Hawaii Ironman Research Articles

It’s never too late to become an Ironman – The example of an 85-year-old triathlete

This study aimed to analyse the performance of Hiromu Inada (HI), an 85-year-old triathlete, who became the oldest athlete in the world to complete the famous Hawaii Ironman triathlon consisting of a 3.8 km swim, 180-km cycle and 42-km run. HI swam in 1 h 51 min, cycled in 8 h 02 min, ran in 6 h 28 min and took 31 min for his transitions, for a total time of 16 h 53 min. Compared to the winner’s speed, HI was 55, 47 and 58% slower in swimming, cycling and running, respectively. For the same age-group category (i.e. 85–89 years), the age-related decline in performances of HI are more pronounced compared to the age-related decline in performance of shorter duration endurance single discipline such as 1500-m swimming, 1-h track cycling or marathon running. To our knowledge, the performance of HI represents the first written observation of a master athlete older than 85 years old who officially finished an ultra-endurance event. The HI case is a clear example that humans can retain remarkable functionality until the end of their life span… if they train for it.

The results form in Hawaii Ironman

The results form in Hawaii Ironman

Are There Clinical Cardiac Complications From Too Much Exercise?

The dose-response association between physical activity and cardiovascular outcomes is well described (10). As little as 15 min·d−1 of moderate-intensity exercise significantly lowers the risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Greater volumes yield greater cardiovascular benefit. However, the impact of extreme volumes of exercise on cardiovascular health is under debate (9), because some studies present evidence of adverse clinical outcomes in endurance athletes who perform exercise volumes at the extreme upper end of the physical activity continuum. These observations raise the possibility that high doses of exercise have deleterious cardiac effects.

Economy is not sacrificed in ultramarathon runners

to the editor: It was recently ([8][1]) stated that several factors might explain that ultramarathon performance would rely to a higher fraction of Vo2max (F) sustained at the expense of running energy cost (Cr) compared with shorter distances. So the “sacrificed” economy would be lower in

Relative improvements in endurance performance with age: evidence from 25 years of Hawaii Ironman racing

Despite of the growth of ultra-endurance sports events (of duration >6 h) over the previous few decades, the age-related declines in ultra-endurance performance have drawn little attention. The aim of the study was to analyse the changes in participation and performance trends of older (>40 years of age) triathletes between 1986 and 2010 at the Hawaii Ironman triathlon consisting of 3.8 km swimming, 180 km cycling and 42 km running. Swimming, cycling, running and total times of the best male and female triathletes between 18 and 69 years of age who competed in the Hawaii Ironman triathlon were analysed. The relative participation of master triathletes increased during the 1986-2010 period, while the participation of triathletes younger than 40 years of age decreased. Linear regression showed that males older than 44 years and females older than 40 years significantly improved their performances in the three disciplines and in the total time taken to complete the race. Gender differences in total time performance significantly decreased in the same time period for all age groups between the 40-44 and 55-59 years ones. The reasons for these relative improvements of Ironman athlete performances in older age groups remain, however, unknown. Further studies investigating training regimes, competition experience or sociodemographic factors are needed to gain better insights into the phenomenon of increasing participation and improvement of ultra-endurance performance with advancing age.

Age and Gender Interactions in Ultraendurance Performance

The purposes of this study were (i) to investigate the effect of age on gender difference in Hawaii Ironman triathlon performance time and (ii) to compare the gender difference among swimming (3.8 km), cycling (180 km), and running (42 km) performances as a function of age. Gender difference in performance times and estimated power output in the three modes of locomotion were analyzed for the top 10 men and women amateur triathletes between the ages of 18 and 64 yr for three consecutive years (2006-2008). The gender difference in total performance time was stable until 55 yr and then significantly increased. Mean gender difference in performance time was significantly (P < 0.01) smaller for swimming (mean ± 95% confidence interval = 12.1% ± 1.9%) compared with cycling (15.4% ± 0.7%) and running (18.2% ± 1.3%). In contrast, mean gender difference in cycling estimated power output (38.6% ± 1.1%) was significantly (P < 0.01) greater compared with swimming (27.5% ± 3.8%) and running (32.6% ± 0.7%). This cross-sectional study provides evidence that gender difference in ultraendurance performance such as an Ironman triathlon was stable until 55 yr and then increased thereafter and differed between the locomotion modes. Further studies examining the changes in training volume and physiological characteristics with advanced age for men and women are required to better understand the age-associated changes in ultraendurance performance.

