loss decreased in the experimental group, from 71.4–42.9%, suggesting that the protocol intervention for 16 weeks may help athletes with stress urinary incontinence.

Objective: The aim is to verify the effectiveness of the pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program in pregnant women, by analyzing the amount of urine leakage. Design: Experimental study. Location: Care units in the Vila Real district, Portugal. Participants: Forty-three pregnant women divided into an experimental group (EG) (n = 22) and a control group (CG) (n = 21). Interventions: Both groups were evaluated in a predelivery stage (initial) and 6 months after delivery (final). The EG was given a PFMT exercise protocol with a duration of 6 weeks, applicable in classes and at home, another PFMT protocol for 9 weeks. Main measurements: The strength of the pelvic floor muscle was measured by the Oxford Grading Scale and the amount of urine was assessed with a Pad test. Quality of life was measured by the King's Health Questionnaire and self-efficacy by the Broome Pelvic Muscle Self-Efficacy Scale. Results: The loss of urine, significantly reduced from 0.86 ± 0.83 to 0.50 ± 0.67 in the EG (P = .021), whereas in the CG no significant change was observed. The degree of muscle contraction increased by 4.82 ± 0.39 in EG and 3.95 ± 0.67 in CG. The quality of life observed significant improvements in both groups (P < .05). As for self-efficacy, for the EG it improved significantly – initial (P = .001), final (P = .031), and for the CG the values remained the same. Conclusions: This PFMT protocol reduced urinary incontinence in pregnant women. The program allowed significant improvement in the quantity of urinary leakage and an increase in the strength of the pelvic floor muscle.

Telma Filipa Pires, Patricia Maria Pires, Maria Helena Moreira, Ronaldo Eugênio Calçadas Dias Gabriel, Paulo Vicente João, Sara Alexandra Viana, Rui Antunes Viana Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Female Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study Int J Sports Med 2020. DOI:10.1055/a-1073-7977 Published online: January 14, 2020. The article contains changes in the Affiliations and Reference 16.

Hydrotherapy is the external use of water for therapeutic purposes, using the physical, physiological, and kinesiological effects of immersing the body in a pool to aid rehabilitation or prevent functional alterations. This systematic review aims to assess hydrotherapy's effects on gait control in older adults with neurological conditions. Computerised search in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, B-on, PEDro, and Cochrane databases, using the combination of keywords: Thermal water, Gait control, hydrotherapy, and Aquatic therapy for older adults. Methodological quality was analysed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The selection criteria included randomised clinical trials in neurological cases in older adults with altered gait and balance. A comprehensive search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, B-on, PEDro, and Cochrane databases. Randomised controlled trials involving older adults (≥65 years) with neurological disorders affecting gait and balance were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Hydrotherapy appears safe and more effective than conventional physiotherapy for improving gait control, balance, and mobility in older adults with neurological impairments. Its buoyancy and resistance effects facilitate motor re-education and confidence in movement. Integrating aquatic therapy into neurorehabilitation programs may enhance outcomes and quality of life, although long-term follow-up studies are still needed.