470 FO11 – Urinary incontinence prevalence and risk factors in female rugby union players: a common health problem across four nations

Background Female athletes engaging in high-impact sports have a higher prevalence of experiencing stress urinary incontinence (SUI). However, prevalence of sport-specific SUI and associated risk factors in female rugby players are relatively unknown. Objective The aim was to determine the prevalence of general and rugby-related SUI, identify associated risk factors and inciting events in female rugby union players. Design Observational, cross-sectional study. Setting Amateur and professional Rugby Union. Participants 396 female rugby union players (age 28 ± 8 years, mass 80 ± 18 kg, height 1.90 ± 0.19 m, playing years 7 ± 6 years) from UK and Ireland. Interventions An electronic questionnaire, developed according to the CHERRIES guidelines, was distributed via social media and directly through member lists. Independent variables were SUI risk factors identified from the literature and clinical experience. Main Outcome Measures SUI using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire short form and rugby-specific SUI(leaking playing rugby). Inciting events for rugby-specific SUI (e.g., tackle events, running, weightlifting, scrummaging). Results 63% of players had SUI and 43% had rugby-related SUI. There was a significant association with players reporting a change in incontinence status due to playing rugby union (p <0.001). Players who experienced constipation (OR: 2.33 (1.49–3.66)), given birth (OR: 2.36 (1.18–4.73)) or have a higher body mass index (OR: 1.04 (1.01–1.08)), were identified as having increased odds of experiencing rugby-related SUI. For rugby-specific risk factors, playing as a forward (OR: 1.97 (1.29–3.01)) increased the odds, whereas playing at a national compared to amateur level (OR: 0.44 (0.20–0.97)) decreased the odds of a player experiencing rugby-related SUI. The most prevalent inciting SUI events were being tackled (75%), tackling (66%), running (63%) and jumping/landing (59%). Conclusion Four in ten female players experience rugby-specific SUI. Studies on player welfare strategies addressing pelvic floor dysfunction and postpartum rehabilitation are warranted.