Trends of Pelvic Floor Disorders in Physically Active Women: A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study

Authors

  • Wilson Pasten Hidalgo Universidad de Atacama, Chile
  • Belenn Cabrera Araya Universidad de Atacama, Chile
  • Paula Moreno Reyes Universidad de Atacama, Chile
  • David San Martin Roldan Universidad Diego Portales, Chile
  • Sergio Jimenez Torres Universidad de Atacama, Chile

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.40.02.652.002

Keywords:

Pelvic Floor Disorders, Women's Health, Physical Exercise, Sports

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders in physically active women in the province of Copiapó and to analyze their possible relationship with the level of physical activity. Furthermore, to explore and analyze the potential correlation between the presence of pelvic floor disorders and the level of physical activity in this population. 

Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, surveying 233 women through an online platform. The survey included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory short form (PFDI-20), the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire short form (ICIQ-SF), and questions about sexual dysfunction. 

Results: A high prevalence of pelvic floor disorders was found in women over 18 years old engaged in physical activity, with urinary symptoms being particularly prominent. However, only one-third of the women reported having urinary incontinence. Additionally, no significant relationship was found between the presence of disorders and the level of physical activity. The average age was 32 years, and the majority of women engaged in weightlifting and attended the gym, with 59.6% of them having a high level of physical activity. 

Conclusions: A high prevalence of pelvic floor disorders was observed in physically active women over 18 years old. However, no significant relationship was evident between the presence of disorders and the level of physical activity. These findings highlight the importance of further research and addressing the factors contributing to the occurrence of pelvic floor disorders in women with an active lifestyle. 

 

Author Biographies

Wilson Pasten Hidalgo, Universidad de Atacama, Chile

Kinesiólogo. Magíster.  Departamento de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Atacama, Copiapó, Chile. wilson.pasten@uda.cl. Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5515-2747 

Belenn Cabrera Araya, Universidad de Atacama, Chile

Licenciada en Kinesiología. Departamento de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Atacama, Copiapó, Chile. Belennc.araya@gmail.com. Orcid: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2730-3418

Paula Moreno Reyes, Universidad de Atacama, Chile

Kinesióloga. Magíster. Departamento de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Atacama, Copiapó, Chile.  paula.moreno@uda.cl. Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4594-1253

David San Martin Roldan, Universidad Diego Portales, Chile

Matron. Magíster Salud Pública y Planificación Sanitaria. Escuela de Obstetricia y Neonatología, Facultad de Salud y Odontología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile. david.sanmartin@udp.cl . Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3208-8823 

Sergio Jimenez Torres, Universidad de Atacama, Chile

Kinesiólogo. Magíster. Departamento de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Atacama, Copiapó, Chile. Neural Control of Movement Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Australia. sergio.jimenez@uda.cl. Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9037-7861

Published

2024-05-20

How to Cite

Pasten Hidalgo, W., Cabrera Araya, B., Moreno Reyes, P. ., San Martin Roldan, D., & Jimenez Torres, S. . (2024). Trends of Pelvic Floor Disorders in Physically Active Women: A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study. Salud Uninorte, 40(2), 575–589. https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.40.02.652.002

Issue

Section

Original Article