Reporting behaviors and activity levels of intercollegiate athletes with an URI.

Some contend that upper respiratory illness (URI) causes more disability among athletes than all other diseases combined. The purpose of this study was to describe the reporting behaviors, activity levels, and perceived physical performance levels of intercollegiate athletes with an URI. Respondents rated the severity of 14 cold symptoms and indicated to whom they reported their cold, and within how many days. Additionally, respondents were to indicate whether they self-treated their illness, whether they missed a practice or game due to the cold, and whether the cold affected their performance. The subjects for this study were 290 intercollegiate athletes (165 males, 125 females) in a large Midwestern conference. The instrument was administered at three regular intervals during the sport seasons. There was a total of 118 illness episodes. Respondents reported their colds to the athletic trainer (50.4%, N = 61), doctor/nurse (33%, N = 41), and/or coach (28.3%, N = 32). Athletes reported their cold symptoms earliest to the coach (2.45 d) or athletic trainer (2.71 d). The number of days prior to reporting to a doctor or nurse was longer (3.64 d). Of the illness episodes reported, 17.8% (N = 21) caused the athlete to miss a practice and 5.1% (N = 6) caused the athlete to miss a game. Athletes with an URI felt in some instances that their illness episode affected their performance. Cold symptoms of cough, fever, laryngitis, aching muscles/joints, and nasal discharge were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with reporting behaviors, activity levels, and/or perceived physical performance. Possible implications for athlete participation and education are offered.

The effect of exercise training on the severity and duration of a viral upper respiratory illness.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether exercise training affects the severity and duration of a rhinovirus-caused upper respiratory illness (URI). METHODS: Subjects who were rhinovirus 16 (RV 16) antibody-free completed a graded exercise test. Thirty-four individuals (ages 18-29 yr) of moderate fitness (32 mL.kg-1.min-1 to 60 mL.kg-1.min-1) were randomly assigned to the exercise group (EX) while 16 additional individuals of similar age and fitness served as a nonexercise (NEX) control group. All EX and NEX subjects were inoculated with RV 16 on 2 consecutive days. EX subjects completed 40 min of supervised exercise every other day at 70% of heart rate (HR) reserve for a 10-d period. Every 12 h, all subjects completed a 13-item symptom severity checklist and a physical activity log. Used facial tissues were collected and weighed (symptom severity measure) during these same reporting periods. RESULTS: A two group by nine measure (2 x 9) repeated measures ANOVA procedure showed no difference in symptom questionnaire mean scores and the mucous weights of the EX and NEX groups for days 2-10 of the experiment. A two measure by five measure (2 x 5) repeated measures ANOVA procedure indicated no differences between the pre- and post-exercise questionnaire means for the five sessions that EX subjects exercised. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that moderate exercise training during a rhinovirus-caused URI under the conditions of this study design do not alter the severity and duration of the illness.

Effect of a rhinovirus-caused upper respiratory illness on pulmonary function test and exercise responses.

Upper respiratory illness (URI) may cause more frequent acute disability among athletes than all other diseases combined. The purposes of this study were to determine the impact of a rhinovirus-caused URI on resting pulmonary function submaximal exercise responses and on maximal exercise functional capacity. Twenty-four men and 21 women (18-29 yr) of varying fitness levels were assigned to the experimental group (URI), and 10 additional individuals served as a control group (CRL). An initial serological screening was performed on all URI group subjects to exclude those with the rhinovirus 16 (HRV16) antibody. All subjects completed both a baseline pulmonary function test and a graded exercise test to volitional fatigue. URI subjects were inoculated with HRV 16 on two consecutive days within 10 d of completing these tests. The day following the second inoculation (peak of illness), post-inoculation pulmonary function and graded exercise tests were performed. A noninfected control group completed these same pulmonary and exercise tests 1 wk apart. ANOVA identified no significant differences (P < 0.05) at minutes 2, 5, and 8 for the physiological responses measured between the pre- and post-exercise tests for both the URI and CRL, groups. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between maximal exercise performance between running trials for either group. There was also no significant interaction between treatment (pre/post URI) and group for any of the pulmonary function measures obtained. In conclusion, physiological responses to pulmonary function testing and submaximal and maximal exercise do not appear to be altered by an URI.

Athletic training continuing education needs assessment: pilot study.

Continuing education for certified athletic trainers is both required and essential. The purpose of this study was to determine the need, including solutions and priorities, for continuing education for athletic trainers in various employment settings. Focus group sessions were conducted during the Spring 1992 District 4 meeting of the National Athletic Trainers Association. Representatives for each of the following employment settings were selected from the preregistration list and invited to participate: high school (7 participated), college/university (8), corporate/industrial (6), professional (3), and clinical (8). Data were compiled from written lists and audio cassette recordings of group discussions. Focus group participants across all employment settings felt that their primary continuing education needs were not being addressed at district meetings. Less traditional topics (eg, ergonomics, budgeting, public relations, and functional capacity evaluations) were identified as the more essential education needs. Focus group opinions varied somewhat regarding specific topics and methods of presentation. Recommendations included a more thematic approach to topics and presentations and ample opportunities for work or discussions in small groups. Results of the focus groups could impact the professional preparation of athletic trainers.

