Cardiovascular prevention and at-risk behaviours in a large population of amateur rugby players

Abstract

Background and aim We aimed to investigate cardiovascular risk factors and health behaviours prospectively in a large population of French amateur rugby players. Methods An anonymous questionnaire was displayed to rugby players aged over 12 years enrolled in the 2014–2015 French amateur rugby championship from the Burgundy region ( n = 5140). Questions addressed awareness on: (a) cardiovascular prevention; (b) tobacco, alcohol and highly caffeinated beverages consumption; and (c) adherence to prevention guidelines (ECG checks, training in basic life support, avoidance of sports practice during fever/infectious episodes). Results Among the 640 participants who completed the questionnaires, most were male (90%) and were aged under 35 years (80%). Almost half had basic life support training (42%), but only a minority attended an ECG check-up before licensing (37%), and only a few were aware of the cardiovascular prevention information campaign (17%), similarly across the age groups. Surprisingly, playing rugby with fever was commonly reported (44%) and was even more frequent in young women (55%). A high number of respondents were current smokers (35%), of whom most reported consumption less than 2 hours before/after a rugby session. Alcohol drinkers were frequent (69%), of whom most (79%) drank alcohol less than 2 hours before/after a match. Highly caffeinated beverages consumption (34%) was high, particularly in younger players (39%). Half highly caffeinated beverages consumption was in the setting of a rugby session, even greater in women and mainly motivated by performance enhancement (34%). Conclusion Our findings from a representative regional cohort may help to identify targets for cardiovascular prevention through the development of educational programmes aiming to improve the knowledge and behaviour of amateur rugby players.

Prevention of cardiovascular events in amateur athletes begins with a healthy lifestyle at school age

“…11,12 Despite worldwide educational programmes for the prevention of cardiovascular disorders, it seems that these programmes are still to be improved. In their paper entitled 'Cardiovascular prevention and at-risk behaviours in a large population of amateur rugby players', Chague´et al 13 from Dijon University Hospital in France examined cardiovascular safety during rugby practice among 5140 French amateur rugby players. Most of the 640 participants who completed the questionnaire on cardiovascular safety were men (90%) aged <35 years (80%).…”

“…The use of tobacco, alcohol and highly caffeinated beverages was almost equal to that in the French sedentary population. 13 These data increase concerns about whether educational programmes for the prevention of exercise-related cardiac events are sufficient. As Chague´et al 13 state, it is clear that a more intensive programme of information and education of all sports participants is needed to improve their knowledge and awareness of good health to prevent cardiac events.…”

“…13 These data increase concerns about whether educational programmes for the prevention of exercise-related cardiac events are sufficient. As Chague´et al 13 state, it is clear that a more intensive programme of information and education of all sports participants is needed to improve their knowledge and awareness of good health to prevent cardiac events. 13 It should be made clear that good health implies not only regular participation in sports or other forms of exercise, but also the intake of healthy drinks and food.…”

“…As Chague´et al 13 state, it is clear that a more intensive programme of information and education of all sports participants is needed to improve their knowledge and awareness of good health to prevent cardiac events. 13 It should be made clear that good health implies not only regular participation in sports or other forms of exercise, but also the intake of healthy drinks and food. However, the sports cardiology consensus papers do not always report discouragement of the use of substances that may induce cardiac morbidity and mortality.…”

“…It would be interesting to determine the long-term follow-up of cardiovascular events among the French amateur rugby players in the study group of Chague´et al 13…”