scholarly journals The Role of Environmental Conditions on Marathon Running Performance in Men Competing in Boston Marathon from 1897 to 2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pantelis Nikolaidis ◽  
Stefania Di Gangi ◽  
Hamdi Chtourou ◽  
Christoph Rüst ◽  
Thomas Rosemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Speed ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Marathon Running ◽  
Marathon Runners ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
Generalized Additive Mixed Models ◽  
Additive Mixed Models ◽  
Boston Marathon ◽  
Globe Temperature

This study investigated the effects of weather conditions on male performance during the Boston Marathon from 1897 to 2018. A total of 383,982 observations from 244,642 different finishers were analysed using Generalized Additive Mixed Models. All runners, annual top 100 finishers and annual top ten finishers were considered. Weather conditions, on race day, were: average air temperature (°C), precipitations (mm), wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) (°C), wind speed (km/h), wind direction (N, S, W, E) and pressure (hPa). These effects were examined in multi-variable models with spline smooth terms in function of calendar year. Temperature, when increasing by 1 °C, was related to worsened performance for all groups (i.e., by 00:01:53 h:min:sec for all finishers, p < 0.001). Wind coming from the West, compared to wind coming from other directions, was the most favourable for performance of all groups of finishers. Increasing precipitations worsened performances of top 100 (estimate 00:00:04 h:min:sec, p < 0.001) and top 10 finishers (estimate 00:00:05 h:min:sec, p < 0.001). Wind speed, when increasing by 1 km/h, was related to worsened performance for all finishers (estimate 00:00:19 h:min:sec, p < 0.001), but not for top 100 group, where performances were 00:00:09 h:min:sec faster, p < 0.001. Pressure and WBGT were examined in uni-variable models: overall, performances worsened as pressure and WBGT increased. Our findings contributed to the knowledge about the effect of weather conditions on performance level in male marathon runners.

Measuring wet bulb globe temperatures at point-of-exertion in worldwide UK military settings: a longitudinal observational study determining the accuracy of a portable WBGT monitor

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001551
Author(s):  
Patricia Falconer Hall ◽  
J Blackadder-Coward ◽  
H Pynn
Keyword(s):  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Paired Data ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
User Input ◽  
Globe Temperature ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Uk

IntroductionHeat illness among the UK Armed Forces is usually exertional, and therefore preventable, yet the incidence has not reduced since 2011. JSP 539 explicitly states that wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) should be measured ‘at the location of greatest heat risk’, not ‘that of most convenience’. A handheld WBGT tracker used at point-of-exertion could reduce this incidence if proven to be as accurate as the current in-service device.MethodsLongitudinal observational comparison and equipment feasibility study of the Kestrel 5400 and QUESTemp 34 (QT-34) in worldwide firm base and deployed UK Armed Forces locations. The locations chosen were Kenya, South Sudan, Belize, Tidworth, Aldershot and Brecon. Paired data points of WBGT readings were collected from November 2017 to August 2018 in all weather conditions.ResultsWBGT readings were comparable between the QT-34 and Kestrel 5400 across the UK and overseas. In addition, there was no change in accuracy between readings taken from the Kestrel 5400 when tripod-mounted and handheld. The Kestrel was easy to set up and far less susceptible to resupply or power supply limitations, as it requires no user input for wet bulb temperature, and runs on AA batteries.ConclusionThis equipment feasibility study has shown that the Kestrel 5400 gives an acceptable accuracy and is easier to use than the QT-34. The authors recommend that the Kestrel 5400 is introduced as an adjunct to the QT-34, and its use within the military setting monitored through ongoing comparative data collection in a large-scale proof-of-concept study.

scholarly journals Oxidative stress in marathon runners: interest of antioxidant supplementation

2006 ◽  
Vol 96 (S1) ◽  
pp. S31-S33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mari-Carmen Gomez-Cabrera ◽  
Agustín Martínez ◽  
Gustavo Santangelo ◽  
Federico V. Pallardó ◽  
Juan Sastre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reactive Oxygen Species ◽  
Xanthine Oxidase ◽  
Cell Signalling ◽  
Reactive Oxygen ◽  
Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes ◽  
Signalling Pathways ◽  
Marathon Running ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Marathon Runners

We have recently reported that xanthine oxidase is involved in the generation of free radicals in exhaustive exercise. Allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, prevents it. The aim of the present work was to elucidate the role of exercise-derived reactive oxygen species in the cell signalling pathways involved in the adaptation to exercise in man. We have found that exercise causes an increase in the activity of plasma xanthine oxidase and an activation of NF-κB in peripheral blood lymphocytes after marathon running. This activation is dependent on free radical formation in exercise: treatment with allopurinol completely prevents it. In animal models, we previously showed that NF-κB activation induced by exhaustive physical exercise leads to an increase in the expression of superoxide dismutase, an enzyme involved in antioxidant defence. We report evidence in man that reactive oxygen species act as signals in exercise as decreasing their formation prevents activation of important signalling pathways which can cause useful adaptations in cells.

Resilience and Growth in Marathon Runners in the Aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelsey Timm ◽  
Cindra Kamphoff ◽  
Nick Galli ◽  
Stephen P. Gonzalez
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Finish Line ◽  
Marathon Runners ◽  
Mixed Emotions ◽  
Boston Marathon ◽  
And Coping

The historic Boston Marathon was struck by tragedy in 2013 when two bombs exploded near the finish line during the race. This tragedy provided the opportunity to study resilience in marathon runners, whose experience overcoming minor adversities may help them respond resiliently to trauma (Dyer & Crouch, 1988). The purpose of this study was to employ qualitative methods to examine the role of resilience in helping runners overcome their experience at the 2013 Boston Marathon. The researchers used Galli and Vealey’s (2008) Conceptual Model of Sport Resilience as a guide. Sixteen 2013 Boston Marathon runners were interviewed. Participants reported experiencing a confusing, unpleasant race day, followed by months of mixed emotions and coping strategies, which were mediated by personal resources and ultimately led to positive outcomes including increased motivation, strength, new perspectives, and a greater sense of closeness in the running community.

scholarly journals Variations in Athlete Heat-Loss Potential Between Hot-Dry and Warm-Humid Environments at Equivalent Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature Thresholds

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Vanos ◽  
Andrew Grundstein
Keyword(s):  
Heat Loss ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Evaporative Cooling ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Maximum Heat ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
Stressful Environment ◽  
Weather Stations ◽  
Globe Temperature

Context: Many organizations associated with sports medicine recommend using wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT)-based activity-modification guidelines that are uniform across the country. However, there is no consideration about whether the WBGT thresholds are appropriate for different weather conditions, such as warm-humid (WH) relative to hot-dry (HD), given known differences in physiological responses to these environments.Objective: To identify if regions with drier conditions and greater evaporative cooling potential should consider using WBGT activity-modification thresholds that are different from those with more humid weather.Design: Observational study.Setting: Weather stations across the contiguous United States.Main Outcome Measure(s): A 15-year hourly WBGT dataset from 217 weather stations across the contiguous United States was used to identify particular combinations of globe temperature, wet-bulb temperature, and air temperature that produce WBGTs of 27.9°C, 30.1°C, and 32.3°C. A total of 71 302 observations were clustered into HD and WH environmental conditions. From these clusters, maximum heat-loss potential and heat-flux values were modeled at equivalent WBGT thresholds with various activity levels, clothing, and equipment configurations.Results: We identified strong geographic patterns, with HD conditions predominant in the western half and WH conditions predominant in the eastern half of the country. Heat loss was systematically greater in HD than in WH conditions, indicating an overall less stressful environment even at equivalent WBGT values. At a WBGT of 32.3°C, this difference was 11 W∙m−2 at an activity velocity of 0.3 m∙s−1, which doubled for an activity velocity of 0.7 m∙s−1. The HD and WH difference increased with WBGT value, demonstrating that evaporative cooling differences between HD and WH conditions were even greater at a higher, rather than lower, WBGT.Conclusions: The potential heat loss was consistently greater in HD than WH environments despite equal WBGTs. These findings support the need for further clinical studies to determine the appropriate WBGT thresholds based on environment and physiological limits to maximize safety, yet also avoid unnecessary limitations.

scholarly journals The Role of Volume Regulation and Thermoregulation in AKI during Marathon Running

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 1297-1305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherry G. Mansour ◽  
Thomas G. Martin ◽  
Wassim Obeid ◽  
Rachel W. Pata ◽  
Karen M. Myrick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Temperature ◽  
Core Body Temperature ◽  
Marathon Running ◽  
Marathon Runners ◽  
Volume Balance ◽  
Blood And Urine Samples ◽  
Core Body ◽  
Urine Microscopy ◽  
Sweat Sodium

