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He T, Song T. Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in elite athletes: a narrative review. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2023; 51:549-557. [PMID: 36373406 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2022.2148137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is the most common chronic disease among elite athletes and when left untreated, can impact both respiratory health and sports performance. In recent years, there has been an increase in the awareness and detection of EIB in elite athletes. This narrative review aims to evaluate the risk, prevention, diagnosis, medication, and anti-doping policies of EIB in elite athletes, and to provide more references for athletes with EIB. The results showed that athletes of endurance, winter, and water sports generally have a higher prevalence of EIB than athletes of other sports. Adaptive warm-up before formal exercise and using heat exchange masks at low temperatures are effective ways for athletes to prevent EIB. For physicians, the exercise challenge test and eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea are the recommended diagnostic methods for EIB in athletes. The treatment of athletes with EIB is medication-based, such as inhaled corticosteroids and beta-2 agonists, but current anti-doping policies should be considered when used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchang He
- Department of research, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Tienan Song
- Department of research, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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2
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Jong M, Hanstock HG, Stenfors N, Ainegren M. Elite skiers' experiences of heat- and moisture-exchanging devices and training and competition in the cold: A qualitative survey. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1511. [PMID: 37662540 PMCID: PMC10469044 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Winter endurance athletes have a high prevalence of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and asthma, probably due to repeated and prolonged inhalation of cold and dry air. Heat- and moisture-exchanging devices (HME) warm and humidify inhaled air and prevent EIB. The aim of this study was to share cross-country skiers and biathletes' experiences of training and competition in low temperatures, views on temperature limits, usage of HME, and consequences of cold exposure on their health. Methods Eleven Swedish World Championship or Olympic medalists in cross-country skiing and biathlon were interviewed and transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Participants described how cold temperatures predominantly affected the airways, face, and extremities. During training, extreme cold was managed by choosing warmer clothing, modification of planned sessions, use of HME, delaying training, or changing location. In competition, participants described limited possibility for such choices and would prefer adjustment of existing rules (i.e., more conservative temperature limits), especially since they understood elite skiing in low temperatures to present an occupational hazard to their health. Participants had at times used HMEs during training in cold environments but described mixed motives for their use-that HMEs warm and humidify cold inhaled air but introduce additional resistance to breathing and can cause problems due to mucus and ice build-up. Skiers also perceived that they had become more sensitive to cold during the latter part of their careers. Conclusions The present study gives a unique insight into the "cold" reality of being an elite athlete in skiing and biathlon. Cold exposure results in negative health consequences that are preventable, which means that rules must be followed, and organizers should acknowledge responsibility in protecting athletes from occupational hazards. Development of evidence-based guidelines for protection of athletes' respiratory health should be a focus for future translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Jong
- Department of Health Sciences/Public Health, Swedish Winter Sports Research CentreMid Sweden UniversityÖstersundSweden
| | - Helen G. Hanstock
- Department of Health Sciences/Public Health, Swedish Winter Sports Research CentreMid Sweden UniversityÖstersundSweden
| | - Nikolai Stenfors
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Division of MedicineUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | - Mats Ainegren
- Department of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science Education, SportsTech Research CentreMid Sweden UniversityÖstersundSweden
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3
