Erythemal UV radiation exposure during jogging

Jogging is one of the most popular recreational sport activities over four decades and is done at almost all ages to keep fitness and health. Joggers are exposed to solar UV radiation (UVR) and, due to enhanced heat production by physical activity, body coverage by clothes is reduced. This may imply a health risk due to overexposure. However, little research has been undertaken so far to estimate UVR exposure during jogging. Therefore, UVR exposure was measured at seven body sites during jogging under cloud-free conditions for solar elevations between 20 degrees and 60 degrees. Results show that the top of the shoulder is the most exposed body site by receiving 80% of ambient UVR on average and up to 110% under certain conditions. All other body parts receive up to 55% on average and up to 85% in special cases. This indicates further that monotonous body alignment to the sun holds a higher risk than a frequently alternating alignment. Assuming the longest recommended duration for cardiovascular beneficial jogging of 50 min, photosensitive persons need protection of the shoulders from a UV index of 2 onward on an unvaried path and from a UV index of 3 on an all-directional path. Further, results show that measurements of UVR exposure possess an uncertainty of +/- 15% including mounting. Jogging is one of the most popular recreational sport activities over four decades and is done at almost all ages to keep fitness and health. Joggers are exposed to solar UV radiation (UVR) and, due to enhanced heat production by physical activity, body coverage by clothes is reduced. This may imply a health risk due to overexposure. However, little research has been undertaken so far to estimate UVR exposure during jogging. Therefore, UVR exposure was measured at seven body sites during jogging under cloud-free conditions for solar elevations between 20° and 60°. Results show that the top of the shoulder is the most exposed body site by receiving 80% of ambient UVR on average and up to 110% under certain conditions. All other body parts receive up to 55% on average and up to 85% in special cases. This indicates further that monotonous body alignment to the sun holds a higher risk than a frequently alternating alignment. Assuming the longest recommended duration for cardiovascular beneficial jogging of 50 min, photosensitive persons need protection of the shoulders from a UV index of 2 onward on an unvaried path and from a UV index of 3 on an all-directional path. Further, results show that measurements of UVR exposure possess an uncertainty of ±15% including mounting.© 2025 The Author(s). Photochemistry and Photobiology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Photobiology.

University of Copenhagen
Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften
Universität für Bodenkultur