Loading...
The frequency and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in rugby players
Chantler, Sarah Wood-Martin, Ruth Holliday, Adrian Davison, Glen Crabtree, Daniel R. Readhead, Clint Jones, Ben
Chantler, Sarah
Wood-Martin, Ruth
Holliday, Adrian
Davison, Glen
Crabtree, Daniel R.
Readhead, Clint
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.
Keywords
rugby, gastrointestinal symptoms, appetite, sports
Date
2024
Type
Journal article
Journal
International Journal of Sports Medicine
Book
Volume
45
Issue
4
Page Range
323-331
Article Number
ACU Department
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as green open access
License
File Access
Controlled
Open
Open
Notes
© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.