Abstract
Objectives
The frequency of bushfires in Australia is increasing and it is expected bushfire
smoke will become a more prevalent phenomenon impacting air quality. The objective
of this position statement is to provide guidance to the sport sector regarding exercise
in air affected by bushfire smoke.
Design
This is position statement from the Australian Institute of Sport, based on a narrative
review of the literature regarding bushfire smoke and its effects on health and exercise
performance.
Methods
A narrative review of scientific publications regarding the effects of bushfire smoke
on health and exercise performance.
Results
Bushfire smoke has negative impacts on health and performance. Athletes exercising
at high intensity over a prolonged duration will increase their exposure to air pollutants.
Athletes with a history of elevated airway responsiveness are likely to be at increased
risk of an adverse response to bushfire smoke exposure.
Conclusions
Athletes, coaches, support staff and sport organisations should monitor air quality
(PM2.5 concentration) and make appropriate adjustments to training duration and intensity.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 11, 2023
Accepted:
January 6,
2023
Received in revised form:
January 3,
2023
Received:
October 27,
2022
Footnotes
☆Endorsed by the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians and Sport Medicine Australia.
Identification
Copyright
© 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Sports Medicine Australia.