Background and objectivesMarathon runners develop transient AKI with urine sediments and injury biomarkers suggesting nephron damage.Design, setting, participants, & measurementsTo investigate the etiology, we examined volume and thermoregulatory responses as possible mechanisms in runners’ AKI using a prospective cohort of runners in the 2017 Hartford Marathon. Vitals, blood, and urine samples were collected in 23 runners 1 day premarathon and immediately and 1 day postmarathon. We measured copeptin at each time point. Continuous core body temperature, sweat sodium, and volume were assessed during the race. The primary outcome of interest was AKI, defined by AKIN criteria.ResultsRunners ranged from 22 to 63 years old; 43% were men. Runners lost a median (range) of 2.34 (0.50–7.21) g of sodium and 2.47 (0.36–6.81) L of volume via sweat. After accounting for intake, they had a net negative sodium and volume balance at the end of the race. The majority of runners had increases in core body temperature to 38.4 (35.8–41)°C during the race from their baseline. Fifty-five percent of runners developed AKI, yet 74% had positive urine microscopy for acute tubular injury. Runners with more running experience and increased participation in prior marathons developed a rise in creatinine as compared with those with lesser experience. Sweat sodium losses were higher in runners with AKI versus non-AKI (median, 3.41 [interquartile range (IQR), 1.7–4.8] versus median, 1.4 [IQR, 0.97–2.8] g; P=0.06, respectively). Sweat volume losses were higher in runners with AKI versus non-AKI (median, 3.89 [IQR, 1.49–5.09] versus median, 1.66 [IQR, 0.72–2.84] L; P=0.03, respectively). Copeptin was significantly higher in runners with AKI versus those without (median, 79.9 [IQR, 25.2–104.4] versus median, 11.3 [IQR, 6.6–43.7]; P=0.02, respectively). Estimated temperature was not significantly different.ConclusionsAll runners experienced a substantial rise in copeptin and body temperature along with salt and water loss due to sweating. Sodium and volume loss via sweat as well as plasma copeptin concentrations were associated with AKI in runners.PodcastThis article contains a podcast at https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2019_08_13_CJASNPodcast_19_09_.mp3

scholarly journals The role of weather conditions on running performance in the Boston Marathon from 1972 to 2018

PLoS ONE ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. e0212797 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beat Knechtle ◽  
Stefania Di Gangi ◽  
Christoph Alexander Rüst ◽  
Elias Villiger ◽  
Thomas Rosemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Running Performance ◽  
Boston Marathon

Association of Wind Speed and the Occurrence of Sickle Cell Acute Painful Episodes: Results of a Case-Crossover Study.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 3402-3402
Author(s):  
Vikki G. Nolan ◽  
Yuqing Zhang ◽  
Timothy Lash ◽  
Paola Sebastiani ◽  
Martin H. Steinberg
Keyword(s):  
Wind Speed ◽  
Crossover Study ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Induction Time ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
Case Crossover ◽  
Measure Of Association ◽  
Local Weather

Abstract The role of weather as a possible trigger of sickle cell acute painful episodes has been debated for over 30 years. Early studies based on anecdotal evidence, such as patients reporting pain during the colder parts of the day or when swimming in the cold ocean on a particularly hot day, argued for an association between weather and the occurrence of pain. Recently published studies have shown an association with cold and rainy seasons and with windy weather and low humidity. Other studies however, have found no associations. A limitation of these studies is that they are based on seasonal trend data, mean monthly temperatures, hospital-wide visit rates, but not data at the individual level. To more accurately describe the role of weather as a trigger of painful events, we conducted a case-crossover study of the association of local weather conditions with the occurrence of individual pain crises. From the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease, 813 patients with 3,580 acute painful episodes were identified. For each pain episode, the hazard period was defined as the 48 hours preceding the onset of pain, and control periods were two periods of 48 hours, two weeks before, and two weeks after the pain crisis. Local weather data including temperature, wind speed and relative humidity, were downloaded from weather-source.com for each of the 23 participating centers for the years 1979 through 1982. Weather data were merged with clinical data and the association between the occurrence of pain crises and local weather conditions were studied using conditional logistic regression. We found an association between wind speed and the onset of pain, specifically wind speed during the 24 hour period preceding the onset of pain. Continuous measures of wind speed, mean and median wind speed during the 24 first hours of the hazard/control windows, showed significant associations with the occurrence of pain (p = 0.03 and p = 0.009, respectively). Analyzing wind speed as a categorical trait, dichotomized at the median (10 mph) for the same 24 hour period, showed a 14% increase (95% CI: 4% – 12%) in odds of pain, when comparing the high wind speed to lower wind speed (p = 0.005). To determine the most likely induction time, average wind speeds were determined for 4 hour intervals and their association with the onset of pain analyzed. Assuming a non-specific induction time will bias the measure of association toward the null, the interval with the highest OR should contain the most relevant induction time. We found that the interval from 13 hours to 16 hours prior to onset of pain has the largest measure of association [OR =1.01 (1.00 – 1.02), p = 0.026]. These results are in agreement with another study that found an association between wind speed and hospital visits for pain in the United Kingdom (Jones et. al, BJH 2005). These findings lend support to recent physiological and clinical studies that have suggested that skin cooling is associated with sickle vasoocclusion (Mohan et al. Clin Sci, 1998), and perhaps pain (Resar et al., J Pediatr 1991). Though pain is a common complication, and likely to have many potential triggers, physicians may wish to advise patients to take precautions on windy days by limiting skin exposure.

