Introduction: The ultraendurance triathlete: Physiologic and medical considerations

Triathlons (races involving consecutive swimming, bicycling, and running) attract well over 1.5 million participants annually. These races may involve from 30 min to 36 h of continuous exercise, usually in warm or hot environments. Medical and physiologic knowledge that has been accumulated from shorter endurance events, such as the marathon run, may be applicable to the shorter triathlons, but extrapolation of this information to the longer races may be inaccurate, inappropriate, and, in some cases, dangerous. The purpose of this symposium is to offer “state of the art” information concerning physiologic changes observed during different length triathlons and to comment on the medical implications of these changes. Additionally, practical advice is given on how to set up appropriate medical care facilities at triathlon races. © 1989 by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Duke Scholars

Author Pamela Susan Douglas Medicine, Cardiology