Pelvic Floor Muscle Function Among Running Women

Pelvic Floor Muscle Function Among Running Women

This study will examine pelvic floor muscles function amongst women who run on a regular basis compared to controls. Women who do not run, will begin running protocol, and second evaluation will be performed following 2 months of training. Urinary incontinence will also be assessed.

The study will include women who have been running on a regular basis over two years, at least 3 times a week for half an hour (research group) and women who do not run at all (control group). The participants will answer a personal information questionnaire (including birth and exercise background), and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF). Outcome measures will include an evaluation of the PFM function using Vaginal palpation and abdominal ultrasound examination.

Women who do not run at all, will begin running training protocol, and second evaluation will be performed following 2 months of training.

Inclusion Criteria:

• at least six months after giving birth or who have not given birth at all, The running group will recruit healthy women who run at least 3 times a week, 30 minutes, for two consecutive years.

The control group will recruit healthy women who do not physical active on a daily basis

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy
• grade 3 or higher of pelvic organ prolapse.