How Can We Improve Running Events? The IPA4RE Questionnaire and Its Potential Impact on the Experience of Runners.

The benefits that a positive running experience provides to individuals have been broadly studied by the scientific community, with the finding that running sport events are a facilitating tool to attract more individuals into physical activity. This study focuses on a sport management approach to improve the quality and organizational efficiency of running sports events so that a better experience for runners can be provided. The methods of this research consist of the validation of a new questionnaire called 'The IPA4RE questionnaire'. Furthermore, an IPA analysis for a specific event was carried out. As our main findings, the most valued aspects perceived by consumers are the event atmosphere, security, event route, and convenience of bib collection and event day information. In conclusion, the IPA4RE can be used as a management tool by running event organizers to make more efficient use of their resources and provide a better experience to participants.

The New Generation of Professional Soccer Talent Is Born under the Bias of the RAE: Relative Age Effect in International Male Youth Soccer Championships.

In 2019, numerous championships of youth categories soccer national teams were held. In the present study, we analyzed the existence of the Relative Age Effect (RAE) in four major male championships that, due to their importance and participating teams, most likely brought together the great bulk of the players who will dominate professional soccer in the next decade. Participants were professional and amateur youth male soccer players who participated in the last international championships: UEFA European Under-21 Championship (2017-2019); UEFA European Under-19 Championship (2019); South American Youth Football Championship (also known as Conmebol U-20) (2019); and FIFA U-20 World Cup (2019), with 823 players (20.25 ± 0.84 years). In the four championships analyzed, the existence of RAE was found for all players (p < 0.001). Analyzing the players when considering their position on the pitch and their championship, RAE was found, statistically significant, in 10 of the 16 classifications. New generations of elite soccer players arrive with a clear bias in the selection of talent; an unfair bias, based on unequal opportunities in early categories, which should be reviewed by sports authorities.

Key performance indicators at FIFA Women's World Cup in different playing surfaces.

The aim of this study was to examine the key performance indicators of female professional soccer players during the 2011 and 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, played on different surfaces (natural and artificial turf respectively). A total of 438 women from 24 national teams who participated at Canada 2015 (artificial turf) and 283 players from 16 national teams who played in Germany 2011 (natural grass) were selected for this study. The collected data were provided by OPTA Sports. Twenty-nine key performance indicators were included for analysis. The variables were calculated for the total sample and independently by positions (defense, midfielders and forwards) for matches on natural grass (2011) and artificial turf (2015). A Mann-Whitney U test was used out to identify differences between the sport surfaces. Moreover, a discriminant analysis was performed with the forced entry method to find the variables that better differentiated between the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 (natural grass) and FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 (artificial turf). Key performance aspects were very similar between the two tournaments, but on natural grass, we observed a significantly higher number of total passes, successful dribbles, total tackles, successful tackles and interceptions. However, on artificial turf there were significantly higher percentages of success in total passes, and a higher number of fouls. This is an important factor for the choice of an elite competition surface because technical actions are crucial to the quality of the game and can influence the future behavior of spectators and fans.

Walkability and Fitness Center Prices, Opening Hours, and Extra Services: The Case of Madrid, Spain.

Walkability has been associated with urban development and political plans, contributing to more connected cities with improvements in communication, shopping, and pedestrian base. Among these services, fitness centers are becoming important elements for communities due to their impact on the health and welfare of citizens. The present study aims to examine how an area's Walk Score® affects fitness center services, specifically membership costs, opening hours, and aquatic services. Data from 193 fitness centers were retrieved, representing all the areas of the municipality of Madrid, Spain, including fitness centers in the 21 city districts. A nonlinear relationship between an area's Walk Score® and fitness centers' monthly fees is observed. Only in premium fitness centers, a weak curvilinear model is observed, following a quadratic equation, showing that fitness centers with higher prices are in less walkable areas. Additionally, the association between Walk Score® and a fitness center's opening hours reveals that fitness centers with wider hours of operation tend to be in moderately to highly walkable locations. Lastly, the existence of a swimming pool is related to a lower Walk Score®. Thus, fitness centers in less walkable areas try to offer additional services as differentiation from competitors, whereas centers in walkable locations use this advantage as a strength.

Are European Soccer Players Worth More If They Are Born Early in the Year? Relative Age Effect on Player Market Value.

