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Gastrointestinal disturbances in marathon runners.
  1. F A Halvorsen,
  2. J Lyng,
  3. T Glomsaker,
  4. S Ritland
  1. Department of Medicine, Buskerud Central Hospital, Drammen, Norway.

    Abstract

    To determine the prevalence of various gastrointestinal disturbances related to long-distance running and its effect on weight, diet and everyday digestive problems, we gave a questionnaire to 279 leisure-time marathon runners, comprising 10% of the participants in a local marathon race. Their answers disclosed a prevalence of dietary changes, weight reduction and altered bowel habits (mainly looser stools and/or more frequent defaecation) of 37, 38 and 48% respectively. A quarter reported earlier long lasting gastrointestinal problems, which improved in 41% of the runners after they started regular training. Thirty-four percent experienced gastrointestinal disturbances during or after running, 20% to such an extent that it seriously affected their performance.

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