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Mäki-Heikkilä R, Koskela H, Karjalainen J, Parkkari J, Huhtala H, Valtonen M, Lehtimäki L. Cross-country skiers often experience respiratory symptoms during and after exercise but have a low prevalence of prolonged cough. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2023; 9:e001502. [PMID: 37342789 PMCID: PMC10277524 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2022-001502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cross-country skiers train and compete during the winter for long periods of time in subfreezing conditions, which strains the airways and provokes respiratory symptoms. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of exercise-related symptoms and prolonged cough in competitive cross-country skiers versus the general population and to investigate the association between these symptoms and asthma. Methods A questionnaire was sent to Finnish cross-country skiers (n=1282) and a random sample of the general population (n=1754), with response rates of 26.9% and 19.0%, respectively. Results Both groups were mostly asymptomatic at rest, but symptoms were increased in both groups during and after exercise. Cough was more prevalent after exercise in skiers and phlegm production was more common during and after exercise in skiers. Asthma did not provoke specific symptoms, but symptom prevalence was higher in asthmatic individuals. Skiers had a higher prevalence of cough after exercise (60.6% vs 22.8%, p<0.001) compared with controls, but controls had a higher prevalence of prolonged cough (4.1% vs 9.6%, p=0.004). In participants without asthma, cold air triggered symptoms more often in skiers than controls, while strong odours triggered symptoms more often in asthmatic controls than skiers. Chronic cough lasting more than 8 weeks was rare, reported by 4.8% of controls and 2.0% of skiers. Conclusion Cross-country skiers, especially those with asthma, experience a higher burden of exercise-related respiratory symptoms compared with controls. However, repeated exposure to cold air does not appear to result in long-term hypersensitivity of the cough reflex arc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heikki Koskela
- Unit for Medicine and Clinical Research, Pulmonary Division, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Pohjois-Savo, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland School of Medicine, Kuopio, Pohjois-Savo, Finland
| | - Jussi Karjalainen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Allergy Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
| | - Jari Parkkari
- Tampere Research Center of Sports Medicine, UKK Institute, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Heini Huhtala
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
| | - Maarit Valtonen
- Finnish Institute of High Performance Sport KIHU, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Lauri Lehtimäki
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Allergy Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
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4
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Rasmussen SM, Hansen ESH, Backer V. Asthma in elite athletes - do they have Type 2 or non-Type 2 disease? A new insight on the endotypes among elite athletes. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2022; 3:973004. [PMID: 36340019 PMCID: PMC9633848 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2022.973004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction are highly prevalent in elite athletes compared with the general population. Some athletes have classic asthma with allergic sensitization; however, it seems that a proportion of athletes develop asthma as a result of several years of intensive training. It leads us to believe that asthma in athletes consists of at least two distinct endotypes - classic early-onset, Type 2 mediated asthma, and asthma with later onset caused by exercise which might be classified as non-Type 2 asthma. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current literature on asthma in athletes focusing on inflammation and examine if asthma in athletes could be characterized as either Type 2- or non-Type 2 asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Malte Rasmussen
- Medical Department, Nykøbing Falster Hospital, Nykøbing Falster, Denmark,Centre for Physical Activity Research (CFAS), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark,Correspondence: Søren Malte Rasmussen
| | - Erik Sören Halvard Hansen
- Centre for Physical Activity Research (CFAS), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Vibeke Backer
- Centre for Physical Activity Research (CFAS), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark,Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head / Neck surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Mäki-Heikkilä R, Karjalainen J, Parkkari J, Huhtala H, Valtonen M, Lehtimäki L. High training volume is associated with increased prevalence of non-allergic asthma in competitive cross-country skiers. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2022; 8:e001315. [PMID: 35865073 PMCID: PMC9240872 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2022-001315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cross-country skiers have a high prevalence of asthma, but its phenotypes and association with success in competitions are not known. Objective To investigate, by means of a postal survey, the relative proportions of allergic and non-allergic asthma in competitive cross-country skiers compared with the general population, to study how performance level and training volume are related to asthma and its type and to assess the possible risk factors for allergic and non-allergic asthma in competitive skiers. Methods All Finnish cross-country skiers enrolled in the largest national competitions in