Long flight by plane and prevention of related complications in the context of the upcoming XXXII Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020 (2021)

Abstract

During the Canoe Slalom Trainers od Polish Canoe Federation Conference, the topic of traveling to Tokyo in the context of the upcoming Olympic Games was discussed. Long flight – from Poland it is about 11 hours, time zone change may be the cause of Jet lag and economy class syndrom (ECS). Currently, during the upcoming Tokyo 2021, the topic returns. And the long journey and the time difference especially concern the players from Europe. They are associated with: sudden change of time zone syndrome, i.e. Jet lag, ECS, exposure to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances and infections – mainly viral, hearing and labyrinth disorders. All of these can significantly affect the physical and mental condition and sports results at the most important event for players. Therefore, it is important to introduce the prophylaxis of these ailments, especially the most annoying time change syndrome, and in the case of players from Europe, more intense due to the direction and length of the trip. Traveling east, unfortunately, is associated with more severe symptoms than in the opposite direction – west. The aforementioned prophylaxis should be associated with changes in life­style, nutrition and adequate hydration of the body before the trip and during the flight. In addition, you should reach the place of the event in good time in order to acclimatize and adjust the body to the circadian rhythm. In the case of an economy-class syndrome associated with the possibility of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or even stroke, appropriate prophylaxis and behavior patterns should also be implemented during a long flight of more than 6 hours. Appropriate change in the rhythm and length of training sessions before the trip, nutrition and fluid supply, behavior pattern, and sometimes even pharmacological support with permitted drugs, allows you to optimally prepare for the start.