Elite Master Research Articles

Imaginal research for unlearning mastery divination with Tarot as a decolonizing methodology, NOT. Authentic paths towards decolonization

AbstractA recent article in Anthropology of Consciousness entitled ‘Imaginal research for unlearning mastery: Divination with Tarot as a decolonizing methodology’ argues that the Western Tarot may be a useful tool to facilitate decolonization despite (or perhaps in spite) of the colonial and imperial imprints of the accumulating class. This response points out the Tarot is in fact a tool developed by the accumulating class, designed specifically to facilitate the imposition of elite master narratives. This letter calls into question the appropriateness and effectiveness of using the Tarot as a tool for decolonization.

Evaluating the accuracy of CAD/CAM optimized stones compared to conventional type IV stones.

This study compared the accuracy (trueness and precision) of stone models fabricated using two brands of CAD/CAM optimized stones Cerec Stone (BC) and Elite Master (EM), and a conventional type IV stone Elite Rock Fast (ERF). 30 conventional Type IV and scannable stone complete-arch models were scanned with a blue LED extraoral scanner, and root mean square values were obtained. 6 abutments were used in complete-arch models. The digital models were compared with the master model to evaluate their trueness using model superimposition with Geomagic software. Precision was determined for each case by superimposing combinations of the 10 datasets in each group. The point cloud density of each model was calculated with MeshLab software. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney non-parametric tests were used for the statistical analysis. The trueness of the stone models was 96 μm for the BC, 88.2 μm for the EM, and 87.6 μm for the ERF. There were no significant differences between the tested dental stones (p = .768). However, the EM models (35.6 μm) were more precise than the BC (46.9 μm) and ERF (56.4 μm) models (p = .001, p < .001). EM models also showed the highest point cloud density. There were significant differences in point cloud density (p = .003). The EM models showed significant differences in precision but no significant differences in terms of trueness. Although EM was more precise and had the highest point cloud density, all models were within the clinically acceptable limit.

Sex Differences in the Speed-Duration Relationship of Elite Runners across the Lifespan.

To determine if the speed-duration relationship is altered with age and sex of elite Master's runners. The world's top 10 performances for men and women in three events (800, 1500, and 5000 m) across six age groups (18-34 yr, 40-49 yr, 50-59 yr, 60-69 yr, 70-79 yr, and 80-89 yr) were analyzed from public data to establish theoretical models of the speed-duration relationship. Critical speed (CS) and the curvature constant ( D ') were estimated by fitting the average speeds and performance times with a two-parameter hyperbolic model. Critical speed expressed relative to the 18- to 34-yr-olds, declined with age (92.2% [40-49] to 55.2% [80-89]; P < 0.001), and absolute CS was higher in men than women within each age group ( P < 0.001). The percent difference in CS between the men and women progressively increased across age groups (10.8% [18-34] to 15.5% [80-89]). D ' was lower in women than men in the 60-69 yr, 70-79 yr, and 80-89 yr age groups ( P < 0.001), but did not differ in the 18-34 yr, 40-49 yr, or 50-59 yr age groups. Critical speed progressively decreased with age, likely due to age-related decrements in several physiological systems that cause reduced aerobic capacity. The mechanism for the larger sex difference in CS in the older age groups is unknown but may indicate physiological differences that occur with aging and/or historical sociological factors that have reduced participation opportunities of older female runners resulting in a more limited talent pool.

The Impact of Training on the Loss of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Aging Masters Endurance Athletes.

Elite masters endurance athletes are considered models of optimal healthy aging due to the maintenance of high cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) until old age. Whereas a drop in VO2max in masters athletes has been broadly investigated, the modifying impact of training still remains a matter of debate. Longitudinal observations in masters endurance athletes demonstrated VO2max declines between −5% and −46% per decade that were closely related to changes in training volume. Here, using regression analyses, we show that 54% and 39% of the variance in observed VO2max decline in male and female athletes, respectively is explained by changes in training volume. An almost linear VO2max decrease was observed in studies on young and older athletes, as well as non-athletes, starting a few days after training cessation, with a decline of as much as −20% after 12 weeks. Besides a decline in stroke volume and cardiac output, training cessation was accompanied by considerable reductions in citrate synthase and succinate dehydrogenase activity (reduction in mitochondrial content and oxidative capacity). This reduction could largely be rescued within similar time periods of training (re)uptake. It is evident that training reduction or cessation leads to a considerably accelerated VO2max drop, as compared to the gradual aging-related VO2max decline, which can rapidly nullify many of the benefits of preceding long-term training efforts.