winter 2019 (n=1282), and a random sample (n=1754) of the general population of the same age were sent a postal questionnaire. The response rate was 27.4% (n=351) for skiers and 19.5% (n=338) for the controls. International Ski Federation (FIS) ranking points measured the level of success in skiers. Asthma was defined as self-reported, physician-diagnosed asthma. Asthma was considered allergic if associated with doctor-diagnosed allergy, and exposure to allergens provoked asthma symptoms. Results The prevalence of asthma was higher in skiers than in the controls (25.9% vs 9.2%, p<0.001), and it was the highest (56.1%) in the most successful quartile of skiers. Asthma was more often non-allergic in skiers than in the controls (60.1% vs 38.7%, p=0.036). Being a skier came with a higher risk for non-allergic (OR 5.05, 95% CI 2.65 to 9.61) than allergic asthma (OR 1.92, 1.08–3.42). Using multivariable regression analysis, training volume was associated with non-allergic asthma, while age, family history of asthma and allergic rhinitis were associated with allergic asthma. Conclusion The prevalence of asthma is the highest in the most successful cross-country skiers. The asthma in skiers is mostly non-allergic compared with the general population of the same age. The most important risk factor for non-allergic asthma in skiers is high training volume.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jari Parkkari
- Tampere Research Center of Sports Medicine, Tampere, Finland
- University of Jyvaskyla, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Heini Huhtala
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Lauri Lehtimäki
- Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Allergy Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Hull JH, Burns P, Carre J, Haines J, Hepworth C, Holmes S, Jones N, MacKenzie A, Paton JY, Ricketts WM, Howard LS. BTS clinical statement for the assessment and management of respiratory problems in athletic individuals. Thorax 2022; 77:540-551. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2021-217904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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7
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Thompson F, Rongen F, Cowburn I, Till K. The Impacts of Sports Schools on Holistic Athlete Development: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review. Sports Med 2022; 52:1879-1917. [PMID: 35260992 PMCID: PMC9325842 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-022-01664-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background To understand the multiple and wide-ranging impacts of intensified youth sport, the need for a holistic approach to athlete development has recently been advocated. Sports schools are an increasingly popular operationalisation of intensified youth sport, aiming to offer an optimal environment for holistic development by combining sport and education. Yet, no study has systematically explored the impacts associated with sports schools. Objectives The aims of this mixed method systematic review were to (1) determine the characteristics and features of sports schools; (2) identify the methods used to evaluate sports school impacts, and (3) evaluate the positive and negative holistic athlete development impacts associated with sports school programme involvement. Methods Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, eight electronic databases were searched until the final return in February 2021. Forty-six articles satisfied the inclusion criteria, were analysed thematically, and synthesised using a narrative approach. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results Findings indicated (1) sports school student-athletes receive considerable support in terms of academic and athletic services, more intensified training and competition schedules with high-level training partners, but regularly miss school; (2) multiple methods have been used to evaluate student-athlete impacts, making comparison across studies and developing consensus on the impacts of sports schools difficult; and (3) there are a multitude of immediate, short- and long-term positive and negative impacts associated with the academic/vocational, athletic/physical, psychosocial and psychological development of sports school student-athletes. Conclusions This study is the first to systematically review the research literature to understand the impacts associated with sports schools in terms of holistic athlete development. Practitioners should be aware that they can promote (positive) and negate (negative) health impacts through the design of an appropriate learning environment that simultaneously balances multiple training, academic, psychosocial and psychological factors that can be challenging for youth athletes. We recommend that practitioners aim to design and implement monitoring and evaluation tools that assess the holistic development of student-athletes within their sports schools to ensure they are promoting all-round and healthy youth athlete development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ffion Thompson
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK. .,Queen Ethelburga's College, Thorpe Underwood, York, UK. .,Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Room G07, Cavendish Hall, Headingley Campus, Leeds, LS6 3QS, UK.
