Laser treatment for urinary incontinence in elite female athletes analyzed using a discrete mathematics approach

Efficient treatment strategies for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in elite female athletes (EFAs) are crucial for their timely return to sports. This study evaluates the effectiveness and potential drawbacks of non-ablative Er: YAG laser therapy combined with pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in treating SUI among EFAs. We employ a discrete mathematics analytical approach using network graphs to identify key factors influencing treatment outcomes and to address the challenges of small sample sizes and unknown variables in this population. Our results demonstrate significant improvements in urinary incontinence symptoms and increased return rates to elite sports activities in the laser treatment group compared to the PFMT-only group. The discrete mathematics approach effectively visualizes the complex relationships between variables and supports the development of personalized treatment plans. This study highlights the potential of laser therapy as an effective treatment option for SUI in EFAs while emphasizing the importance of tailored treatment strategies.