Effects of low- vs high-volume swimming training on pelvic floor muscle activity in women

Abstract

This study examined the effects of different training loads on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activity in swimming. Twelve female swimmers were included in this study (23.71±1.44 y.o.; 167±5.89 cm; 62.05±8.89 kg). They took part in an experiment with two different stages of load in swimming training. For the pelvic floor muscle assessment the Glazer Protocol was used. To assess swimming technique, David Pyne’s Stroke Mechanics Test was used. A statistically significant increase in surface electromyography (sEMG) values appeared in the fifth R (rest after contraction) in the quick flick stage of the measurement protocol of PFM at the third measurement time (7.71±4.49 µV) compared to the first measurement time (6.25±4.43 µV) with p≤0.05. Increasing the training load may cause unwanted changes in the level of electrical activity of pelvic floor muscles.