Pelvic floor health in athletics: a cross-sectional study at the Lima World Athletics U20 Championships

Objectives: This study aims to investigate various aspects of pelvic floor health among male and female athletes participating in the Lima World Athletics U20 Championships. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study will be conducted through a web-based survey via SurveyMonkey. The survey will collect demographic and anthropometric data, as well as medical history, including any injuries to the lower abdomen or pelvic area and history of urinary tract infections. It will also gather information on athletics-related characteristics, such as event specialization, training intensity, and competition volume. Additionally, the survey will explore pelvic floor health by assessing athletes' knowledge of pelvic floor function and dysfunctions, as well as related behaviors. The prevalence rates of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) - including urinary and anal incontinence, pelvic pain, overactive bladder, and pelvic organ prolapse - will be assessed, along with their impact on sports participation and potential risk factors. Urinary incontinence will be further evaluated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-UI Short-Form (ICIQ-UI-SF), with a focus on identifying specific triggers related to athletic activities. Participants will also provide information about their experiences with pelvic floor screening, discussions about these issues, symptom management strategies, and any medical assessments or treatments they have received. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and subgroup analyses. Correlation between collected variables and the presence of PFD will be investigated using correlation analyses. Conclusion: The findings from this study will provide valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by young elite athletes concerning pelvic floor health. This research represents an initial step toward an international initiative, promoted by World Athletics, to enhance pelvic floor health surveillance and promote overall well-being in athletics.