Triathlon Participants Research Articles

Benefits of triathlon disciplines in maintaining good health - a review of the literature

Introduction: A triathlon is a multisport event comprising three individual disciplines: swimming, cycling and running. The event is structured around two transition periods, during which competitors change from one mode of transportation to another. The multidisciplinary nature of triathlon places an exceptional physiological burden on athletes, with modifications to haemodynamic, biochemical, cardiorespiratory and metabolic parameters. Participation in triathlon has been linked with a number of benefits, including improved endurance, body toning and enhanced laboratory results. However, this is not an exhaustive list. Based on the evidence currently available, we will attempt to demonstrate that triathlon and its constituent activities represent an optimal approach for enhancing well-being. Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the impact of swimming, cycling and running on specific organ systems, with a particular emphasis on the components of a triathlon. In the course of our research, we have drawn upon the findings of numerous previous studies, as referenced in the bibliography. Every effort has been made to organize and standardize this knowledge.

RESPONSE OF INDICATORS MUSCLE AND KIDNEY DAMAGE TO A HALF-DISTANCE TRIATHLON IN NON-PROFESSIONAL TRIATHLETES

Triathlon is a sport modality that has been on the rise in recent years, and represents a great physical load for the body. Therefore, the first goal of the present study was to investigate physiological response in non-professional half-distance triathlon participants regarding to muscle and kidney damage. Secondly, we evaluated the short-term recovery of this competition. Blood parameters of muscle and kidney damage of seventeen trained and experienced male triathletes were assessed before (pre) and after (post) the competition and 24h (24h REC) and 48 h (48h REC) after the individual finish. After race there were significant increases in the concentrations of creatine kinase and Total Protein (≤0.005) compared with Pre- race. A significant decrease in the total bilirubin (Δ =-24.5%; p<0.05) and Total Protein (Δ =-11.4%; p<0.05) values compared with post-race were shown 24h after race finish. At 48h of recovery, Total Protein decrease significantly compared with post- (Δ =-10.8%; p<0.05) and shown lower values compared with Pre- race (Δ =-5.7%; p<0.05). Significant muscle damage is caused in non-professional triathletes as result of half-distance race competition and 48h of recovery could be not sufficient to the decrease of serum creatine kinase.

On the Road to Redemption: A Case Study of Triathlon Participation and Substance Use Recovery Stories

Although sport participation holds potential to facilitate substance use recovery, the role of sport and links to identity transformation are contentious. Using an instrumental and intrinsic case study, we used narrative inquiry to explore autobiographies as cultural sites of analysis in relation to the role that one sport (i.e., triathlon) plays in substance use recovery. We conducted a social constructionist narrative thematic analysis of four public autobiography sources (e.g., one book and three documentary films) chronicling one man’s 27-year journey of substance use recovery using recreational triathlon. A central narrative threaded the substance use recovery process: redemption narrative. Redemption narrative meaning(s) unfolded in distinct ways depending on identity themes: (a) athlete to triathlete: (re)creating a non-substance-using identity and (b) generative athlete: claiming a sober identity. The redemption stories and shifting identities were connected to recovery capital resources: human (e.g., mental health and life perspective), social (e.g., community belonging), and cultural (e.g., appreciation of new meanings connected with triathlon). This study extends work in sport psychology focusing on athlete autobiographies as research and pedagogical resources to learn more about the role of sport in substance use recovery. We provide reflections on findings, recommendations for practitioners, and future research directions.

Mood profiles of amateur triathletes: Implications for mental health and performance.

Moods have been shown to be predictive of athletic performance and a reflection of mental health status. The aims of our study were (a) to compare pre-race mood scores of triathletes with population norms; (b) to compare pre-race mood scores of triathletes grouped by gender and age bands; (c) to explore whether six distinct mood profile clusters reported in the literature were evident among triathletes and their respective prevalence; (d) to determine if pre-race mood scores predicted triathlon performance; and (e) to interpret our findings in terms of the risk of mental health issues for triathletes. Participants were 592 age-group triathletes (also referred to as recreational or amateur triathletes) who completed the Brunel Mood Scale pre-race and recorded their time goal for the race. Mean mood scores deviated significantly from population norms, with Tension and Vigor scores at the 55th and 54th percentile, respectively, and Depression, Anger, Fatigue, and Confusion scores between the 42nd and 46th percentile. Females reported higher Tension scores than males (p < 0.001), and those in the 18-25 years and 26-35 years age bands reported higher Tension scores than those in the 46-55 years age band (p < 0.008). Using k-means cluster analysis, six distinct mood profiles were identified, the distribution of which approximated the general population, except for a low prevalence of very negative profiles. Mean scores for Depression and Anger were exceptionally low and only 1.5% of triathletes, compared to the normal prevalence of ~5%, reported an "inverse Everest" profile, which is associated with elevated risk of psychopathology. Mood scores did not predict triathlon performance, assessed by finish time as a percentage of time goal. Results showed an association between triathlon participation and psychological well-being. Findings will inform future investigations of mood responses among triathletes and provide a relevant point of reference for applied practitioners who work with triathletes.

