Male Rowers Research Articles

Fit evaluation of sportswear for Belgian elite male rowers in static and dynamic rowing postures

The main objective of the SHAPE study was to assess the anthropometry of elite male rowers and develop customized size charts and sportswear with adequate fit in static and dynamic rowing postures. This paper briefly discusses the anthropometry of Belgian elite male rowers and focuses on the fit features of a related unisuit called SHAPE which is compared against a reference (SMARTFIT) with similar materials and design, whereof the garment construction is based on body charts of average Belgian males. Four elite male rowers evaluated both unisuits in garment size 52 and 58. Most of the ten fit features investigated for SHAPE unisuit were allocated average scores between 3 (adequate fit) and 4 (very good fit). In static posture, the overall fit of the SHAPE unisuit was found slightly better than of SMARTFIT unisuit (average score 3.8 and 3.1 respectively). Unlike SMARTFIT, SHAPE unisuit based on rowers body dimensions scored equally well in static and dynamic rowing postures catch and finish and will likely successfully accommodate repetitive sport movements.

Effect of Ten Weeks of Creatine Monohydrate Plus HMB Supplementation on Athletic Performance Tests in Elite Male Endurance Athletes.

Creatine monohydrate (CrM) and β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) are common ergogenic aids in the field of sports and are frequently used in an isolated way. However, there are a few studies that have investigated the effect of combining both supplements on different variables related to performance, with controversial results. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and the degree of potentiation of 10 weeks of CrM plus HMB supplementation on sports performance, which was measured by an incremental test to exhaustion in elite male traditional rowers. In this placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, 10-week study, participants (n = 28) were randomized to a placebo group (PLG; n = 7), CrM group (0.04 g/kg/day of CrM; n = 7), HMB group (3 g/day of HMB; n = 7) and CrM-HMB group (0.04 g/kg/day of CrM plus 3 g/day of HMB; n = 7). Before and after 10 weeks of different treatments, an incremental test was performed on a rowing ergometer to calculate the power that each rower obtained at the anaerobic threshold (WAT), and at 4 mmol (W4) and 8 mmol (W8) of blood lactate concentration. There were no significant differences in WAT and W4 among groups or in body composition. However, it was observed that the aerobic power achieved at W8 was significantly higher in the CrM-HMB group than in the PLG, CrM and HMB groups (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.766). Likewise, a synergistic effect of combined supplementation was found for the sum of the two supplements separately at WAT (CrM-HMBG = 403.19% vs. CrMG+HMBG = 337.52%), W4 (CrM-HMBG = 2736.17% vs. CrMG+HMBG = 1705.32%) and W8 (CrM-HMBG = 1293.4% vs. CrMG+HMBG = 877.56%). In summary, CrM plus HMB supplementation over 10 weeks showed a synergistic effect on aerobic power (measured as WAT, W4, and W8) during an incremental test but had no influence muscle mass.

Body Motion and Rowing Performance: Association between Hip Angle and Rowing Performance: A Pilot Study.

The importance of aerobic fitness in rowing has been widely studied, and it is accepted that aerobic fitness is a key factor in rowing performance. In contrast, the impact of rowing efficacy, especially rowing form, on rowing performance has not yet been fully elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate this subject via the analysis of hip kinematics and the association of this variable with 2000 m ergometer rowing test performance. Eleven adult male rowers underwent a 2000 m rowing test on an ergometer and the exhaled gas was analyzed. The hip joint angle, the pelvic rotation, and the knee joint angle were measured at the catch position throughout the test. Peak VO2 was strongly associated with the time taken to complete the test (ρ=-0.96, P<0.01), thereby confirming the importance of aerobic capacity in rowing performance. The variance of the hip joint angle of each rower was associated with peak VO2, lean mass, and test time (ρ=-0.72, -0.84, and 0.66, respectively, all P<0.05). Greater knee flexion was accompanied by larger posterior rotation of the pelvis (ρ=0.74, P<0.05), and was negatively associated with hip flexion (ρ=-0.76, P<0.05). Although we cannot confirm whether the consistency of the hip joint angle actually leads to better rowing performance, our results suggest that there are associations between the consistency of the hip joint angle, aerobic capacity, lean mass, and the time taken to complete the 2000 m ergometer rowing test.

