With the horrific bushfires currently burning in New South Wales and Victoria many athletes and sporting organisations have been monitoring the smoke and air conditions and considering if athletes should be training or competing.

The health impact of bushfire smoke can vary depending on the health status of an individual and their previous medical conditions, including asthma or other breathing issues.

The Australian Institute of Sport has recently released some best practice guidelines on smoke pollution and exercise.  These guidelines assist in decision making around training and competition, the type of exercise that is safe and whether exercise should be moved indoors.

The Air Quality Index is a measure that is used in decision making for these guidelines.  The weather channel phone app or web site from your phone is one way of determining your area’s up to date AQI and should be used in considering your daily activities for sport or recreation.

If you would like to discuss your individual situation and the current air quality our Sports Medicine Physicians at Ballarat OSM can help.

Luke Blunden

APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist

Ballarat Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine