More proof that fresh air can improve performance
Air pollution, a worthy opponent? How pollution levels affect athletes’ physical, technical and cognitive performance.
Beavan A, Härtel S, Spielmann J, Koehle M. Sci Total Environ. Jul 27, 2023;900:165707. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165707. E-publishing prior to printing.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969723043309
Take home message
High levels of nitrogen dioxide and coarse particulate matter in the air were associated with poorer athletic performance, technical skills and cognitive functioning.
Background
Air pollution harms athletic performance. Given that 99% of the world’s population is exposed to air that exceeds recommended pollution limits, we need to better understand how air pollution affects overall performance, including technical skills, physiological functioning and cognitive skills.
Study aim
The researchers investigated whether air pollution concentrations on the day of the performance tests were related to the physical, technical and cognitive performance of top football players.
Methods
The researchers collected data from 799 male and female elite football teams in Germany (U12 to professional). Players completed a series of tests to assess their physical (sprint test, change of direction, jumping and aerobic capacity), technical (the Footbonaut assessment tool) and cognitive performance (cognitive flexibility, assessment of response inhibition and working memory). The researchers then compared this data to the average daily concentrations of air pollutants from the area where the assessments took place. The air pollutants included natural particulate matter (PM10), ozone and nitrogen dioxide.
Results
Higher particulate matter concentrations were associated with lower sprint speed and change of direction tests. Particulate matter also negatively impacted technical performance as measured by the Footbonaut assessment, particularly impacting accuracy. Higher nitrogen dioxide concentrations are associated with poorer cognitive function and aerobic capacity.
Viewpoints
Overall, this study provided further evidence that air pollutants reduced performance while adding a new dimension to the literature: cognitive impact. These results also build on a previous study by these researchers which found that greater exposure to these air pollutants during training sessions or games was associated with reduced performance (for example, less total distance and higher perceived exertion) and led to poorer well-being the next morning . Although generalizability remains a challenge in conducting this research, it is clear that high levels of pollutants, particularly nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and coarse particulate matter, negatively impact an athlete’s physiological functioning, technical sports performance, and cognitive functions . It would be interesting to know if air pollution increases a person’s risk of injury. Furthermore, it would be interesting to know whether exposure to air pollution before testing affects these results or whether the reduced performance is mainly due to exposure while conducting the assessments, training sessions or games. This knowledge would help clarify whether moving training sessions indoors would solve some of the issues.
Clinical implications
Physicians should monitor local concentrations of air pollutants. They may rely on government-run monitoring/reporting websites/mobile apps or other weather-related sources. The Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology offer recommendations for personal strategies to reduce the impact of air pollution during exercise and exercise. This study also supports potential work to advocate for policies and the use of technology, such as air filtration systems, to protect athletes from additional exposure, which could be prevented.
Questions for discussion
Do you have experience with varying environmental conditions that affect performance? If so, how have you used that information in your clinical practice?
Written by Kyle Harris
Reviewed by Jeffrey Driban
related posts
Fresh air can help improve performance
Personal strategies to reduce the effects of air pollution exposure during sport and exercise: a narrative review and position statement by the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
