The benefits of a systematic assessment of respiratory health in illness-susceptible athletes.

Respiratory tract illness is a leading cause of training and in-competition time loss in elite athletes. Asthma is known to be prevalent in athletes, but the coexistence of other respiratory problems in those deemed to be susceptible to respiratory tract illness is unknown. The aim of this study was to apply a comprehensive prospective approach to identify respiratory problems and explore relationships in athletes with heightened respiratory illness susceptibility.UK World Class Performance Programme athletes prospectively completed a systematic review of respiratory health with validated questionnaires and respiratory-focused investigations, including studies of nasal flow, exhaled nitric oxide, spirometry, bronchoprovocation testing and allergy testing.Systematic respiratory health assessment was completed by 122 athletes (55 females, mean±sd age 24±4 years). At least one respiratory health issue, requiring intervention, was identified in 97 (80%) athletes and at least two abnormalities were found in 73 (60%). Sinonasal problems were the most commonly identified problem (49%) and 22% of athletes had a positive indirect bronchoprovocation test. Analysis revealed two respiratory health clusters: 1) asthma, sinus problems and allergy; and 2) laryngeal and breathing pattern dysfunction. Respiratory illness susceptible athletes had 3.6±2.5 episodes in the year prior to assessment and were more likely to have allergy (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.0-6.5), sinonasal problems (2.6, 1.1-6.0) and symptoms of laryngeal (5.4, 1.8-16.8) and breathing pattern dysfunction (3.9, 1.1-14.0) than nonsusceptible athletes (all p<0.05).A systematic approach to respiratory assessment identifies a high prevalence and coexistence of multiple respiratory problems in illness-susceptible athletes.

Eccentric hamstring strength in elite track and field athletes on the British Athletics world class performance program.

OBJECTIVES: This novel study aims to provide unique data on eccentric hamstring strength in elite track and field athletes. DESIGN: Clinical measurement, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Across two British Athletics performance centres. PARTICIPANTS: 44 elite British track and field athletes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Eccentric hamstring force and torque were evaluated using the Nordbord device. Injury history and demographic data was collected to assess whether differences between gender, event group, limb symmetry and previous injury history were present. RESULTS: Average peak force for males and females was 418.38N and 318.54N. Relative to body weight there were no gender differences (Male 5.21N.kg-1, Female 4.99N.kg-1) (p = 0.62). The right limb was significantly stronger in long sprint (400m athletes) (p = 0.00018) (d = 0.56). No differences in relative force or torque were observed between previously injured and non-injured limbs. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides unique data in elite track and field athletes. Relative force per kilogram should be used when comparing male and female athletes. Unlike other studies, we found no difference in eccentric strength between previously injured and non-injured limbs. The novel finding of increased eccentric strength demonstrated in the right limb in 400m sprinters may be due to the asymmetric demands of bend running and may be considered normal.