Serum Sodium Concentration Changes Are Related to Fluid Balance and Sweat Sodium Loss

This study determined if changes in serum sodium concentration are related to fluid balance as well as sweat sodium losses in triathletes competing in the Hawaii Ironman triathlon. Endurance trained athletes (N = 46, age = 24-67 yr) were studied during 30 min of stationary cycling at 70%-75% of HRmax in a warm outdoor laboratory (26.4 degrees C +/- 1.7 degrees C wet bulb globe temperature [WBGT], 28.3 degrees C +/- 1.2 degrees C dry bulb [DB]) 3-7 d before race day. Sweat sodium concentration was measured from absorbent patches on the forearm and scapula, and sweating rate was derived from changes in body mass. Before and after the race, serum sodium concentration, body mass, and nutritional intake during the race were also measured (N = 46). Sweating and race day comparisons and changes in serum sodium concentration were analyzed via Student's t-test, correlation, and multiple regression. In men, the change in serum sodium concentration during the race was correlated with relative sweating rate (mL.kg.h; r = -0.49, P = 0.012), rate of sweat sodium loss (mEq.kg.h; r = -0.44, P = 0.023), and body mass change (kg; r = -0.54, P = 0.005). Together, the rate of sweat sodium loss and body mass change accounted for 46% of the change in serum sodium concentration in men (R = 0.46). In women, body mass change alone was significantly correlated with the change in serum sodium concentration (r = 0.31). The rate of sodium intake (mEq.kg.h) was related to the rate of sweat sodium loss in women (mEq.kg.h; r = 0.64, P = 0.035) but not in men (r = 0.27, P = 0.486). Changes in serum sodium concentration during an ultraendurance triathlon are significantly related to interactions of fluid balance, sweat sodium loss, and sodium ingestion.

From Oxford to Hawaii Ecophysiological Barriers Limit Human Progression in Ten Sport Monuments

In order to understand the determinants and trends of human performance evolution, we analyzed ten outdoor events among the oldest and most popular in sports history. Best performances of the Oxford-Cambridge boat race (since 1836), the channel crossing in swimming (1875), the hour cycling record (1893), the Elfstedentocht speed skating race (1909), the cross country ski Vasaloppet (1922), the speed ski record (1930), the Streif down-hill in Kitzbühel (1947), the eastward and westward sailing transatlantic records (1960) and the triathlon Hawaii ironman (1978) all follow a similar evolutive pattern, best described through a piecewise exponential decaying model (r 2 = 0.95±0.07). The oldest events present highest progression curvature during their early phase. Performance asymptotic limits predicted from the model may be achieved in fourty years (2049±32 y). Prolonged progression may be anticipated in disciplines which further rely on technology such as sailing and cycling. Human progression in outdoor sports tends to asymptotic limits depending on physiological and environmental parameters and may temporarily benefit from further technological progresses.

