Group Of Endurance Athletes Research Articles

Response of skin temperature, blood ammonia and lactate during incremental exercise until exhaustion in elite athletes

The study aimed to evaluate the lower limb skin temperature (Tsk) and blood concentrations of lactate (LA) and ammonia (NH3) during exercise and recovery. Eleven elite sprint athletes (25 ± 3.4 yrs) and 11 elite endurance athletes (24.45 ± 5.4 yrs) performed an incremental running test until exhaustion. Body composition was estimated using the DXA method. Thermograms of the anterior and posterior surfaces of the lower limbs were recorded at rest, before each test stage (every 3 min, starting from 10 km h−1 and increasing by 2 km h−1), and in the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, and 30th minute of recovery. Endurance athletes had a higher maximum oxygen uptake than sprint athletes (5.0 ± 0.7 vs 4.3 ± 0.4 l·kg−1, p = 0.018), lower percentage of lean content (79 ± 2 vs 83 ± 2%, p < 0.001), and a higher percentage of fat content in the lower limbs (17 ± 2 vs 12 ± 2%, p < 0.001). In both groups, a significant decrease in Tsk was observed compared to resting value (endurance athletes—31.5 ± 0.6 °C; sprint athletes—32.3 ± 0.6 °C), during exercise (p < 0.001) and rewarming during recovery (p < 0.001). However, endurance athletes had a lower Tsk than sprint athletes at the exhaustion point (30.0 ± 1.1 vs 31.6 ± 0.8 °C, p < 0.05) and the pattern of change in Tsk differed between groups (p < 0.001). Tsk in the endurance athletes group decreased throughout the exercise protocol and returned more rapidly to initial values during recovery, while Tsk in the sprint group stabilised between moderate intensity and exhaustion, recovering more slowly after exercise. Both LA (endurance athletes—max 10.2 ± 1.5; sprint athletes—max 10.1 ± 1.4 mmol⋅L−1, p < 0.001) and NH3 (endurance athletes—max 75.6 ± 11.5; sprint athletes—max 76.7 ± 9.0 mmol⋅L−1, p < 0.001) increased during exercise and decreased during recovery (p < 0.001). During exercise, lower levels and slower increases in LA were observed during exercise in the endurance athletes’ group (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was revealed between Tsk and fat percentage (r = −0.43 to −0.71, p < 0.05). Tsk was positively correlated with LA during recovery (r = 0.43 to 0.48, p < 0.05), and negatively during recovery (r = −0.45 to −0.54, p < 0.05). Differences between groups in maximum aerobic capacity, the pattern of change in Tsk, and the correlation between Tsk and LA suggest that individuals who decrease less Tsk during exercise and higher Tsk during recovery are those with better aerobic capacity. In addition, athletes with less body fat dissipate heat from their tissues more efficiently.

Relationship between bone mineral density and body compositions, strength, type of sport competition, vitamin D and birth-related factors in elite Polish track and field athletes: a cross-sectional study

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to characterize the forearm bone mineral density (BMD) in Elite Competitive Track and Field Athletes. Somatic, body composition, hand grip strength birth variables, and blood vitamin D levels were also analyzed. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the participants were 30 elite Polish athletes. Somatic measurements, body composition by kinanthropometry, and bioelectrical impedance were taken. Forearm bone parameters were measured by densitometry in two points distal (dis) and proximal (prox). Measurement of hand grip strength (HGS) on a dynamometer was performed. Birth-related factors such as birth weight and length of breastfeeding were collected by direct interview. Vitamin D concentration was assessed by blood test. Results: Low BMD was not observed in the distal part of the forearm. Significantly more frequent low BMD prox were found in endurance athletes (EA) group compared to throwing athletes group (TA) (χ2=10.8; P = .001; Φ= .6). Inadequate vitamin D levels were significantly higher in the EA group compared to TA (χ2=10.8; P = .001; Φ= .6). The main parameters affecting BMD dis and BMC prox of men athletes were HGS (kg) and type of sports competition (Rˆ2 adj= .93; .89). BMC dis was affected by the type of sports competition (Rˆ2 adj= .83). There was also a significant relationship between the T-score prox and the HGS (Rˆ2 adj= .98). In the case of women, the main parameters affecting BMD prox were menarche age and body composition (Rˆ2 adj= .93). The BMC prox was affected by the age of the menarche (Rˆ2 adj= .73). Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study found that the highest BMD of the forearm bones was characterized by men and women athletes training in athletic throws relative to running sports. Screening assessment of bone mineral status should be included in sports diagnostics.