scholarly journals The Heat Strain of Various Athletic Surfaces: A Comparison Between Observed and Modeled Wet-Bulb Globe Temperatures

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (11) ◽  
pp. 1056-1064 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Luke Pryor ◽  
Riana R. Pryor ◽  
Andrew Grundstein ◽  
Douglas J. Casa
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
Measurement Variability ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
Athletic Fields ◽  
The Difference ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association ◽  
Globe Temperature ◽  
Starting Location

Context:  The National Athletic Trainers' Association recommends using onsite wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) measurement to determine whether to modify or cancel physical activity. However, not all practitioners do so and instead they may rely on the National Weather Service (NWS) to monitor weather conditions. Objective:  To compare regional NWS WBGT estimates with local athletic-surface readings and compare WBGT measurements among various local athletic surfaces. Design:  Observational study. Setting:  Athletic fields. Main Outcome Measure(s):  Measurements from 2 identical WBGT devices were averaged on 10 athletic surfaces within an NWS station reporting radius. Athletic surfaces consisted of red and black all-weather tracks (track), blue and black hard tennis courts (tennis), nylon-knit artificial green turf, green synthetic turfgrass, volleyball sand, softball clay, natural grass (grass), and a natural lake (water). Measurements (n = 143 data pairs) were taken over 18 days (May through September) between 1 pm and 4:30 pm in direct sunlight 1.2 m above ground. The starting location was counterbalanced across surfaces. The NWS weather data were entered into an algorithm to model NWS WBGT. Results:  Black tennis, black track, red track, and volleyball sand WBGT recordings were greater than NWS estimates (P ≤ .05). When all athletic-surface measurements were combined, NWS (26.85°C ± 2.93°C) underestimated athletic-surface WBGT measurements (27.52°C ± 3.13°C; P &lt; .001). The range of difference scores (−4.42°C to 6.14°C) and the absolute mean difference (1.71°C ± 1.32°C) were large. The difference between the onsite and NWS WBGT measurements resulted in misclassification of the heat-safety activity category 45% (65/143) of the time (= 3.857, P = .05). The WBGT of water was 1.4°C to 2.7°C lower than that of all other athletic surfaces (P = .04). We observed no other differences among athletic surfaces but noted large WBGT measurement variability among athletic playing surfaces. Conclusions:  Clinicians should use an onsite WBGT device to determine environmental conditions and the need for modification of athletic events, especially as environmental conditions worsen. Given the large WBGT variability among athletic surfaces, WBGT measurements should be obtained from each athletic surface.

EFFECTS OF INONIZING RADIATION CAUSED HEAT STRESS ON THE HUMAN BODY FOR STANDARD ISO 7243

2013 ◽  
pp. 47-57
Author(s):  
Van Trong Le ◽  
Thi Tuyet Mai Nguyen ◽  
Thi Xuan Duyen Nguyen ◽  
Ba Luan Nguyen ◽  
Tuyen Pham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Risk Assessments ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Temperature Index ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
Simple Index ◽  
Simple Tool ◽  
Results Management ◽  
Globe Temperature ◽  
Hot Environments

Objectives: Presents heat stress Standard ISO 7243, which is based upon the wet bulb globe temperature index (WBGT), and considers its suitability for use worldwide. Materials and Methods: The WBGT index are considered and how it is used in ISO 7243 and across the world as a simple index for monitoring and assessing hot environments. Results: Management systems, involving risk assessments, that take account of context and culture, are required to ensure successful use of the standard and global applicability. For use outdoors, a WBGT equation that includes solar absorptivity is recommended. A ‘clothed WBGT’ is proposed to account for the effects of clothing. Conclusion: ISO 7243 is a simple tool to assess the heat stress and may be applicated worldwide.

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