Masterclass Series- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in CrossFit

2-Day Online Masterclass Series

Duration: 4hour. February 18 & 25, 2026. 8-10pm
Format: Online
Target audience: Physical therapists/Exercise professionals
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of pelvic floor anatomy and physiology (not mandatory, but recommended)
Faculty: Rita Paiva PT, PG, MSc, PhDs

Ana Pinto BSc Sport Science, PT, MSc

Joana Vilas-Boas BSc Sport Science, MSc

Goals:
- Understand the relationship between pelvic floor dysfunction and its impact on CrossFit training;
-Analyze how movements using heavy loads, impact, and apnea influence pelvic health;
-Identify signs and symptoms triggered during training that indicate pelvic floor changes relevant for assessment and intervention;
-Examine the influence of intra-abdominal pressure management, breathing patterns, and bracing strategies on the functional integrity of the pelvic floor;
-Understand the bidirectional relationship between core function, pelvic floor response, and mechanical adaptation in strength and conditioning training contexts.

Program Content

1. Introduction to the Pelvic Floor in Sports:

Review of anatomy, main functions of the pelvic floor, core, and relevant muscle synergies;

Relationship between breathing, stability, and load.

2. Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions commonly linked to CrossFit:

Stress urinary incontinence, prolapses, pelvic pain associated with squats, jumps, and loads, abdominal diastasis, among others.

3. Risk Factors and Movement Patterns

Weightlifting techniques and impact on the pelvic floor (Deadlift, Clean, Snatch, Squat, Box Jumps);

Apneas, contraction timing, excessive bracing;

Influence of load, volume, and fatigue;

Inappropriate progression strategies and their relationship to symptoms.

4. Functional Assessment and Screening

Warning signs during training;

Functional assessment of the core and pelvic floor in the context of performance;

Technical observation and video analysis (in the context of CrossFit)

5. Intervention and Modification Strategies

Immediate care for symptoms

Intra-abdominal pressure management and effective breathing techniques

Regression and safe progression of high-intensity exercises

Practical examples:

Jumps (Box Jumps → Step Ups → controlled jump)

Lifts (reduction of load, pace, range)

Double Unders and repetitive impact

Cueing for technical correction and pelvic protection

6. Building Performance Safely

Overall strengthening and integration of the pelvic floor into functional patterns

How to train athletes with dysfunctions without removing them from the sport

Preparation for competitions and periods of increased load

Communication with coaches and joint planning