Impacto da prática do crossfit nas queixas de incontinência urinária

Abstract

Given the growth in the practice of CrossFit®, there was a need to investigate its impacts on the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), raising awareness among women about possible repercussions and prevention strategies. This study evaluated 64 women aged between 18 and 60 years, divided into CrossFit® practitioners (G1=32) and sedentary (CG=32). An online questionnaire was used, including urogynecological history and validated instruments such as ICIQ-SF, PFDI-20 and IPAQ. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 18.7% in the CrossFit® group and 31.3% in the sedentary group. Despite this, no significant differences were identified between the groups in the ICIQ-SF and PFDI-20 questionnaires, determining that urinary symptoms and their impact on quality of life were similar. Relevant differences were found only in the IPAQ, with the CrossFit® group presenting significantly higher levels of physical activity (p=0.0001) compared to the sedentary group. The results suggest that, although urinary incontinence is less prevalent among CrossFit® practitioners, the practice does not have a significant impact on the severity of urinary symptoms or associated quality of life. Thus, it is concluded that CrossFit® does not significantly affect the function of pelvic exercise in relation to urinary incontinence, reinforcing the importance of further studies to better understand the relationship between intense physical exercise and PFM health, with the aim of offering relevant information for the safe practice of physical activities by women.