Upoređivanje akutnih kardiovaskularnih odgovora veslača tokom testa opterećenja u laboratorijskim uslovima i na vodi

This study compares the acute cardiovascular responses of rowing athletes during a rowing test in laboratory and field conditions in order to identify possible differences between the two types of the rowing tests. Six male rowers completed the rowing tests, using the Concept2 rowing paddle at the laboratory and a skiff in the water. Heart rate, blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and oxygen saturation (% SpO2) were measured in both tests. Data analysis showed no significant differences regarding the heart rate (p &gt; 0.05), systolic blood pressure (p &gt; 0.05) and the oxygen saturation rate (p &gt; 0.05) between the laboratory and field trials, while a similar evolution of these parameter values was recorded at all times when the measurements were taken. Only at diastolic pressure values, there were statistically significant differences in the measurements taken immediately post the rowing test and the values obtained up to the 7th minute of the recovery. Overall, there were only slight fluctuations in the cardiovascular responses of the rowing athletes, between the laboratory test and the field test, and the laboratory test may be quite reliable for the performance assessment of the rowers. However, field trials are reported to have the advantage of offering greater validity and specificity because they better simulate actual competition events.

Methodological Considerations on the Relationship Between the 1,500-m Rowing Ergometer Performance and Vertical Jump in National-Level Adolescent Rowers.

Maciejewski, H, Rahmani, A, Chorin, F, Lardy, J, Samozino, P, and Ratel, S. Methodological considerations on the relationship between the 1,500-m rowing ergometer performance and vertical jump in national-level adolescent rowers. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 3000-3007, 2019-The purpose of this study was to investigate whether 3 different approaches for evaluating squat jump performance were correlated with rowing ergometer performance in elite adolescent rowers. Fourteen young male competitive rowers (15.3 ± 0.6 years), who took part in the French rowing national championships, performed a 1,500-m all-out rowing ergometer performance (P1500) and a squat jump (SJ) test. The performance in SJ was determined by calculating the jump height (HSJ in cm), a jump index (ISJ = HSJ·body mass·gravity, in J), and the mean power output (PSJ in W) from the Samozino et al.'s method. Furthermore, allometric modeling procedures were used to consider the importance of body mass (BM) in the relationships between P1500 and jump scores. P1500 was significantly correlated with HSJ (r = 0.29, p ≤ 0.05), ISJ (r = 0.72, p < 0.0001), and PSJ (r = 0.86, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, BM explained at least 96% of the relationships between SJ and rowing performances. However, the similarity between both allometric exponents for PSJ and P1500 (1.15 and 1.04, respectively) indicates that BM could influence jump and rowing ergometer performances at the same rate, and that PSJ could be the best correlate of P1500. Therefore, the calculation of power seems to be more relevant than HSJ and ISJ to (a) evaluate jump performance and (b) infer the capacity of adolescent rowers to perform 1,500-m all-out rowing ergometer performance, irrespective of their body mass. This could help coaches to improve their training program and potentially identify talented young rowers.

Relationship between body composition and the level of aerobic and anaerobic capacity in highly trained male rowers.

Body composition may affect the potential for success in sports. For this reason, our study aimed to determine the impact of body composition on the level of aerobic and anaerobic capacity in competitive rowers. The study involved 48 males aged 20±2 years. Body composition was analysed using electrical bioimpedance. Maximum aerobic capacity (VO2max) and average anaerobic power (AP) were determined using an incremental cycling test until exhaustion and a standard Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAT), respectively. The optimal ranges of body components with respect to the level of anaerobic and aerobic capacity at preparatory period for highly trained rowers aged 17-23 years, with body mass 67.5-104.7 kg, were 86-88% for fat free mass (FFM), 63-65% for total body water (TBW) and 11-13% for fat mass (FM). Regression analyses showed that BM and FFM significantly contributed to the prediction of VO2max and AP. The increase in FFM and BM by 1 kg resulted in the change of VO2max by +0.161 l.min-1 and -0.057 l.min-1, and AP by +5.51 W and +4.74 W, respectively. Body composition is closely related to the level of aerobic and anaerobic capacity in rowers, and we suggest that its regulation can serve as an effective tool to improve physical performance. The regression models we developed seem to be promising for estimating the changes in physical capacity based on body composition modifications, however, their accuracy should be verified in an experimental study.

