Skip to main content
Log in

Gastric lesions secondary to long-distance running

  • Original Articles
  • Published:
Digestive Diseases and Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Gastrointestinal disorders have been reported during long- distance running. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of prolonged exercise on the upper digestive tract. Seven subjects were submitted to a standard endoscopic examination of the upper digestive tract before and after long- distance running (range 18– 50 km). Mucosal biopsy specimens were taken during all endoscopies. After running, all runners had histologically pathological features in the stomach. Vascular lesions were present in the chorion in six subjects after running, with the intensity of the lesions ranging from congestion to hemorrhage. Postexercise histological examination also showed a decrease in mucosal secretion. These lesions secondary to prolonged exercise indicate the presence of hemodynamic perturbations in the upper digestive tract.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Sullivan SN: The gastrointestinal symptomes of running. N Engl J Med 304:915–918, 1981

    Google Scholar 

  2. Keefe EB, Lowe DK, Goss JR, Wayne R: Gastrointestinal symptoms of marathon runners. West J Med 141:481–484, 1984

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Brouns F, Saris WHM, Rehrer NJ: Abdominal complaints and gastrointestinal function during long-lasting exercise. Int J Sports Med 8:175–189, 1987

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. McCabe ME, Peura DA, Kadakia SC, Bocek Z, Johnson LF: Gastrointestinal blood loss associated with running a marathon. Dig Dis Sci 31:1229–1232, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Fischer LR, MacMahon LF, Jr, Ryan MJ, Larson D, Brand M: Gastrointestinal bleeding in competitive runners. Dig. Dis Sci 31:1226–1228, 1986

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Stewart JG, Ahlquist DA, McGill DB, Ilstrup DM, Schwartz S, Owen RA: Gastrointestinal bleeding in competitive runners. Ann Intern Med 100:843–845, 1984

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Williamson MR: Anemia in runners and other athletes. Phys Sports Med 9:73–79, 1981

    Google Scholar 

  8. Rowell LB: Human cardiovascular adjustments to exercise and thermal stress. Physiol Rev 75–159, 1974

  9. Fronek K, Fronek A: Combined effect of exercise and digestion on hemodynamics in conscious dog. Am J Physiol 218:555–559, 1970

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Konturek S, Fasler J, Obtulowickz W. Effect of exercise on gastrointestinal secretions. J Appl Physiol 324–328, 1973

  11. Cammack J, Read NW, Cann PA, Greennwood B, Holgate AM: Effect of prolonged exercise on the passage of a solid meal throughout the stomach and small intestine. Gut 23:957–961, 1982

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Keeling WF, Martin BJ: Gastrointestinal transit during mild exercise. J Appl Physiol 63:978–981, 1987

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Fondacaro JD: Intestinal blood flow and motility.In Physiology of the Intestinal Circulation. AP Shepherd, DN Granger (eds). New York, Raven Press, pp, 107–120

  14. Allen A, Garner A: Mucus and bicarbonate secretion in the stomach and their possible role in mucosal protection. Gut 21:249–262, 1980

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Menguy R, Masters YF: Effect of cortisone on mucoprotein secretion by gastric antrum of dogs: Pathogenesis of steroid ulcer. Surgery 54:19–28, 1963

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Gaudin, C., Zerath, E. & Guezennec, C.Y. Gastric lesions secondary to long-distance running. Digest Dis Sci 35, 1239–1243 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01536413

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01536413

Key words

Navigation