Author(s): RODRÍGUEZ LONGOBARDO, C., PÉREZ-CALZADO, E., LÓPEZ-TORRES, O., ÁLVAREZ-SÁEZ, M.M., CANOSA-CARRO, L., Institution: UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID, Country: SPAIN, Abstract-ID: 702

INTRODUCTION:
CrossFit is a demanding physical conditioning regimen focused on high-intensity exercises and resistance training, that offers numerous healthy benefits. However, its impact on pelvic floor muscles remains less discernible (1). Repeated engagement in CrossFit exercises is believed to induce fatigue in pelvic floor muscles, potentially compromising their ability to contract and withstand stress, thereby increasing the risk of pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence (2). Consequently, this study aims to scrutinize the immediate effects of a CrossFit workout (WOD) on pelvic floor force production among nulliparous female CrossFit athletes with no additional risk factors.
METHODS:
Twenty-three female CrossFit athletes participated in this study, undertaking a 15-minute CrossFit WOD involving as many repetitions as possible (AMRAP) of 20 wall balls, 15 box jumps, and 10 burpees. These exercises were specifically chosen to fatigue pelvic floor muscles, as they may trigger urinary leakage (3). Pelvic floor strength measurements were taken before and after the WOD using the Pelvimètre Phenix by Vivaltis (4). A linear mixed model for repeated measures was employed to assess changes in maximal, medium, and minimum force production, treating the subject (ID) as a random factor and time as a fixed factor.
RESULTS:
No significant differences were observed in either maximal or minimum force production before and after the WOD (F = 0.924, p > 0.05; F = 0.025, p > 0.05, respectively). However, medium force production increased post-WOD (F = 4.354, p = 0.041, ES = 0.45).
CONCLUSION:
Participating in a CrossFit WOD does not seem to impact overall pelvic floor strength in female athletes. The observed increase in medium force production post-WOD may be attributed to improved proprioception and heightened familiarity with pelvic floor contractions, even in the face of increased general fatigue.

References:
(1) Gephart LF, Doersch KM, Reyes M, Kuehl TJ, Danford JM. Intraabdominal pressure in women during CrossFit exercises and the effect of age and parity. Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings. 2018;31(3):289-293. doi:10.1080/08998280.2018.1446888
(2) Thomaz RP, Colla C, Darski C, Paiva LL. Influence of pelvic floor muscle fatigue on stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review. Int Urogynecol J. 2018;29(2):197-204. doi:10.1007/S00192-017-3538-6
(3) Yang J, Cheng JW, Wagner H, et al. The effect of high impact CrossFit exercises on stress urinary incontinence in physically active women. Neurourol Urodyn. 2019;38(2):749-756. doi:10.1002/nau.23912
(4) Navarro Brazález B, Torres Lacomba M, de la Villa P, et al. The evaluation of pelvic floor muscle strength in women with pelvic floor dysfunction: A reliability and correlation study. Neurourol Urodyn. 2018;37(1):269-277. doi:10.1002/NAU.23287