OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pressure of the pelvic floor muscles in female 
athletes and the associated signs and symptoms of stress urinary incontinence.
DESIGN: A prospective observational study.
SETTING: An academic institution, primary level of clinical care.
PARTICIPANTS: Forty women between 18 and 30 years of age divided into 4 groups: 
10 volleyball players, 10 handball players, 10 basketball players, and 10 
nonathletes.
METHODS: The measurement of intracavity pressure was performed with use of a 
perineometer. The volunteers were instructed to perform 3 maximum isometric 
contractions of the perineum, held for 4 seconds. Data regarding specific 
training and urinary symptoms were collected through a questionnaire.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of 
variance, with a significance level of 5%. The Spearman correlation was used to 
verify the degree of association between variables related to training, urinary 
symptoms, and perineal pressure.
RESULTS: The average (standard deviation) perineal pressure for nonathletes was 
6.73 ± 1.91 mm Hg. The average perineal pressure for handball players was 5.55 ± 
1.43 mm Hg; for volleyball players, 4.36 ± 1.43 mm Hg; and for basketball 
players, 3.65 ± 1.35 mm Hg. Statistically significant differences were found in 
the perineal pressure of volleyball (P = .009) and basketball players (P = .039) 
compared with nonathletes. The number of games per year, strength training, and 
on-court workout correlated significantly with perineal pressure (Spearman 
correlation coefficient [Rs] of -0.512 for the 3 variables). Urine leakage 
through effort and nocturia correlated moderately with perineal pressure (Rs of 
-0.51 and -0.54, respectively). A strong correlation was found between urinary 
frequency and perineal pressure (Rs of -0.85).
CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of these data suggests that perineal pressure is decreased 
in female athletes compared with nonathlete women. A lower perineal pressure 
correlates with increased symptoms of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor 
dysfunction.