Validity of testing and training using the kayak ergometer

Background and Study Aim. The paper is dedicated to the problem of the strength testing and training using the ergometer rowing performance in the flat water kayak sport. The aim of the research was to create a model of validity based on the relationship between the ergometer and on-water performance competition rowing. Material and Methods. Nineteen 15-17 years old male kayak rowers during the off-season were randomly divided into two groups. An experimental group trained according the same program as the control group, but two times a week a part of the common strength training exercises was substituted with a high-intensity strength training using the ergometer rowing. A whole amount of strength loading on all the rowers of the two groups was equal. Validity of testing and training of the ergometer rowing in the kayak sport was evaluated using interclass correlation between competition performance on 500 m on-water kayak and ergometer rowing. Results. Strong significant correlation is revealed between competition performance of on-water kayak and ergometer rowing before and after the off-season (| r | = 0.892, 0.902, p &lt;0.001), that shows rather good validity. Other result of the correlation analysis shows good prognostic ability of the ergometer performance regarding competition performance of on-water kayaking (| r | = 0.913). Conclusions. The proposed model based on the relationship between the ergometer and on-water performance competition rowing shows rather good validity of the strength testing and training in the on-water kayak sport.

Effect of rowing posture on body measurements and skin–sportswear interface pressure and implications on garment fit

Sportswear should fit well each individual athlete while preserving its ergonomic and pressure comfort upon sport-specific movements. This study aims to quantify the effect of two rowing postures on selected body measurements and skin–sportswear interface pressure for competitive rowers of age 18–35. The results based on average body measurements of a total number of 74 male and female rowers indicate a considerable influence of the catch and finish posture on both body measurements and interface skin–sportswear pressure, regardless of the gender. Back length and across back width were the most affected by posture, and increased especially from the static to catch position by 12% (6.1 cm) and 16% (6.5 cm) for male rowers, and respectively by 11% (4.9 cm) and 13% (4.7 cm) for female rowers. In general, the posture led to the larger influence on pressure than on anthropometrics of maximum 55% versus 16% for male and up to 82% versus 13% for female rowers, respectively. The maximum interface pressure (e.g. 10 mmHg) was rather low, which suggest there was no pressure discomfort. Prototypes were developed and the fit of garments was investigated in various postures. For the considered fabrics and design, an increase of the garment pattern to accommodate the catch maximum changes led to a poor fit of the prototype MR58-CP, which was generally too large, especially in the static posture. On the contrary, prototype MR58-FP that considered some finish rowing posture-related body changes and design adjustments based on experience with the first prototype and input from the test person had the best fit.

Association Between Deoxygenated Hemoglobin Breaking Point, Anaerobic Threshold, and Rowing Performance.

To compare the intensity and physiological responses of deoxygenated hemoglobin breaking point ([HHb]BP) and anaerobic threshold (AnT) during an incremental test and to verify their association with 2000-m rowing-ergometer performance in well-trained rowers. A total of 13 male rowers (mean [SD] age = 24 [11]y and V˙O2peak = 63.7 [6.1]mL·kg-1·min-1) performed a step incremental test. Gas exchange, vastus lateralis [HHb], and blood lactate concentration were measured. Power output, V˙O2, and heart rate of [HHb]BP and AnT were determined and compared with each other. A 2000-m test was performed in another visit. No differences were found between [HHb]BP and AnT in the power output (236 [31] vs 234 [31]W; Δ = 0.7%), 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.7%), V˙O2 (4.2 [0.5] vs 4.3 [0.4]L·min-1; Δ = -0.8%, 95% CI 4.0%), or heart rate (180 [16] vs 182 [12] beats·min-1; Δ = -1.6%, 95% CI 2.1%); however, there was high typical error of estimate (TEE) and wide 95% limits of agreement (LoA) for power output (TEE 10.7%, LoA 54.1-50.6W), V˙O2 (TEE 5.9%, LoA -0.57 to 0.63L·min-1), and heart rate (TEE 2.4%, LoA -9.6 to 14.7 beats·min-1). Significant correlations were observed between [HHb]BP (r = .70) and AnT (r = .89) with 2000-m mean power. These results demonstrate a breaking point in [HHb] of the vastus lateralis muscle during the incremental test that is capable of distinguishing rowers with different performance levels. However, the high random error would compromise the use of [HHb]BP for training and testing in rowing.