철인3종 경기 참가자들의 운동중독이 생활만족 및 정신건강에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to determine how exercise addiction among domestic triathlon participants had effect on life satisfaction and mental health. A total of 266 questionaires were used in this study. SPSS/WIN 25.0 was used as the data analysis method. The statistical methods used in this study were frequency analysis, exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, and verification of differences between individual groups for significant results were performed by the Scheffe

Socio-Psychological Functions of Men and Women Triathlon Participation.

Motivations to run marathons have been recognised by many researchers, but few have paid attention to triathletes. Mass triathlon participation is a new trend, which manifests itself as a human need to invoke strong emotions and seek them in difficult sports, as well as to travel to participate in such events. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to recognise the motivations to participate in triathlons among men and women respondents, and to evaluate the differences between them. The empirical research among triathletes (n = 1141) recognised the motives for participation in mass triathlon sporting events in accordance with four types of orientation: social, experience, factual, and result. Most important conclusions resulting from the conducted research indicate that women significantly more often displayed the will to feel unity and integration, as well as the desire to gain recognition in the eyes of others, as compared to men. For men, the desire to feel equal was significantly more important than for women. Both men and women indicated the desire to maintain good physical condition and health, which turned out to be a significant factor. For men, Group B—specifying the experience orientation, was deemed the most important, while for women the most important group of motives was Group D—specifying the result orientation.

The influence of triathletes’ serious leisure traits on sport constraints, involvement, and participation

ABSTRACT This study aims to confirm a structural model of serious leisure traits, constraints, involvement, and resultant participation with a sample of triathletes in Taiwan. Questionnaires were collected from 371 triathlon participants in the 2015 Ironman 70.3 Taiwan. The findings confirmed the antecedent role of serious leisure traits in the constraint–involvement relationship. In particular, serious leisure traits exerted a positive influence on sport participation through constraints and involvement, and sport constraints and involvement fully mediated between serious leisure traits and sport participation. The results show that triathletes with stronger serious leisure traits participated more frequently in daily training, finished longer distances in the event, and had spent more years as triathletes due to their low perceived constraints and high sport involvement. Based on these findings, several managerial implications for triathlon event organisers and governing bodies are discussed.

Exploring adversity and the potential for growth among Iron[wo]man competitors

The Ironman triathlon is one of the most famous endurance races in the world. Consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run, it requires significant physical and mental fitness training (Atkinson, 2008) as well as substantial investments in equipment, time, and emotional energy. As opposed to more casual leisure pursuits, the Ironman triathlon can be considered a serious leisure pursuit (Stebbins, 1982). Like other serious athletic leisure pursuits, participation in triathlon can facilitate personal growth experiences, especially through overcoming sport-related adversity (e.g., Atkinson, 2008; Connaughton et al., 2010; Galli &amp; Reel, 2012). In fact, researchers have reported self-discovery, empowerment, agency, and mental toughness as potential benefits of sport-related growth through adversity (Atkinson, 2008; Cronan &amp; Scott, 2008; Galli &amp; Vealey, 2008; Granskog, 1992, 2003; Howells &amp; Fletcher, 2015; Howells et al., 2017; Sarkar et al., 2015).

Mass triathlon participation as a human need to set the goals and cross the borders. How to understand the triathlete?

Buchholz and Artinian (2009) defined physical activity and categorized it into three levels: low, moderate, and high. Triathlon as an activity that typically combines swimming, cycling and running in one event, belongs to high level and is considered as a hard discipline, requiring frequent, well-planned training. The three sports are performed consecutively with no breaks. As recreational athletes show a growing interest in long-distance events, and the participation in triathlon is increasing, the aim of this article is to try to understand the popularization of such a difficult sport as triathlon. The research question is what motivates people to participate in triathlon and why people feel this strong need to participate in such exhausting sports competition? It was decided to look for answers to the research questions in the available literature on the problem and in the review of research on participation in triathlon. It turns out that the basis of most of the considerations was the Self Determination Theory. Many authors have referred in their research to the Motivations of Marathoners Scale (MOMS).

