This is shown in a research study that started in 2016 and has been ongoing ever since, with a break during the pandemic. The research group includes staff from Dalarna and Gävleborg, among others.
"About 80-100 people seek help for respiratory problems during the competition. About half of them have swimming caused pulmonary edema, but not all of them seek help," says Maria Hårdstedt, a doctor and researcher in charge of the research study.
Swimming-induced pulmonary edema means that fluid from one's own body enters the lungs. It can affect those who swim in cold water.
"Picking people up earlier"
"What we have been able to see since the study started is that the number of people who become seriously ill has decreased. We've gotten better at getting people out of the water earlier.
Vansbroswimmingen has also taken other measures since the study started, including creating the opportunity to step into the water and warm up before starting.
Focuses on the heart
This year, the focus is on studying the heart and its load in connection with pulmonary edema. The acute treatment will also be evaluated, where patients are given increased back pressure to be able to push the fluid back into the lungs.
The study is currently licensed to run until 2025.
This has been seen so far in the research study – click on the video above.