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03-08-2023 | Eating Disorder | Review Article

Mental Health in Ultra-Endurance Runners: A Systematic Review

Authors: Mabliny Thuany, Carel Viljoen, Thayse Natacha Gomes, Beat Knechtle, Volker Scheer

Published in: Sports Medicine | Issue 10/2023

Abstract

Background

Among ultra-endurance runners (UER), the mental, behavioral, and physical demands of training/competition can result in maladaptive outcomes. Mental health issues are common in athletes and can impact psychology, physical health, and performance.

Objective

To synthesize information regarding the incidence/prevalence and factors associated with mental health issues among UER.

Methods

Systematic searches were performed in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Cochrane databases, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Medline Ovid using key terms related to UER (e.g., trail running, road running) and psychological issues (e.g., exercise addiction, depression). Inclusion criteria included original articles published in peer-reviewed journals in English, using qualitative or quantitative approaches. We considered papers reporting incidence/prevalence and associated factors with mental health outcomes in UER of both sexes, all ages, and levels of competition (e.g., elite, nonprofessional runners). The Joanna Briggs Institute Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies critical appraisal tool was used for quality assessment.

Results

A total of 282 studies were identified, and 11 studies were included in the final selection. A total of 3670 UER were included in the studies. The prevalence of mental health issues among UER ranged between 32.0% and 62.5% for eating disorders, from 11.5% to 18.2% for exercise addiction, 18.6% for depressive symptoms, and 24.5% for sleep disturbance. Exercise addiction was not related to weekly volume, but a strong relationship with exercise in an unstructured space, age, and body mass index was shown.

Conclusion

Mental health issues among UER are common, especially eating disorders, exercise addiction, sleep disturbances, and depressive symptoms. Further high-quality studies are needed to examine underlying factors and find preventative strategies to protect UER.

Registration

The protocol of this systematic review was registered at the PROSPERO—CRD42022338743.

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Title: Mental Health in Ultra-Endurance Runners: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mabliny Thuany
Carel Viljoen
Thayse Natacha Gomes
Beat Knechtle
Volker Scheer
Publication date: 03-08-2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Eating Disorder
Eating Disorder
Addiction
Addiction
Published in: Sports Medicine / Issue 10/2023
Print ISSN: 0112-1642
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2035
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01890-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Mental Health in Ultra-Endurance Runners: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Registration

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Registration

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