Abstract
Background:
High-intensity exercises, such as CrossFit (CF), may increase risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) due to pelvic floor muscle (PFM) overload.
Hypothesis:
There is no significant difference in the prevalence, severity, or affected compartment of POP between women who practice CF and those engaged in other sports of similar intensity.
Study Design:
Cross-sectional.
Level of Evidence:
Level 3.
Methods:
A total of 36 women (age, 32.7 ± 7.7 years) participated in the study—18 CF practitioners and 18 engaging in other forms of high-intensity exercise (non-CF [NCF]). A sample-characterization form and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS) assessed vaginal symptoms. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and endurance of PFM assessed POP and PFM variables, respectively.
Results:
According to POP-Q, 38.9% and 44.4% of women in the CF and NCF groups, respectively, had POP (P = 0.73). Using ICIQ-VS, the prevalence was higher in both groups: 66.7% and 61.1% in CF and NCF, respectively (P = 0.69). First-degree POP was the most common, affecting 27.8% of women in each group. The most affected compartment was the anterior (22.2% [CF], 27.8% [NCF]). Using ICIQ-VS, “dragging pain or heaviness in the lower abdomen” and “very dry vagina” were most reported in both groups. MVC using modified Oxford scale (3 ± 3 vs 3 ± 2), MVC manometer (28.1 ± 25.8 vs 29.9 ± 22.5) and endurance (3.4 ± 1.7 vs 3.4 ± 2.3) were similar between both groups.
Conclusion:
The prevalence, degree, and symptoms of POP and PFM variables in women practicing CF are similar to those in women engaging in other forms of high-intensity exercise.
Clinical Relevance:
Trainers, clinicians, and physiotherapists should understand the impact of high-intensity exercise on PFM and inform women about these dysfunctions to ensure they exercise safely.
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