Italians Are the Fastest 3000 m Open-Water Master Swimmers in the World.

Background: It is well known that athletes originating from a specific region or country can master specific sports disciplines (e.g., East-African runners in long-distance running). In addition, physical and athletic performance are the result of an interaction between genetic, environmental and epigenetic factors. However, little is known about on what determines sports success and performance for long-distance master swimmers such as origin. The aim of the study was to investigate the participation and performance trends of elite master open-water swimmers competing in the World Championships (WC) in 3000 m open-water swimming between 1986 and 2019. Methods: A total of 9247 valid participants were analyzed using generalized linear models (GLMs) with a gamma probability distribution and log link function. Resultsː Most of the starters were from Italy (1646 participations), followed by the United States of America (USA) (1128 participations) and Germany (959 participations). Swimmers from Italy were significantly faster than swimmers from Canada, Germany, USA, Great Britain and also from all other countries grouped (p < 0.005). The age group from 35–39 years old was significantly faster than athletes from age groups of 25–29 years old, 30–34 years old, 40–44 years old, 45–49 years old and 50–54 years old (p < 0.005). The percentage of local athletes in WC was 36% and varied from 36% (Italy, 2004) to 43 % (Germany), 53% (Italy, 2012) and up to 68 % (USA, 1992). Conclusions: Swimmers from Italy were the faster and the most numerous starters during this period of 27 years and 15 editions all over the world in 3000 m master open-water swimming.

Bone mineral density in elite masters athletes: the effect of body composition and long-term exercise

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to examine how bone mineral density (BMD) is related to body composition depending on the practiced sport (endurance, speed-power, throwing sports) in participants of the World Masters Athletics Championship.MethodsDual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to determine BMD and bone mass (BMC). Body composition was analyzed by means of the JAWON Medical X-scan analyzer using bioelectrical impedance methods. Percentage body fat (%BF), body fat mass (BFM), lean body mass (LBM), total body water (TBW), soft lean mass (SLM), intracellular water (ICW), and extracellular water (ECW) were evaluated.ResultsAmong men, the most important variables affecting the BMD norm were LBM (OR = 32.578; p = 0.023), ECW (OR = 0.003; p = 0.016) and ICW (OR = 0.011; p = 0.031), in the distal part and SLM (OR = 5.008; p = 0.020) and ICW (0.354, p = 0.008) in the proximal part. In women, the most important predictors of normal BMD were ICW (OR = 10.174; p = 0.003) and LBM (OR = 0.470; p = 0.020) in the distal part and ICW (OR = 5.254; p = 0.038) in the proximal part.ConclusionThe representatives of strength based events had the most advantageous BMD levels. The condition of bone tissue evaluated by BMC and BMD of the forearm in masters athletes was strongly determined by the level of lean body components and the type of sports training associated with the track and field event. In the most important predictors of the BMD norm were also hydration components ECW and ICW. However, this relationship requires more research on the nature and mechanisms of these interactions.

Relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and testosterone levels in male master athletes and non-athletes.

Aging is often associated with low-grade systemic inflammation and reduced anabolic hormone levels. To investigate whether lifelong exercise training can decrease the age-related low-grade inflammation and anabolic hormone levels, we examined hormonal and inflammatory parameters among highly-trained male masters athletes and age-matched non-athletes. From 70 elite power and endurance master athletes - EMA (51.3±8.0yr), 32 young controls - YC (23.7±3.9yr) and 24 untrained age-matched controls - MAC (47.2±8.0yr) venous blood was drawn to measure inflammatory parameters (interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α] and interleukin-10 [IL-10]) and circulating hormones (luteinizing hormone [LH], total testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin [SHBG] and free androgen index [FAI]). EMA showed a better anti-inflammatory status than MAC (higher IL-10 and IL-10/IL-6 ratio and lower IL-6), but a lower anti-inflammatory status than YC (higher TNF-α) (p<0.05). The MAC group had lower testosterone levels compared to the YC and EMA group (p<0.05), and lower estradiol levels and testosterone/LH ratio compared to YC (p<0.05). In the control groups (MAC and YC), testosterone correlated negatively with age and proinflammatory parameters, and positively with anti-inflammatory parameters. Elite master athletics elevated levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines above that seen in non-athlete peers and mitigated the age-related reduction in testosterone levels.

