Stress urinary incontinence, physical activity and pelvic floor muscle strength training

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI), defined as urinary leakage during physical exertion, affects 26–33% of exercising women. The prevalence of SUI increases with pregnancy, childbirth and age. However, prevalence studies have shown greater than 30% prevalence among women who have not had children. SUI leads to withdrawal from physical activity and to changes in the way exercise is performed. High‐impact activities, especially jumping with feet apart, are a major trigger for leakage. SUI can be effectively treated with pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength training. However, more than 30% of women with SUI are not able to contract the PFM correctly at the ht attempt and need thorough individual instruction and feedback. A cure rate of 60% has been demonstrated after 6 months of intensive strength training of the PFM.