Volume 9, Issue 1 (Continuously Updated- In press 2026)
Func Disabil J 2026, 9(1): 0-0 |
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Nazari Z, Vasaghi-Gharamaleki B, Babazadeh S. Spirometric Indices in Semi-Professional Female Athletes with Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Case–Control Study. Func Disabil J 2026; 9 (1)
URL: http://fdj.iums.ac.ir/article-1-338-en.html
URL: http://fdj.iums.ac.ir/article-1-338-en.html
1- Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Rehabilitation Basic Sciences, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,bvasaghi@gmail.com
3- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Rehabilitation Basic Sciences, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,
3- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (25 Views)
Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is frequent among female athletes and may be linked to altered breathing patterns and intra-abdominal pressure. This study compared spirometric indices between semi-professional female athletes with SUI and healthy peers.
Methods: In a cross-sectional comparative study, 40 athletes (20 SUI, 20 controls) were assessed. Normality was tested (Shapiro–Wilk); between-group comparisons used independent t-tests and sport-type distribution was examined with chi-square (SPSS v18, α=0.05). Outcomes included ERV, IRV, TV, VC, IVC, IC, FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEF, and the time indices TI and TE.
Results: Groups were comparable in age, height, and weight; BMI was lower in SUI (P=0.0305) and sport distribution did not differ (χ²=2.54; P=0.469). The SUI group showed significantly lower FEV1 (2.31±0.23 vs 3.08±0.22 L; P<0.001), FVC (3.52±0.26 vs 4.15±0.23 L; P<0.001), FEV1/FVC (66.16±7.93% vs 74.05±5.40%; P=0.0008), and PEF (5.09±0.44 vs 7.17±0.51 L/s; P<0.001). VC/IVC, IC, IRV, and ERV were also reduced, and TE was shorter in SUI (P≤0.005), whereas TV and TI did not differ. Qualitative inspection of flow–volume and time–volume curves revealed a lower peak flow and initial slope in SUI.
Conclusions: Female athletes with SUI present reduced vital/inspiratory capacities and expiratory flow limitation, suggesting impaired diaphragm–abdominal–pelvic floor synergy. Routine use of simple spirometric markers (notably FEV1, FVC, PEF, and FEV1/FVC) may assist in screening and monitoring response to integrated respiratory–PFM interventions in this population.
Methods: In a cross-sectional comparative study, 40 athletes (20 SUI, 20 controls) were assessed. Normality was tested (Shapiro–Wilk); between-group comparisons used independent t-tests and sport-type distribution was examined with chi-square (SPSS v18, α=0.05). Outcomes included ERV, IRV, TV, VC, IVC, IC, FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEF, and the time indices TI and TE.
Results: Groups were comparable in age, height, and weight; BMI was lower in SUI (P=0.0305) and sport distribution did not differ (χ²=2.54; P=0.469). The SUI group showed significantly lower FEV1 (2.31±0.23 vs 3.08±0.22 L; P<0.001), FVC (3.52±0.26 vs 4.15±0.23 L; P<0.001), FEV1/FVC (66.16±7.93% vs 74.05±5.40%; P=0.0008), and PEF (5.09±0.44 vs 7.17±0.51 L/s; P<0.001). VC/IVC, IC, IRV, and ERV were also reduced, and TE was shorter in SUI (P≤0.005), whereas TV and TI did not differ. Qualitative inspection of flow–volume and time–volume curves revealed a lower peak flow and initial slope in SUI.
Conclusions: Female athletes with SUI present reduced vital/inspiratory capacities and expiratory flow limitation, suggesting impaired diaphragm–abdominal–pelvic floor synergy. Routine use of simple spirometric markers (notably FEV1, FVC, PEF, and FEV1/FVC) may assist in screening and monitoring response to integrated respiratory–PFM interventions in this population.
Keywords: Stress urinary incontinence, Female athletes, Spirometry, Peak expiratory flow, Vital capacity, Diaphragm, Pelvic floor muscles.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Physiotherapy
Received: 2025/09/20 | Accepted: 2025/12/17 | Published: 2026/03/11
Received: 2025/09/20 | Accepted: 2025/12/17 | Published: 2026/03/11
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All the work in this journal are licensed under a Creative Commons
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INTERNATIONAL International License.