Evaluation of professional preparation in athletic training by employed, entry-level athletic trainers.

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived adequacy of professional preparation in athletic training among employed, entry-level certified athletic trainers. Data were gathered by means of a self-reporting questionnaire designed specifically for the study. There were 277 questionnaires mailed, and 183 entry-level certified athletic trainers (66%) responded to the survey. Demographic and employment characteristics of the respondents were examined. Respondents rated their perceptions of adequacy of professional preparation and growth in several academic and clinical task areas. Entry-level athletic trainers felt more prepared in the areas of prevention of athletic injuries/illnesses, evaluation and recognition of athletic injuries/illnesses, and first aid/emergency care. They felt less prepared in the areas of rehabilitation and reconditioning, organization and administration of athletic training programs, counseling and guidance of athletes, and education of athletes. Many entry-level certified athletic trainers were not strongly impressed with the adequacy of the number of clinical hours required or the areas of clinical experiences encountered during their professional preparation programs. Respondents felt that their mentors/certified athletic trainers could have provided more leadership, guidance, and evaluation. According to this study, professional preparation programs in athletic training are adequately preparing entry-level professionals, but certain task areas need increased emphasis.

Sport, exercise, and the common cold.

Upper respiratory illness may cause more disability among athletes than all other diseases combined. This paper presents the essential epidemiology, risks of infection, and transmission features of upper respiratory illness. Those who provide health care for athletes must understand the subsequent implications of an upper respiratory illness on sport performance and should be familiar with participation and clinical management guidelines for athletes with an upper respiratory illness. The literature suggests that regular, rigorous exercise increases both the incidence and severity of upper respiratory illness, yet the immune system appears to have a distinct level at which moderate exercise promotes optimum health. Although research indicates that upper respiratory illness infections are surprisingly reluctant transmitters, upper respiratory illness transmission may escalate during winter sports seasons. The impact of upper respiratory illness on selected pulmonary, cardiac, and skeletal muscle functions may lead to illness complications in athletes, and sport performance during illness may also decline. Athletes should monitor symptoms, adjust training schedules, and rest during an upper respiratory illness.

Effects of viral upper respiratory illness on running gait.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the kinematic changes that may occur during running with a cold of known etiology and to assess the impact of select accompanying upper respiratory illness symptoms. DESIGN AND SETTING: In this nonrandomized study, subjects with colds and subjects without colds were videotaped while exercising on a treadmill. Three weeks later, the trials were repeated. SUBJECTS: Eighteen young adults (5 females, 13 males; mean age = 20.4+/- 2.4 yr) with naturally acquired moderate to severe (total symptom score) colds were screened and selected for inclusion in the illness group (ILL). A control group (CRL) of 20 subjects (2 females, 18 males) was also examined. Virologic confirmation of specific viral infections, unprecedented in this line of research, revealed that 12 of the 18 subjects in the ILL group (67%) were infected with human rhinoviruses. None of the subjects had a fever. MEASUREMENTS: All subjects exercised on a treadmill for 5 minutes at a heart rate of approximately 85% of their age-predicted maximum. Both groups were videotaped kinematically during two running trials 3 weeks apart. All subjects in the ILL group displayed upper respiratory illness symptoms for the first running trial and were asymptomatic by the second. RESULTS: We identified significant differences in mean changes between the ILL and CRL group stride lengths (p <.01), stride frequencies (p <.05), and ankle maximum angle displacement (p <.01). Mean changes in stride length (p <.03) and in stride frequency (p <.04) were larger for ILL subjects who felt feverish. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in running gait during a rhinovirus-caused upper respiratory illness, and possibly increases in injury incidence, may be associated with feeling feverish. Gait alterations may increase injury incidence or decrease athletic performance, or both.

Literature review: upper respiratory illness and sport and exercise.

Upper respiratory illness (URI) may cause more acute disability among athletes than all other diseases combined. This paper presents the essential epidemiological, infectious, and transmission features of URI. Those who provide health care for athletes must also understand the subsequent implications of URI on sport and exercise participation. While there are reports suggesting that regular, vigorous exercise reduces both the incidence and severity of URI, other research suggests that the immune system may have a distinct level of moderate exercise for optimum health. During winter sports season, URI transmission may escalate. The impact of URI on selected pulmonary, cardiac and skeletal muscle functions may lead to illness complications and protracted courses of URI in athletes. Sport performance during illness may also decline. Athletes should monitor symptoms and training schedules and should rest during a URI.