Analysis of Hawaii Ironman Performances in Elite Triathletes from 1981 to 2007

To examine the improvement in swimming (3.8 km), cycling (180 km), running (42.2 km), and overall performances at the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon of elite males and females between 1981 and 2007. Trends across years, gender differences in performance times in the three disciplines, and overall winning times of the top 10 males and females were analyzed. Overall performance time in the ironman decreased rapidly from 1981 but has remained stable since the late 1980s. From 1988 to 2007, linear regression analysis showed that change in swimming, cycling, running, and total performance for both males and females was less than 1.4% per decade, except for females' running time, which decreased by 3.8% per decade. Since 1988, the mean (SD) gender differences in time for swimming, cycling, running, and total event were 9.8% (2.9), 12.7% (2.0), 13.3% (3.1), and 12.6% (1.3), respectively. After an initial phase of rapid improvement of performances during the 1980s, there was a relative plateau, but at least in running and cycling, there were small improvements. Over the last two decades, gender difference in swimming remained stable while it slightly increased in cycling and decreased in running. The gender difference in ironman total performance is unlikely to change in the future.

C-REACTIVE PROTEIN LEVELS BEFORE AND AFTER ULTRA ENDURANCE EXERCISE

C-reactive protein (CRP) is released by the body in response to acute injury, infection or other inflammatory stimuli and is associated with risk of cardiovascular disease. PURPOSE To assess blood levels of highly sensitive CRP prior to and following the Hawaii Ironman triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run). METHODS Twenty-seven athletes (10 females, 17 males) over 50 years old (average age:58, ± 7.5 yrs, range:50–79) participated in the study. All women were postmenopausal. Athletes reported for pre-race morning blood draw (choice of either) 72 or 48 hours prior to race start, and again immediately following race finish. Post-race CRP levels were collected on 22 athletes (5 athletes did not finish the race). RESULTS Average finish time for females was 14:23 (race average for > 50 y.o. female finishers:14:40), males 13:31 (race average for > 50 y.o. male finishers:13:06). CRP rose on average by 5.2 ± 5.4 mg/L (p < 0.001). Baseline CRP levels were reported in the following risk categories for cardiovascular disease:59% (n = 16) lowest risk (defined as:0.0–0.6 mg/L), 11% (n = 3) low-risk (0.7–1.1 mg/L), 19% (n = 5) moderate risk (1.2–1.9 mg/L), 4% (n = 1) high-risk (2.0–3.8 mg/L), 7% (n = 2) highest risk (3.9–15.0mg/L). Post-race CRP levels in 77% of the finishers (17/22) rose from a lowest, low or moderate risk category to a high or highest risk category (p < 0.001). 54.5% (12/22) of CRP levels were of a highest risk category following the race. CRP for two male athletes decreased from a highest risk to a high-risk category (by 3.1 and 1.2 mg/L, respectively) following the race. CONCLUSION At pre-race baseline, ultra-endurance athletes show low levels of CRP, a risk factor for heart disease, consistent with known low risk in this group. However, CRP levels measured immediately after prolonged exercise are elevated, suggesting inflammation. The duration of elevation and implications for long-term risk are unknown.