Genetic insights into endurance athlete status: A meta-analysis of ACVR1B, AGT, FTO, IL-6, and NRF2 gene polymorphisms.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to analyze allele and genotype pattern frequencies of five different gene polymorphisms associated with endurance athlete status. Endurance sports require prolonged physical performance, and it is well known that physiological and genetic characteristics play a prominent role in this performance. In recent years, research on the impact of genetic factors on endurance athlete status has been on the rise, suggesting that various gene polymorphisms may be associated with physical performance. Specifically, the gene polymorphisms, activin receptor type-1B (A9CVR1B) rs2854464, angiotensinogen (AGT) rs699, fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) rs9939609, interleukin-6 (IL-6) rs1800795, and nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NRF2) rs12594956, are thought to be related to endurance athlete status. Each of these genes plays a part in different biological processes, such as muscle development, energy metabolism, inflammation, and antioxidant defense mechanisms. For example, the NRF2 gene is a critical player in the regulation of cellular stress responses and may contribute to adaptive responses that enhance performance in endurance athletes. This meta-analysis included a total of 20 articles published between 2009 and 2023. The specific gene polymorphisms explored in this study, i.e., ACVR1B rs2854464, AGT rs699, FTO rs9939609, IL-6 rs1800795, and NRF2 rs12594956, were selected due to their reported associations with physical performance and endurance. A comprehensive search was conducted in the Web of Science and PubMed databases using specific keywords, preliminarily identifying 329 articles. Upon analysis of the abstracts, and full texts, 20 articles were deemed eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. Articles lacking control and endurance athlete groups or clear allele/genotype data were excluded. The findings indicated no significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies for ACVR1B, AGT, FTO, and IL-6 gene polymorphisms between endurance athletes and control groups. However, the NRF2 rs12594956 gene polymorphism showed a significantly higher frequency of the major allele (A) and the AA genotype in endurance athletes than in controls. In conclusion, the NRF2 rs12594956 polymorphism may be a genetic variant of interest in determining the status of endurance athletes. These findings highlight the potential clinical implications for genetic screening and personalized training programs in sport genetics. More extensive studies with larger cohorts are needed to further confirm these associations.

Ayurveda Treatment for Cardiorespiratory Endurance Enhancement in a Marathon Runner—A Case Study in a 21-Year-Old Athlete

Abstract Marathon runners are a group of endurance athletes who spend a remarkable amount of energy during which they may manifest fatigue and restlessness. However, these athletes are prone to musculoskeletal and cardiovascular disorders when not under ideal dietary recommendations or medical supervision. The existing medical remedies seem to be self-administered “commercial supplements” for the improvement of cardiopulmonary endurance (CPE), which may affect the functioning of the kidney. We present a case of a marathon runner who presented with generalized weakness/fatigue during running, lack of sleep, and appetite, seeking improvement in overall health condition for his run. We considered the case to be of an endurance athlete in need of improved CPE and initiated an ayurvedic treatment and dietary plan. Ashwagandha, Triphala, and Gokshura churnas significantly improved the CPE while simultaneously improving his generalized weakness after treatment.

Genetics of long-distance runners and road cyclists-A systematic review with meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to identify the genetic variants of (inter)national competing long‐distance runners and road cyclists compared with controls. The Medline and Embase databases were searched until 15 November 2021. Eligible articles included genetic epidemiological studies published in English. A homogenous group of endurance athletes competing at (inter)national level and sedentary controls were included. Pooled odds ratios based on the genotype frequency with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using random effects models. Heterogeneity was addressed by Q‐statistics, and I 2. Sources of heterogeneity were examined by meta‐regression and risk of bias was assessed with the Clark Baudouin scale. This systematic review comprised of 43 studies including a total of 3938 athletes and 10 752 controls in the pooled analysis. Of the 42 identified genetic variants, 13 were investigated in independent studies. Significant associations were found for five polymorphisms. Pooled odds ratio [95%CI] favoring athletes compared with controls was 1.42 [1.12–1.81] for ACE II (I/D), 1.66 [1.26–2.19] for ACTN3 TT (rs1815739), 1.75 [1.34–2.29] for PPARGC1A GG (rs8192678), 2.23 [1.42–3.51] for AMPD1 CC (rs17602729), and 2.85 [1.27–6.39] for HFE GG + CG (rs1799945). Risk of bias was low in 25 (58%) and unclear in 18 (42%) articles. Heterogeneity of the results was low (0%–20%) except for HFE (71%), GNB3 (80%), and NOS3 (76%). (Inter)national competing runners and cyclists have a higher probability to carry specific genetic variants compared with controls. This study confirms that (inter)national competing endurance athletes constitute a unique genetic make‐up, which likely contributes to their performance level.

Cardiac and Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling in Endurance Open Water Swimmers Assessed by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance: Impact of Sex and Sport Discipline.

Background: The cardiac response to endurance exercise has been studied previously, and recent reports have described the extension of this remodeling to the pulmonary vasculature. However, these reports have focused primarily on land-based sports and few data are available on exercise-induced cardio-pulmonary adaptation in swimming. Nor has the impact of sex on this exercise-induced cardio-pulmonary remodeling been studied in depth. The main aim of our study was to evaluate cardiac and pulmonary circulation remodeling in endurance swimmers. Among the secondary objectives, we evaluate the impact of sex and endurance sport discipline on this cardio-pulmonary remodeling promoted by exercise training.Methods:Resting cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 30 healthy well-trained endurance swimmers (83.3% male) and in 19 terrestrial endurance athletes (79% male) to assess biventricular dimensions and function. Pulmonary artery dimensions and flow as well as estimates of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were also evaluated.Results:In relation to the reference parameters for the non-athletic population, male endurance swimmers had larger biventricular and pulmonary artery size (7.4 ± 1.0 vs. 5.9 ± 1.1 cm2, p < 0.001) with lower biventricular ejection fraction (EF) (left ventricular (LV) EF: 58 ± 4.4 vs. 67 ± 4.5 %, p < 0.001; right ventricular (RV) EF: 60 ± 4 vs. 66 ± 6 %, p < 0.001), LV end-diastolic volume (EDV): 106 ± 11 vs. 80 ± 9 ml/m2, p < 0.001; RV EDV: 101 ± 14 vs. 83 ± 12 ml/m2, p < 0.001). Significantly larger LV volume and lower LV EF were also observed in female swimmers (LV EF: 60 ± 5.3 vs. 67 ± 4.6 %, p = 0.003; LV EDV: 90 ± 17.6 vs. 75± 8.7 ml/m2, p = 0.002). Compared to terrestrial endurance athletes, swimmers showed increased LV indexed mass (75.0 ± 12.8 vs. 61.5 ± 10.0 g/m2, p < 0.001). The two groups of endurance athletes had similar pulmonary artery remodeling.Conclusions: Cardiac response to endurance swimming training implies an adaptation of both ventricular and pulmonary vasculature, as in the case of terrestrial endurance athletes. Cardio-pulmonary remodeling seems to be less extensive in female than in male swimmers.

Development and validation of a questionnaire investigating endurance athletes practices to manage gastrointestinal symptoms around exercise.

To develop and validate a questionnaire investigating endurance athletes' carbohydrate beliefs, knowledge, information sources, and other dietary and non-dietary practices related to exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms. A questionnaire was developed by a review of relevant literature and sports-related questionnaires, and input from five experienced sports dietitians. Item construct and format was adapted and modified from a previous questionnaire. The modified questionnaire sought information on demographics, nutrition knowledge, beliefs, intended practices, information sources and exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms. A five-phase validity process was conducted to determine content, face and construct validity, item difficulty and internal reliability of the questionnaire. The Delphi technique was applied with experts over three anonymous rounds. Items were reviewed to determine whether to keep, modify, or delete, rate the relevance of each item using a content validity index (CVI), and provide comments. A content analysis was conducted on all comments after each round. Online interviews were conducted with a pilot group of endurance athletes (n=15) to assess item difficulty and feasibility. Nutrition knowledge was compared between pilot group of athletes and experts to determine construct validity and internal consistency. A test-retest process was applied to a second pilot group (n=8) to verify questionnaire reliability. High CVI (≥.83) and agreement scores were obtained through the Delphi technique. High reliability (r=.942) and acceptable internal consistency (α=.53-.78) of the questionnaire were obtained. The questionnaire was shown to be a valid and reliable tool that will be of use for clinicians and research purposes.

Torque Production at Different Velocities as a Predictor of the Proportion of Fast-twitch Muscle Fibers in Skeletal Muscles of Athletes

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility to predict the muscle fiber-type proportion in men of different sports specialization by testing the maximal torque production by knee extensors at different velocities. For this reason the proportion of fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibers (MFs) in m. vastus lateralis of 23 athletes (11 endurance and 12 power athletes), as well the maximal torque production of knee extensors at various angular velocities in isokinetic mode were determined. The group of strength trained athletes significantly exceeded the group of endurance trained athletes in body mass, body mass index, volume of the m. quadriceps femoris, maximum torque production, and specific force at angular velocities 30, 180 and 300 degrees per second. In contrast to cross-sectional area (CSA) of slow-twitch MFs, the average CSA of fast-twitch MFs and the proportion of fast-twitch MFs in the group of power athletes significantly exceeded those in the group of endurance athletes. In the combined group of volunteers (n = 23), the proportion of fast-twitch MFs significantly correlated with the torque production at high angular velocities (r = 0.51 and p = 0.01 at 180 deg/s; r = 0.47 and p = 0.02 at 300 deg/s). We did not find any correlation between these parameters in the separate groups of power and endurance athletes. The results indicate a low accuracy in predicting the proportion of fast-twitch MF in m. vastus lateralis in athletes using the maximal torque production of knee extensors at different angular velocities. Significant correlation between the proportion of fast-twitch MF and maximal torque at high angular velocities in the general group (n = 23) was due to the presence of two significantly different subgroups.

Development of Performance, Physiological and Technical Capacities During a Six-Month Cross-Country Skiing Talent Transfer Program in Endurance Athletes.

Purpose: To examine the development of performance, physiological and technical capacities as well as the effect of sport background among runners, kayakers and rowers when transferred to cross-country (XC) skiing over a 6-month training period.Methods: Twenty-four endurance athletes (15 runners and 9 rowers/kayakers; 15 men and 9 women) were tested for performance, physiological and technical capacities during treadmill running and roller-ski skating, double-poling ergometry, as well as upper-body, one-repetition maximum-strength (1 RM) at baseline (pre) after three (mid) and 6-months (post) of XC ski-specific training.Results: Peak treadmill speed when roller-ski skating improved significantly (13%, P < 0.01) from pre-post, with a larger improvement in runners than in kayakers/rowers (16 vs. 9%, P < 0.05), whereas peak speed in running was unchanged. Average power output during 5-min and 30-s ergometer double-poling tests improved by 8% and 5% (both P < 0.01), with improvement found only in runners on the 30-s test (8 vs. −2% in kayakers/rowers, P < 0.01). Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in running and double-poling ergometry did not improve, whereas VO2peak in roller-ski skating improved by 5% in runners (P < 0.05). Submaximal gross efficiency increased by 0.6%-point and cycle length by 13%, whereas 1 RM in seated pull-down and triceps press increased by 12 and 11%, respectively (all P < 0.05).Conclusion: Six-months of XC ski-specific training induced large improvements in sport-specific performance which were associated with better skiing efficiency, longer cycle length, and greater 1RM upper-body strength in a group of endurance athletes transferring to XC skiing. Furthermore, larger sport-specific development was found in runners compared to kayakers/rowers.

Neuro-computational Impact of Physical Training Overload on Economic Decision-Making.

Overtraining syndrome is a form of burnout, defined in endurance athletes by unexplained performance drop associated with intense fatigue sensation. Our working hypothesis is that the form of fatigue resulting from physical training overload might share some neural underpinnings with the form of fatigue observed after prolonged intellectual work, which was previously shown to affect the cognitive control brain system. Indeed, cognitive control may be required to prevent any impulsive behavior, including stopping physical effort when it hurts, despite the long-term goal of improving performance through intense training. To test this hypothesis, we induced a mild form of overtraining in a group of endurance athletes, which we compared to a group of normally trained athletes on behavioral tasks performed during fMRI scanning. At the behavioral level, training overload enhanced impulsivity in economic choice, which was captured by a bias favoring immediate over delayed rewards in our computational model. At the neural level, training overload resulted in diminished activation of the lateral prefrontal cortex, a key region of the cognitive control system, during economic choice. Our results therefore provide causal evidence for a functional link between enduring physical exercise and exerting cognitive control. Besides, the concept of cognitive control fatigue bridges the functional consequences of excessive physical training and intellectual work into a single neuro-computational mechanism, which might contribute to other clinical forms of burnout syndromes.

