Abstract
ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe the prevalence and risk of chronic conditions in former elite cricketers compared to a normal population, and describe wellbeing in former elite cricketers. DesignCross-sectional study. MethodsFormer elite cricketers, recruited from the Professional Cricketers’ Association, completed a self-report cross-sectional questionnaire. The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) served as the normal population. The prevalence of self-reported, GP-diagnosed conditions (heart problems, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, asthma, dementia, osteoarthritis (OA), total hip replacement (THR), total knee replacement (TKR), anxiety, depression) were reported for both population samples. Standardised morbidity ratios (SMRs) compared chronic conditions in sex-, age- and BMI-matched former cricketers (n=113) and normal population (n=4496). ResultsHeart problems were reported by 13.3% of former cricketers, significantly lower than the normal population, SMR 0.55 (0.33–0.91). Former cricketers reported 31.9% hypertension, 1.8% stroke, 6.2% diabetes, 15.0% asthma, and no dementia, none significantly different to the normal population. OA, THR, and TKR were reported by 51.3%, 14.7% and 10.7% of former cricketers, respectively, significantly higher than the normal population, SMRs 3.64 (2.81–4.71), 3.99 (2.21–7.20) and 3.84 (1.92–7.68). Anxiety and depression were reported by 12.4% and 8.8% of former cricketers, respectively, SMRs 3.95 (2.34–6.67) and 2.22 (1.20–4.14). 97% of former cricketers reflected they would undertake their cricket career again, 98% agreed that cricket enriched their lives. ConclusionsHeart problems were significantly lower, while OA, THR, TKR, anxiety, and depression were significantly higher in the former cricketers compared to the normal population (ELSA). Most former cricketers reflected positively on their career.
Highlights
Cricket is a popular sport worldwide at both the recreational and elite levels, with an estimated 1 million players in the UK and 1.3 million players in Australia.[1,2] Physical activity has a wide number of health benefits, so it is important to encourage a sport such as cricket at all levels
The aim of this study is primarily to describe the prevalence and risk of chronic conditions in former elite cricketers compared to a normal population, and to describe the wellbeing of former elite cricketers
Epidemiological questionnaires were developed within the Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis to address these areas in specific sports.[16]
Summary
Cricket is a popular sport worldwide at both the recreational and elite levels, with an estimated 1 million players in the UK and 1.3 million players in Australia.[1,2] Physical activity has a wide number of health benefits, so it is important to encourage a sport such as cricket at all levels. Especially sport and recreational activities, has been shown to have major benefits in primary and secondary prevention of chronic conditions that are leading causes of death and disability, such as chronic heart disease (CHD) and hypertension,[5,6,7] and to be associated with decreased incidence of stroke and diabetes.[8] Research suggests an inverse relationship between regular physical activity in midlife and older age and incidence of dementia in healthy adults.[9,10] Elite athletes would be expected, to benefit from these positive effects of physical activity. OA has been suggested to be more common in certain former elite athletes, such as footballers, perhaps due to injury rates.[4,11,12] Studies of current elite athletes have found comparable rates of mental health conditions as a general population sample, though athletes were not followed up after their transition out of elite sport, when many athletes experience depression and anxiety.[13,14,15]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