The relative age effect (RAE) consists of the lower presence of members of an age group born in the months furthest from the age cut-off date established. In youth soccer, it is known that because of this effect the birth dates of more players in a team are closer to the cutoff of 1 January. These older players, due to their physical and psychological advantages, are more likely to be identified as talent. This study aimed to examine whether RAE can be identified in professional players of the top five European soccer leagues (Spain, Italy, England, Germany, and France) and to assess its influence on the perceived market value of the players. Market value data for 2577 players were obtained from the Transfermarkt database. A significant RAE was produced in all leagues (p < 0.05). However, this bias did not affect the market value of the professional elite soccer players examined here. Our observations indicate that, while the identification and promotion of talent at young ages are often biased by RAE, once players have reached the professional stage, the market value assigned to them is based more on factors other than their date of birth.

Service Perceptions in Fitness Centers: IPA Approach by Gender and Age.

BACKGROUND: The number of fitness practitioners has increased in the last decades. A deeper understanding of user perceptions is required for better service design. METHODS: An importance-performance analysis (IPA) and correlational analysis were performed on a sample of 414 members (173 women and 241 men) with a mean age of 32.33 years (SD = 11.50) and recruited from 25 fitness centers of Community of Madrid, Spain. RESULTS: The results show that women's levels of importance and performance are higher than men in most of the service attributes. Women also correlate with a higher priority than men in core elements of the service, such as the variety and number of activities, personal training and fitness service quality. Female members feel more attracted by services like swimming pools and other peripheral services, like a welcome pack and medical or physiotherapist service. According to age, older members feel less satisfied than young users with the cleanliness of activity spaces and with the safety of lockers. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in perceptions by age and gender were identified among members of fitness centers. These results should be considered by private and public organizations to provide the best practices and tailored services for engaging more people in physical activity.

Selection and promotion processes are not associated by the relative age effect in an elite Spanish soccer academy.

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the relative age effect (RAE) on the selection and promotion processes in an elite soccer academy. One hundred and eleven elite youth players who belonged to an elite soccer club from the Spanish "La Liga" participated in this study. Players were classified into three age-categories: under 14 years (U14), under 16 years (U16) and under 18 years (U18); and they were also classified in quartiles based on their date of birth (i.e., January-March, Q1; April-June, Q2; July-September, Q3; October-December, Q4). In addition, two further classification criteria were established based on the selection (i.e., selected and non-selected players) and promotion (i.e., promoted and non-promoted players) processes. The main results showed that in U14 and U16 age-categories, players born early in the year were over-represented compared to players born late in the year, although birth-distribution was not associated with the likelihood of a player to be selected or promoted. In addition, less fat in sum skinfolds, less percentage of fat, higher percentage of muscle and lower endomorphy and mesomorphy components were showed in U14 selected players, in comparison with non-selected players. Likewise, better sprint performance was found in U16 selected players versus non-selected ones. However, no significant differences on anthropometry, body composition, somatotype and physical performance were found between promoted and non-promoted players. Therefore, our results suggest there is need for coaches to reorient their talent identification programs in order to make sure that players selected to continue playing in the club have the potential to promote to the excellence in soccer.

Physical and Physiological Responses of Amateur Football Players on Third-Generation Artificial Turf Systems During Simulated Game Situations.

Sánchez-Sánchez, J, García-Unanue, J, Felipe, JL, Jiménez-Reyes, P, Viejo-Romero, D, Gómez-López, M, Hernando, E, Burillo, P, and Gallardo, L. Physical and physiological responses of amateur football players on third generation artificial turf systems during simulated game situations. J Strength Cond Res 30(11): 3165-3177, 2016-The aim of this study is to evaluate the physical and physiological load imposed on amateur football players in a simulated game situation on different artificial turf systems. For that purpose, 20 football players (21.65 ± 3.10 year old) were monitored with Global Positioning Systems and heart rate bands during 45-minutes games on 4 selected artificial turf systems. The results show more covered distance in high-intensity ranges on the system with lower levels of damping and higher rates of rotational traction (p ≤ 0.05). Likewise, this system of artificial turf demonstrated a high number of sprints (12.65 ± 5.67) and more elevated maximum speed peaks during the last part of the game (28.16 ± 2.90 km·h) in contrast to the systems with better damping capacity (p ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, the physiological load was similar across the 4 artificial turf systems (p > 0.05). Finally, the regression analysis demonstrated a significant influence of the mechanical properties of the surface on global distance (15.4%), number (12.6%), and maximum speed (16.6%) of the sprints. To conclude, the mechanical variability of the artificial turf systems resulted in differences in the activity profiles and the players' perceptions during simulated football games.

