Ultra culture-ultra reality

A content analysis of YouTube depictions of ultra endurance sport and comparisons to scientific literature

Datos Bibliográficos

ID5285469
AutoresJill Colangelo (0000-0003-2495-2009, University of Bern, autor de correspondencia), Alexander Smith (0000-0002-9966-8726, University of Bern), Ana Buadze, Anna Buadze (0000-0002-8683-6807, University of Zurich), Michael Liebrenz (0000-0001-8040-2744, University of Bern)
Año2023
Volumen5
Páginas1192401-1192401
Fecha de publicación2023-07-25
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaFrontiers in Sports and Active Living (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2624-9367 • E-ISSN: 2624-9367
EditorialFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fspor.2023.1192401
PMID37564918
OpenAlexW4385233465
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas4
Referencias citadas84

IntroductionInterest in ultra endurance sport (UES) is increasing, with relevant events growing in popularity. However, these activities may encompass more complex characteristics and demands that do not correspond to scientifically validated correlations between physical activity and improved health. It is unknown whether high volume training for UES can have adverse implications, although certain sociocultural aspects of western society, such as an emphasis on autonomy and self-directed success, may encourage participation as a representation of personal achievement. As media depictions of UES can be highly influential, we aimed to explore prominent messages to better comprehend the values and aspirations of established and aspiring ultra endurance athletes (UEA).MethodsUsing qualitative, conventional content analysis techniques, we evaluated n = 15 popular YouTube videos on various UES to synthesize the most common themes. A YouTube search was conducted, and videos were selected based on sport and relevance. Subsequently, videos were analyzed and coded to discern the most frequently repeated themes.ResultsFive recurring themes were identified: discussion of the mental aspects of UES participation; the adoption of folk-tale storytelling; dietary habits of UEA; a focus on pain and suffering; the use of words associated with mental illness as a colloquial descriptor of UES/UEA.DiscussionYouTube depictions of UES participation appear to accentuate suffering and co-occurring phenomena as attractive qualities. These resonate with sociocultural ideologies in western contexts, which emphasize fitness and personal success, but appear inconsistent with evidence around potentially adverse health-related implications of UES.ConclusionDiscrepancies between popular portrayals of UES and scientific evidence suggest a need for greater community education and information sharing about sport-specific risk factors for physical and mental health conditions and appropriate training protocols. Further research is also required to better define the relationship between motivations for UES participation and overall health using interdisciplinary approaches

Content analysis · Mental health · Popularity · Relevance (law · Social science · Sociocultural evolution · Sociology · Applied Psychology · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Physical Activity and Health · Psychology · Social Psychology