| | - Fieke Rongen
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Ian Cowburn
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Kevin Till
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, UK
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8
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Overuse of Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (SABAs) in Elite Athletes: Hypotheses to Explain It. Sports (Basel) 2022; 10:sports10030036. [PMID: 35324645 PMCID: PMC8952427 DOI: 10.3390/sports10030036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs) is more common in elite athletes than in the general population, especially in endurance sports. The World Anti-Doping Code places some restrictions on prescribing inhaled β2-agonists. These drugs are used in respiratory diseases (such as asthma) that might reduce athletes’ performances. Recently, studies based on the results of the Olympic Games revealed that athletes with confirmed asthma/airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) outperformed their non-asthmatic rivals. This overuse of SABA by high-level athletes, therefore, raises some questions, and many explanatory hypotheses are proposed. Asthma and EIB have a high prevalence in elite athletes, especially within endurance sports. It appears that many years of intensive endurance training can provoke airway injury, EIB, and asthma in athletes without any past history of respiratory diseases. Some sports lead to a higher risk of asthma than others due to the hyperventilation required over long periods of time and/or the high environmental exposure while performing the sport (for example swimming and the associated chlorine exposure). Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) have a low efficacy in the treatment of asthma and EIB in elite athletes, leading to a much greater use of SABAs. A significant proportion of these high-level athletes suffer from non-allergic asthma, involving the th1-th17 pathway.
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9
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Price OJ, Sewry N, Schwellnus M, Backer V, Reier-Nilsen T, Bougault V, Pedersen L, Chenuel B, Larsson K, Hull JH. Prevalence of lower airway dysfunction in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis by a subgroup of the IOC consensus group on 'acute respiratory illness in the athlete'. Br J Sports Med 2021; 56:213-222. [PMID: 34872908 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-104601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the prevalence of lower airway dysfunction in athletes and highlight risk factors and susceptible groups. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES PubMed, EBSCOhost and Web of Science (1 January 1990 to 31 July 2020). ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Original full-text studies, including male or female athletes/physically active individuals/military personnel (aged 15-65 years) who had a prior asthma diagnosis and/or underwent screening for lower airway dysfunction via self-report (ie, patient recall or questionnaires) or objective testing (ie, direct or indirect bronchial provocation challenge). RESULTS In total, 1284 studies were identified. Of these, 64 studies (n=37 643 athletes) from over 21 countries (81.3% European and North America) were included. The prevalence of lower airway dysfunction was 21.8% (95% CI 18.8% to 25.0%) and has remained stable over the past 30 years. The highest prevalence was observed in elite endurance athletes at 25.1% (95% CI 20.0% to 30.5%) (Q=293, I2=91%), those participating in aquatic (39.9%) (95% CI 23.4% to 57.1%) and winter-based sports (29.5%) (95% CI 22.5% to 36.8%). In studies that employed objective testing, the highest prevalence was observed in studies using direct bronchial provocation (32.8%) (95% CI 19.3% to 47.2%). A high degree of heterogeneity was observed between studies (I2=98%). CONCLUSION Lower airway dysfunction affects approximately one in five athletes, with the highest prevalence observed in those participating in elite endurance, aquatic and winter-based sporting disciplines. Further longitudinal, multicentre studies addressing causality (ie, training status/dose-response relationship) and evaluating preventative strategies to mitigate against the development of lower airway dysfunction remain an important priority for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J Price
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Nicola Sewry
- Sport, Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,IOC Research Centre, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Martin Schwellnus
- Sport, Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,IOC Research Centre, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Vibeke Backer
- Centre for Physical Activity Research, Rigshopitalet, Copenhagen University, Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Valerie Bougault
- Laboratoire Motricité Humaine Expertise Sport Santé, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Lars Pedersen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bruno Chenuel
- Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Centre Universitaire de Médecine du Sport et Activité Physique Adaptée, Service des Explorations de la Fonction Respiratoire, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France.,Medical Physiology, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Kjell Larsson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - James H Hull