Association between hamstring flexibility and lumbopelvic posture and kinematics during ergometer rowing

Restricted pelvic range of motion leading to extreme flexion of the lumbar spine during rowing has been associated with higher loads within the spine and therefore may contribute to low back pain. It is further indicated that tight hamstrings have a negative influence on the rowing posture. In this study, the relationships between hamstring flexibility and lumbopelvic kinematics during ergometer rowing in 17 male adolescent rowers were examined. Hamstring flexibility was assessed using the passive knee extension test, and lumbopelvic kinematics was assessed via flexible sensor strips at the back and pelvis. No associations were found between hamstring flexibility and pelvic kinematics during rowing (RoM: P > .18, r = .35 and angle at catch: P > .48, r = .19), suggesting that there is no relevant influence of hamstring flexibility on lumbopelvic kinematics in adolescent male rowers. Therefore, techniques to increase hamstring flexibility might be ineffective in low back pain prevention and rehabilitation. In contrast, years of rowing experience showed a strong effect on lumbar RoM (P < .01, r = −.726) and a weak effect on pelvic motions (P < .04, r = .542), suggesting that the level of technical skills is of more important matter.

Asymmetry of the leg stretcher force high-performance female and male juniors in sweep rowing

ABSTRACTThe geometry of sweep rowing causes an asymmetrical movement with uneven force distribution on both sides of the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the asymmetry of the stretcher force for junior women and men. Four rowing eight-crews (N = 32) completed a stroke rate test and a 2000 m race. The rowing angle, the handle force and the stretcher force for the inside (oarside) and outside (non oarside) leg were measured. In both sub-samples, the outside leg stretcher force was higher than the inside leg stretcher force. The women rowed with higher symmetry index of stretcher force (26.8 ± 19.7%) than the men (8.6 ± 15.9%). This asymmetry was reduced with increasing stroke rate but increased with physical fatigue in the course of the rowing race. The transmission to the oar via trunk and arms is associated with unequal loading of the pelvis and lumbar spine. Female and male sweep rowers with high asymmetry of the stretcher force should use appropriate strength and technique training to reduce the asymmetry and the risk of low back pain.

Aerobic Training And Vascular Protection: Insight From Altering Blood Flow Patterns

Adequate blood flow patterns are essential in maintaining vascular homeostasis. Exercise-induced increases in antegrade, or forward, blood flow is a major modulator of vascular health; however, as vascular function in the conduit arteries is normalized as aerobic training progresses it is unknown if aerobically-trained vessels can adequately counteract vascular insults. PURPOSE: The study sought to determine the ability of aerobically-trained individuals to counteract an acute vascular insult (increased retrograde shear). METHODS: Ten young male trained rowers (20±1 yrs) and ten male recreationally active controls (24±1 yrs) were recruited for this study. Subjects completed two brachial artery (BA) flow mediated dilation (FMD) tests separated by a 30 minutes of sub-diastolic cuff inflation (60 mmHg) of the forearm. BA diameter, blood flow, and shear rate were evaluated prior to and throughout both FMD tests. RESULTS: The sub-diastolic cuff inflation intervention resulted in significant increases in retrograde shear rate (p < 0.001) and oscillatory shear index (p < 0.001) over time (pre- to post-FMD measures). Significant reductions across time were revealed in brachial artery (BA) dilation (absolute: p = 0.008; relative change: p = 0.011) and the post-cuff release hyperemic response (BA blood flow AUC: p < 0.001; BA shear rate AUC: p = 0.001), but no group differences were observed in these variables. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that individuals with prior upper limb training were unable to attenuate the vascular dysfunction associated with acute increases in retrograde shear.

Physical performance indicators in traditional rowing championships.

Traditional rowing is a very popular discipline practiced worldwide through sliding and fixed seat modalities with little scientific evidence. The aim of this study is to analyze high and low-performance rowers' profile of traditional rowing modalities in order to establish performance reference values. One hundred and fifteen male rowers were split into high and low performance groups, competing in the Spanish National Championships, volunteered to participate. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, and strength and power of lower extremities were evaluated by a jump height protocol. In the high-performance group, sliding seat rowers were characterized by longer lower extremities (97.5±3.5 cm), whereas fixed seat rowers resulted in higher countermovement jump values (36.8±5.0 cm). Also, sliding seat rowers showed a resistance index to fast strength significantly higher (0.8±0.1) than fixed seat rowers (0.8±0.0). On the other hand, group comparison within modality indicated that high-performance rowers of both modalities were significantly taller than lower performance rowers (184.3±6.8 and 181.2±4.9 cm vs. 179.3±6.4 and 177.9±5.9 cm for sliding and fixed seat rowers, respectively). Furthermore, leg length (97.5±3.5 cm) and resistance index to fast strength (0.8±0.1) for sliding seat modality, and arm span (187.3±5.7 cm), trunk length (87.4±3.7 cm) and repeat jump height (28.6±4.2 cm) for fixed seat modality were found as performance factors in traditional rowing. This study facilitates talent detection and selection of athletes to form competitive traditional rowing teams based on measurable physical characteristics.

Monitoring the Physiological and Biochemical Indicators of Teenage Male Rowers during Winter Training

Rowing is an aerobic endurance events, the human aerobic ability and anaerobic ability are very high requirements. In this study, 10 teenage male rowers were selected as subjects, and their body shape, sports quality, biochemical indexes, maximum oxygen intake, lactic acid, fujian, dynamometer performance and related indexes were measured. On the body shape, body function, biochemical metabolism, movement quality indexes of comprehensive evaluation, can understand the athletes’ physical fitness level and characteristics, through the analysis of some physiological and biochemical indexes of athletes, the athletes were evaluated by special aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity, comprehensive evaluation of the athletes’ physical fitness, hope to provide experiment basis for training plan, and to explore the feasibility of using physiological parameter prediction rowing results.

Non-Destructive Monitoring of Oxyhemoglobin Concentration Changes in Muscle during Exercise

Rowing is an aerobic endurance events, the human aerobic ability and anaerobic ability are very high requirements. In this study, 10 teenage male rowers were selected as subjects, and their body shape, sports quality, biochemical indexes, maximum oxygen intake, lactic acid, fujian, dynamometer performance and related indexes were measured. On the body shape, body function, biochemical metabolism, movement quality indexes of comprehensive evaluation, can understand the athletes’ physical fitness level and characteristics, through the analysis of some physiological and biochemical indexes of athletes, the athletes were evaluated by special aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity, comprehensive evaluation of the athletes’ physical fitness, hope to provide experiment basis for training plan, and to explore the feasibility of using physiological parameter prediction rowing results.

Cardiac Parasympathetic and Anaerobic Performance Recovery After High-Intensity Exercise in Rowers.

To determine the effect of different high-intensity interval-training (IT) sessions on the postexercise recovery response and time course across varying recovery measures. A total of 13 highly trained rowers (10 male and 3 female, peak oxygen uptake during a 6-min maximal test 4.9 [0.7]L·min-1) completed 3 IT sessions on a rowing ergometer separated by 7 d. Sessions consisted of 5 × 3.5min, 4-min rest periods (maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max]); 10 × 30s, 5-min rest periods (glycolytic); and 5 × 10min, 4-min rest periods (threshold). Participants were instructed to perform intervals at the highest maintainable pace. Blood lactate and salivary cortisol were measured preexercise and postexercise. Resting heart-rate (HR) variability, post-submaximal-exercise HR variability, submaximal-exercise HR, HR recovery, and modified Wingate peak and mean power were measured preexercise and 1, 10, 24, 34, 48, 58, and 72 h postexercise. Participants resumed training throughout the measurement period. Between-groups short-term response differences (1 h post-IT) across IT sessions were trivial or unclear for all recovery variables. However, post-submaximal-exercise HR variability demonstrated the longest recovery time course (threshold = 37.8 [14.2], glycolytic = 20.2 [11.0], and VO2max = 20.6 [15.2]; mean [h] ± confidence limits). Short-term responses to threshold, glycolytic, and VO2max IT in highly trained male and female rowers were similar. Recovery time course was greatest following threshold compared with glycolytic and VO2max-focused training, suggesting a durational influence on recovery time course at HR intensities ≥80% HRmax. As such, this provides valuable information around the programming and sequencing of high-intensity IT for endurance athletes.