Left Ventricular Dimensions and Diastolic Function Are Different in Throwers, Endurance Athletes, and Sprinters From the World Masters Athletics Championships.

There is controversy whether a lifetime of heavy resistance training, providing pressure-overload, is harmful for left ventricular function. We compared left ventricular dimensions and function in elite Masters athletes involved in throwing events (requiring strength; n = 21, seven females, 60 ± 14 years) to those involved in endurance events (n = 65, 25 females, 59 ± 10 years) and sprinting (n = 68, 21 females, 57 ± 13 years) at the 2018 World Masters Athletic Championships. Left ventricular dimensions and function were assessed with B-mode ultrasound and Doppler. The ratio of left ventricular early diastolic peak filling velocity to peak velocity during atrial contraction (E/A) across the mitral valve and the ratio of E to velocity of the E-wave (E’) across the lateral and septal mitral annulus (E/E’) were used as indexes of left ventricular diastolic function. Intra-ventricular septal wall thickness was greater in throwers compared to sprinters (11.9 ± 2.2 vs. 10.3 ± 2.3 mm; p = 0.01). Left ventricular end diastolic diameter/body surface area was higher in endurance athletes and sprinters vs. throwers (25.2 ± 3.0, 24.3 ± 3.1, and 22.0 ± 3.1 mm/m2, respectively, p < 0.01). The E/A was higher in endurance athletes and sprinters vs. throwers (1.35 ± 0.40, 1.37 ± 0.43, and 1.05 ± 0.41, respectively; p < 0.01). The E/E’ was lower in endurance athletes and sprinters vs. throwers (6.9 ± 1.8, 6.6 ± 1.9, and 8.1 ± 1.9, respectively, p < 0.05). Compared to age-matched historical controls (n > 1,000; E/A = 1.06; E/E’ = 7.5), left ventricular diastolic function was not different in throwers, but superior in endurance athletes and sprinters (p < 0.01). Masters throwers have altered left ventricular dimensions and function vs. other athletes, but a lifetime of heavy resistance training does not appear to alter left ventricular function compared to age-matched controls.

Silent Slaves: Reconstructing Slave Perspectives on the Grave Stele of Hegeso

The Grave Stele of Hegeso (400 BCE) depicts a ‘mistress and maid’ scene and preserves valuable insights into elite iconography. The stele also explores the experiences of wealthy Athenian women in their social roles and domestic spaces. The slave attendant, if discussed at length, primarily functions as a method of contrast and comparison to her elite master. While the comparison between elite and non-elite women is a valuable interpretation for studies of gender and class in classical Athens, more can be done in regard to examining the slave attendant on the stele, and as a result, examining slave figures in Greek art. Slaves made up a sizeable portion of classical Athenian society and were present in both elite and poor households. However, due to a lack of material and written evidence, the field of classics has not explored the concept of Greek slavery to its full extent. In addition, what little does remain to modern scholars was commissioned or written by elite voices, who were biased against slaves. The remaining elite perspective does provide insight into the role of slaves in classical Athenian households and can be reexamined to find subversive interpretations. This paper explores potential reconstructions for slave perspectives and narratives on the Grave Stele of Hegeso by drawing upon the Attic funerary practices and literary tropes of the Good Slave and Bad Slave in Athenian theater and Homeric epic. This paper also discusses the relationships between masters and slaves, household slave dynamics, and what constitutes the idealized Athenian slave. While the majority of remaining classical material and literary evidence relates to the elite, subversive ideals can be picked out from elite narratives and used to better understand the perspectives of the enslaved, construct frameworks that give voices to disenfranchised groups, and further enrich the study of surviving elite perspectives.

Influence of sex on the age-related adaptations of neuromuscular function and motor unit properties in elite masters athletes.

