The purpose of this degree paper is to determine whether physical activity and its frequency amid physical education teachers (P.E. teachers) in their youth and as well as in the present influences the presence of pelvic floor dysfunctions among them. We were interested in the question if factors such as age, number of births and frequency of pelvic floor muscle exercises affect the occurrence of pelvic floor dysfunctions. Additionally, we reviewed if P.E. teachers are aware of the pelvic floor muscles’ role and exercises for their strengthening.
93 sport educators, aged between 25 and 65 years, participated in the research by answering an anonymous survey. Through the analysis of the gathered data, we found out that 31% of P.E. teachers face pelvic floor dysfunctions. We considered affirmative answers to any of the questions regarding the leak of urine, faeces or winds during physical activity or the negative impact of pelvic floor muscles problems on sex life, as the presence of pelvic floor dysfunctions. P.E. teachers, who were swimmers, played volleyball and practiced martial arts in their youth, have now issues with pelvic floor dysfunctions. P.E. teachers with pelvic floor dysfunctions practised recreational sports in their youth once a week more often as P.E. teachers without dysfunctions. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the factors age, number of births and frequency of exercises for pelvic floor muscles did not influence the presence of pelvic floor dysfunctions. Additionally, we also found no connection between the type and the frequency of physical activities, that P.E. teachers practice in their leisure time and pelvic floor dysfunctions. P.E. teachers are aware of the importance of pelvic floor muscles and their proper functioning and know how to assess the appropriateness of pelvic floor muscles exercises. Nevertheless, we believe that their knowledge is partly inadequate, since 33% of the interviewees did not know for whom the pelvic floor muscles exercises are intended. Moreover, many of them wrongly assessed the age in which individuals should start to practice the exercises. P.E. teachers should more often raise awareness among pupils/ practitioners about the importance of pelvic floor muscles and exercises, which can strengthen these muscles. With appropriate preventive measures, problems with pelvic floor muscles at later stages can be prevented.
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