Germs in the gym

Talk about an unwanted pass – basketballs and gym equipment can spread potentially dangerous germs among gym-goers and sports people, according to a new study. The findings point to the need for athletes, coaches, trainers and parents to understand the necessity of properly cleaning sports equipment.

The study focused on the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause staph infections in athletes. One kind of staph bug is methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), which is resistant to many antibiotics.

How the research was done

Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, analysed the germ threat on basketballs, volleyballs, players' hands and the gym floor. For each phase of the study, two of the three surfaces were sterilised and the third was left alone. All three surfaces were then checked for S. aureus.

Next, the players used the balls to simulate actual game play. In each phase, previously sterile surfaces accumulated more S. aureus through play. The researchers also discovered that S. aureus could survive on basketballs and volleyballs for up to 72 hours in storerooms.

"The overwhelming prevalence of S. aureus we encountered supports our understanding of the gym environment as a reservoir of germs," study supervisor Joshua Cotter, a postdoctoral fellow in orthopaedic surgery, said.

"People should take note of the role the sports ball and gym equipment can play as a vehicle for the transmission of potentially life-threatening germs," he added.

Although the study looked only at S. aureus, other dangerous bacteria and viruses may also be spread among athletes and gym goers the same way, Cotter said.

The study was presented at a recent meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine. Research presented at medical meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

More information

The Nemours Foundation has more about staph infections.