Impact of Pollen Exposure on Health and Exercise Performance: A Scoping Review

This scoping review summarises the effects of pollen exposure during exercise on health and performance in athletic individuals and examines how pollen allergies influence physical activity and sport participation. Primary studies reporting health or performance outcomes in individuals exercising under pollen exposure were included, while reviews and guidelines were excluded. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SportDiscus in January 2025 following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Of 3,345 records, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most participants were children or young adults with rhinitis or asthma, and most studies were conducted in northern Europe and North America. Seasonal pollen exposure was associated with reduced post exercise lung function, lower sport participation, decreased perceived training capacity, and impaired quality of life. Major research gaps remain, including absence of objective performance outcomes, and limited investigation of potential side-effects of anti-allergic medications.