Stress Urinary Incontinence and Parous Runners

In 2024, the Journal of Women’s and Pelvic Health Physical Therapy published an article on stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and parous runners. It specifically looked at functional lower extremity strength along with running mechanics. The study had 22 participants who performed functional strength tests, including a 30-second single-leg sit-to-stand test and a 10-minute treadmill run with a cadence assessment, and also filled out SUI questionnaires. The higher questionnaire scores had a positive correlation between increased ground contact times and slower cadences.

There was no correlation between the 30-second single-limb sit-to-stand test and higher SUI questionnaire scores. However, multiple other studies referenced in this article have shown increased SUI with decreased hip external rotation and abduction strength compared to those without SUI. The 30-second single-limb sit-to-stand test has not been validated as a good measure of hip strength at this time.

In the remote course The Runner and Pelvic Health by Leeann Taptich and Aparna Rajagopal, they will discuss running mechanics, faults of running including ground reaction forces, contact times, and cadence along with functional strength assessments that can be performed for parous female runners with reported SUI. Please join them on December 14, 2024 for this course.

Reference:

Ron NJ, Dolbinski SC, Hodonicky EG, Middlebrook DO, Olmstead SR, Olsen SL, Ron ED. Hollman JH. Associations between running mechanics, functional lower extremity strength, and stress urinary incontinence in parous female runners. Journal of Women’s & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. 2024; 48(3): 147-153.

AUTHOR BIO:
Leeann Taptich DPT, SCS, MTC

Leeann Taptich (she/her) has been a physical therapist since 2006. She graduated with a BS in Kinesiology from Michigan State University and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St Augustine. In 2009, she earned her Manual Therapy from the University is St Augustine and her board certification as a Sports Certified Specialist in 2018.

Leeann leads the Sports Physical Therapy team at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Michigan where she mentors a team of therapists. She also works very closely with the pelvic team at the hospital which gives her a very unique perspective of the athlete. With her combination of credentials and her exposure to pelvic health, she is able to use a very eclectic but complete approach in her treatment of orthopedic and sports patients. With the hospital system, she is involved with the community promoting health and wellness at local running competitions and events.

Leeann is passionate about educating and teaching and has assisted in teaching multiple courses at the local State University PT department. She is co-chair of the continuing education committee at her hospital where she writes and develops courses. Leeann lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband and 2 children. She enjoys hiking, traveling, and watching football.