The effects of lower limb intermittent negative pressure therapy on the skin microcirculation perfusion of quadriceps in male rowers

To investigate the effects of intermittent negative pressure therapy on the skin microcirculation perfusion of quadriceps in male rowers, and to provide basis for the practical application of this method. Fourteen male rowers were selected from the national rowing team and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The daily training plans of two groups were the same. The recovery intervention for experimental group was implemented by 20 minutes in the cube of Vacusport Regeneration System (German), 5 times per week for 4 weeks, no recovery intervention for control group. Microcirculation markers were collected by PeriFlux5000 system before and after the 4-week intervention. The markers included microcirculatory blood perfusion(MBP), average velocity of blood cells(AVBC), concentration of moving blood cells (CMBC), and values of the markers included basic values and post-heating values (44℃), difference before and after heating of the values was considered as the reserve capacity of those markers. The test results before the 4 weeks intervention showed there was no statistical difference between the two groups(P＞0.05). After the 4 weeks intervention: ①MBP: The post-heating value and the difference of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P＜0.05). But there was no statistical inner-group difference. ②AVBC: The post-heating values and the difference in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P＜0.05). Intra-group comparison found that the post-heating values after post-intervention were significantly reduced, compared with those of pre-intervention (P＜ 0.01); the difference after post-intervention was reduced significantly, compared with those in the pre-intervention (P＜0.05). ③CMBC: The post-heating values and the difference in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P＜0.01). There were no statistical significant inner-group difference. Lower limb intermittent negative pressure therapy can improve the skin microcirculation of the quadriceps of the male rowers, which has a positive effect on the rapid recovery of physical fitness.

Anthropometric profile, body composition and somatotype in elite traditional rowers: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Given the importance of body composition in sports performance, it is vital to have references of elite athletes which serve as a guide when it comes to overseeing diet and training.The aim of this study was to describe the anthropometric values of an elite team of traditional rowers in order to build an anthropometric profile in this sport. Material and methods: A cross-sectional design with twenty elite, male traditional rowers aged at 29.3 (3.6) years reported to the laboratory on a single day at the start of the competitive season. Height, wingspan, body mass, 8 skinfolds, 2 bone diameters and 6 perimeters were measured by the same internationally certified anthropometrist. Anthropometric measurements were taken following the International Society of Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocol. Fat mass was calculated using different equations for athletes and muscle mass using the Lee equation. For the somatotype components, the Carter and Heath equation was applied.Results: elite traditional rowers had a wingspan of 189 (5.8) cm, body fat percentage of 8.0 (1.2)% (Carter), 8.0 (1.8) (Withers), 7.0 (1.2)% (Yuhasz), and 10.9 (1.1)% (Faulkner). Muscle mass was 43.3 (2.4)% (Lee). The somatotype was endo-mesomorphic with endomorphy values of 3.5 (0.4), mesomorphy 4.7 (0.6) and ectomorphy 2.4 (3.5).Conclusion: These results suggest that wingspan seems to be of great importance for elite traditional rowers; while average height may not be as important for performance as wingspan. Meanwhile, reducing body fat percentage is likely to be beneficial in order to achieve elite rowing status.

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Haematological Values and Muscle Recovery in Elite Male Traditional Rowers.

