Female Athletes & Incontinence

Great information -- thanks much, Kim!

Best,

Maria

Just a little further information regarding exercise and incontinence...

As a registered Personal Trainer I come across this problem often and encourage the lifting of weights regardless of sport/activity or lack of activity.

Why?

A chronic lack of strength in the lower abdominals & pelvic floor muscles is evident in nearly half of the females that, at an average age of only 38.5 years, suffer from incontinence.

Both these problems can often be helped with the correct strength training exercise program. Any lifting of weight requires the correct activation of the core musculature (which includes the pelvic floor). Check with your physical therapist or personal trainer to ensure you are activating your core correctly.

Furthermore studies (Nygaard et al) have shown that only 4% of women who lifted weights suffered incontinence, compared with 38% of runners, 27% of tennis players and 21% of walkers.

I hope this helps and encourages all to lift weights to reduce incontinence.

Steve Raymond

Peregrine Health & Ftness

www.peregrinehealth.com.au

http://peregrinehealthandfitness.blogspot.com