AQUA© as predictor of allergy in elite marathon runners

Background: the purpose of this study was to screen allergy symptoms in elite marathon runners by using a validated questionnaire for screening allergy in athletes. Methods: Two hundred and one elite marathoners, who participated in the most competitive Brazilian marathons and half-marathons during 2011, were invited to complete a validated self-report Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes (AQUA^©), with additional questions pertaining to training history, such as running experience, running distance per week and their best race time in marathon or half-marathon events. Results: Sixty percent of the assessed athletes reported allergy symptoms as defined by a positive AQUA outcome (score greater than or equal to 5). No significant differences (p > 0.05) between groups (AQUA + and AQUA-) were observed for gender, age, running experience, weekly training volume and best performance time in the half-marathon and marathon. The most frequently reported symptoms were related to the respiratory tract and physical effort. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that AQUA^© can be used to predict allergy in elite marathon runners. In addition, these athletes have a higher prevalence of allergy symptoms to elite athletes from other sports.