Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a complaint of involuntary loss of urine during effort or physical exertion, or during sneezing or coughing. Stress urinary incontinence is frequently a symptom during pregnancy and in the postpartum periods. However, it also affects women in sport. There is a paucity of literature in the strength and conditioning and personal training communities related to urinary incontinence in female athletes. Many women will avoid reporting symptoms to physicians, coaches, personal trainers, and athletic trainers, and believe SUI to be a normal part of the athletic and aging process. The purpose of this study was to identify the scope of the problem of SUI in women participating in strength sports, movement patterns that elecit SUI, and the impact on the quality of life in female athletes with SUI. Female athletes, age 18-65 who participate in strength sports of Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, and CrossFit were included in the study.
