Urinary Incontinence and Other Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions in Trail Runners: Epidemiology and Identification of Risk Factors

The pelvic floor is a crucial complex for many bodily functions, supporting the pelvic organs and contributing to urinary and anal continence, as well as sexual function. Dysfunction of this structure can lead to a variety of disorders, including urinary incontinence (UI), a common problem in women. Although the prevalence of UI in middle-aged women has been documented at between 20% and 30%, high-impact physical activities, such as certain sports and running, increase the risk of UI. According to the most recently published meta-analysis, the prevalence is 44% [95%CI 30.2-57.8]. Although this subject is often taboo, it can have psychosocial consequences and affect sporting activities. Only 31.7% of female runners talk to a health professional about it. Trail running, a fast-growing discipline, differs from road running in its particular physical demands, which could influence the occurrence of pelvic floor disorders (PFD) and exercise-induced UTIs. The unique characteristics of trail running, such as the technical nature of the terrain, the steep gradients and the variety of distances, place intense demands on the female pelvi-perineal system. Nevertheless, despite the growing popularity of this sport, little epidemiological data exists on the prevalence of stress UTI and pelvic floor disorders among female trail runners.