RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Prevalence of Mental Health Issues in Endurance Athletes.

This study aims to understand how common mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, are among endurance athletes. Participants include active marathon runners, ultramarathon runners, and triathletes of all skill levels, aged 16 and over. The study involves completing a series of online questionnaires designed to assess various mental health aspects, sleep patterns, and alcohol/substance use. Researchers also want to find out what might put athletes at higher risk for these issues, like their age, gender, training habits, or past health problems. This information will help provide a clearer picture of mental well-being in this group.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Ultra Sports Science Foundation

Enrolment target

500

Start

15 Mar 2023

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2025

Depression, Anxiety Mental Health Issue

What is this study about?

This research is looking into the mental well-being of people who do endurance sports, like running marathons, ultra-marathons, or triathlons. These sports have become much more popular, but we don't know enough about how they might affect mental health. This study wants to find out how many endurance athletes experience mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.

The researchers will ask athletes to complete a series of questionnaires. These surveys will cover different areas of mental health, including general anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and alcohol or substance use. They'll also include questions about things like exercise addiction, which can be more common in endurance sports. The aim is to get a really good picture of mental health in this group.

By gathering this information, the study hopes to identify common mental health concerns among endurance athletes. It also wants to look at *why* some athletes might be more at risk than others, considering factors like their age, gender, how much they train, or their lifestyle. This information is important because it can help sports organisations and healthcare professionals better support athletes in the future.

Key takeaways

The study explores mental health in endurance athletes.
It uses online questionnaires to gather information.
Participants must be 16+ and compete in endurance sports.
Aims to identify common mental health issues and risk factors.
Your responses are confidential and contribute to important research.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an endurance athlete. This means you compete in events like marathons, ultramarathons, or triathlons. You could be a recreational athlete who enjoys these sports or a professional competitor.

You must be 16 years old or older to participate. The study welcomes athletes of all genders.

You cannot join if you are under 16, or if you don't currently compete, or haven't competed, in an official endurance race.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 16 years old or older?
Do you compete in marathons, ultramarathons, or triathlons?
Do you currently, or have you recently, competed in an official endurance race?
Are you comfortable answering questions about your mental health and lifestyle?
Are you *not* younger than 16?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be asked to complete a series of online questionnaires. These surveys will cover questions about your mental health (like anxiety and depression), sleep habits, and sometimes alcohol or substance use. There will also be questions about your age, gender, where you're from, your training, past health, and your thoughts on mental health.

You won't need to visit any clinics or take any new medications. You simply complete the questionnaires online from your own home. The researchers haven't specified how long it will take to complete the surveys, but you can usually take your time. There are no follow-up assessments after you've completed the initial questionnaires. The total duration of your involvement will be the time it takes you to fill out the forms.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help us understand mental health in endurance athletes better, which could lead to improved support for athletes in the future. There are no direct medical benefits to you. The main risk is that some questions about mental health, sleep, or substance use might make you feel uncomfortable or bring up difficult memories. You are free to skip any questions you don't want to answer and you can withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

Ultra Sports Science Foundation
Verified postcode
Pierre-Bénite, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of athletes can join?

You can join if you're a marathon runner, ultramarathon runner, or triathlete, whether you do it for fun or professionally.

How old do I need to be?

You need to be 16 years old or older to take part.

What will I have to do?

You'll be asked to complete a series of online questionnaires about your mental health and lifestyle.

Will taking part help me personally?

There are no direct medical benefits for you, but your participation will help researchers understand mental health in athletes better.

Is my information kept private?

Yes, all your answers will be kept confidential and your privacy will be protected.

How to find out more

Volker Scheer, Prof

contact@ultrasportsscience.org +33 4 25 36 79 54 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.