Asthma Diagnosis, Knowledge and Awareness among Recreational Endurance Athletes

Abstract

Objective: Limited research exists on recreationallevel competitors regarding asthma and/or comorbidity. The present purpose was to conduct a study in conjunction with the 2008 ING Georgia Marathon and Half-Marathon in Atlanta. Methods: The authors conducted an online secure survey in winter 2008 using PsychData, using previously validated questions from other research and national surveys. Data were summarized from participating recreational athletes on sociodemographic attributes; training locations; participant and family member diagnosis of asthma; and participant knowledge and awareness of signs, symptoms, and management. Results: There were 1151 participants (99.4%) who provided informed consent and then answered the survey (more than 10% of initially registered athletes); 7 athletes (0.6%) did not consent. There were complete data for 1138 participants (98%). Most participants were women (56.2%), white (88.2%), and of a relatively higher socioeconomic status than the general population. Most participants (96.2%) were running either a full marathon (29.8%) or half-marathon (66.4%), as opposed to walking or participating as a wheelchair athlete. About 1 in 8 participants (12.1%) reported physiciandiagnosed asthma. Clinically, whereas 84.6% correctly knew that an asthma action plan can prevent hospitalizations due to asthma, only 18% reported that they had such a plan. Moreover, only 24.8% had ever been asked to demonstrate medication use (controller and/or rescue inhaler), and only 2 people performed daily peak flow measurements. Conclusions: In a study of physically active white adults of higher socioeconomic status, 12.1% reported asthma. As such, this study identified the need for potential improvements in asthma management via written asthma action plans and demonstration of peak flow monitoring and medication use.

Winning at all costs: a review of risk-taking behaviour and sporting injury from an occupational safety and health perspective

“… Risk of re-injury scores indicated a significant difference between track and baseball ( p = 0.00), and baseball and swimming (p = 0.00). Shendell et al [ 52 ] 1138 endurance athletes (full marathon, half marathon, and wheelchair athletes) 1138 499 M 639 F Mixed Questionnaire Asthma **** About 12.10% participants reported physician-diagnosed asthma; 84.6% correctly knew an asthma action plan can prevent hospitalizations; 18.0% reported they had an asthma action plan;24.8% had ever been asked to demonstrate medication use (controller and/or rescue inhaler) but only 2 people performed daily peak flow measurements. Short et al [ 53 ] 434 contact sports athletes 434 Hockey, 86 M 76 F Soccer.…”

Evaluation and Characterization of Environmental Risks and Asthma Management Knowledge and Awareness Through Surveys of Coaches, Athlete Parents/Guardians, and Athletes

“…For participating athletes and regarding children of participating parents/guardians, respiratory health and status of physician-diagnosed asthma were assessed based on questions used by Thomas et al 30 For those reporting diagnosed asthma, follow-up questions were used to assess clinical and behavioral aspects of asthma management as well as investigate perceived and known environmental asthma triggers. 3,4,49…”

“…For participating athletes and regarding children of participating parents/guardians, respiratory health and status of physician-diagnosed asthma were assessed based on questions used by Thomas et al 30 For those reporting diagnosed asthma, follow-up questions were used to assess clinical and behavioral aspects of asthma management as well as investigate perceived and known environmental asthma triggers. 3,4,49 Questions about physical activity levels were based on the Global School-Based Student Health Survey Core Questionnaire Physical Activity Module. 50 Perceived environmental exposures (risks) were assessed through checkbox items for identification of environmental concerns during sport involvement.…”

“…1 Athletes may face unique asthma management barriers. [2][3][4] For example, the competitively focused mindset of many athletes may contribute to a culture stigmatizing asthma medication use as a weakness. 2 As the proportion of people with asthma in the United States has significantly increased over the past decade, 5 it is becoming increasingly important to understand how to keep asthmatic athletes safe while participating in sports.…”