- Diagnostic imaging and point-of-care testing at the competition venue can accelerate diagnosis and therapy
- Research project explores how to improve medical care in endurance competitions
Siemens Healthineers and World Athletics have joined forces to inform medical teams how point-of-care testing (POCT) and diagnostic imaging can enhance athlete safety at endurance events and redefine how event medical teams support athletes and event spectators. Deploying the epoc Blood Analysis System and the Acuson Sequoia ultrasound system from Siemens Healthineers during athletic events is helping to set new standards for specialized medical care known as “endurance medicine.”
Endurance events like marathons, racewalking, trail and mountain running pose unique health risks, requiring medical teams to provide immediate and specialized care in sometimes remote locations. Traditionally, an athlete needing diagnostic tests would be taken to a hospital. However, transporting patients during large-scale events can delay care decisions, potentially impacting the athlete’s health and recovery. Recognizing this, race directors and medical teams have begun prioritizing on-site testing.
“The benefit of point-of-care testing is being able to care for people in need wherever they are, as soon as possible, to make the biggest impact,” said Bob Stowers, head of Point of Care Diagnostics for Siemens Healthineers.
Siemens Healthineers supported the Health & Science department and the Local Organizing committee medical teams at three major global events in 2025, providing blood point-of-care testing and diagnostic imaging. At the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, the Acuson Sequioa was used to address the musculoskeletal injuries and medical challenges of over 1,200 elite athletes from approximately 130 countries.
Musculoskeletal injuries, particularly strains, tears, and contusions, are common in high-intensity events like sprints, hurdles, and jumps. Rapid response is essential for managing injuries effectively and guiding decisions on whether an athlete can continue or needs time for recovery. The Acuson Sequoia’s availability directly at the competition venues reduced the need for hospital transfers, minimized wait times for diagnoses, and ensured that athletes and their teams received immediate and clear information about injuries due to its portability, speed, and diagnostic precision. Moreover, performing scans in the athlete's medical areas allowed for a more discreet and athlete-centered approach. World Athletics, known for its commitment to athlete safety, is leading efforts to equip event medical tents with the necessary tools and protocols to support this approach.
Earlier this year, to better address the physiological challenges athletes face in extreme conditions a research project on Elite Athlete Heat adaptation and Hydration strategies was conducted during the World Athletics Championship Tokyo 25. The epoc system was used to analyze a small blood sample and assess critical markers such as electrolytes, lactate, pH, creatinine to treat dehydration or overhydration, and manage heat-related illnesses. The collection was completed with the help of the sports science faculty from Waseda University (Saitama, Japan). Results from the study are anticipated in the coming months.
“Having point-of-care devices on site is a game changer to provide better care and treatment during endurance events by responding faster and more effectively to heat-related and hydration emergencies,” said Dr. Stéphane Bermon, director of the Health and Science Department at World Athletics. “This evidence generation will help support our effort to share best medical practice and standardize point-of-care testing across the world-renowned endurance events we support.”
“We look forward to publishing our findings to improve athletes’ knowledge and contributing to the next iteration of care endurance medical teams provide for these extraordinary athletes,” added Dr. Yuri Hosokawa, faculty of Sport Sciences, Safety and Performance Optimization Laboratory at Waseda University.
