ELECTROCARDIOGRAMS OF MARATHON RUNNERS IN 1962 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Abstract
Resting electrocardiograms of 21 top-class marathon runners have been analysed. Eighteen tracings were obtained soon after the marathon race in the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth. The previous reports of bradycardia with high voltage of QRS complexes, T, and U waves have been confirmed. In some, but not all, the P and T waves increased in amplitude after the race. A plea is made for a long-term prospective study of such athletes on an international basis in order to assess the significance of the electrocardiogram and other changes.