Masters athletes maintain high levels of activity into older age and allow an examination of the effects of aging dissociated from the effects of increased sedentary behaviour. Evidence suggests masters athletes are more successful at motor unit remodelling, the reinnervation of denervated fibres acting to preserve muscle fibre number, but little data are available in females. Here we used intramuscular electromyography to demonstrate that motor units sampled from the tibialis anterior show indications of remodelling from middle into older age and which does not differ between males and females. The age-related trajectory of motor unit discharge characteristic differs according to sex, with female athletes progressing to a slower firing pattern that was not observed in males. Our findings indicate motor unit remodelling from middle to older age occurs to a similar extent in male and female athletes, with discharge rates progressively slowing in females only. Motor unit (MU) remodelling acts to minimise loss of muscle fibres following denervation in older age, which may be more successful in masters athletes. Evidence suggests performance and neuromuscular function decline with age in this population, although the majority of studies have focused on males, with little available data on female athletes. Functional assessments of strength, balance and motor control were performed in 30 masters athletes (16 male) aged 44-83years. Intramuscular needle electrodes were used to sample individual motor unit potentials (MUPs) and near-fibre MUPs in the tibialis anterior (TA) during isometric contractions at 25% maximum voluntary contraction, and used to determine discharge characteristics (firing rate, variability) and biomarkers of peripheral MU remodelling (MUP size, complexity, stability). Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models examined effects of age and sex. All aspects of neuromuscular function deteriorated with age (P<0.05) with no age×sex interactions, although males were stronger (P<0.001). Indicators of MU remodelling also progressively increased with age to a similar extent in both sexes (P<0.05), whilst MU firing rate progressively decreased with age in females (p=0.029), with a non-significant increase in males (p=0.092). Masters athletes exhibit age-related declines in neuromuscular function that are largely equal across males and females. Notably, they also display features of MU remodelling with advancing age, probably acting to reduce muscle fibre loss. The age trajectory of MU firing rate assessed at a single contraction level differed between sexes, which may reflect a greater tendency for females to develop a slower muscle phenotype.

Targeted genotype analyses of GWAS-derived lean body mass and handgrip strength-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms in elite master athletes.

Recent large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have independently identified a set of genetic loci associated with lean body mass (LBM) and handgrip strength (HGS). Evaluation of these candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may be useful to investigate genetic traits of populations at higher or lower risk of muscle dysfunction. As such, we investigated associations between six SNPs linked to LBM or HGS in a population of elite master athletes (MA) and age-matched controls as a representative population of older individuals with variable maintenance of muscle mass and function. Genomic DNA was isolated from buffy coat samples of 96 individuals [consisting of 48 MA (71 ± 6 yr, age-graded performance 83 ± 9%) and 48 older controls (75 ± 6 yr)]. SNP validation and sample genotyping were conducted using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS). For the three SNPs analyzed that were previously associated with LBM (FTO, IRS1, and ADAMTSL3), multinomial logistic regression revealed a significant association of the ADAMTSL3 genotype with %LBM (P < 0.01). For the three HGS-linked SNPs, neither GBF1 nor GLIS1 showed any association with HGS, but for TGFA, multinomial logistic regression revealed a significant association of genotype with HGS (P < 0.05). For ADAMTSL3, there was an enrichment of the effect allele in the MA (P < 0.05, Fisher's exact test). Collectively, of the six SNPs analyzed, ADAMTSL3 and TGFA showed significant associations with LBM and HGS, respectively. The functional relevance of the ADAMTSL3 SNP in body composition and of TGFA in strength may highlight a genetic component of the elite MA phenotype.

Greater maintenance of bone mineral content in male than female athletes and in sprinting and jumping than endurance athletes: a longitudinal study of bone strength in elite masters athletes

SummaryWe investigated longitudinal changes in tibia bone strength in master power (jumping and sprinting) and endurance (distance) athletes of both sexes. Bone mass but not cross-sectional moment of inertia was better maintained in power than endurance athletes over time, particularly in men and independent of changes in performance.ObjectiveAssessment of effects of sex and athletic discipline (lower limb power events, e.g. sprint running and jumping versus endurance running events) on longitudinal changes in bone strength in masters athletes.MethodsWe examined tibia and fibula bone properties at distal (4% distal-proximal tibia length) and proximal (66% length) sites using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) in seventy-one track and field masters athletes (30 male, 41 female, age at baseline 57.0 ± 12.2 years) in a longitudinal cohort study that included at least two testing sessions over a mean period of 4.2 ± 3.1 years. Effects of time, as well as time × sex and time × discipline interactions on bone parameters and calf muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), were examined.ResultsEffects of time were sex and discipline-dependent, even following adjustment for enrolment age, sex and changes in muscle CSA and athletic performance. Male sex and participation in power events was associated with better maintenance of tibia bone mineral content (BMC, an indicator of bone compressive strength) at 4% and 66% sites. In contrast, there was no strong evidence of sex or discipline effects on cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI, an indicator of bone bending and torsional strength—P > 0.3 for interactions). Similar sex and discipline-specific changes were also observed in the fibula.ConclusionsResults suggest that male athletes and those participating in lower limb power-based rather than endurance-based disciplines have better maintenance of bone compressive but not bending and torsional strength.

An Exploratory Case Study of Mental Toughness Variability and Potential Influencers over 30 Days.

The purpose of this study was to explore whether mental toughness varies across a 30-day training block and whether such variability is associated with specific antecedents. This exploratory case study research investigated mental toughness variability using the Mental Toughness Index (MTI) with thirteen elite master runners across a series of self-selected training sessions, followed by interviews and follow-up questionnaires, to identify primary influencers of variability. There were significant differences in the MTI scores between baseline (before the training period), and the minimum and the maximum reported score over five self-selected training sessions (p’s < 0.004). The proceeding follow-up interviews and questionnaires then provided insights into factors influencing this intra-individual variability. These higher-level themes included foundational wellbeing, specific preparation, and actions utilized in the moment. This study is the first to demonstrate within-person MTI variability across specific training sessions and provides initial insights for both athletes and practitioners into potential influencers of mental toughness.

Changes in Jumping and Throwing Performances in Age-Group Athletes Competing in the European Masters Athletics Championships between 1978 and 2017.

The results of master athletes have been used previously to examine the age-related differences in aerobic capacity, however, less research has been conducted on the variation of jumping and throwing performances with aging. Therefore, the aim of the present study of elite master athletes was to investigate (a) the age-related differences in throwing (i.e., discus, hammer, javelin, and shot put) and jumping events (i.e., high jump, long jump, pole vault, and triple jump) in 5-year age-group intervals from 35–39 to 95–99 years of elite master athletes, and (b) the trends in performance and sex differences. The top eight female and male finalists for each age group and in each event from 20 European Masters Athletics Championships held between 1978 and 2017 were considered. Overall, 13,673 observations from 4726 master athletes were analyzed. For each event separately, a mixed regression model was performed with sex, age group, calendar year, and interaction terms (sex-age group, sex-year) defined as fixed effects. Performances were improving over time with a linear trend overall for each event. Men had better performances as compared to women, (i.e., in triple jump the estimated difference was 2.58 m, p < 0.001). Performances declined with age for each event (i.e., in triple jump, compared with the age group 45–49 years, performance in the age group 35–39 years was 0.98 m better and performance in the age group 85–89 years was 6.24 m worse). The decline of male performances with age was either slower or faster than the decline of female performances depending on age groups and events.

Elit Master Atletler, Rekreasyonal Atletler ve Sedanter Erkeklerde Bazı Plazma İnflamasyon Markerlerinin Karşılaştırılması

Elit Master Atletler, Rekreasyonal Atletler ve Sedanter Erkeklerde Bazı Plazma İnflamasyon Markerlerinin Karşılaştırılması

A18028 GOLD-X Case Report

Objectives: GOLD-X is Geriatric Optimal Lifestyle Development on eXercise, a pilot program designated on sports medicine perspective to control predisposition factor on elderly. Improving physical capacities on athlete are important but it is more important to control life-threatening risk factor, such as hypertension. Through the precise lifestyle development, both targets are reached. Methods: 8-weeks sports medicine monitoring program was conducted on Female Indonesian Elite Master Swimmer. It applied on medical, physical activity and also exercises prescription to control the risk factors for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, dyslipidemia, risk of fall, poor fitness level. Health fitness parameters (BMI, Handgrip test, plank test, scratch test and 6-Minutes Walking Test) are examined at the beginning and end of exercise period to measure physical capacities. Results: Patient optimized the exercise program during 2 months periodization. The exercise intensity was moderate. Blood pressure and heart rate was controlled in every supervised exercise (mean 134/74 mmHg (SD ± 7,43/ ± 4.84) and 60 bpm (SD ± 4.76)). BMI was decreased from 32.3 kg/m2 to 30.9 kg/m2. Handgrip strength improved 3 kg for right-side,0.5 kg for left-side. Muscle endurance improved from 92 sec to 147 sec on plank test. Flexibility become more equals for both side. Cardiorespiratory endurance improved, based on distance reached in 6-MWT, from 548, 1 meters to 620 meters. No subjective-objective clinical symptoms, led to cardiovascular and complication of hypertension events, were found. In additional, patient got her personal best time and received 4 gold medals in various categories. Conclusion: All physical capacities improved clinically within 2 months sports medicine intervention. Thus improvementon patient's sports performance with no life-threatening event was found.

