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Int J Sports Med
DOI: 10.1055/a-2495-1757
Behavioural Sciences

Are endurance runners at higher risk of depression? Screening for depression and risk factors

Volker Scheer 
1   Ultra Sports Science Foundation, Pierre-Benite, France (Ringgold ID: RIN680097)
,
David Valero
1   Ultra Sports Science Foundation, Pierre-Benite, France (Ringgold ID: RIN680097)
,
Mabliny Thuany 
2   Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Porto, Portugal
,
Beat Knechtle 
3   St. Gallen, Gesundheitszentrum, St. Gallen and Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Switzerland
,
Carel Viljoen 
4   Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa (Ringgold ID: RIN72042)
,
Esther Ruescas Escolano 
5   Emergency Department, Hospital Universitario del Vinalopo, Elche, Spain (Ringgold ID: RIN242154)
,
Encarna Valero Burgos
6   Paediatric Department, Hospital Universitario del Vinalopo, Elche, Spain (Ringgold ID: RIN242154)
› Author AffiliationsSupported by: Ultra Sports Science Foundation N/A

Clinical Trial: Registration number (trial ID): NCT05768841, Trial registry: ClinicalTrials.gov (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/), Type of Study: Prosepctive
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Abstract

Depression is an important public health issue. In the general adult population, about 6.7% are affected. Little data are available about endurance runners. We conducted a prospective survey study screening for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire and investigating potential associated risk factors in endurance runners (≥ 21.1–42.2 km) and ultraendurance runners (≥ 42.2 km). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, predictive techniques, and regression analysis. A total of n = 601 runners participated (female n=222 and male n=379; mean age [SD]: 42.8 years [± 10.1]). Overall, 11.3% screened positive for major depression, particularly female runners compared to male runners (p=0.002) and endurance runners compared to ultraendurance runners (p=0.023). No significant differences were observed among performance levels (elite vs. nonelite). Mild depression was observed in 21.6% of runners. Factors associated with a higher risk for screening for major depression included age (p<0.001), particularly runners under the age of 28 years, previous self-reported history of depression (p<0.001), more frequent weekly workouts (4–5/wk; p=0.021), weeks lost to injury (p=0.022), and female sex (p=0.025). A third of endurance and ultraendurance runners screened positive for depression, highlighting the importance of creating awareness for mental health issues and potential screening for athletes and providing access to appropriate support services and education.

Keywords

mental healh - ultramarathon - marathon - endurance sports - risk factors


Publication History

Received: 14 October 2024

Accepted after revision: 02 December 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
03 December 2024

Article published online:
20 January 2025

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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