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK .,Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London, UK
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Mäki-Heikkilä R, Karjalainen J, Parkkari J, Huhtala H, Valtonen M, Lehtimäki L. Higher prevalence but later age at onset of asthma in cross-country skiers compared with general population. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021; 31:2259-2266. [PMID: 34449953 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cross-country skiing causes strain in the airways because skiers train and compete in cold air. The aim of this survey was to investigate the prevalence and age at onset of asthma, asthma control, and use of asthma medication in Finnish competitive cross-country skiers. All cross-country skiers who were enrolled in the largest national competitions in winter 2019 (n = 1282) were invited to the study via the Finnish Ski Association. A control group (n = 1733) was matched for the responding skiers by age, gender, and region. The response rate was 27.4% (n = 351) for skiers and 19.5% (n = 338) for the controls. The prevalence of asthma was 25.9% in skiers and 9.2% in the controls (p < 0.001). Median (IQR) age at first asthma-related symptoms was higher in skiers than in the controls (13.0 (8.25-16.0) vs. 8.0 (2.25-11.75) years, p < 0.001), and the difference in asthma prevalence was evident only after the start of skiing career. Median (IQR) Asthma Control Test (ACT) score in skiers and controls with asthma was 22.0 (21-24) vs. 22.0 (19-24) (p = 0.611), and 89.0% of skiers and 77.4% of controls had well-controlled asthma (ACT score ≥20). In skiers with asthma, 82.4% used regular inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), and 80.2% used bronchodilators. A fixed combination of ICS +long-acting β2-agonist was regularly used by 47.3% of the skiers and 22.6% of the controls with asthma (p = 0.016). In conclusion, asthma prevalence is about 2.5 times higher, and age at onset of asthma is later in skiers compared with the controls. Asthma in cross-country skiers is mostly well controlled and on regular maintenance treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jussi Karjalainen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Allergy Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jari Parkkari
- Tampere Research Center of Sports Medicine, UKK Institute, Tampere, Finland.,Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Heini Huhtala
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Maarit Valtonen
- KIHU - Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Lauri Lehtimäki
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Allergy Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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11
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IREWALL TOMMIE, BÄCKLUND CATHARINA, NORDANG LEIF, RYDING MARIE, STENFORS NIKOLAI. High Prevalence of Exercise-induced Laryngeal Obstruction in a Cohort of Elite Cross-country Skiers. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2021; 53:1134-1141. [PMID: 33315808 PMCID: PMC8126484 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) is a differential diagnosis for asthma and prevalent in athletes referred for exercise-induced dyspnea. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of EILO in elite cross-country skiers, known for a high prevalence of asthma. METHOD Elite cross-country skiers were invited for screening of EILO. Screening consisted of clinical assessment, questionnaires, skin prick test, spirometry, eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation test, and continuous laryngoscopy during exercise test. Current asthma was defined as physician-diagnosed asthma and use of asthma medication during the last 12 months. EILO was defined as ≥2 points at the supraglottic or glottic level during exercise at maximal effort, using a visual grade score system. RESULT A total of 89 (51% female) cross-country skiers completed the study. EILO was identified in 27% of the skiers, 83% of whom were female. All skiers with EILO had supraglottic EILO, and there was no glottic EILO. Current asthma was present in 34 (38%) of the skiers, 10 (29%) of whom had concomitant EILO. In the skiers with EILO, a higher proportion reported wheeze or shortness of breath after exercise, compared with skiers without EILO. In skiers with EILO and current asthma, compared with skiers with asthma only, a higher proportion reported wheeze or shortness of breath after exercise. Asthma medication usage did not differ between these groups. CONCLUSION EILO is common in elite cross-country skiers, especially females. Asthma and EILO may coexist, and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms is higher in skiers with both. Testing for EILO should be considered in cross-country skiers with respiratory symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- TOMMIE IREWALL
- Division of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, SWEDEN
| | - CATHARINA BÄCKLUND
- Unit of Physiotherapy, Östersund Hospital, Region Jämtland Härjedalen, SWEDEN
| | - LEIF NORDANG
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SWEDEN
| | - MARIE RYDING
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology, Östersund Hospital, Region Jämtland Härjedalen, SWEDEN
| | - NIKOLAI STENFORS
- Division of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, SWEDEN
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12
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A heat and moisture-exchanging mask impairs self-paced maximal running performance in a sub-zero environment. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021; 121:1979-1992. [PMID: 33782715 PMCID: PMC8192396 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-021-04666-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Heat-and-moisture-exchanging devices (HME) are commonly used by endurance athletes during training in sub-zero environments, but their effects on performance are unknown. We investigated the influence of HME usage on running performance at − 15 °C. Methods Twenty-three healthy adults (15 male, 8 female; age 18–53 years; \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\dot{V}{\text O}_{2peak}$$\end{document}V˙O2peak men 56 ± 7, women 50 ± 4 mL·kg−1·min−1) performed two treadmill exercise tests with and without a mask-style HME in a randomised, crossover design. Participants performed a 30-min submaximal warm-up (SUB), followed by a 4-min maximal, self-paced running time-trial (TT). Heart rate (HR), respiratory frequency (fR), and thoracic area skin temperature (Tsk) were monitored using a chest-strap device; muscle oxygenation (SmO2) and deoxyhaemoglobin concentration ([HHb]) were derived from near-infra-red-spectroscopy sensors on m. vastus lateralis; blood lactate was measured 2 min before and after the TT. Results HME usage reduced distance covered in the TT by 1.4%, despite similar perceived exertion, HR, fR, and lactate accumulation. The magnitude of the negative effect of the HME on performance was positively associated with body mass (r2 = 0.22). SmO2 and [HHb] were 3.1% lower and 0.35 arb. unit higher, respectively, during the TT with HME, and Tsk was 0.66 °C higher during the HME TT in men. HR (+ 2.7 beats·min−1) and Tsk (+ 0.34 °C) were higher during SUB with HME. In the male participants, SmO2 was 3.8% lower and [HHb] 0.42 arb. unit higher during SUB with HME. Conclusion Our findings suggest that HME usage impairs maximal running performance and increases the physiological demands of submaximal exercise.
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Stenfors N, Hanstock H, Ainegren M, Lindberg A. Usage of and attitudes toward heat‐ and moisture‐exchanging breathing devices among adolescent skiers. TRANSLATIONAL SPORTS MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/tsm2.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolai Stenfors
- Section of Medicine Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine Umea University Umeå Sweden
| | - Helen Hanstock
- Department of Health Sciences Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre Mid Sweden University Östersund Sweden
| | - Mats Ainegren
- Department of Quality Management and Mechanical Engineering Sports Tech Research Centre Mid Sweden University Östersund Sweden
| | - Anne Lindberg
- Section of Medicine Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine Umea University Umeå Sweden
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Mäki-Heikkilä R, Karjalainen J, Parkkari J, Valtonen M, Lehtimäki L. Asthma in Competitive Cross-Country Skiers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Med 2020; 50:1963-1981. [PMID: 32915429 PMCID: PMC7575483 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-020-01334-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In cross-country skiing, the repetitive ventilation of large amounts of cold and dry air strains the airways. The aim of this systematic review was to establish an overview of the current literature on asthma in cross-country skiers, biathletes and ski-orienteers. METHODS Six databases were searched on August 29, 2019. The search yielded 2161 articles. Thirty articles fulfilled the search criteria and were pooled together for a qualitative synthesis. Eight articles were included in the meta-analysis on the prevalence of asthma and the use of asthma medication. RESULTS According to the meta-analysis, the prevalence of self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma in skiers was 21% (95% CI 14-28%). The onset age of asthma was higher in skiers than in non-skiers with asthma. The prevalence of asthma medication use was on average 23% (CI 95% 19-26%). Several studies reported that asthma was underdiagnosed in skiers, as previously healthy skiers without a prior asthma diagnosis or medication use were frequently found to fulfill diagnostic criteria for asthma according to lung function tests. Studies using bronchial biopsy demonstrated that eosinophilic asthma is not detected in skiers with asthma as often as it is in non-skiers with asthma and that there are signs of airway inflammation even in non-asthmatic skiers. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the accuracy and coverage of diagnosing asthma in skiers has improved over the recent decades. However, the optimal treatment and natural course of asthma in this population remain unclear. Future research should investigate how the intensity of training, airway infections and their treatment affect the development of asthma among skiers. PRD REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42017070940.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jussi Karjalainen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Allergy Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jari Parkkari
- Tampere Research Center of Sports Medicine, UKK Institute, Tampere, Finland
| | - Maarit Valtonen
- KIHU, Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Lauri Lehtimäki
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
- Allergy Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.
