Medical Supervision of Mass Sporting Events

Abstract

Physical inactivity is one of the major modifiable risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and universal prescription guidelines for physical activity for all individuals include engaging in >150 min of moderate- to high intensity physical exercise weekly. Participation in mass community-based sporting events including park runs, road races (distances vary from 5 km to ultra-marathons), cycling events, swimming events, and events combining endurance sports e.g. triathlon is increasing, and the profile of participants at these events is also changing, with increasing numbers of older individuals and female participants. There is a known risk of medical complications during moderate- to high intensity exercise, and this risk varies according to the “risk profile” of the individual. These medical complications during exercise can vary from minor to severe life-threatening and also result in death from cardiac arrest and other causes. Medical staff, that are responsible for participant safety at mass community-based sporting events, need to be aware of the risk of medical encounters at events, causes and risk factors associated with medical encounters, and can design and implement strategies to reduce the risk of medical encounters at these events. In this Chapter we review the risk, definition and classification of medical encounters at mass community-based sports events, highlight the exercise benefit-risk paradox, and outline a step-wise plan to reduce the risk of medical encounters at mass community-based sports events. We explore the potential role of pre-event medical screening for mass sporting events and formulate a plan to implement medical care on race day for mass community-based sporting events. Finally, we present guidelines to minimize the potential negative effects of environmental stress, including air quality at mass community-based sporting events.