Perceived health problems in swimmers according to the chemical treatment of water in swimming pools.

The objective of this study was to determine which chemical treatment used for disinfecting water in indoor swimming pools had the least impact on users' perceptions of health problems, and which generated the greatest satisfaction with the quality of the water. A survey on satisfaction and perceived health problems was given to 1001 users at 20 indoor swimming pools which used different water treatment methods [chlorine, bromine, ozone, ultraviolet lamps (UV) and salt electrolysis]. The findings suggest that there is a greater probability of perceived health problems, such as eye and skin irritation, respiratory problems and skin dryness, in swimming pools treated with chlorine than in swimming pools using other chemical treatment methods. Pools treated with bromine have similar, although slightly better, results. Other factors, such as age, gender, time of day of use (morning and afternoon) and type of user (competitive and recreational), can also affect the probability of suffering health problems. For all of the above, using combined treatment methods as ozone and UV, or salt electrolysis produces a lower probability of perceived health problems and greater satisfaction.

¿Es viable el fútbol de élite sobre césped artificial? El caso FIFA Women World Cup™ / Is profitable the elite soccer on artificial truf? The case of fifa Women's world CupTM

El objetivo de esta investigación es comparar variables de juego en césped natural y césped artificial en el alto rendimiento deportivo para comprobar en qué medida afecta al rendimiento deportivo y de gestión de la instalación. Se analizaron 283 jugadoras que participaron en las Copas Mundiales Femeninas de la FIFA de 2011 (césped natural) y 483 en la de 2015 (césped artificial). Para este estudio se tomaron como referencia variables relacionadas con los pases, toques, regates y entradas. Se utilizó la U de Mann-Whitney para contrastar las diferencias entre ambos torneos. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio demuestran que el porcentaje de éxito respecto al total de acciones de rendimiento técnico es mejor en césped artificial (Mundial 2015) en gran parte de las variables estudiadas (salvo en regates), tanto totales como por posiciones

The aim of this research is to compare the game play variables in artificial turf vs. natural turf at high performance level and to assess in which manner it affects to the sport performance and the management of the facility. We analyzed 283 women players who participated in the FIFA® World Championship of 2011 (natural grass) and 483 women players of 2015 (artificial turf). Variables measured were passes, touches, dribbles, and tackles. We used U of Mann-Whitney test to evaluate the differences between two tournaments. Results showed that the success percentage of all game play actions is higher in artificial turf (World Championship 2015) in most of variables analyzed (except dribbles), in total and depending on player position

Herramienta de evaluación de los programas deportivos para la promoción de la salud / Assessment tool for health-promotion sports programmes / Ferramenta de avaliação de programas desportivos para a promoção da saúde

El objetivo de este estudio fue elaborar una herramienta específica para evaluar el nivel de implantación de buenas prácticas en la organización de programas deportivos orientados al fomento y mejora de la salud. Para ello, se diseñó un instrumento ad hoc partiendo de una revisión bibliográfica previa al que se llamó ‘Piloto de Trabajo’. Este documento fue sometido a la revisión de un grupo de discusión hasta obtener un nivel de consenso adecuado. Seguidamente, se realizó una prueba piloto por dos investigadores de manera independiente, seleccionando 5 programas de buenas prácticas deportivas saludables en España. La versión final de la herramienta quedó compuesta por un total de 21 ítems, divididos en dos bloques: común (4 ítems) y específico (17 ítems). El instrumento de medida, denominado EVESBEPRAH, mostró buenos índices de validez (V de Aiken ≥ .96) y fiabilidad (К = .8122). Esta herramienta pretende orientar a los planificadores de programas deportivos hacia las buenas prácticas en la promoción de la salud, la participación activa y la calidad, lo que puede implicar un aumento en la adherencia a la actividad física en diversas poblaciones