Strenuous Exercise Increases the Risk of Oxidative Stress in Ironman Triathlon Participants

Regular physical activity has been linked to greater overall health. Literature review and studies have also defined regular physical activity as a reducer of life-threatening illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. However, long increments of strenuous exercise can produce oxidative stress and muscle fatigue in the human body. The increase in oxygen consumption during strenuous exercise leads to elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cells continuously produce free radicals and reactive oxygen species as part of metabolic processes in the body. These free radicals are neutralized by an antioxidant defense system in the body consisting of enzymes, such as catalase, and non-enzymatic antioxidants. An Ironman Triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.2-mile (42.2 km) run, raced in that order and without a break. It is widely considered by athletes to be one of the most demanding sporting events in the world. It is hypothesized that a physically challenging event such as the Ironman Triathlon can be linked to elevated cortisol levels, increased occurrence of DNA damage, elevated concentrations of ROS, and consequently increased oxidative stress in humans. In order to derive conclusive results regarding the hypothesis, groups containing athletes who completed the full Ironman race, the half Ironman race, and a control group of moderately active individuals were established and individuals were required to report Garmin Smartwatch health and wellness data. The half Ironman consists of a 1.2-mile (1.93 km) swim, a 56-mile (90.12 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 13.1-mile (21.1 km) run, raced in that order and without a break. Several protocols were then applied to derive data necessary to complete the research. After the participants were selected, their saliva was collected in a non-invasive fashion and was used in the Elisa Saliva Kit to determine cortisol concentration. The saliva samples were also utilized to perform DNA and RNA extraction; and the resulting products were analyzed for quantity and quality of the DNA and RNA. Real time PCR allows scientists to monitor PCR while it is occuring. In this technique, luminescence is produced by reporter molecules as the PCR products increase with every cycle. To determine ROS concentration, the ROS-Glo assay, which provides a light signal that is proportional to the ROS in a given sample, was utilized. An additional marker of oxidative stress is 8-oxo-2-deoxyguanosine(8-oxo-dG). The OxiSelect™ Oxidative DNA Damage ELISA uses antibody and antigen interactions to report the concentration of 8-oxo-dG in a sample. Furthermore, the results indicate an increase in enzymatic indicators of elevated ROS, elevated cortisol levels, and disruption of sleep in the participating athletes after the race. In conclusion, the athletes who completed the full Ironman triathlon experienced increased amounts of oxidative stress than their less active counterparts in the control group, as was denoted by the elevated cortisol levels, increased 8-oxo-dG concentrations, and increased ROS concentrations.Such a rigorous event negatively impacted participants and caused oxidative stress. <strong>Faculty Sponsor</strong>: Noelle Cutter

An examination of children’s motives for triathlon participation as a function of age

ABSTRACTThis study examines children’s motives for participation in triathlon as a function of age. Initiatives implemented by a Regional Sport Organization in New Zealand have resulted in increased participation in ‘I Tri’d the Tri’ Series (ITTS) from 300 in 2004–3300 in 2015 (aged 2–12). Participants of the 2015 ITTS were surveyed. Graph theory analysis was applied to the data. We found compelling 2-D and 3-D representations of age- and gender-dependent relationships, indicating a multi-linear relationship between the starting age of the children in the ITTS and their participation. The main participation factors were fun and enjoyment involving friends, competition, challenge and fitness, as well as tangible outcomes such as spot prizes, goodies and medals. The key implication of this study is the importance of age and gender motives, and involving peer, whole family and other sports involvement in engaging children in future participation in sport.

Breast Cancer Survivors Maintain Exercise after Breast Cancer Survivors Maintain Exercise after Team Triathlon Training

Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS) often do not exercise at recommended levels. Estimates are that only 21% exercise at recommended levels 10 years after treatment. Interventional exercise programs examining exercise maintenance have found 49% to 58% maintain exercise at 6 months, and less then 50% of BCS can be expected to maintain exercise levels at 1 year or longer. Our previous studies have shown improvement in physical and psychosocial function with a 14-week training program. The 14- week triathlon training was comprised of two supervised group sessions and three home-based sessions per week. The training program culminated with participation in a sprint distance triathlon (0.25-0.5 mi swim, 12-15 mi bike, 3.1 mi run). PURPOSE: To determine if BCS who participate in a triathlon training program maintain high exercise levels after training. METHODS: Female BCS (n=156) were asked to complete a mailed survey about their leisure time activity 1-6 years after completing a triathlon training program. A Leisure Score Index (LSI) was derived from the Godin Leisure-Time Activity Questionnaire in the survey. Those completing the survey who reported the highest and lowest LSI scores were invited to participate in testing which included weight, BMI, body fat and circumference measurements as well as a 6-minute walk test and the FACIT-fatigue scale. RESULTS: Eighty (75%) reported LSI of 24 or greater. A subset of BCS with high (H) scores (n=6) and low (L) scores (n=5) were tested. No significant group differences (p>.05) were noted in age (H=62.3(5.1), L=56.6(5.7)yrs), time since training (H=3.2(1.7), L=3.2(1.3) yrs), and 6MWT (H=593.2(60.6), L=553.4(29.6) min p>0.1). Group differences were found in hip circumferences (H=96.2(6.9) L=116(11.5) cm, p<.01), waist circumferences (H=79.8(11.2) L=97.5(9.1) cm, p<.05), weight (H= 61.0(9.9) L=86.2(12.9)kg, p<.01), BMI (H=23.2(3.2), L=39.2(13.7) p<.05), body fat % (H=36.7(2.4) L=46.8(5.1), p<.01) and fatigue (H=49.3(2.1), L=34.8 (14.8) p<.05). Data are mean (sd). CONCLUSIONS: Structured training for BCS can lead to higher levels of activity maintenance at 1-6 years after training. Thus, triathlon training could lead to continued exercise, less fatigue, and better health in breast cancer survivors.

Hosting Triathlons on a College Campus: Perceived Health Outcomes and Satisfaction

Multisport, endurance racing, and obstacle racing (e.g., Spartan Run) have gained significant traction recently (Case, Hill, &amp; Dey, 2009; Hill, Ridinger, Shapiro, &amp; G.mez, 2012). In fact, youth participation in triathlon is at an all-time high (USA Triathlon, 2015). On any given weekend, triathlon events are being held in communities throughout the United States. Hundreds of triathlons are held at local, regional, and national levels. The sport of triathlon has grown to the point that international competitions are held worldwide and every 4 years world-class triathletes compete for medals at the Olympic Games. In 2014, women’s triathlon became an NCAA sport, and in December 2015, the $2.6 million USA Triathlon Foundation Women’s Triathlon Emerging Sport Grant became a reality (USA Triathlon, 2018). However, little research exists on smaller, more accessible triathlons held in college-based communities.Subscribe to JOREL

Hierarchical multi-criteria analysis for the selection of a triathlon

Sports activities have an increasingly large impact in different fields: economy, tourism, environment, applied technology, social, culture, etc. This study analyses the most important criteria that triathletes take into account when choosing a triathlon event in Spain. The methodology used was Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which quantifies the weighting of each criterion and sub-criterion in a survey. The survey was drawn up using 14 triathlete experts and was completed by 95 triathlon participants. The results show that the internal aspects associated with the development of the triathlon event, together with the proximity to the athlete's home, the layout and signage of the circuits and value for money, are the most important factors when choosing a triathlon event.

Identifying Motives of Midlife Black Triathlete Women Using Survey Transformation to Guide Qualitative Inquiry.

Demonstrating health disparities related to race, age, and gender, older Black women (BW) are the most sedentary demographic group in the United States. Increasing PA in mid-life is important, as it improves health as BW age into their later years. Advancing our understanding of the exercise motives of BW triathletes presents a "reverse engineering" opportunity to identify motives that could influence sedentary mid-life BW to increase their activity. The purposes of this study were to: (a) utilize an innovative survey transformation method to adapt a measure developed primarily in Caucasian males, i.e., the Motivations of Marathoners Scale for Triathletes (MOMS-T) into a qualitative interview guide for use with BW triathletes; (b) use this interview guide to identify culturally based motives for triathlon participation among BW not previously addressed by the MOMS-T and; (c) interpret the novel motivational domains of the MOMS-T discovered, in order to gain understanding and influence subsequent interventions. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 interview participants from 121 self-identified Black female US residents aged ≥36years with recent experience completing or training for a triathlon. The interviews identified four culturally based themes, including improving body composition to become "more lean", physical attractiveness, triathlete family, and camaraderie. These novel themes were related to existing MOMS-T scales, but the current MOMS-T questions did not illuminate their culturally distinct aspects. The process of survey transformation provides a viable approach to identify important culturally based characteristics and to adapt surveys to cultural minority populations, particularly when study resources are limited.