Introduction: Deficient levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) (<30 ng/mL) may compromise health and athletic performance. Supplementation with oral vitamin D can favor the state of iron metabolism, and testosterone and cortisol as an indicator of muscle recovery of the athlete with a deficiency. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of eight weeks of supplementation with 3000 IU/day of vitamin D on the hematological and iron metabolism profile, as well as on the analytical values of testosterone and cortisol on elite male traditional rowers. The secondary aim was to examine if serum 25(OH)D is a predictor of testosterone and cortisol levels. Material and Methods: Thirty-six elite male rowers (27 ± 6 years) were assigned to one of the two groups randomly: 1) Control group (CG, n = 18, height: 181.05 ± 3.39 cm and body mass: 77.02 ± 7.55 kg), 2) Group treated with 3,000 IU of vitamin D3/day (VD3G, s = 18, height: 179.70 ± 9.07 cm and body mass: 76.19 ± 10.07 kg). The rowers were subjected to blood tests at the beginning of the study (T1) and after eight weeks of treatment (T2), for the analysis of hematological and hormonal values. Repeated-measures ANOVA with group factor (GC and GVD3) were used to examine if the interaction of the different values was the same or different between the groups throughout the study (time × group) after vitamin D3 treatment. To analyze if 25(OH)D was a good predictor of testosterone, cortisol, and testosterone/cortisol ratio a stepwise regression model was performed. Results: Statistically significant and different increases were observed in the group-by-time interaction of 25(OH)D in VD3G in respect to CG during the study (p < 0.001; VD3G (T1: 26.24 ± 8.18 ng/mL vs. T2: 48.12 ± 10.88 ng/mL) vs CG (T1: 30.76 ± 6.95 ng/mL vs. T2: 35.14 ± 7.96 ng/mL). Likewise, significant differences between groups were observed throughout the study in the group-by-time interaction and changes of hemoglobin (GC: −2.89 ± 2.29% vs. VD3G: 0.71 ± 1.91%; p = 0.009), hematocrit (CG: −1.57 ± 2.49% vs. VD3G: 1.16 ± 1.81%; p = 0.019) and transferrin (CG: 0.67 ± 4.88% vs. VD3G: 6.51 ± 4.36%; p = 0.007). However, no differences between groups were observed in the group-by-time interaction of the hormonal parameters (p > 0.05). Regression multivariate analysis showed that cortisol and testosterone levels were associated with 25(OH)D levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Oral supplementation with 3000 IU/day of vitamin D3 during eight weeks showed to be sufficient to prevent a decline in hematological levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit, and improve transferrin of 25(OH)D levels. However, although it was not sufficient to enhance muscle recovery observed by testosterone and cortisol responses, it was observed that serum 25(OH)D levels could be a predictor of anabolic and catabolic hormones.

Endurance exercise training attenuates natriuretic peptide release during maximal effort exercise: biochemical correlates of the "athlete's heart".

Endurance exercise training (ET) stimulates eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) with left atrial dilation. To date, the biochemical correlates of exercise-induced cardiac remodeling (EICR) remain incompletely understood. Collegiate male rowers (n = 9) were studied with echocardiography and maximal-effort cardiopulmonary exercise testing (MECPET) before and after 90 days of ET intensification. Midregional proatrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), NH2-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and high-sensitivity troponin T were measured at rest, peak MECPET, and 60 min post-MECPET at both study time points. Endurance exercise training resulted in eccentric LVH (LV mass = 102 ± 8 vs. 110 ± 11 g/m2, P = 0.001; relative wall thickness = 0.36 ± 0.04 vs. 0.37 ± 0.04, P = 0.103), left atrial dilation (74 ± 18 vs. 84 ± 15 ml, P < 0.001), and increased exercise capacity (peak V̇o2 = 53.0 ± 5.9 vs. 67.3 ± 8.2 ml·kg-1·min-1, P < 0.001). Left ventricular remodeling was characterized by an ~7% increase in LV wall thickness but only a 3% increase in LV chamber radius. The magnitude of natriuretic peptide release, examined as percent change from rest to peak exercise, was significantly lower for both MR-proANP (115 [95,127]% vs. 78 [59,87]%, P = 0.04) and NT-proBNP (46 [31,70]% vs. 27 [25,37]%, P = 0.02) after ET. Rowing-based ET and corollary EICR appear to result in an attenuated natriuretic peptide response to maximal effort exercise. This may occur as a function of decreased cardiac wall stress after ET as seen by disproportionally higher ventricular wall thickening compared with chamber dilation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using longitudinal pre- and postendurance training natriuretic peptide measurements, we demonstrate that the development of exercise-induced cardiac remodeling results in an attenuated natriuretic peptide response to acute bouts of maximal intensity exercise. Exercise-induced cardiac remodeling was associated with a disproportionally higher ventricular wall thickening compared with chamber dilation, a pattern that reduces cardiac wall stress. These observations advance our understanding of both the structural and biochemical adaptations that underlie the cardiovascular response to endurance training.