Preparation and medical follow-up for a single-handed transatlantic rowing race

Carron, M.; Coulange, Mathieu; Dupuy, Christophe; Mastalski, Pierre; Barberon, Bruno; Roullaud, A.; Desplantes, A.; Auffray, Jean-Pierre

doi:10.5603/imh.2017.0002

Cited by 4 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…The choice of the medicines was based on the analysis of the epidemiology of medical events observed during the last offshore races [4,5,6,9]. In the same therapeutic class, an analysis of the recent recommendations of learned societies or health authority organisations has made it possible to choose the most relevant medicine according to evidence-based medicine.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…They are present in all medical kit for the management of heart failure, acute coronary syndrome or a rhythm disorder. In the case of single handed offshore race, epidemiology [5,9] does not show any major cardiovascular events, although they are still possible. The population of offshore skippers is essentially a young population, high-level athletes, prepared and medically followed before their departure.…”

Section: Cardiovascular Drugsmentioning

confidence: 93%

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Medical kit for single-handed offshore yacht races

Fimbault

Gac

Barberon

et al. 2019

International Maritime Health

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Background: The medical kit is the basis of medical support in maritime environment; it is defined by international or national regulations and guidelines. For offshore races, rules and recommendations are proposed by national or international sailing federations. Sailing and racing offshore alone presents specificities that sometimes make it difficult to apply the usual recommendations. The epidemiology of single-handed offshore race is dominated by traumatic risks. Medical events are relatively rare because competitors are high-level athletes, generally young and subject to complete medical assessments. The scarcity of available scientific data makes it necessary to choose appropriate methods for developing recommendations. The purpose of this work is to propose a medical kit adapted and applicable to these situations. Materials and methods: The method used was that of "Professional recommendations by formal consensus of experts" derived from the Rand/UCLA method. After a critical analysis of the literature, a panel of 19 experts having expertise in medicine in maritime environment was gathered from various medical specialties (cardiologist, internist, intensivist and emergency physician, ear-nose-throat physician and general practitioner) and from varied medical activities. They had not declared any direct conflict of interest. Results: A medical kit proposal has been developed. The choice of drugs was based on the analysis of the epidemiology of medical events observed during the last offshore races. The experts' choice was to reduce the quantity of medication and medical devices in order to limit the risk of confusion of medicines and dosages. Drugs with significant side effects or requiring third party monitoring have been removed. Medical devices designed to do an intervention impossible to perform on oneself have also been eliminated. Conclusions: Solo sailing remains a marginal maritime activity with specific risks. The development of single-handed races requires an adaptation of medical support through the development of a specific medical kit and adapted training. The formalised consensus of experts seems to be an appropriate method for developing recommendations in the field of maritime medicine.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Cardiovascular Drugsmentioning

confidence: 93%

Medical kit for single-handed offshore yacht races

Fimbault

Gac

Barberon

et al. 2019

International Maritime Health

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“…Limited research has been carried out regarding the medical issues facing ocean rowers and has often focused on small sample sizes,2–4 or individual case studies 5 6. Studies have also typically examined specific issues or narrow subpopulations within the sport.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Finally, research into the physiological changes associated with the sport in four athletes noted raised levels of proinflammatory and decreased anti-inflammatory markers 2. Only one study has explored the full spectrum of medical issues encountered during a transatlantic race by recording the experiences of 23 individual competitors 3. This research found that dermatological problems affected the majority of rowers, while tendonitis and mental health symptoms, including hallucinations and panic attacks, were also common 3.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Only one study has explored the full spectrum of medical issues encountered during a transatlantic race by recording the experiences of 23 individual competitors 3. This research found that dermatological problems affected the majority of rowers, while tendonitis and mental health symptoms, including hallucinations and panic attacks, were also common 3. As a result of limited research exploring common conditions, there is a lack of codified medical guidance for race doctors and remote management protocols for these ultra-athletes at sea.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Common health issues and advised treatments reported in an ultraendurance ocean rowing race

Galsworthy

Carr

Hearn

2022

BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med

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ObjectivesOcean rowing is an extreme ultraendurance sport where individuals row unsupported across an ocean. This can mean months at sea in unpredictable and inhospitable conditions. The extreme physical and mental demands associated mean medical issues are common yet under researched, impacting the medical assistance provided.MethodsThe Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge provides a framework with safety protocols to create safer environments for athletes to attempt transatlantic crossings. Race logs, which record communication between rowers and safety teams, were anonymised and examined to create cumulative totals of medical issues requiring help and an incident timeline.ResultsDuty officers were notified of 65 medical complaints, 32% (n=21) requiring race doctors. Dermatological conditions were most common, accounting for 32% of complaints (n=21) and affecting 24% of rowers. Pressure sores and infections represented 43% and 38% of dermatological complaints respectively. Musculoskeletal injuries equalled 18% (n=12) of complaints, affecting 20% of rowers. Most cases were reported in weeks one and three, with 37% (n=24) of issues and 90% (n=10) of seasickness cases in week one. Hygiene and antibiotics were frequently advised management options.ConclusionConditions requiring race doctor input represent the most severe cases with the potential to deteriorate. Managing dermatological and musculoskeletal issues is vital throughout the race, while seasickness prophylaxis and education is essential in initial race stages. Infections are cause for concern, with gluteal pressure sores a potential route for secondary infections. Further research is required before evidence-based guidelines for management of health issues in ocean rowers can be introduced.

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Common Health Issues Encountered by Ultraendurance Ocean Rowers

Galsworthy

Carr

Hearn

2022

Wilderness & Environmental Medicine

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Introduction-Ocean rowing is an extreme ultraendurance sport in which athletes push themselves to their mental and physical limits while rowing across an ocean. Limited academic attention has meant health issues facing this population are poorly understood. This report provides a descriptive analysis of the injuries and illnesses encountered by ocean rowers at sea and suggests potential preventative measures.Methods-Retrospective self-reported data were collected from ocean rowers via an online 29-question survey, classified by medical system, and totaled to produce a report of the most frequently encountered symptoms.Results-Seventy-one ocean rowers, accounting for 86 ocean rowing attempts, completed the survey. Dermatologic symptoms formed 52% (n=169) of all reported issues, followed by musculoskeletal injuries (14%; n=45), mental health symptoms (11%; n=36), gastrointestinal symptoms (5%; n=16), and neurologic symptoms (2%). Gluteal pressure sores were the most common dermatologic symptoms (24%; n=40), hallucinations the most common mental health symptoms (69%; n=25), hand and finger issues the most reported musculoskeletal problems (36%; n=16); vomiting (38%) and headaches (50%) were the most common gastrointestinal and neurologic issues, respectively. Seasickness was reported in 42% of expeditions (n=33).Conclusions-This report presents the physiological, mental, and medical challenges facing ocean rowers. Dermatologic and musculoskeletal issues were most common and varied greatly in severity. Over 90% of reported infections occurred as a dermatologic complaint, demonstrating the importance of preventative measures such as hygiene and wound care. Continued work with a larger population is required to further understand the physiological stress and medical complaints associated with transoceanic rowing.

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Preparation and medical follow-up for a single-handed transatlantic rowing race

Cited by 4 publications

References 12 publications

Medical kit for single-handed offshore yacht races

Medical kit for single-handed offshore yacht races

Common health issues and advised treatments reported in an ultraendurance ocean rowing race

Common Health Issues Encountered by Ultraendurance Ocean Rowers

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