PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Halvorsen, F A
AU  - Lyng, J
AU  - Glomsaker, T
AU  - Ritland, S
TI  - Gastrointestinal disturbances in marathon runners.
AID  - 10.1136/bjsm.24.4.266
DP  - 1990 Dec 01
TA  - British Journal of Sports Medicine
PG  - 266--268
VI  - 24
IP  - 4
4099  - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/24/4/266.short
4100  - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/24/4/266.full
SO  - Br J Sports Med1990 Dec 01; 24
AB  - 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.