Novel Factors Associated With Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Medication Use in Distance Runners: Pre-race Screening Among 76 654 Race Entrants—SAFER Study VI

Abstract

12.2% runners use AAIM before and/or during races, mostly NSAIDs. Factors (independent of sex, age, and race distance) associated with AAIM use were history of injuries, EAMC, and numerous chronic diseases. We suggest a pre-race screening and educational program to reduce AAIM use in endurance athletes to promote safer races.

Effects of Monomeric and Oligomeric Flavanols on Kidney Function, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Runners: A Randomized Double-Blind Pilot Study

“…Despite accumulating evidence on the potential harmful effects of NSAIDs and the absence of studies that convincingly prove significant exercise performance benefits from taking NSAIDs [ 39 , 40 ], many runners still use them, with various motivations. Older age, female gender, competing on a longer distance, history of injuries and exercise-associated muscle pains were associated with a higher probability to take NSAIDs before/during competition by long-distance runners [ 12 ]. With or without the use of NSAID, there is no evidence that practicing a sport can lead to the development of chronic kidney disease [ 35 , 41 ].…”

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs increase urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin in recreational runners

“…In contrast to the findings of previous studies, we demonstrated that ibuprofen or diclofenac were most frequently used by runners. 18,21,23 At the same time, a surprisingly high number of participants in the current study tested positive for paracetamol. Low self-reporting levels of NSAIDs/analgesics used in relation to the running event in our study may be explained by a low perception of risks related to the occasional intake of these medications.…”

“…6,18,24 Interestingly, a recent study involving 76,654 race entrants of the 21.1-and 56-km runs showed that only 12.2% (CI 95%, 12.0-12.5) of the respondents reported the use of NSAIDs/analgesics before/during the running event. 21 Thus, the estimated prevalence of the NSAIDs/analgesics used in relationship with endurance running varies significantly among different studies and requires further investigation. This study showed that urine samples of 32.5% half-marathoners and 15.6% of the 10-km contestants were positive for the presence of NSAIDs/analgesics.…”

“…19,20 Among the half-marathon runners, the intake of NSAIDs/analgesics was reported in 8.3% (CI 95%: 8.1-8.6) of the race entrants. 21 These studies involved recall questionnaires with various recall windows and presence of medication in participant biological fluids was not confirmed. Screening for NSAIDs/analgesics in urine during the competition may provide more accurate information about their use by recreational runners and could help to eliminate possible recall bias related to low recognition of risks associated with those medications.…”

Epidemiology, clinical characteristics and severity of gradual onset injuries in recreational road cyclists: A cross-sectional study in 21,824 cyclists - SAFER XIII

“…The online medical screening tool consisted of a series of questions that were developed to specifically provide clinical information for medical staff in order to improve medical care on race day. The main sections of the medical screening tool were based on the guidelines for cardiovascular evaluation of middle-aged/senior individuals engaging in leisure-time sport activities (Position stand from the European Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation) (Borjesson et al, 2011), and adapted from our previous studies in distance runners (Rotunno et al, 2018;Schwabe et al, 2018). The detailed methodology of the online medical screening tool development and implementation was described in previous studies amongst endurance runners (Rotunno et al, 2018;Schwabe et al, 2018).…”