Abstract
This study investigated the differences in gastrointestinal (GI) and exercise related complaints between groups of runners competing at different distances using web-based questionnaires. Total (severe) complaints were reported by 89.3% (49.7%) of the runners during the race vs. 70.6% (29.4%) after the race. Significant differences between groups were described for marathon (n = 98) and 60 km (n = 43) runners. During competition, runners reported the urge to urinate (47.7%), muscle cramps (43.6%) and belching (43.6%). The prevalence of bloating, flatulence, side ache and dizziness differed between distances (p < 0.02). There were small to moderate negative correlations between food and fluid intake and GI complaints. After competition (12 h), 70.6% of participants reported complaints, with muscle cramps (47.6%), flatulence (19.0%) and bloating (12.7%) being the most prevalent. Prevalence of belching, nausea, stomach cramps and muscle cramps differed between race distances (p < 0.04). There were small to high positive correlations between complaints during and after competition (p < 0.05). In conclusion, runners of all distances reported a high prevalence of GI and other exercise related complaints. There were some small differences in reporting type and severity of complaints between distances. Results showed small to strong correlations between complaints during and after competition and with nutrient intake, without a clear similar pattern for all distances.
Highlights
Participation in endurance events such as marathons and ultramarathons has been associated with a high incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) complaints [1,2]
Sports 2019, 7, 140 running as a result of gut damage due to mechanical trauma with injury of the intestinal mucosa by splanchnic hypoperfusion leading to intestinal ischemia, there is a lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between GI complaints and gut damage [5]
No difference was recorded in running speed between groups, it should be taken into account that the exercise level of the athletes running 60 or 120 km was higher in comparison to the marathon group, as they generated the same speed over a longer distance
Summary
Participation in endurance events such as marathons and ultramarathons has been associated with a high incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) complaints [1,2]. These complaints include upper GI complaints such as belching, bloating, reflux and nausea, lower GI complaints such as flatulence, side ache and urge to defecate, and other exercise related complaints such as the urge to urinate and muscle cramps [3,4]. While a clear relationship between intestinal damage and GI complaints is not evident, it is estimated that prevalence and severity of GI complaints can be related to distance, fitness level, the excessive intake and amount of food and fluid, exercise intensity, environmental conditions, gender, the history of GI complaints, or a combination of all these factors [6,7].
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