The following summary looks at a study that examined and described the cases of 60 sudden deaths incidents of squash players that occurred between 1976 and 1984. Sudden death was defined as occurring within 1 to 24 hours of the onset of the symptoms.
Method – How the authors conducted the test.
Information was collected in the form of questionnaires, official reports, interviews and necropsy findings from press reports, witnesses, squash club officials, the Squash Rackets Association, the Coroners Society, Crown Office and family members of the deceased.
Out of 89 reported cases, only 60 squash players were reported on in this study. 59 male and 1 female.
The mean age was 46 ± 10.3.
Information was collated and then reported on.
Results - what did the authors find.
The authors reported that all subjects collapsed whilst playing squash or within one hour of play and all except one died within one hour of play. The remaining subject died in hospital a few hours later. Death was instantaneous in all 59 cases.
Age Distribution of Sudden Deaths
46 subjects collapsed on the squash court.
10 within the first 10 minutes.
14 collapsed within the first hour of play.
Nine collapsed in the first 10 minutes following play.
Four collapsed whilst in the shower.
The mean time of play prior to collapsing was the 23 ± 12 minutes of play.
Signs and Symptoms
All subjects had played squash at least one year; the mean playing time was 12 ± 9.7 years. The average number of times subjects played squash was 2.3 ± 1.48 times a week and had a playing time of 40 to 60 minutes; note the average was only reported for 48 players as the other subjects playing frequency could not be determined. According to the next of kin, all players were considered very fit and fit, except 6 players, whom were rated as having average fitness.
Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease in 51 Subjects Dying of Coronary Heart Disease
The data demonstrates that coronary artery disease is responsible for most of the cases of sudden death associated with squash. It also shows that many players had numerous risk factors for coronary heart disease, known medical conditions and also had demonstrated prodromal signs and symptoms in which they ignored.
Cause of Probable Death
It should be noted that this study was not written to condemn squash as a sport or recreation, rather it was written to draw attention to areas in which the safety of the participants could be improved (regular medical check-ups, medical screening/waivers, first aid officers, defibrillator machines etc).
If you enjoyed this blog and you would like to stay updated on all things squash, make sure to follow Global Squash Coach on your preferred social media medium.
Facebook - Like, Comment and Share with friends, families and associates.
Global Squash Group - join the Facebook group to interact with the Global Squash Coach community.
Squash Blogs - join the Facebook group and get access to a worldwide community of Squash bloggers.
Instagram - Follow and Re-post!
YouTube - Like and Subscribe!
Twitter - Follow, Like and Re-Tweet!
LinkedIn - Follow and Like
Yours Truly,
Dominic Benacquista - Global Squash Coach
Ps. I have created a Question and Answer section on the site. I ask that you submit any questions relating to squash performance or this blog there.
Reference:
Northcote, R. J., Flannigan, C., & Ballantyne, D. (1986). Sudden death and vigorous exercise - a study of 60 deaths associated with squash. Heart, 55(2), 198-203.