Dataset Information

Nutritional indicators for gastrointestinal symptoms in female runners: the 'Marikenloop study'.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Among runners the reported prevalence of exercise-induced gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms is high (25%-83%). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of GI symptoms in women during a 5-10 km run in general and to explore the association between nutritional intakes and GI symptoms.

Setting

As part of the Marikenloop-study (a cohort study to identify predictor variables of running injuries), a cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed in interested runners of the '2013 Marikenloop'.

Participants

433 female runners filled in the questionnaire.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was the frequency of running-related GI symptoms during running in general and during the last (training) run. Furthermore, dietary intake was determined before and during this run. Secondary outcome measures were several demographic and anthropometric variables.

Results

During running in general, 40% of the participants suffered from GI symptoms and during their last run, 49%. The GI symptoms side ache, flatulence, urge to defecate and regurgitation and/or belching were most commonly reported. Lower age (OR=0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.00), minor running experience (OR=3.1, 95% CI 1.7 to 5.7), higher body mass index (OR=1.1, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.2), consuming carbohydrate-containing drinks during running (OR=10.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 80.3) and experiencing GI symptoms during running in general OR=5.0, 95% CI 3.2 to 7.8) significantly contributed to GI symptoms during the last run in the logistic regression analysis. In contrast, time of eating and carbohydrate-containing drinks consumed prior to the run were not related to GI symptoms.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the current study confirms the high prevalence of GI symptoms in female runners. Several predictor variables contributed to the GI symptoms but more research is needed to specify the effects of prerunning eating and carbohydrate-containing drinks on GI symptoms during running.

Trial registration number

Marikenloop study 2013: 50-50310-98-156 (ZonMw).

SUBMITTER: ten Haaf DS

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4127936 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundExercise induced gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms can plague athletes, especially runners. Sport nutrition recommendations are nutrient rather than foods focused and do not adequately address strategies to reduce GI symptoms. The objective was to develop a valid and reliable questionnaire to evaluate pre-training and pre-racing voluntary food restrictions/choices, reasons for avoiding foods, and gastrointestinal symptoms in endurance runners.MethodsValidity testing occurred through four Registered Dietitians, three of whom possess Master's degrees, and a dietetic trainee who provided initial feedback. Additionally, one Registered Dietitian is a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD), and another has an International Olympic Committee Diploma in Sports Nutrition. The second version was sent out to nine different experts who rated each question using a Likert scale and provided additional comments. For reliability testing, the questionnaire was administered to 39 participants in a test re-test format. Kappa statistics and the prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) were used to assess the reliability.ResultsAll questions had an average Likert scale rating of 4/5 or greater. All test re-test results falling under basic information exhibited substantial agreement (kappa ≥0.61). All medical questions including food allergies and intolerances had moderate (kappa ≥0.41) or higher agreement. Responses were less consistent for food avoidances while training (5/28 outcomes) versus racing (0/28 outcomes) with a kappa below 0.41. All reasons for avoiding foods were deemed reliable. Regarding symptoms, side stitch while training and gas while racing were the only flagged categories.ConclusionsOverall, the questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to evaluate voluntary dietary restrictions among endurance runners. Future studies can use the questionnaire to assess dietary strategies runners employ to reduce GI distress and optimize performance.

Project description:BackgroundFemale runners are at increased risk of stress fractures (SFs) compared with men. Literature is lacking with regard to best practice for preventing and treating SFs in women. The purpose of the study was to compare physiological measures and running-related factors between women of various ages and running abilities with and without a history of running-related SFs.HypothesisWomen with and without SF histories will differ with regard to medical and menstrual history, bone health, body composition, nutrition, and running history.Study designProspective cohort study.Level of evidenceLevel 2.MethodsA total of 20 female runners with SF histories were matched based on age and running distance with 20 women without SF histories. Data included medical, menstrual, running, injury, and nutritional histories; blood histology related to nutritional, hormonal, and bone-related risk factors; and bone density, fat, and lean tissue using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Paired t tests were used to examine differences between women with and without SF histories, and Spearmen correlations were conducted to examine relationships between physiological factors.ResultsWomen with SF histories had lower hip bone mineral density compared with women without SF histories (P < 0.05). SF history was moderately correlated with menstrual changes during increased training times (r = 0.580; P < 0.0001) but was not correlated with any other physiological factor. There was a moderate correlation within the SF group (r = 0.65; P = 0.004) for bone markers for resorption and formation both increasing, indicating increased bone turnover.ConclusionFemale runners with low hip bone mineral density, menstrual changes during peak training, and elevated bone turnover markers may be at increased risk of SF.Clinical relevanceFemale runners need routine screening for risks associated with SF occurrence. As bone mineral density and bone turnover markers are not routinely assessed in this population, important risk factors may be missed.