Elite skiers' experiences of heat‐ and moisture‐exchanging devices and training and competition in the cold: A qualitative survey

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Winter endurance athletes have a high prevalence of exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and asthma, probably due to repeated and prolonged inhalation of cold and dry air. Heat‐ and moisture‐exchanging devices (HME) warm and humidify inhaled air and prevent EIB. The aim of this study was to share cross‐country skiers and biathletes' experiences of training and competition in low temperatures, views on temperature limits, usage of HME, and consequences of cold exposure on their health. METHODS: Eleven Swedish World Championship or Olympic medalists in cross‐country skiing and biathlon were interviewed and transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Participants described how cold temperatures predominantly affected the airways, face, and extremities. During training, extreme cold was managed by choosing warmer clothing, modification of planned sessions, use of HME, delaying training, or changing location. In competition, participants described limited possibility for such choices and would prefer adjustment of existing rules (i.e., more conservative temperature limits), especially since they understood elite skiing in low temperatures to present an occupational hazard to their health. Participants had at times used HMEs during training in cold environments but described mixed motives for their use—that HMEs warm and humidify cold inhaled air but introduce additional resistance to breathing and can cause problems due to mucus and ice build‐up. Skiers also perceived that they had become more sensitive to cold during the latter part of their careers. CONCLUSIONS: The present study gives a unique insight into the “cold” reality of being an elite athlete in skiing and biathlon. Cold exposure results in negative health consequences that are preventable, which means that rules must be followed, and organizers should acknowledge responsibility in protecting athletes from occupational hazards. Development of evidence‐based guidelines for protection of athletes' respiratory health should be a focus for future translational research.