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Background <p>Urinary incontinence in high-impact sports affects up to 80% of female athletes but is rarely discussed. The mental strain is high and is associated with a&#xa0;reduced quality of life. Targeted physical therapy for the pelvic floor can significantly improve symptoms, yet it is rarely used. This study analyses the perspectives of affected athletes to derive appropriate recommendations.</p> Study design <p>Qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Four high-impact athletes aged&#xa0;21–25 who are or were affected by urinary incontinence were interviewed. Data were evaluated using qualitative content analysis with a&#xa0;deductive–inductive approach, and person- and context-specific narratives were constructed.</p> Results <p>Pelvic floor-specific physical therapy helped the participants reduce their symptoms. The opportunity to discuss stress incontinence with a&#xa0;specialist and receive therapeutic support led to greater optimism and a&#xa0;more open approach to the topic. The participants’ level of knowledge about stress incontinence varied, but they all wanted specific information and prevention in sports.</p> Conclusion <p>Coaches and athletes should be trained by specialized professionals. This will enable training plans to be tailored to individual needs and provide support in dealing with the issue. Social education and awareness of the issue is essential in competitive and recreational sports. Narratives can play an important role in educating and destigmatizing the topic in order to understand the experiences, needs, and challenges of female athletes and gain context-specific insights.</p>

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„Darüber spricht man nicht“. Das Tabuthema Belastungsinkontinenz im High-impact-Sport

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月27日

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  • Hannah Winkler,
  • Katharina Meller,
  • Clemens Ley

摘要

Background

Urinary incontinence in high-impact sports affects up to 80% of female athletes but is rarely discussed. The mental strain is high and is associated with a reduced quality of life. Targeted physical therapy for the pelvic floor can significantly improve symptoms, yet it is rarely used. This study analyses the perspectives of affected athletes to derive appropriate recommendations.

Study design

Qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Four high-impact athletes aged 21–25 who are or were affected by urinary incontinence were interviewed. Data were evaluated using qualitative content analysis with a deductive–inductive approach, and person- and context-specific narratives were constructed.

Results

Pelvic floor-specific physical therapy helped the participants reduce their symptoms. The opportunity to discuss stress incontinence with a specialist and receive therapeutic support led to greater optimism and a more open approach to the topic. The participants’ level of knowledge about stress incontinence varied, but they all wanted specific information and prevention in sports.

Conclusion

Coaches and athletes should be trained by specialized professionals. This will enable training plans to be tailored to individual needs and provide support in dealing with the issue. Social education and awareness of the issue is essential in competitive and recreational sports. Narratives can play an important role in educating and destigmatizing the topic in order to understand the experiences, needs, and challenges of female athletes and gain context-specific insights.