The aim of this study was to develop a specific tool to assess the level of implementation of good practices in the organisation of sports programmes aimed at promoting and improving health. For this purpose, an ad hoc instrument based on a prior literature review called ‘Pilot Work’ was designed. This document was submitted for review by a discussion group until an adequate level of consensus was obtained. Then a pilot test was conducted by two researchers, independently, selecting five programmes for good healthy sporting practices in Spain. The final version of the tool consisted of a total of 21 items, divided into two blocks: Common (4 items) and specific (17 items). The measuring instrument known as EVESPRAH, showed good validity (V Aiken ≥ .96) and reliability (К = .8122) indices. This tool aims to guide planners of sports programmes for best practices in health promotion, active participation and quality, which can lead to an increase in adherence to physical activity in different populations

O objectgivo deste estudo foi elaborar uma ferramenta específica para avaliar o nível de implantação de boas práticas na organização deprogramas desportivos orentados para o fomento e melhoria da saúde. Para tal, delineou-se um instrumento ad hoc partindo de uma revisão bibliográficaprévia à que se chamou “Piloto de Trabalho”. Este documento foi submetido a uma revisão de um grupo de discussão até ser obtido um nível de consensoadequado. Seguidamente, realizou-se uma prova piloto por dois investigadores independentes, selecionando 5 programas de boas práticas desportivassaudáveis em Espanha. A versão final da ferramenta ficou composta por um total de 21 itens, divididos em dois blocos: comum (4 itens) e específico(17 itens). O instrumento de medida, denominado EVESBEPRAH, mostrou bons índices de validade (Vde Aiken ≥ .96) e fidelidade (К= .8122). Estaferramenta pretende orientar a planificação de programas desportivos visando as boas práticas na promoção da saúde, a participação activa e a qualidade,o que pode implicar um aumento na adesão à actividade física em diversas populações

Physical activity habits in a European sports event: a case study / Hábitos de atividade física em um evento do European Sports: um estudo de caso / Hábitos de actividad física en un evento deportivo europeo: un estudio de caso

The aim of this study is to learn more about the physical activity habits of participants in a popular sporting event such as European Sports Day, which is held simultaneously in five European countries (Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Ireland, and Hungary), and to measure the influence of socio-demographic variables on these habits. This is a cross-sectional study conducted with a sample of 856 participants, stratified by gender, age, and nationality. We statistically analyzed five variables related to physical activity habits: frequency of physical activity practice, places of practice, motives of practice, perceived fitness level, and popular event attendance. Of the participants, 76.8% said they perform physical activity weekly. Fitness/health improvement (34.63%) and entertainment/leisure (26.52%) are the main reasons for the practice of physical activity. Age and nationality are differentiating factors on physical activity habits...

"Hábitos de atividade física em um evento do European Sports: Um estudo de caso."O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os hábitos dos participantes de um evento popular como o Dia Europeu do Desporto realizado simultaneamente em cinco países europeus (Espanha, Itália, Chipre, Irlanda e Hungria), e medir a influência das variáveis ​​sociodemográficas sobre esses hábitos. Este é um estudo transversal, composto por uma amostra de 856 participantes, estratificada por sexo, idade e nacionalidade. Foram analisados ​​estatisticamente cinco variáveis ​​relacionadas aos hábitos de atividade física: frequência de atividade física, local de práticas, motivações para a prática, nível de condicionamento físico percebido, e frequência de participação em eventos populares. Dos participantes, 76,8% disseram que se envolver em atividade física semanal. Melhorar fitness/saúde (34,63%) e entretenimento (26,52%) foram os principais motivos para a prática de atividade física. Idade e nacionalidade são um fator de diferenciação sobre os hábitos de atividade física...

"Hábitos de actividad física en un evento deportivo europeo: Un estudio de caso." El objetivo de este estudio es conocer los hábitos de actividad física de los participantes en un evento popular como el Día del Deporte Europeo, que se celebra simultáneamente en cinco países europeos (España, Italia, Chipre, Irlanda y Hungría) y medir la influencia de las variables sociodemográficas sobre esos hábitos. Este es un estudio transversal compuesto por una muestra de 856 participantes, estratificados por género, edad y nacionalidad. Se analizaron estadísticamente cinco variables relacionadas con los hábitos de actividad física: frecuencia de práctica de actividad física, lugar de práctica, motivaciones de práctica, nivel de condición física percibido y frecuencia de asistencia a eventos populares. De los participantes, el 76,8% aseguraron que realizaban actividad física semanalmente. Mejorar la condición física/salud (34,63%) y el ocio y entretenimiento (26,52%) son las principales razones para la práctica de actividad física. Edad y nacionalidad son un factor diferenciante sobre los hábitos de actividad física...

