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Infectious episodes before and after a marathon race.
1Astrand Laboratory, University College of Physical Education and Sports, Stockholm, Sweden. bjorn.ekblom@ihs.se
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|August 10, 2006
Summary
Marathon runners experienced similar rates of self-reported infectious episodes (IE) before and after races. Younger age and pre-existing health issues were linked to post-race infections, not training volume or race time.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The "Open Window Theory" suggests increased susceptibility to infection after exhaustive endurance events.
- Recreational runners' infection patterns around marathons require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of infectious episodes (IE) in marathon runners before and after a race.
- To explore relationships between IE incidence and training status, race performance, and demographic factors.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1694 marathon runners completed questionnaires on IE incidence.
- Data collected covered the 3 weeks pre- and post-marathon.
- Logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with post-race IE.
Main Results:
- Overall pre-race IE incidence was 17% and post-race incidence was 19%, with no significant gender differences.
- Runners with pre-race IE had a significantly higher incidence of post-race IE (33%).
- Younger age, pre-race health status, and nausea (in men) were associated with post-race IE; training volume and finishing time were not.
Conclusions:
- The study does not support the "Open Window Theory" in recreational marathon runners.
- Strenuous exercise too soon after an infection may contribute to increased illness rates in athletes.