Study of the Right Heart of High-Level African Adult Athletes: Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Aspects

Despite the growing interest in athlete’s right ventricle and various work carried out, many uncertainties are remaining. The interest of this work resides in the determination of the particularity in right heart of the black athlete subject. We conducted a prospective study from August to October 2016 in the cardiology department of Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital in Dakar. The included patients were divided according to the sporting practice as enduring, resistant and non-athletes. The parameters studied were electrocardiographic (atrial or ventricular hypertrophies), echocardiographic: dimensions of the right cavities, systolic and diastolic functions of the right ventricle. We included 58 subjects: 38 athletes including 28 endurance and 10 resistance and 20 non-athletes. The average age of the endurance athletes was 21.9 ± 3, 75 years, 26.30 ± 4.64 in resistance ones and 24.10 ± 1.89 in the non-athletic group. Two cases of first-degree atrioventricular block were recorded in athletes. On the echocardiographic point, the atrium surfaces, as well as the transverse diameter, were greater in athletes, especially in the endurance group. The mean diameters of the admission chamber and those of the right ventricular flush chamber were larger in the group of endurance athletes. It was the same for the annular and sagittal basal mean diameters of the RV as well as the RV/LV ratio. The anterior wall of the right ventricle was larger in athletes compared to non-athletes. The vena cava was greater in athletes, the pulmonary arterial pressure higher in resistance ones.

No Evidence of a Common DNA Variant Profile Specific to World Class Endurance Athletes.

There are strong genetic components to cardiorespiratory fitness and its response to exercise training. It would be useful to understand the differences in the genomic profile of highly trained endurance athletes of world class caliber and sedentary controls. An international consortium (GAMES) was established in order to compare elite endurance athletes and ethnicity-matched controls in a case-control study design. Genome-wide association studies were undertaken on two cohorts of elite endurance athletes and controls (GENATHLETE and Japanese endurance runners), from which a panel of 45 promising markers was identified. These markers were tested for replication in seven additional cohorts of endurance athletes and controls: from Australia, Ethiopia, Japan, Kenya, Poland, Russia and Spain. The study is based on a total of 1520 endurance athletes (835 who took part in endurance events in World Championships and/or Olympic Games) and 2760 controls. We hypothesized that world-class athletes are likely to be characterized by an even higher concentration of endurance performance alleles and we performed separate analyses on this subsample. The meta-analysis of all available studies revealed one statistically significant marker (rs558129 at GALNTL6 locus, p = 0.0002), even after correcting for multiple testing. As shown by the low heterogeneity index (I2 = 0), all eight cohorts showed the same direction of association with rs558129, even though p-values varied across the individual studies. In summary, this study did not identify a panel of genomic variants common to these elite endurance athlete groups. Since GAMES was underpowered to identify alleles with small effect sizes, some of the suggestive leads identified should be explored in expanded comparisons of world-class endurance athletes and sedentary controls and in tightly controlled exercise training studies. Such studies have the potential to illuminate the biology not only of world class endurance performance but also of compromised cardiac functions and cardiometabolic diseases.

Long-Term Calorie Restriction Enhances Cellular Quality-Control Processes in Human Skeletal Muscle.

Calorie restriction (CR) retards aging, acts as a hormetic intervention, and increases serum corticosterone and HSP70 expression in rodents. However, less is known regarding the effects of CR on these factors in humans. Serum cortisol and molecular chaperones and autophagic proteins were measured in the skeletal muscle of subjects on CR diets for 3-15 years and in control volunteers. Serum cortisol was higher in the CR group than in age-matched sedentary and endurance athlete groups (15.6 ± 4.6 ng/dl versus 12.3 ± 3.9 ng/dl and 11.2 ± 2.7 ng/dl, respectively; p ≤ 0.001). HSP70, Grp78, beclin-1, and LC3 mRNA and/or protein levels were higher in the skeletal muscle of the CR group compared to controls. Our data indicate that CR in humans is associated with sustained rises in serum cortisol, reduced inflammation, and increases in key molecular chaperones and autophagic mediators involved in cellular protein quality control and removal of dysfunctional proteins and organelles.

