Adventure racing: Roles and protocols for the sports chiropractor

To describe and discuss the health care needs within the sport of adventure racing, specifically relating to the parameters for sports chiropractors serving at such events, and to help further develop these in a scholarly format to assist in overcoming the paucity of such information.

A review of the diminutive literature base available pertaining to adventure racing was used in conjunction with a retrospective analysis of injury statistics from a multi-day adventure race.

Adventure racing is an ultra-endurance, multi-discipline, team sport. Races typically cover great distances, often under brutal conditions and circumstances. Training for and competing in such events frequently causes deleterious health consequences and sports chiropractors are uniquely qualified to provide treatment for most of these problems. Specific preparatory and participatory parameters are discussed to assist the sports chiropractor in his or her health care service role within the sport of adventure racing.

Adventure racing is a new and expanding sport, and so is chiropractic's role of involvement. Few published papers exist in peer-reviewed journals relative to what health care providers can expect at adventure races, and how they can most effectively participate. This paper adds published material to the scientific literature regarding the health care needs and the treatment parameters within the sport of adventure racing.