Work

Evaluating Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Female Horse Show Jumpers Using the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) significantly reduces quality of life. During horseback riding, the movement of the horse's back affects the tension of the pelvic floor muscles. This study aimed to compare reported symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction in women with past, current, and no history of horse show jumping. MATERIAL AND METHODS We examined 160 women (age 23.69±3.96 years). The cohort group consisted of 74 women training currently and training in the past, and a control group of 86 women not practicing horseback riding. The study used the original questionnaire and the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire. RESULTS The analysis of the questionnaire results in groups (currently training, past training, control group) concerned bladder function (0.93±0.85 vs 0.88±0.66 vs 0.88±0.67, respectively; p=0.901), bowel function (1.22±0.96 vs 1.38±0.93 vs 1.37±0.77, respectively; p=0.266), pelvic organ prolapse (0.02±0.13 vs 0.00±0.00 vs 0.04±0.19, respectively; p=0.626), sexual activity (1.68±1.69 vs 1.46±1.23 vs 1.80±1.40, respectively; p=0.515), and total score for sexually active women (3.84±2.68 vs 3.82±1.86 vs 4.1±2.09, respectively; p=0.834). There were no statistically significant differences between the study groups in terms of individual PFD functions or overall PFD scores. CONCLUSIONS Pelvic floor dysfunction does not differ between show jumping riders and non-riders, so further research is advisable in this field, considering different equestrian sports and the use of clinical assessment of PFM function. Undoubtedly, the present study contributes to filling the knowledge gap and is important to the development of urogynaecology physiotherapy.

Source: Medical Science Monitor

DOI: 10.12659/msm.946830

Authors: Anna Katarzyna Cygańska, Blanka Giżewska, Kinga Zdunek

Institutions: Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Medical University of Lublin

Language: English

Topic: Pelvic floor disorders treatments

Subfield: Rheumatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4407187435

FWCI: 1.253

Cites:

Cited by: 2

Related to: 10