The Comparative Effects of 6-Weeks of Dynamic and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching Intervention on Performance Measures of Endurance Athletes

The researchers of this paper aim to compare the effect of 6-weeks of dynamic and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching intervention on performance measures of endurance athletes. To obtain data, the investigators had selected Thirty (N=30) female endurance athletes of 18-25 years of age to act as subjects. All the subjects were purposively alloted to PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching Group (N1 =10); Dynamic stretching group (N2=10) & control group (N3=10). An Analysis of Covariance was used to determine significant differences for dependent variables within the three groups. When a significant difference among the groups was observed, a pair-wise comparison of the groups was done by using the LSD post-hoc test to identify direction and significant differences between the groups. For testing the hypothesis, the level of significance was set at 0.05. The results revealed insignificant intragroup differences among the three groups of endurance athletes on the variable of aerobic capacity and anaerobic power. Significant differences were observed among endurance athletes of the three groups on the vertical jump performance and peak speed (p0.05). Thus, when LSD Post-Hoc test was employed to study the direction and degree of difference for vertical jump performance and peak speed, the experimental groups were found to be significantly different when compared from the control group. It has been observed that dynamic stretching group had demonstrated significantly better on vertical jump performance and peak speed, whereas control group has demonstrated better on vertical jump performance and peak speed than PNF stretching group though not significantly. This study concludes that significant differences are observed in vertical jump performance and peak speed whereas insignificant differences are observed in aerobic capacity and anaerobic power with regard to endurance athletes.

IGF-I receptor 275124A>C (rs1464430) polymorphism and athletic performance.

To examine the prevalence of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) 275124A>C polymorphism, known to be associated with exercise-related cardiac hypertrophy, among elite endurance and power athletes. One hundred and fifty-nine athletes (118 men and 41 women, age: 35.9±12.2 yrs) participated in the study. We hypothesized that presence of the A allele will be significantly more common among endurance athletes (n=77) compared to power athletes (n=82) and non-physically active controls (n=68). Athletes within each group were further divided according to their individual best performance into elite athletes (those who had represented the country in international track-and-field or triathlon competitions or in the Olympic Games) and national-level athletes. The prevalence of the AA genotype was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the endurance athletes group (49%) compared to the power athletes group (33%), but did not differ from the control group (46%). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of the AA genotype between elite and national level endurance athletes (44% versus 52%, respectively). In contrast, among power athletes, the prevalence of the AA genotype was significantly lower in the elite compared to national level athletes (17% versus 42%, respectively; p<0.05). The results of the present study may suggest that the IGF-IR AA polymorphism is beneficial for endurance-type sports, but is not associated with elite endurance performance. In contrast, the presence of the AA genotype may be a disadvantage in power sports. All together the results of the present study suggest that IGF-IR polymorphism may differentiate between the two edges of the endurance-power athletic performance spectrum.

Relationship between changes in haemoglobin mass and maximal oxygen uptake after hypoxic exposure

BackgroundEndurance athletes have been using altitude training for decades to improve near sea-level performance. The predominant mechanism is thought to be accelerated erythropoiesis increasing haemoglobin mass (Hbmass) resulting in a...

Does Hemoglobin Mass Increase from Age 16 to 21 and 28 in Elite Endurance Athletes?

It is unclear if hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and red cell volume (RCV) increase in endurance athletes with several years of endurance training from adolescence to adulthood. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine with a controlled cross-sectional approach whether endurance athletes at the ages of 16, 21, and 28 yr are characterized by different Hbmass, RCV, plasma volume (PV), and blood volume (BV). BV parameters (CO rebreathing), VO(2max) and other blood, iron, training, and anthropometric parameters were measured in three endurance athlete groups AG16 (n = 14), AG21 (n = 14), and AG28 (n = 16) as well as in three age-matched control groups (<2 h endurance training per week): CG16 (n = 16), CG21 (n = 15), and CG28 (n = 16). In AG16, body weight-related Hbmass (12.4 ± 0.7 g·kg(-1)), RCV, BV, and VO(2max) (66.1 ± 3.8 mL·kg·(-1)min(-1)) were lower (P < 0.001) than those in AG21 (14.2 ± 1.1 g·kg(-1), 72.9 ± 3.6 mL·kg·(-1)min(-1)) and AG28 (14.6 ± 1.1 g·kg(-1), 73.4 ± 6.0 mL·kg·(-1)min(-1)). Results for these parameters did not differ between AG21 and AG28 and among the control groups. VO(2max), PV, and BV were higher for AG16 than for CG16 (12.0 ± 1.0 g·kg(-1), 58.9 ± 5.0 mL·kg·(-1)min(-1)) but not Hbmass and RCV. Our results suggest that endurance training has major effects on Hbmass and RCV from ages 16 to 21 yr, although there is no further increase from ages 21 to 28 yr in top endurance athletes. On the basis of our findings, an early detection of the aptitude for endurance sports at age 16 yr, solely based on levels of Hbmass, does not seem to be possible.