PHYSIOLOGIC AND METABOLIC COMPARISON OF OLDER ( &gt; 50 Y.O.) TRIATHLETES TO HEALTHY NORMALS, PART I

PURPOSE To describe physiologic and metabolic characteristics of post-menopausal female triathletes competing at the Hawaii Ironman triathlon (Kona, Hawaii; 2.4mi swim, 112mi bike, 26.2mi run). METHODS Four women (age range: 56–63 y.o.) representative of female competitors over 50 years old participated in the study. These 4 athletes completed a pre-race test set consisting of a medical history, training and diet questionnaire, cycle Vo2max (ramped protocol, 25 watts*min−1), body composition (air-displacement plethysmography), lipid profile, electrolytes, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. RESULTS Average finish time was 14:32 (range: 13:06–16:47, ± 1:58) vs. a race average: 14:40 for all women > 50 y.o. Study subjects had trained an average of 13 years (4 − 22) for triathlon and completed an average of 5.5 previous Hawaii Ironman triathlons (1 − 14). Reported average weekly training mileage consisted of: swim=5.6mi, bike=196mi, run=36mi. Cycle Vo2max averaged 41.5 mlO2*kg−1*min−1 (37.5 − 47.1, ± 4.2) or 2336 mlO2*min−1 (1968 − 2646, ± 286), 161% of age/sex matched healthy normals. Wattage at Vo2max averaged 215 watts (121–252, ± 63). Anaerobic Threshold (V-slope method) averaged 25.1 mlO2*kg−1*min−1 (21.9–27.7, ± 2.4), or 1413 mlO2*min−1 (1152 − 1559, ± 192). AT was 60% (59–64, ± 2.5) Vo2max. Wattage at AT averaged 116 watts (90–128, ± 18). Average body fat was 26.3% (20.6–33.1, ± 5.5). Cholesterol averaged 229 mg/dL (217 − 262, ± 22). Hemoglobin averaged 13.6 g/dL (12.4–15.0, ± 1.3). According to CRP levels, 2/4 athletes were in the lowest risk category (0.0–0.6 mg/L) and 2/4 were in the low risk category (0.7–1.1 mg/L) for cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION Although more data are necessary to accurately categorize this unique population, these data may be a useful starting point to judge what is normal for post-menopausal Ironwomen athletes.

HYDRATION AND HYPONATREMIA FOLLOWING ULTRA ENDURANCE EXERCISE;

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between hydration and hyponatremia following ultra endurance exercise. A total of 152 triathletes, 114 men, 38 women were weighed before and after the Hawaii IRONMAN triathlon (2.4M swim, 112M bike, and 26.2M run). Athletes were weighed in race attire, without shoes, using a digital scale (Tanita BWB-620A). A subset of 90 athletes was evaluated for serum electrolytes after the race. Average age for the group (38 years), and finish time (men, 11:57; women, 13:03) was consistent with the overall race population. RESULTS: A total of 63.8% (n = 97; 1.2% −9.8%) of athletes were dehydrated (body weight decrease > 1.5 kg, 1.5 L), while 32.9% (n = 50; −2.5% −2.6%) were euhydrated, for a combined total of 96.7% (n = 147) dehydrated or euhydrated. Of this combined group, 12 individuals were hyponatremic (serum sodium < 135 mmol*L−1), range: 128–134 mmol*L−1). A total of 8 men (average age: 41, finish time: 11:20; body weight loss: −0.9% −4.1%), and 4 women (average age: 33, finish time: 12:06; body weight loss: −0.7% −3.8%) were hyponatremic and euhydrated or dehydrated. A total of 3.3% of athletes weighted (n = 5; −6.8% - −2.6%) were over-hydrated (body weight increase > 1.5 kg, or 1.5 L), one of who was hyponatremic (serum sodium = 127 mmol*L−1, sex = female, 6.8% body weight gain, finish time > 14 hours). Overall, 92% (12 of 13) of hyponatremic athletes were euhydrated or dehydrated. CONCLUSIONS: Dehydration was much more common (20×) than over-hydration in this study. In a small number of triathletes, over-hydration may exacerbate hyponatremia. However, the vast majority of hyponatremic athletes in this study were either dehydrated or euhydrated. Therefore, ultra endurance athletes should be advised to repeatedly measure their fluid losses and develop a race day nutrition plan that will replace fluid loss along with electrolytes.