Influence of the mechanical properties of third-generation artificial turf systems on soccer players' physiological and physical performance and their perceptions.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of the mechanical properties of artificial turf systems on soccer players' performance. A battery of perceptive physiological and physical tests were developed on four different structural systems of artificial turf (System 1: Compacted gravel sub-base without elastic layer; System 2: Compacted gravel sub-base with elastic layer; System 3: Asphalt sub-base without elastic layer; System 4: Asphalt sub-base with elastic layer). The sample was composed of 18 soccer players (22.44±1.72 years) who typically train and compete on artificial turf. The artificial turf system with less rotational traction (S3) showed higher total time in the Repeated Sprint Ability test in comparison to the systems with intermediate values (49.46±1.75 s vs 47.55±1.82 s (S1) and 47.85±1.59 s (S2); p<0.001). The performance in jumping tests (countermovement jump and squat jump) and ball kicking to goal decreased after the RSA test in all surfaces assessed (p<0.05), since the artificial turf system did not affect performance deterioration (p>0.05). The physiological load was similar in all four artificial turf systems. However, players felt more comfortable on the harder and more rigid system (S4; visual analogue scale = 70.83±14.28) than on the softer artificial turf system (S2; visual analogue scale = 54.24±19.63). The lineal regression analysis revealed a significant influence of the mechanical properties of the surface of 16.5%, 15.8% and 7.1% on the mean time of the sprint, the best sprint time and the maximum mean speed in the RSA test respectively. Results suggest a mechanical heterogeneity between the systems of artificial turf which generate differences in the physical performance and in the soccer players' perceptions.

Artificial turf surfaces: perception of safety, sporting feature, satisfaction and preference of football users.

The aim of this research is to understand the experience of the football sector on the use of artificial turf (satisfaction, safety, sporting feature, or the advantages and disadvantages). The study was conducted on a random selection of 627 male participants (404 amateur/semi-professional footballers, 101 coaches and 122 referees) that regularly train/compete on artificial turf in Spanish football leagues. The results of the skin abrasion, muscle strain and the possibility of sustaining an injury, on a Likert-type 10-point interval scale, gave a perception of 'somewhat dissatisfied' for the participants. The main advantages of artificial turf were their sports features, the evenness of the surface and the good state of conservation. Participants were satisfied with the artificial turf surface. Approximately three out of four participants gave an overall ranking of highly satisfied. The players were significantly less satisfied than the coaches and referees. The overall satisfaction with artificial turf fields was strongly influenced by previous experience, particularly those who had previously played on dirt pitches. These results highlight the versatility of artificial turf to adapt to any circumstance or requirement for local sport and top-level professional competitions alike.

Concentración de cloro en el aire de las piscinas cubiertas y sus efectos en la salud de los trabajadores a pie de piscina / Chlorine concentrations in the air of indoor swimming pools and their effects on swimming pool workers

Objetivo: Describir las concentraciones de cloro en el aire interior de piscinas cubiertas y relacionarlas con otros parámetros de la instalación, así como con los problemas de salud percibidos por los trabajadores a pie de piscina. Métodos: Se analizaron 21 piscinas con tratamiento químico basado en cloración en Castilla-La Mancha. Se aplicó el método de yodometría redox para obtener la concentración de cloro en el aire. Se evaluaron las concentraciones de cloro libre y combinado en el agua, el pH y la temperatura. Se realizó una encuesta de problemas de salud percibidos a los 230 trabajadores a pie de piscina de estas instalaciones. Resultados: El valor medio de cloro en el aire fue de 4,3 ± 2,3 mg/m3. El pH se encontraba dentro de las normas. No cumplían los parámetros de temperatura 17 de las 21 piscinas analizadas. La irritación de ojos, la sequedad y la irritación de la piel, y los problemas respiratorios y auditivos, son percibidos por un porcentaje significativamente mayor de trabajadores en las piscinas donde la concentración de cloro en el aire está por encima de la norma. Conclusiones: La concentración de cloro en el aire supera a las de otros estudios similares. En un 85% de las instalaciones es superior a 1,5 mg/m3, límite establecido para padecer efectos irritantes. La concentración de cloro en el aire tiene una relación directa con la percepción de problemas de salud en los trabajadores a pie de piscina (AU)

