Metabolic Approach in Canoeing Olympic Medalist Athletes in Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games

Abstract

Olympic athletes are overexposed to training and daily routine, and the training log should be matched with multifactorial issues, such as nutrition, physiotherapy, psychologic, and health, focusing on improvement of performance. Evaluate how the athletes is responding to each period of preparation is challenging, specially on a 4 year Olympic cycle. Interdisciplinary approach is mandatory and any mismatch may lead to injury or decrement of performance. Canoeing has specific demands and methods for evaluation, and multifactorial analysis such as biomechanical, metabolic and clinical aspects should be encouraged. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate athletes participating in Rio 2016 Summer Olympics Games on a multidisciplinary and multifactorial aspect. METHODS: 2 male athletes (Bronze Medalists) were evaluate during a 1.000m sprint on an ergometer, analyzing aerobic capacity (VO2), Heart Rate (HR) and Power (W) on every 250m. Blood samples were collected for muscle-damage biomarkers: Creatine-Kinase (CK) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH); Electrolytes: Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) levels. RESULTS: Descriptive data demonstrate that VO2 (mL/kg/min), HR (bpm), W (watts) were, during 250m: 39.3/172/113 x 39.2/159/107, 500m: 31.2/176/105 x 37.1/160/109, 750m: 36.7/178/110 x 34.9/168/100, and 1.000m: 43.5/184/182 x 45.1/178/118, respectively. CK levels (mg/dL) and LDH (U/L) were, pre vs post protocol, 835 vs 1081 and 548 vs 682 for the first athlete, and 255 vs 340 and 488 vs 492 for his teammate. Electrolytes, Na (mEq/L) and K (mEq/L) were 143 vs 151 and 5.8 vs 5.6; and 141 vs 151 and 5.4 vs 5.9. The time for completing the 1.000m protocol were 5m12s06ms vs 5m02s92ms. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol described evidences multidisciplinary variables that should be focused when detailing improvement in performance, on cardiorespiratory and metabolic approach.