Exercise-induced bronchospasm prevalence in collegiate cross-country runners

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of exerc ise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) in collegiate cross-country runners using a protocol involving an intense exercise challenge conducted in the same envi ronment in which the athletes train and compete. Methods: One-hundred eight een collegiate cross-country runners from the Los Angeles, California, metr opolitan area participated in the study. All testing took place on a track at the time and location of a normal practice session. The baseline peak ex piratory flow rate (PEER) measurements (best of three) and preexercise hear t rate were recorded, after which the athletes ran 2000 m on a track at 85% of maximum heart rate. The postexercise heart rate was recorded and then P EFR measurements at 2, 5, 10, and 30 min after exercise were recorded. The athletes completed a 16-item questionnaire regarding asthma symptoms and he alth history. Those athletes with a history of asthma and currently taking medications for the asthma were then excluded from statistical analysis of the questionnaire responses. A decrease in PEER of 15% was considered posit ive for EIB. Results: Of the 114 athletes not currently taking medications for asthma, at least 14% (16 athletes) were EIB positive. There was a poor correlation between reported symptoms of asthma and testing positive for EI B. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of EIB in collegia te cross-country runners (at least 14%) and that reported symptoms are a po or predictor of actual EIB.