The impact of triathlon training and racing on athletes' general health

Abstract

Although the sport of triathlon provides an opportunity to research the effect of multi-disciplinary exercise on health across the lifespan, much remains to be done. The literature has failed to consistently or adequately report subject age group, sex, ability level, and/or event-distance specialization. The demands of training and racing are relatively unquantified. Multiple definitions and reporting methods for injury and illness have been implemented. In general, risk factors for maladaptation have not been well-described. The data thus far collected indicate that the sport of triathlon is relatively safe for the well-prepared, well-supplied athlete. Most injuries 'causing cessation or reduction of training or seeking of medical aid' are not serious. However, as the extent to which they recur may be high and is undocumented, injury outcome is unclear. The sudden death rate for competition is 1.5 (0.9-2.5) [mostly swim-related] occurrences for every 100,000 participations. The sudden death rate is unknown for training, although stroke risk may be increased, in the long-term, in genetically susceptible athletes. During heavy training and up to 5 days post-competition, host protection against pathogens may also be compromised. The incidence of illness seems low, but its outcome is unclear. More prospective investigation of the immunological, oxidative stress-related and cardiovascular effects of triathlon training and competition is warranted. Training diaries may prove to be a promising method of monitoring negative adaptation and its potential risk factors. More longitudinal, medical-tent-based studies of the aetiology and treatment demands of race-related injury and illness are needed.

Fig. 1

Changes in distribution of training intensity of Olympic-distance triathletes over a two-peak competitive season: (a) swim, (b) bike, (c) run (reproduced from Vleck [12], with permission.) EB endurance base, Pre-comp pre-competition, Comp competition, S swim, B bike, R run, L intensity level (rated as 1–5, with 1 being the lowest intensity)

Fig. 2

Changes in weekly rates of total training stress (arbitrary units) across consecutive macro-cycles of a two-peak competitive season in Olympic-distance triathletes: (a) swim, (b) bike, (c) run (reproduced from Vleck [12], with permission). EB endurance base, T transition, PC pre-competition, C competition, S swim, B bike, R run, L intensity level (rated as 1–5 with 1 being the lowest intensity)