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Hanstock HG, Ainegren M, Stenfors N. Exercise in Sub-zero Temperatures and Airway Health: Implications for Athletes With Special Focus on Heat-and-Moisture-Exchanging Breathing Devices. Front Sports Act Living 2020; 2:34. [PMID: 33345026 PMCID: PMC7739679 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2020.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is highly prevalent among winter endurance athletes. This "occupational disease" of cross-country skiers, among others, was acknowledged during the 1990s, with the pathogenesis attributed to repeated and prolonged exposure to cold, dry air combined with high rates of ventilation during exercise. Nevertheless, more than 25 years later, the prevalence of asthma among Scandinavian cross-country skiers is unchanged, and prevention remains a primary concern for sports physicians. Heat-and-moisture-exchanging breathing devices (HMEs) prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in subjects with pre-existing disease and may have potential as a preventative intervention for healthy athletes undertaking training and competition in winter endurance sports. Herein we firstly provide an overview of the influence of temperature and humidity on airway health and the implications for athletes training and competing in sub-zero temperatures. We thereafter describe the properties and effects of HMEs, identify gaps in current understanding, and suggest avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen G Hanstock
- Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Mats Ainegren
- Sports Tech Research Centre, Department of Quality Management and Mechanical Engineering, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Nikolai Stenfors
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Irewall T, Söderström L, Lindberg A, Stenfors N. High incidence rate of asthma among elite endurance athletes: a prospective 4-year survey. J Asthma 2020; 58:735-741. [PMID: 32077348 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2020.1728769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The prevalence of asthma among elite endurance athletes is high, but less is known about the incidence of asthma among athletes. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence rate of physician-diagnosed asthma among elite endurance athletes.Method: An annual postal questionnaire was sent to an open prospective cohort of elite endurance athletes between 2011 and 2015. Athletes from Swedish National teams, students at universities with elite sport partnership, and pupils at Swedish National elite sport schools, competing in cross-country skiing, biathlon, ski orienteering, or orienteering were invited (n = 666). Incidence rate of physician-diagnosed asthma was calculated among those without asthma at baseline (n = 449). Risk factors for incident physician-diagnosed asthma were identified using a multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results: Response rate was 88.7% (n = 591) at baseline. The median age of participants was 17 (range 15-36) years at inclusion. The study population included 407 (69%) skiers and 184 (31%) orienteers. The prevalence of asthma at baseline was 23.9% (n = 141). Incidence rate (95% confidence interval [CI]) of physician-diagnosed asthma was 61.2 (45.7-80.3) per 1,000 person-years. Risk factors (odds ratio [OR (95% CI)]) for incident physician-diagnosed asthma were family history of asthma (1.97 [1.04-3.68]), being a skier (3.01 [1.42-7.21]), and wheezing without having a cold (4.15 [1.81-9.26]).Conclusion: The incidence rate of physician-diagnosed asthma is high among Swedish elite endurance athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommie Irewall
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Unit of Research and Development - Östersund, Umeå University, Sweden
| | - Lars Söderström
- Unit of Research, Development and Education, Region Jämtland Härjedalen, Östersund Hospital, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Anne Lindberg
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Division of Medicine, Umeå University, Sweden
| | - Nikolai Stenfors
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Östersund, Sweden
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Holm S. Natural Talent, Fair Equality of Opportunity, and Therapeutic Use Exemptions. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2018; 18:18-19. [PMID: 29852113 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2018.1459949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Søren Holm
- a University of Manchester and Oslo University
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