ENGLISH

Abstract

Introduction: CrossFit® is an sport modality that involves high-impact and intense exercise, gymnastic movements and weightlifting, whose practice has achieved great popularity in recent years, despite the high prevalence of urinary or fecal incontinence (UI e FI) associated to this practice. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to understand the impact of CrossFit® on pelvic floor dysfunction compared to other exercise modalities. Material and method: Following PRISMA (Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines, a search was conducted in scientific databases. A total of 7 studies out of the 53 obtained were qualitatively evaluated and selected for the systematic review. Results: Stress UI seemed to be greater in female CrossFit® participants, than in female kickboxing, bootcamp, aerobic exercise and no CrossFit® practitioners, and also in comparison to sedentary women (P<0.05). Running was suggested to produced higher FI than CrossFit® (P<0.001), while no differences were observed in intra-abdominal pressure and pelvic floor contraction capacity through pelvic examination between female CrossFit® participants and women who practice light exercise, nonCrossFit® practitioners and sedentary women (P<0.05). Conclusion: CrossFit® practice appears to favor IU in a greater extent than other exercise modalities but not FI which seem to be more prevalent with running practice, although differences between exercise modalities were not observed through direct examination of pelvic floor contraction. Further studies are needed to clarify these findings, defining more accurately the assessment instruments, influencing factors and control groups.