Death and Cardiac Arrest in U.S. Triathlon Participants, 1985 to 2016: A Case Series.

Reports of race-related triathlon fatalities have raised questions regarding athlete safety. To describe death and cardiac arrest among triathlon participants. Case series. United States. Participants in U.S. triathlon races from 1985 to 2016. Data on deaths and cardiac arrests were assembled from such sources as the U.S. National Registry of Sudden Death in Athletes (which uses news media, Internet searches, LexisNexis archival databases, and news clipping services) and USA Triathlon (USAT) records. Incidence of death or cardiac arrest in USAT-sanctioned races from 2006 to 2016 was calculated. A total of 135 sudden deaths, resuscitated cardiac arrests, and trauma-related deaths were compiled; mean (±SE) age of victims was 46.7±12.4 years, and 85% were male. Most sudden deaths and cardiac arrests occurred in the swim segment (n= 90); the others occurred during bicycling (n= 7), running (n= 15), and postrace recovery (n= 8). Fifteen trauma-related deaths occurred during the bike segment. Incidence of death or cardiac arrest among USAT participants (n= 4776443) was 1.74 per 100000 (2.40 in men and 0.74 in women per 100000; P < 0.001). In men, risk increased substantially with age and was much greater for those aged 60 years and older (18.6 per 100000 participants). Death or cardiac arrest risk was similar for short, intermediate, and long races (1.61 vs. 1.41 vs. 1.92 per 100000 participants). At autopsy, 27 of 61 decedents (44%) had clinically relevant cardiovascular abnormalities, most frequently atherosclerotic coronary disease or cardiomyopathy. Case identification may be incomplete and may underestimate events, particularly in the early study period. In addition, prerace medical history is unknown in most cases. Deaths and cardiac arrests during the triathlon are not rare; most have occurred in middle-aged and older men. Most sudden deaths in triathletes happened during the swim segment, and clinically silent cardiovascular disease was present in an unexpected proportion of decedents. Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation.

Triathlon Medical Coverage: A Guide for Medical Directors.

Interest and participation in triathlon has grown rapidly over the past 20 yr and with this growth, there has been an increase in the number of new events. To maximize the safety of participation, triathlons require medical directors to plan and oversee medical care associated with event participation. Provision of proper medical care requires knowledge of staffing requirements, common triathlon medical conditions, impact of course design, communication skill, and a familiarity of administrative requirements. These guidelines serve as a tool for triathlon medical and race directors to improve race safety for athletes.

Fueling the Triathlete: Evidence-Based Practical Advice for Athletes of All Levels.

Triathletes need to effectively fuel during training and racing to maximize their potential for success. While most research on fueling has focused on elite male triathletes, triathlon participation encompasses a broader demographic of racers ranging from those with aspirations of winning to those whose goals are completion. Carbohydrate is the primary macronutrient for fueling endurance activities. Athletes can usually tolerate 60 to 90 mg·h in the form of multiple different carbohydrate sources. Athletes should drink as thirst dictates and consider sodium replacement of sweat loss especially in individuals with a history of exercise-associated muscle cramps. Caffeine is a known ergogenic aid that could be dosed at 3 mg·kg to maximize benefits of mental alertness while limiting potential side effects. Athletes need to balance fueling with development of exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome. As demographics of race participants change, understanding the special fueling needs of obese triathletes can encourage participation while minimizing bad outcomes.

Do Entry Form Waivers Properly Inform Triathlon Participants of the Dangers of the Sport?

A growing number of triathlete fatalities and serious injuries over the past ten years have raised concerns regarding the safety of participation as well as the event’s responsibility in properly informing the participant of the risks involved in the sport. The purpose of this research was to determine whether participants were properly informed of the risk of competing in triathlon events. Specific research questions include 1) What clauses were included in triathlon waivers? 2) Who is protected from liability? 3) Are risks of participation properly communicated to establish informed consent? Content analysis of the participation waivers of 84 competitive triathlons in the United States was used to identify the various clauses present. The findings show that the majority of the waivers did not use well-crafted waivers that clearly described the myriad of risks posed by triathlon participation. Additional findings and implications relevant to the aforementioned research questions will be discussed.

FATALITIES IN UNITED STATES TRIATHLONS: AN EXPANDED PROFILE

Triathlon, a public competition involving swimming, bicycling and running, is a popular endurance activity. However, several recent high profile deaths have raised concern regarding safety of triathlon competition. We sought to define the mortality rate and risk factors for triathlon participants.