RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A comparison of two treatment protocols in the management of exercise-associated postural hypotension: a randomised clinical trial
JF British Journal of Sports Medicine
JO Br J Sports Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine
SP 1113
OP 1118
DO 10.1136/bjsm.2010.071951
VO 45
IS 14
A1 Cameron Anley
A1 Timothy Noakes
A1 Malcolm Collins
A1 Martin P Schwellnus
YR 2011
UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/45/14/1113.abstract
AB Objective To investigate which of two commonly used treatment protocols for exercise-associated postural hypotension (EAPH) resulted in earlier discharge from the medical facility. Methods This randomised clinical field trial was undertaken at two Ironman Triathlon competitions and one ultra-distance footrace. All collapsed athletes admitted to the medical facilities were considered for the trial. Following clinical assessment and special investigations to confirm the diagnosis of EAPH, 28 athletes were randomly assigned to an oral fluid and Trendelenburg position (OT=14) or an intravenous fluid (IV=14) treatment group. Following admission fluid intake was recorded, and all athletes were assessed clinically (blood pressure, heart rate, level of consciousness) every 15 min until discharge criteria were met. The main measure of outcome was the time to discharge (min). Results On admission, subjects in the OT and IV groups were similar with respect to age, systolic blood pressure, heart rate and serum sodium concentration. There were no significant differences in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure between groups and over time until discharge. The fluid intake during the treatment period was significantly greater in the IV group (IV 1045±185 ml, OT 204±149 ml; p<0.001). The average time to discharge for the OT group (58±23 min) was similar to that of the IV group (52.5±18 min; p=0.47). Conclusion Endurance athletes with EAPH can be treated effectively using the Trendelenburg position and oral fluids and the administration of intravenous fluids does not reduce the time to discharge. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that EAPH is a result of venous pooling due to peripheral vasodilatation, rather than dehydration.