Overall prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) ranges from 14.7%-45% within the athletic population (Culleon-Quinn 2022). Additional evidence supports the incidence of PFD within this population (Culleon-Quinn 2022, Rebullido et al 2021, Rodríguez-López et al 2020, Nygaard & Shaw 2016). The athletic population is disproportionately in need of pelvic health services – but much like the general population, many athletes are not aware of the signs and symptoms of PFD, so they may not know to seek care (Bosch-Donate et al, 2024, Cardoso et al, 2018).

In a recent publication in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, a group of student and faculty researchers investigated a method of screening collegiate athletes for PFD as a component of the DPT students’ project to promote health in their communities. The intent of the study was to identify the incidence of PFD in collegiate athletes, assess for awareness of PFD, and explore psychosocial factors related to PFD in athletes.

Taking place at the DPT students’ university, student-athletes were recruited from multiple sports teams to participate in a generalized pelvic floor screening in two phases. In the first phase, students completed a demographics section as well as the Cozean Pelvic Dysfunction Screening Tool, a ten-item subjective screening tool. Athletes who scored a “3” or greater on the Cozean Pelvic Dysfunction Screening Tool were then invited to participate in the second phase of screening: a simple, external pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function assessment, performed by the researchers. The researchers chose this score due to the 91% specificity indicating possible PFD in individuals who score 3 or greater on the tool. (Cozean, N 2018)