Prevalence of The Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms among Female Competitive Ice Hockey Players

Abstract

In countries where ice hockey is a popular sport, more and more women are starting to play it at a competitive level. Physical activity of women practicing sport can have a negative impact on the lower urinary tract. Symptoms of urinary incontinence mainly occur in sports in which jumping and/or running are an integral part. In contrast, the effect of competitive ice hockey on the lower urinary tract in women is unknown. The aim of the present study was therefore to estimate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among female competitive ice hockey players. Forty-nine women competitively playing ice hockey were studied. The control group comprised of 49 women competitively playing other team games (football, handball, volleyball and basketball). Lower urinary tract conditions among the female athletes were assessed using the Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score (CLSS) questionnaire. In the study group of female hockey players, LUTS were less frequent (95% CI: 2.15-3.53 vs. 2.88-43) and less severe (95% CI of CLSS Score: 2.61-4.66 vs. 3.55-5.79) compared to the control group, but these differences were not statistically significant. Of the 10 symptoms of LUTS assessed, only incomplete bladder emptying (p <0.05) and urethral pain (p <0.01) were statistically significantly less frequent among female competitive hockey players. Urgency was the most common symptom in female hockey players (48.98%). Urethral pain was also characterized by a statistically significant lower degree of severity (p <0.01) among female hockey players. Female competitive ice hockey does not lead to a higher prevalence of LUTS and does not result in a higher degree of severity compared to women playing other team games.