Objective: To describe chlorine levels in the air of indoor swimming pools in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) and relate them to other chemical parameters in the installation and to the health problems perceived by swimming pool workers. Methods: We analyzed 21 pools with chlorine as chemical treatment in Castilla-La Mancha. The iodometry method was applied to measure chlorine concentrations in the air. The concentrations of free and combined chlorine in water, pH and temperature were also evaluated. Health problems were surveyed in 230 swimming pool workers in these facilities. Results: The mean chlorine level in the air of swimming pools was 4.3 ± 2.3 mg/m3. The pH values were within the legal limits. The temperature parameters did not comply with regulations in 17 of the 21 pools analyzed. In the pools where chlorine values in the air were above the legal regulations, a significantly higher percentage of swimming pool workers perceived eye irritation, dryness and irritation of skin, and ear problems. Conclusions: Chlorine values in the air of indoor swimming pools were higher than those reported in similar studies. Most of the facilities (85%) exceeded the concentration of 1.5 mg/m3 established as the limit for the risk of irritating effects. The concentration of chlorine in indoor swimming pool air has a direct effect on the self-perceived health problems of swimming pool workers (AU)

Respiratory function and changes in lung epithelium biomarkers after a short-training intervention in chlorinated vs. ozone indoor pools.

BACKGROUND: Swimming in indoor pools treated with combined chemical treatments (e.g. ozone) may reduce direct exposure to disinfection byproducts and thus have less negative effects on respiratory function compared to chlorinated pools. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of a short-term training intervention on respiratory function and lung epithelial damage in adults exercising in indoor swimming pool waters treated with different disinfection methods (chlorine vs. ozone with bromine). METHODS: Lung permeability biomakers [surfactant protein D (SP-D) and Clara cell secretory protein (CC16) in plasma] and forced expiratory volumes and flow (FEV1, FVC and FEF25-75) were measured in 39 healthy adults. Thirteen participants swam during 20 sessions in a chlorinated pool (CP), 13 performed and equivolumic intervention in an ozone pool (OP) and 13 were included in a control group (CG) without exposition. RESULTS: Median plasma CC16 levels increased in CP swimmers (4.27 ± 3.29 and 6.62 ± 5.51 µg/L, p=0.01, pre and post intervention respectively) while no significant changes in OP and CG participants were found. No significant changes in median plasma SP-D levels were found in any of the groups after the training period. FVC increased in OP (4.26 ± 0.86 and 4.43 ± 0.92 L, p<0.01) and CP swimmers (4.25 ± 0.86 and 4.35 ± 0.85 L, p<0.01). FEV1 only increased in OP swimmers (3.50 ± 0.65 and 3.59 ± 0.67, p=0.02) and FEF25-75 decreased in CP swimmers (3.70 ± 0.87 and 3.37 ± 0.67, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Despite lung function being similar in both groups, a higher lung permeability in CP compared to OP swimmers was found after a short-term swimming program. Combined chemical treatments for swimming pools such as ozone seem to have less impact on lung epithelial of swimmers compared to chlorinated treated pools.

[Chlorine concentrations in the air of indoor swimming pools and their effects on swimming pool workers]. / Concentración de cloro en el aire de las piscinas cubiertas y sus efectos en la salud de los trabajadores a pie de piscina.

OBJECTIVE: To describe chlorine levels in the air of indoor swimming pools in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) and relate them to other chemical parameters in the installation and to the health problems perceived by swimming pool workers. METHODS: We analyzed 21 pools with chlorine as chemical treatment in Castilla-La Mancha. The iodometry method was applied to measure chlorine concentrations in the air. The concentrations of free and combined chlorine in water, pH and temperature were also evaluated. Health problems were surveyed in 230 swimming pool workers in these facilities. RESULTS: The mean chlorine level in the air of swimming pools was 4.3 ± 2.3mg/m(3). The pH values were within the legal limits. The temperature parameters did not comply with regulations in 17 of the 21 pools analyzed. In the pools where chlorine values in the air were above the legal regulations, a significantly higher percentage of swimming pool workers perceived eye irritation, dryness and irritation of skin, and ear problems. CONCLUSIONS: Chlorine values in the air of indoor swimming pools were higher than those reported in similar studies. Most of the facilities (85%) exceeded the concentration of 1.5mg/m(3) established as the limit for the risk of irritating effects. The concentration of chlorine in indoor swimming pool air has a direct effect on the self-perceived health problems of swimming pool workers.