The AMPD1 C34T mutation is not associated with the status of Israeli athletes

The adenosine monophosphate deaminase (AMPD1) gene seems to be an important regulator of skeletal muscle energy metabolism during exercise. A nonsense C34T mutation in the AMPD1 gene results in a premature stop codon, thus stopping protein synthesis. The aim of this study was to determine the AMPD1 C34T mutation frequency distribution among 155 Israeli athletes (endurance athletes, n=74; sprinters, n=81) and 142 healthy controls. Genotyping of the AMPD1 C34T (rs5810761) mutation was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results showed that the genotype subtype did not differ by gender in the athletes (P=0.18) or the controls (P=0.79). The AMPD1 C34T genotype distribution was in line with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium within all groups (P>0.05). The genotype distribution and allele frequencies were similar in the groups of endurance athletes, sprinters, and controls (P=0.455). Similarly, no significant differences were observed between the subgroups of elite endurance athletes and national endurance athletes (P=0.78), or between elite and national sprinters (P=0.46). In conclusion, the AMPD1 C34T mutation is not associated with endurance athletes’ status, at least in the present group of Israeli athletes. This suggests that elite athletic status can be achieved despite a partial deficiency in AMPD1, as marked by the AMPD1 CT genotype.

Variation in the PPARα gene in Polish rowers

The PPARα gene code for transcriptional factor that is a central regulator of expression of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism and is believed to be a one of the genes of health-related fitness phenotype. The aim of this study was to examine the hypothesis that G allele of PPARα intron 7 G/C polymorphic site (rs4253778) is positively associated with endurance athlete status. PPARα genotypes were analyzed for 55 Polish rowers: 30 elite rowers representing the highest national competitive standard and 25 non-elite rowers representing regional standard. Control samples were prepared from 115 unrelated volunteers. The G/C polymorphic site in PPARα intron 7 was scanned by using PCR-RFLP protocol with TaqI enzyme. The allele frequency and genotype distribution was determined by gene and genotype counting. Significance was assessed by χ 2 analysis. The obtained results revealed that frequency of the PPARα GG genotype (87% vs. 63%; p = 0.04) and G allele (93% vs. 79%; p = 0.009) were significantly higher in the elite group of the Polish rowers compared to sedentary controls. These data confirm that GG genotype is more prevalent in the group of endurance athletes therefore G allele may be considered as one of the endurance-related allele.

Individualities of Cardiorespiratory Responsiveness to Shifts in Respiratory Homeostasis and Physical Exercise in Homogeneous Groups of High Performance Athletes

It is known that high sports performances are based upon optimization of adaptation process. In order to achieve the above, one should provide aidual vivid features of athlete’s abilities, peculiarities of his/her physiological reactivity. The aim was to study individualities of sensitivity to shifts in respiratory homeostasis and responsiveness to high intensity physical exercises in homogeneous groups of high performance endurance athletes. Individual peculiarities of the cardiorespiratory system (CRS) physiological reactivity were evaluated in 118 high performance endurance athletes (cyclists, runners and rowers) aged 20–27 years (competing regularly in sports for 6.8 ± 1.1 years). The sensitivity of response to СО2–Н (rebreathing), fast kinetics and the peak response of CRS to various physical loads were measured. The level of V O2max and accumulated oxygen deficit were determined as well. The results indicate distinctive individual peculiarities of CRS response to the shifts of respiratory homeostasis in homogeneous groups of endurance athletes with respect to sensitivity and stability of responses to СО2–Н. Sensitivity to СО2–Н demonstrated a positive correlation with fast kinetics and peak levels in responses to physical loads and anaerobic potential realization. Hyperkinetic and hypokinetic types of an individual physiological responsiveness of CRS to shifts in the respiratory homeostasis and physical exercise in homogeneous groups of high performance athletes were revealed as a premise for athletes’ high specific work capacity. DOI: 10.2478/v10131-010-0001-1 13 Author’s Conrtibution A – Study Design B – Data Collection C – Statistical Analysis D – Data Interpretation E – Manuscript Preparation F – Literature Search G – Funds Collection Word count: 7485 Tables: 10 Figures: 3