CHANGES IN BMC AND BODY FAT FOLLOWING ULTRA ENDURANCE EXERCISE

In order to assess changes in body composition related to an ultra endurance event, seven subjects were analyzed with dual x-ray absorptiometry (Hologic QDR 4500 Fan-Beam Densitometer) pre and post competition at the 2000 Hawaii IRONMAN triathlon (2.4 M swim, 112 M bike, 26.2 M run). Three male and four female competitors (aged 23 - 43) were evaluated two days before the race, and immediately after finishing the race. Average height for males was 179 +/− 4 cm, weight 75 +/− 8 kg, and finish time 11:30 +/− 1:55 hours. Average height for females was 167 +/− 4 cm, weight 62.2 +/− 8 kg, and finish time 12:51 +/− 2:44 hours. RESULTS: Average pre and post race bone mineral content (BMC) was 2728.5 +/− 608.7 g and 2691.8 +/− 586.7 g, respectively. There was an average loss in BMC of 36.7 g (p = 0.011). Average pre and post race fat mass was 10.8 kg and 10.4 kg, respectively, with a range of +/− 0.5 kg. There was an average decrease of 0.4 kg (p = 0.040) of fat mass, a 4% decrease from baseline. CONCLUSION: BMC changes point out the possible rapid variability of bone mineral content. The fat loss observed is potentially consistent with the energy demands of this race.

Gender differences in exercise-induced changes in sex hormone levels and lipid peroxidation in athletes participating in the Hawaii Ironman triathlon: Ginsburg-gender and exercise-induced lipid peroxidation

Background: Exercise reduces the risk of coronary heart disease in men and women but paradoxically, may promote free-radical formation, lipid peroxidation and vascular tissue injury. In this study, we assessed whether exercise-induced oxidative stress similarly affected men and women who participated in the Hawaii Ironman triathlon. Methods and results: Fifty-seven athletes (38 males) who completed the triathlon (3.9 km swim, 180.2 km bike, 42.2 km run) participated in this study. Blood samples were obtained 2 days before and immediately after the triathlon for the measurement of lipids, antioxidants and sex hormones and for the assessment of the susceptibility of plasma lipids to peroxidation. Lipid changes after exercise were similar for men and women. However, the susceptibility of plasma lipids to peroxidation was reduced by 61% ( P<0.001) in men and only 14% ( P=NS) in women postrace. These changes were not associated with the supplemental use or levels of antioxidants. In addition, in men there was an increase of 58% in the antioxidant sex hormone estradiol and a decrease of 58% in testosterone ( P<0.001) postrace. No significant changes were noted for these two hormones in women. Conclusions: There are significant gender-specific differences in the susceptibility of lipids to peroxidation and in changes in estradiol and testosterone levels as a result of ultra-endurance exercise. These changes may in part explain the salutary effect of exercise on the development of vascular disease.

Acute changes in serum lipids and lipoprotein subclasses in triathletes as assessed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Exercise is associated with changes in lipids that may protect against coronary heart disease (CHD). In this study of 28 triathletes, we analyzed acute changes in serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations after completion of the 1995 World Championship Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. With standard laboratory assays, we demonstrate significant decreases in total cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, ApoB100, and Lp(a). Total HDL cholesterol increased significantly immediately after the race. With a novel proton NMR spectroscopy assay, we demonstrate that smaller diameter LDL particles, corresponding to small, dense LDL, declined by 62%. Moreover, larger HDL subclasses, whose levels are inversely associated with CHD, increased significantly by 11%. Smaller HDL subclasses, which have been directly associated with CHD in some studies, acutely decreased by 16%. Therefore, exercise not only acutely induces changes in lipoprotein concentrations among the standard species in a manner that favorably affects CHD risk, but also induces favorable changes in specific lipoprotein subclass size distribution that also may alter CHD risk independently of the total lipoprotein serum concentration.

Cardiac troponin T and I, electrocardiographic wall motion analyses, and ejection fractions in athletes participating in the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon

Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and troponin I (cTnI) are highly sensitive and specific for detecting myocardial damage even in the presence of skeletal muscle injury. In this study, we assessed whether ultraendurance exercise induced cardiomyocyte injury using plasma cTnT and cTnI measurements, quantitative echocardiographic wall-motion analysis, and ejection fraction measurement in athletes who participated in the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. Twenty-three athletes (11 men) who completed the triathlon (3.9 km swim, 180.2 km bike, and 42.2 km run) participated in this study. Blood samples were obtained 2 days before and immediately after the triathlon for the determination of cTnT (Enzymun, Roche Diagnostics) and cTnI (Dade Behring) concentrations. Quantitative echocardiographic wall motion analysis and ejection fraction were obtained on 12 of the 23 participants before and immediately after the race. No subject had detectable cTnT or cTnI or abnormal echo score before the race. Following the race, 2 subjects (9%) had marked increases in both cTnT (0.15 and 0.33 μg/L) and cTnI (2.09 and 4.44 μg/L). Four additional subjects (17%) had moderate increases in cTnT (0.04 to 0.05 μg/L) but no detectable cTnI. Race time correlated inversely with cTnT (r = −0.65, p <0.01). Mean change in the number of abnormal echo segments after the race was 6.5 in those with a marked increase in cTnT and cTnI, 2.3 in those with a moderate increase in cTnT, and 1.7 in those with no increase. Ejection fraction decreased by an average of 24% after the race (p <0.002). Thus, ultraendurance exercise may cause myocardial damage as indicated by biochemical cardiac-specific markers and echocardiography. The cellular nature of this damage and whether it is transient or permanent is unclear at present.

Effects of a Single Bout of Ultraendurance Exercise on Lipid Levels and Susceptibility of Lipids to Peroxidation in Triathletes

To determine the effects of a single bout of ultraendurance exercise, as a model for physiologic stress, on lipid and lipoprotein levels, and oxidative susceptibility of lipids in highly trained athletes. Observational trial. Thirty-nine volunteer subjects (26 mean, 13 women; mean age, 38 +/- 10 years) who competed in and completed the 1994 Hawaii Ironman World Championship Triathlon consisting of a consecutive 3.9-km (2.4-mi) swim, 180.2-km (112-mi) bike ride, and a 42.2-km (26.2-mi) run. Subjects answered questionnaires and had blood samples obtained 2 days prior to and within 15 minutes of completion of the triathlon. Prerace vs postrace changes in lipid and lipoprotein levels, and susceptibility of lipids to peroxidation. The mean duration of exercise was 753 +/- 128 minutes. With exercise, plasma volume-corrected levels of triglycerides decreased 39% from 1.58 +/- 0.83 to 0.97 +/- 0.68 mmol/L (139.6 +/- 73.6 to 85.8 +/- 60.5 mg/dL) (P < .001). Levels of total cholesterol decreased 9% from 4.94 +/- 0.88 to 4.50 +/- 0.79 mmol/L (190.8 +/- 33.8 to 173.8 +/- 30.6 mg/dL) (P < .001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased 11% from 2.59 +/- 0.77 to 2.30 +/- 0.86 mmol/L (100.1 +/- 29.9 to 88.7 +/- 33.3 mg/dL) (P = .02), and apolipoprotein B decreased 10% from 0.91 +/- 0.20 to 0.82 +/- 0.18 g/L (90.7 +/- 20.0 to 82.0 +/- 17.9 mg/dL) (P < .001). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I increased with exercise but not significantly. The susceptibility of lipids to peroxidation decreased significantly (4.51 +/- 1.91 micromol/L, preexercise, vs 2.42 +/- 2.27 micromol/L, postexercise, P < .001), an effect that was not related to antioxidant use or levels of vitamins A, C, or E. Serum iron, a potential pro-oxidant, also decreased by 45% with exercise from 15.75 +/- 5.55 to 8.59 +/- 4.30 micromol/L (88 +/- 31 to 48 +/- 24 micrograms/dL) (P < .001), an effect that was weakly correlated with changes in lipid peroxidation (P = .05). These data suggest that a single bout of prolonged exercise can reduce lipid and lipoprotein risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. Moreover, susceptibility of lipids to peroxidation is reduced by exercise, thereby adding to the benefits of physical activity. This effect appears to be independent of antioxidant supplement use and may be mediated by induction of endogenous antioxidants. These observations may explain in part the reduced risk of developing vascular and other diseases in individuals who are physically active.

