Respiratory Health in Athletes

Evidence-based knowledge for athlete respiratory health

Ongoing Research Projects

Asthma in Cross-Country Skiers

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases among athletes. We studied asthma and respiratory symptom prevalence in 351 skiers and 338 controls. Asthma prevalence was 25.9% in skiers vs 9.2% in controls. The most successful athletes had the highest asthma prevalence, most often well-controlled with treatment.

Athlete's Cough

This study investigates cough frequency and impact during and after endurance exercise in winter conditions, particularly in cross-country skiers. We use a CE-certified SIVA MVP 1.0 cough monitor for objective cough monitoring.

Why Does Asthma Develop in Athletes?

How does years of endurance training affect the airway warming and humidification process? We investigate exhaled air temperature and humidity in endurance athletes using a custom measurement device under extreme climate conditions.

More about research →

Contact

Rikhard Mäki-Heikkilä

Researcher, Tampere University — Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology

Email: rikhard.maki-heikkila@tuni.fi

Phone: +358 41 503 6074