Pedlar, CR;
Myrissa, K;
Barry, M;
Khwaja, IG;
Simpkin, AJ;
Newell, J;
Scarrott, C;
... Baggish, AL; + view all
(2021)
Medical encounters at community-based physical activity events (parkrun) in the UK.
British Journal of Sports Medicine
, 55
(24)
pp. 1420-1426.
10.1136/bjsports-2021-104256.
Preview |
Text
Kipps_BJSM Parkrun manuscript_post-acceptance.pdf - Accepted Version Download (609kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Objective: To determine the incidence, clinical correlates and exposure risk of medical encounters during community-based physical activity events in the UK. // Methods: An analysis of medical data from weekly, community-based physical activity events (parkrun) at 702 UK locations over a 6-year period (29 476 294 participations between 2014 and 2019) was conducted in order to define the incidence and clinical correlates of serious life-threatening, non-life-threatening and fatal medical encounters. // Results: 84 serious life-threatening encounters (overall incidence rate=0.26/100 000 participations) occurred including 18 fatalities (0.056/100 000 participations). Statistical modelling revealed that the probabilities of serious life-threatening encounters were exceptionally low, however, male sex, increasing age, slower personal best parkrun time and less prior running engagement/experience (average number of runs per year and number of years as a parkrun participant) were associated with increased probability of serious life-threatening encounters. These were largely accounted for by cardiac arrest (48/84, 57%) and acute coronary syndromes (20/84, 24%). Non-life-threatening medical encounters were mainly attributed to tripping or falling, with a reported incidence of 39.2/100 000 participations. // Conclusions: Serious life-threatening and fatal medical encounters associated with parkrun participation are extremely rare. In the context of a global public health crisis due to inactivity, this finding underscores the safety and corollary public health value of community running/walking events as a strategy to promote physical activity.
Loading...
Loading...Loading...Loading...Archive Staff Only
 |
View Item |