Fluid and electrolyte status in athletes receiving medical care at an ultradistance triathlon.

Thirty competitors in the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon were prospectively studied to determine whether fluid and electrolyte disturbances were causes for seeking race-day medical care. Athlete weights were significantly (p < 0.0001) decreased during the race, but decreases were not different in treated (n = 11; % delta wt -2.3 +/- 2.9) versus not treated (n = 19; % delta wt - 2.0 +/- 1.9) athletes. Hyponatremia occurred in nine athletes (30%), and hypomagnesemia in six (20%), but only half of athletes were either electrolyte imbalance sought care. Although athletes receiving medical care may have fluid and electrolyte problems, these abnormalities may also occur in healthy athletes.

Physiological characteristics of elite and club level female triathletes during running.

Most studies of the triathlon have looked at male triathletes with respect to the longer distance events such as the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the physiological characteristics and training protocols of elite and competitive (club) women triathletes who compete at Olympic distance (1.5 km swim, 40 km cycle, 10 km run) to examine the relationship between these factors and running performance in the triathlon. The elite triathletes (n = 10) had a lower body mass and BMI than club level triathletes (n = 9) as well as smaller girths at all measured sites although these differences were not significant. Sum of skinfold thickness measured at four sites was significantly smaller in the elite group (p = 0.05), yet, wide individual variations were found within each group. The amount of training undertaken by individuals in both groups varied markedly; however, overall the elite did more training in all disciplines. The VO2max measured on the treadmill was significantly higher (p = 0.03) in the elite women (65.6 +/- 6.0 ml.kg-1.min-1) as compared to the club level women (60.4 +/- 3.1 ml.kg-1.min-1). The elite triathletes were significantly more economical, showing a lowered relative oxygen consumption (% VO2max), (p = 0.008); lowered heart rate (p = 0.01) and lowered blood lactate values (p = 0.03) at 15 km.h-1. The elite group were also much more efficient runners at 15 km.h-1 when looking at VE/VO2 (p = 0.05). An association was found between run race time and %VO2max at 15 km.h-1 (p = 0.04). The results suggest that there is no ideal nor unique anthropometric profile that can be established for female triathletes especially with respect to running time and overall performance. The widespread differences in physiological variables found between the two groups confirms the important contribution factors such as these make to performance.

Regional wall motion abnormalities after prolonged exercise in the normal left ventricle.

To determine whether regional wall motion abnormalities exist or contribute to left ventricular dysfunction, we obtained two-dimensional echocardiograms in 12 athletes before (baseline), immediately after (race finish), and 1 day after (recovery) the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon (a 3.9-km swimming, 180.2-km bicycling, and 42.2-km running event). Left ventricular short-axis and apical four-chamber views were computer digitized and divided into six segments, and radial chord shortening and area ejection fraction were calculated. Global ejection fraction fell at race finish (51% versus 46%, p less than 0.05) but recovered by 1 day (54%, p less than 0.01 by repeated-measures analysis of variance). With the apical four-chamber view, midseptal and apical-septal motion were reduced at race finish but returned to baseline during recovery (midseptal radial chord shortening: 21%, 8%, 22%; apical-septal radial chord shortening: 27%, 12%, 25%; midseptal area ejection fraction: 39%, 30%, 40%; apical-septal area ejection fraction: 44% baseline, 33% race finish, 43% recovery; all p less than 0.01). In contrast, with the parasternal short-axis view, wall motion did not change at race finish but tended to be elevated during recovery and became significant for anteroseptal motion (radial chord shortening: 29%, 30%, 36%; area ejection fraction: 49% baseline, 51% race finish, 58% recovery; both p less than 0.05). Lateral wall motion was unchanged. In addition, an index of septal curvature was calculated using the ratio of the septal-lateral wall minor axis to the perpendicular anteroposterior minor axis. At all three data collections, this ratio remained close to 1.0 at end systole and end diastole.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)