The frequency and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in rugby players

Journal article

Chantler, Sarah, Wood-Martin, Ruth, Holliday, Adrian, Davison, Glen, Crabtree, Daniel R., Readhead, Clint and Jones, Ben. (2024). The frequency and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in rugby players. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 45(4), pp. 323-331. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2206-4751
AuthorsChantler, Sarah, Wood-Martin, Ruth, Holliday, Adrian, Davison, Glen, Crabtree, Daniel R., Readhead, Clint and Jones, Ben
Abstract

This study aimed to assess the self-reported frequency and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) at rest and around rugby training and match play in male and female rugby union players. An online questionnaire was sent to registered rugby union players (sevens or fifteens). Thirteen GIS were assessed alongside perceptions of appetite around rugby and rest using Likert and visual analog scales. Questions investigating a range of medical and dietary factors were included. Three hundred and twenty-five players (male n=271, female n=54) participated in the study. More frequent GIS (at least one GIS experienced weekly/more often) was reported by players at rest (n=203; 62%) compared to around rugby (n=154; 47%). The overall severity of GIS was low (mild discomfort), but a portion of players (33%) did report symptoms of moderate severity around rugby. Female players reported more frequent and severe symptoms compared to male counterparts (p<0.001). Self-reported appetite was significantly lower after matches compared to training. There were no dietary or medical factors associated with GIS severity scores. This study describes GIS characteristics in male and female rugby union players. Half of the players assessed experienced some form of GIS that may affect nutrition, training, or performance, and should thus be a consideration for practitioners supporting this cohort.

Keywordsrugby; gastrointestinal symptoms; appetite; sports
Year2024
JournalInternational Journal of Sports Medicine
Journal citation45 (4), pp. 323-331
PublisherGeorg Thieme Verlag
ISSN0172-4622
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2206-4751
PubMed ID38272040
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85184506581
Open accessPublished as green open access
Page range323-331
Author's accepted manuscript
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All rights reserved
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Open
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File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online25 Jan 2024
Publication process dates
Accepted31 Oct 2023
Deposited19 May 2025
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© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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