Analysis Of Heart Rate And Hematologic Changes During An Adventure Race

Abstract

Adventure race is a sport practiced in direct contact with nature, in which the athlete transposes natural obstacles (rivers, mountains, forests) through different sports (trekking, mountain bike, rowing, vertical techniques, and others). Despite its growth and visibility, there are few studies that examined the acute physiological adaptations during adventure races. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to record the physiological intensity during adventure sprint race as well as analyze the hematological parameters of the participants before and immediately after the competition. METHODS: The heart rate of seven male athletes (27.7±5.9 years, 63.2±3.68 kg body weight, 170.2±3.47cm in height, 6.91±1.75% body fat and VO2 peak of 60.84±1.81 mLO2.kg-1.min-1) was monitored during an adventure race comprising the types: trekking, mountain bike and vertical techniques (total distance of 42.1 km). Blood samples were collected 24 hours before the race and immediately after arrival. RESULTS: The average length of race was 4h38min52s, with a predominance of the intensity zone above 85% HR reserve. There were a reduction in blood cells, hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume, and an increase in leukocytes immediately after the finish compared to 24hs prior the race. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the predominance of intensity zone above 85% of reserve heart rate associated with hematological changes characterize this type of competition as high intensity. However, the various possible combinations of an adventure race (course, modalities, distance and duration) should be considered for training and to define strategies during the race.Supported by FAPEMIG and CNPq.