Longer Telomere Length in Elite Master Sprinters: Relationship to Performance and Body Composition.

Emergent evidence suggests that the long-term healthy lifestyle of master athletes may attenuate aging. We compared telomere length (TL) of high-level master sprinters and non-athlete age-matched controls, and analyzed the relationships of TL with performance and body fat. Elite master sprinters (n=11; aged 50.1±9.2yrs) and healthy untrained controls (n=10; aged 45.4±10.9yrs) had blood samples collected for biochemical and biomolecular analyses. Master sprinters had longer TL, lower body fat and BMI, and a better lipid profile than age-matched controls (p<0.05). A large effect size was verified comparing TL between athletes vs. controls (Cohen's d=1.039), with a significant negative correlation between TL and performance decline per decade (r=-0.624, p<0.01) and a positive correlation of TL and actual performance level (r=0.641, p<0.01). In conclusion, TL of elite master sprinters was longer than their untrained peers, and seems to be not only a marker of health status, but also an indicator of sports longevity since both actual performance level and its decrease over years were related to TL. Further research might assess the TL of elite master endurance athletes for comparison with sprinters, and also investigate the underlying mechanisms by which the attenuation of telomere shortening occurs in master athletes.

Letter by Leischik et al Regarding Article, “Right and Left Ventricular Function and Mass in Male Elite Master Athletes: A Controlled Contrast-Enhanced Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study”

We read with interest the recent article by Bohm et al1 supporting “the wings of change” in the debate on the potential deleterious effects of long-term endurance exercise on a previously healthy heart, with some authors advocating that repeated exposure to marathon/ultramarathon running or similar events might lead to cardiac damage and fatigue, particularly in the right ventricle (RV).2 We believe this is an important question because the recent concept of over exercise postulated by some cardiologists might deter clinicians from taking a proactive position toward endurance exercise practice. Further, the general public and some physicians might not contemplate the whole picture, getting the …

Right and Left Ventricular Function and Mass in Male Elite Master Athletes: A Controlled Contrast-Enhanced Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study.

It is under debate whether the cumulative effects of intensive endurance exercise induce chronic cardiac damage, mainly involving the right heart. The aim of this study was to examine the cardiac structure and function in long-term elite master endurance athletes with special focus on the right ventricle by contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Thirty-three healthy white competitive elite male master endurance athletes (age range, 30-60 years) with a training history of 29±8 years, and 33 white control subjects pair-matched for age, height, and weight underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing, echocardiography including tissue-Doppler imaging and speckle tracking, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Indexed left ventricular mass and right ventricular mass (left ventricular mass/body surface area, 96±13 and 62±10 g/m(2); P<0.001; right ventricular mass/body surface area, 36±7 and 24±5 g/m(2); P<0.001) and indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume and right ventricular end-diastolic volume (left ventricular end-diastolic volume/body surface area, 104±13 and 69±18 mL/m(2); P<0.001; right ventricular end-diastolic volume/body surface area, 110±22 and 66±16 mL/m(2); P<0.001) were significantly increased in athletes in comparison with control subjects. Right ventricular ejection fraction did not differ between athletes and control subjects (52±8 and 54±6%; P=0.26). Pathological late enhancement was detected in 1 athlete. No correlations were found for left ventricular and right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and high-sensitive troponin was negative in all subjects. Based on our results, chronic right ventricular damage in elite endurance master athletes with lifelong high training volumes seems to be unlikely. Thus, the hypothesis of an exercise-induced arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy has to be questioned.

“Older and Faster”: Exploring Elite Masters Cyclists’ Involvement in Competitive Sport

The purpose of this study was to investigate elite masters cyclists’ involvement in competitive sport. Using a descriptive, qualitative approach, the researchers interviewed ten elite-level masters cyclists. Data analysis revealed the following salient themes relevant to participants’ experiences: (a) athletic identity, (b) motivational factors, and (c) life balance. These findings suggest that participation as an elite-level masters athlete reflects a high degree of continuity for athletic identity that can be positive in relation to self-esteem and social validation and challenging in relation to transition and maintaining social relationships out of cycling settings.