Vascular Function in Norwegian Female Elite Runners: A Cross-Sectional, Controlled Study.

Karoline Holsen Kyte,Jonny Hisdal,Tore Julsrud Berg,Ingebjørg Seljeflot,Trine Stensrud

doi:10.3390/sports10030037

Abstract

In general, aerobic exercise has a positive impact on the vascular system, but the syndrome of relative energy-deficiency in sports (RED-S) makes this impact less clear for the athlete. The present cross-sectional controlled study aimed to investigate the vascular function in female elite long-distance runners, compared to inactive women. Sixteen female elite long-distance runners and seventeen healthy controls were recruited. Assessments of vascular function and morphology included endothelial function, evaluated by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), vascular stiffness, evaluated with pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid artery reactivity (CAR %), and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). Blood samples included hormone analyses, metabolic parameters, lipids, and biomarkers reflecting endothelial activation. RED-S risk was assessed through the low energy availability in female questionnaire (LEAF-Q), and body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We found no significant differences in brachial FMD, PWV, CAR %, cIMT, or biomarkers reflecting endothelial activation between the two groups. Forty-four percent of the runners had a LEAF-Q score consistent with being at risk of RED-S. Runners showed significantly higher HDL-cholesterol and insulin sensitivity compared to controls. In conclusion, Norwegian female elite runners had an as good vascular function and morphology as inactive women of the same age.

Highlights

Regular endurance training and increased aerobic capacity are generally accepted to have a positive influence on the cardiovascular system, by modifying classical risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease [1]
There was no significant difference between the groups in any of the biomarkers reflecting endothelial activation (Table 2)
The main finding of the present study was that Norwegian female elite long-distance runners had well-preserved vascular function, compared to age-matched inactive women

Summary

Introduction

Regular endurance training and increased aerobic capacity are generally accepted to have a positive influence on the cardiovascular system, by modifying classical risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease [1]. These changes include a more favorable lipid profile, increased insulin sensitivity, and a positive impact on blood pressure. Previous studies have indicated that in healthy young women, it is not entirely clear how large amounts of endurance training affect cardiovascular health [2–4]. Among professional female endurance athletes, the “female athlete triad”, currently renewed and replaced by the broader term “relative energy deficiency in sports” (RED-S), is considered an important challenge for the athletes’ health [7]. Men are included in this term, there are still conditions that apply to women [6]

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion