Triathlon Training Research Articles

OPTIMISING EFFORT CAPACITY IN TRIATHLON

Background. My personal triathlon practice inspired the creation of a specialized training regimen to improve triathlon training in Romania. This program aims to enhance performance, well-being, and injury prevention for athletes. At the INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH CENTRE (CCI) “Dr. Alexandru Partheniu” of UNEFS, we used AEROSCAN technology to assess exercise capacity, measuring heart and breathing rates with the Bruce Protocol for precise physiological monitoring. Objectives. This research demonstrates that tailored training cycles for swimming, cycling, and running can significantly enhance triathlon performance. The goal was to create a customizable, comprehensive training program to maximize the overall training process and provide a scientific foundation for triathlon training in Romania. This research aims to demonstrate that tailored training cycles can significantly enhance triathlon performance. Methods. We used observation, experimental, statistical-mathematical, and bibliographic study methods to interpret the experiment's outcomes. The bibliographic study provided the theoretical basis, while observation and experimental methods enabled real-time data collection. Statistical analysis was crucial for interpreting the data. Results. Using AEROSCAN and the Polar system, we evaluated exercise capacity and tracked heart rate. The Bruce protocol was applied for both initial and final tests. The data showed significant improvements in endurance, speed, and overall performance, supported by statistical analysis, after implementing the customized training program. Conclusion: Our research indicates that tailored athletic training regimens for each triathlon discipline can significantly enhance performance and promote athletes' health and longevity. The results highlight the importance of individualized training plans and suggest potential improvements in Romanian triathlon training practices. Individualized training programs lead to notable improvements in performance and athlete well-being.

Validity of Current Smartwatches for Triathlon Training: How Accurate Are Heart Rate, Distance, and Swimming Readings?

Smartwatches are one of the most relevant fitness trends of the past two decades, and they collect increasing amounts of health and movement data. The accuracy of these data may be questionable and requires further investigation. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to validate smartwatches for use in triathlon training. Ten different smartwatches were tested for accuracy in measuring heart rates, distances (via global navigation satellite systems, GNSSs), swim stroke rates and the number of swim laps in a 50 m Olympic-size pool. The optical heart rate measurement function of each smartwatch was compared to that of a chest strap. Thirty participants (15 females, 15 males) ran five 3 min intervals on a motorised treadmill to evaluate the accuracy of the heart rate measurements. Moreover, for each smartwatch, running and cycling distance tracking was tested over six runs of 4000 m on a 400 m tartan stadium track, six hilly outdoor runs over 3.4 km, and four repetitions of a 36.8 km road bike course, respectively. Three swimming protocols ranging from 200 m to 400 m were performed in triplicate in a 50 m Olympic-size pool, evaluating the tracked distance and the detected number of strokes. The mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) for the average heart rate measurements varied between 3.1% and 8.3%, with the coefficient of determination ranging from 0.22 to 0.79. MAPE results ranged from 0.8% to 12.1% for the 4000 m run on the 400 m track, from 0.2% to 7.5% for the 3.4 km outdoor run, and from 0.0% to 4.2% for the 36.8 km bike ride. For the swimming tests, in contrast, the deviations from the true distance varied greatly, starting at a 0.0% MAPE for the 400 m freestyle and reaching 91.7% for the 200 m medley with style changes every 25 m. In summary, for some of the smartwatches, the measurement results deviated substantially from the true values. Measurements taken while road cycling over longer distances with only a few curves were in relative terms more accurate than those taken during outdoor runs and even more accurate than those taken on the 400 m track. In the swimming exercises, the accuracy of the measured distances was severely deteriorated by the medley changes among the majority of the smartwatches. Altogether, the results of this study should help in assessing the accuracy and thus the suitability of smartwatches for general triathlon training.

Neuromuscular Adaptations in Endurance-Trained Male Adolescents Versus Untrained Peers: A 9-Month Longitudinal Study.

Neuromuscular function is considered as a determinant factor of endurance performance during adulthood. However, whether endurance training triggers further neuromuscular adaptations exceeding those of growth and maturation alone over the rapid adolescent growth period is yet to be determined. The present study investigated the concurrent role of growth, maturation, and endurance training on neuromuscular function through a 9-month training period in adolescent triathletes. Thirty-eight 13- to 15-year-old males (23 triathletes [~6 h/week endurance training] and 15 untrained [<2 h/week endurance activity]) were evaluated before and after a 9-month triathlon training season. Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and power at V̇O2max were assessed during incremental cycling. Knee extensor maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque (MVCISO) was measured and the voluntary activation level (VAL) was determined using the twitch interpolation technique. Knee extensor doublet peak torque (T100Hz) and normalized vastus lateralis (VL) electromyographic activity (EMG/M-wave) were also determined. VL and rectus femoris (RF) muscle architecture was assessed using ultrasonography. Absolute V̇O2max increased similarly in both groups but power at V̇O2max only significantly increased in triathletes (+13.8%). MVCISO (+14.4%), VL (+4.4%), and RF (+15.8%) muscle thicknesses and RF pennation angle (+22.1%) increased over the 9-month period in both groups similarly (p < 0.01), although no changes were observed in T100Hz, VAL, or VL EMG/M-wave. No changes were detected in any neuromuscular variables, except for coactivation. Endurance training did not induce detectible, additional neuromuscular adaptations. However, the training-specific cycling power improvement in triathletes may reflect continued skill enhancement over the training period.

Data base of Characterization of self-reported sleep quality in male and female trained amateur triathletes: a descriptive study

Sleep quality is a determining factor for the performance and health of athletes in general. The aim of the present study was to characterize the sleep quality in male and female trained amateur triathletes aged 20 to 59 years. A survey was conducted with 151 trained amateur triathletes, 108 male (38.6 ±8.1 years, triathlon training experience 5.8 ±4.3years, training frequency 6.3 ±0.9 days per week) and 43 female (39.3 ±7.6 years, triathlon training experience 4.8 ±3.3years, training frequency 6.5 ±0.6 days per week). The sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-Br (PSQI-Br), total values below 05 points indicate good sleepers, and values equal to or greater than 05 points indicate poor sleepers. Data from the subscales were analyzed using absolute and relative frequency. The other data in order to characterize sleep quality were analyzed with median, mean, standard deviation, standard error, and 95% Confidence Interval of mean. Male and female triathletes have poor sleep quality (values equal or greater than 05 points), that can have negative effects on health and performance. In conclusion, all triathletes regardless of gender and age group have poor sleep quality.

Characterization of self-reported sleep quality in male and female trained amateur triathletes: a descriptive study

Sleep quality is a determining factor for the performance and health of athletes in general. The aim of the present study was to characterize the sleep quality in male and female trained amateur triathletes aged 20 to 59 years. A survey was conducted with 151 trained amateur triathletes, 108 male (38.6 ±8.1 years, triathlon training experience 5.8 ±4.3years, training frequency 6.3 ±0.9 days per week) and 43 female (39.3 ±7.6 years, triathlon training experience 4.8 ±3.3years, training frequency 6.5 ±0.6 days per week). The sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-Br (PSQI-Br), total values below 05 points indicate good sleepers, and values equal to or greater than 05 points indicate poor sleepers. Data from the subscales were analyzed using absolute and relative frequency. The other data in order to characterize sleep quality were analyzed with median, mean, standard deviation, standard error, and 95% Confidence Interval of mean. Male and female triathletes have poor sleep quality (values equal or greater than 05 points), that can have negative effects on health and performance. In conclusion, all triathletes regardless of gender and age group have poor sleep quality.

EFFECTS OF TRIATHLON TRAINING ON HEMODYNAMIC RESPONSES AND VASCULAR FUNCTION: THE ATHLAS STUDY

Objective: Regular and moderate endurance exercise has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. Triathlon is a rigorous endurance multisport that requires a higher level of training. Chronic consequences on cardiovascular system of such a high cardiovascular demand have not yet been highlighted. In this study, we assessed the effect of triathlon training and racing on the cardiovascular system in experienced triathletes. Design and method: ATHLAS is a prospective controlled study comparing 34 male recreational long-distance triathletes aged 19 to 39 years (Tri) with 29 healthy insufficiently active of the same age (Ctrl). All volunteers completed three visits throughout an annual sports season: at baseline during the off-season (in winter), at peak of physical performance during races period (in spring/summer), and during active rest in post-season (in autumn). At each visit, peripheral blood pressure was measured, and applanation tonometry was performed to evaluate arterial stiffness by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and myocardial perfusion using the subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR). Results: At baseline, Tri had higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP) than Ctrl (respectively, 131.1±8.9 vs 125.7±10.4 mmHg; and 56.5±12.8 vs 48.9±6.5 mmHg, p&lt;0.05) but lower cfPWV (6.29 ±0.15 vs 6.95 ±0.16 m/sec, p&lt;0.01). SEVR was increased in Tri indicating better myocardial perfusion (mean difference of 34.42%, p = 0.03). At peak of performance in Tri, SBP and PP were decreased (respectively, mean difference of 3.63 mmHg, and 3.36 mmHg, p&lt;0.05), and returning to baseline levels in active rest. Tri cfPWV and SEVR were not influenced by training phases. In Ctrl group, SBP, PP and cfPWV exhibited seasonal variation with lower levels in spring/summer (p&lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Triathlon training and racing have beneficial effects on arterial stiffness and myocardial perfusion regardless of time of season. In triathletes, increased SBP despite lower arterial stiffness (cfPWV) reflects adaptation of the athlete's heart with a high cardiac output. These results will require further study to determine whether high blood pressure could lead to negative cardiovascular impact in the long term.

The influence of compression garments on recovery during a triathlon training camp: a pilot study

Triathletes often schedule intense training camps into their program to promote functional overreaching, although these periods pose a greater risk of illness or injury due to heightened training load. To mitigate this risk, triathletes may implement recovery strategies such as the use of compression garments. However, little is known about the influence of such garments during multi-day exercise periods. Ten highly-trained triathletes (6 male, 4 female, mean ± SD age; 32 ± 8 y) completed a six-day intensive training block and were randomly assigned to one of two recovery groups; donning lower body compression tights (COMP, n = 5) for at least 6 hours following the last training session each day, or no compression (CON, n = 5). Physical performance data (6s sprint, 30s sprint, 4-minute mean power cycling tests) was collected on Day 1 and Day 6 of the training camp and subjective wellbeing monitoring was completed daily. There were no significant group x time interactions for any of the performance or perceptual measures (p &gt; 0.05). However, a large (d = -1.35) reduction in perceived stress was observed from Day 1 to Day 5 in COMP compared to CON; and perceived muscle soreness was associated with significant main effects for group (p = 0.047) and time (p = 0.02), with COMP lower than CON on Day 4 and Day 6. Lower-body compression garments may reduce perceived stress and muscle soreness during an intense six-day triathlon training camp, with minimal influence on physical performance.

Dose caffeinated energy drink is a consideration issue for endurance performance.

Caffeinated energy drinks are commonly taken to improve exercise performance, but there are few studies on the influence of different doses on an athlete's performance. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, counter-balanced, and crossover research study to examine the effects of low caffeinated energy drink (Low ED) or high caffeinated energy drink (High ED) supplement on the performance, haematological response, and oxidative stress in triathletes. Twelve male participants underwent three testing sessions separated by weekly intervals, consisting of sprint triathlon training (0.75km swim, 20km cycle, and 5km run). Before and during the trials, participants were randomly provided with either placebo (PLA) group, Low ED group, or High ED group. Exercise performance in the High ED group decreased significantly compared with the PLA and Low ED groups (p < 0.05). However, participants in the Low ED group also experienced an improved performance (p = 0.054). Analysis of variance revealed no differences among the three groups in cortisol and testosterone levels, or the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion score (p > 0.5). Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD) was reduced with exercise and were lowest in the High ED group. However, compared with PLA, a significant decrease of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was observed in Low ED and High ED groups (p < 0.05). This indicates that caffeinated energy drink consumption may improve performance and reduce oxidative stress in sprint triathlon athletes. However, individual differences should be considered when supplementing with caffeinated energy drinks to decrease side effects.

PROLOTHERAPY COMBINED WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY IN A RECREATIONALLY ACTIVE MIDDLE-AGED MAN WITH CHONDROMALACIA PATELLA

The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of physical therapy combined with prolotherapy in a recreationally active, middle-aged man with knee pain and chondromalacia patella. The patient was a 50 year-old male triathlete presenting with a chief complaint of persistent left knee stiffness and anterolateral knee pain. The patient’s symptoms began insidiously 9 months prior after an increase in his triathlon training activities. His knee pain progressed to the point that he could not perform any weight bearing exercise without significant discomfort. Previous treatments included management by a physical therapist, as well as corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections. Although these previous treatments provided minimal benefit, the patient sought further management by another physical therapist. Magnetic resonance imaging findings revealed moderate to severe chondromalacia at the lateral patellar facet. In addition to management by a physical therapist, the patient received a series of three prolotherapy injections to the knee. Physical therapy management consisted of manual therapy for the lower quarter, targeted therapeutic exercise to address strength deficits of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, and a gradual return to weight bearing exercise and functional activity. At 4 months following the physical therapy and prolotherapy injections, the patient reported no pain during daily activities. Additionally, he had returned to swimming, cycling, unlimited walking and hiking on various surfaces, and agility drills. In patients with knee pain and chondromalacia patella, especially those who have not responded to prior interventions, physical therapy combined with prolotherapy may serve as a treatment option.&#x0D; &#x0D; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0887/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Dizzy triathlete-evidence supporting vestibular etiology.

Dizziness during or after the swimming leg is a common complaint among triathletes. We hypothesized that the dizziness is caused by asymmetrical cooling of the vestibular organ. This caloric response is characterized by involuntary eye movements called nystagmus. Altogether, 125 triathletes completed an electronic questionnaire. Fifteen triathletes who had frequently experienced dizziness during the swimming leg agreed to take part in a cold water swimming test. The test comprised two cold water swimming legs, first without earplugs and then with earplugs to prevent a potential caloric response. Eye movements and possible nystagmus were recorded immediately after the swimming legs. A majority (87%, 109/125) of athletes had experienced dizziness during triathlon races or training. Of these, almost all (97%, 106/109) experienced it during or after swimming. Dizziness affected the triathlon performance in half of the athletes with dizziness (50%, 51/102). Fifteen athletes participated in a cold water swimming test. During the first leg (without earplugs), 11/15 athletes (73%) experienced dizziness. Of these, six had nystagmus (55%), four had uncertain nystagmus (36%), and one did not have nystagmus (9%). Only one of these athletes experienced dizziness during the second leg with earplugs. The prevalence of dizziness among triathletes is notable. A large part of the dizziness is likely to be caused by caloric reaction of the vestibular organ. We recommend earplug usage for triathletes suffering from dizziness during the swimming leg.

Potential Assessment of Dehydration during High-Intensity Training Using a Capacitance Sensor for Oral Mucosal Moisture: Evaluation of Elite Athletes in a Field-Based Survey

Background: The aim of this clinical study was to reveal the relationship between body dehydration and oral mucosa moisture measured by the use of a capacitance sensor for oral epithelial moisture. Methods: The following clinical parameters were recorded from each one of 19 athletes in a one-week period of high-intensity exercise at the U-23 Triathlon Training Camp in summer and winter; body weight, urine specific gravity, oral mucosa moisture, subjective oral thirst, and subjective throat thirst (within 30 min after waking and before breakfast at 7:00 a.m. on Day2 and Day6). Results: There were no significant differences in the mean values of body weight, urine specific gravity, oral mucosa moisture, oral thirst, and throat thirst between Day2 and Day6 in both measurements in summer and winter. The oral mucosa moisture had a moderate negative correlation with urine specific gravity (p &lt; 0.05, r = −0.45). Conclusions: This study suggests that oral mucosal moisture determined using an oral moisture-checking device could be a potential index for assessing dehydration during sports activities.

The Academic Triathlete: Applying Triathlon Training Principles to Guide Academic Success

IntroductionAcademic faculty are evaluated on their service, teaching, and research performance with the reward of tenure, promotion, and self-fulfillment. Triathletes spend numerous hours building their swim, bike, and run endurance in aspiration of crossing the finish line on race day. Given the workload required for academic and triathlon success, effective time and task management is essential. In this commentary, the authors posit that academic faculty can effectively structure their day-to-day “training” to achieve their career ambitions similarly to how a triathlete structures their training plan in preparation for a race. PerspectiveTriathlon requires mastery of three disciplines - swimming, biking, and running - each of which requires specific training approaches, skills, and techniques. Likewise, the service, teaching, and research pillars of academia involve planning, development, and application of diverse knowledge, skills, and techniques. The authors apply the fundamental aspects and lessons learned of triathlon training to the planning and execution of faculty academic work. ImplicationsThrough the adaptation of a triathlete training framework to an academic position, the reader will be prepared to cross the finish line and realize their career goals as an academic triathlete.

Triathlon-related musculoskeletal injuries: a study on a Portuguese Triathlon Championship.

A triathlon consists of 3 modalities: swimming, cycling and running. Its higher training frequency, the environmental factors and extrinsic factors (technique and equipment) may lead to injuries. This study aimed to determine injury epidemiology in triathletes, as well as their type, location, mechanism of injury, and risk factors. The sample was constituted of 174 triathletes who participated in the Triathlon Club Portuguese Championship, being 131 (75.3%) male, aged 18 to 70 years old (36.09±11.03). The measurement instrument was a questionnaire concerning the characterization of the population and aspects related to the modality and injuries. One hundred and twenty (69%) athletes reported one injury since the beginning of their practice, and 95 (54.6%) had an injury in the previous year, with a total of 130 injuries. There were 2.39 injuries per 1,000 hours of triathlon training. The most common injuries were muscle contusion (31.5%) and inflammatory injuries (19.2%), located in the knee (22.3%) and the leg (18.5%). Overtraining (43.1%) was the mechanism that led to the highest occurrence of injuries. Fourteen (10.8%) injuries occurred during swimming, 23 (17.7%) during cycling, and 93 (71.5%) during running. No statistical significance was observed between the risk factors analyzed and the occurrence of injuries. Triathlon practice is associated with a high prevalence of injuries, being contusions, knee, and overtraining the most common type, location, and mechanism of injury respectively. It is necessary to create injury prevention strategies, including specific training and suitable materials for use by athletes.

Exercise Effects On A Symptom Cluster In Breast Cancer Survivors

Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS) have clusters of related symptoms. One proposed treatment related symptom cluster includes fatigue, cognitive changes, depression, pain, and sleep disturbances. The continuation of this cluster and effects of exercise after treatment has not been thoroughly studied. Understanding how exercise impacts this symptom cluster will expand our knowledge of BCS and may lead to improved quality of life. Team triathlon training is a unique and effective type of exercise for this population. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of triathlon training on a treatment related symptom cluster in BCS to determine the relationships in the cluster. METHODS: Female BCS (n = 207) participated in one of 7 seasons of a 14-week sprint triathlon training program. Training consisted of 2 supervised and 3 unsupervised sessions per week. Baseline and Post- training measures over the years included fatigue (FACIT-F), and PROMIS questionnaires for cognition (Applied Cognition-General Concerns-Short Form), depression (Emotional Distress-Depression), pain (Pain Interference-SF), and sleep (Sleep Disturbance-SF). Except FACIT-F, higher questionnaire scores represent worse function. T-tests, including Cohen's d for effect sizes, were calculated on pre- and post-training data. RESULTS: Data are mean (SD). Fatigue, (pre= 38.9 (10.2), post= 46.5 (5.2), p< 0.01, d=-0.79), cognition (pre= 16.6 (7.8), post= 13.7 (6.4), p< 0.01, d= 0.42), depression, (pre= 12.0 (5.4.), post= 9.9 (3.7), p< 0.01, d=0.38), and pain (pre=11.2 (4.6), post= 10.0 (4.1), p< 0.05, d=0.30) presented such that is unlikely that these means are equal over time. In contrast, it is not unlikely for sleep that the mean is equal over time (pre= 14.5 (5), post= 13.8 (3.4), p=0.25, d=0.22). CONCLUSIONS: Triathlon training for BCS improved all symptoms in a cluster, we only failed to reject the null for the smallest effect size presented in sleep. The effect size was medium for fatigue and small for cognition, depression and pain. The symptoms in this cluster of fatigue, cognitive changes, depression, and pain all were present and improved, except sleep disturbances which did not improve in this group of post-treatment female cancer survivors.

Effect Of Pedaling Feedback On 20-km Time Trial Gross Efficiency And Power Output

INTRODUCTION: Gross efficiency (GE) is a crucial factor in endurance cycling performance. Elite cyclists have superior pedaling technique, sustaining a greater average power output (PO) through the pedaling cycle than non-elite cyclists. Previous studies have demonstrated that pedaling technique can be improved with visual feedback (FB), however, the effect of pedaling feedback on GE and PO has not been investigated. PURPOSE: Determine the effect of FB from pedaling technique software on GE and PO during a 20-km time trial completed with feedback (WF) and without feedback (WO). METHODS: Eight recreationally-trained males (39 ± 6 y, VO2peak: 47.5 ± 6.1 mL·kg-1·min-1 at 282 ± 43 W) with at least six months of consistent cycling or triathlon training completed three 20-km TT. The first TT served to familiarize subjects with the FB software and cycle ergometer. During the other two sessions, subjects completed the time trial in the fastest time possible in both WF and WO conditions completed in randomized order. For WF, subjects received feedback regarding the smoothness of their pedal stroke cycle and attempted to optimize their pedaling technique real-time. Both GE and PO were calculated at 25, 50, 75, and 100% completion time. Statistical analyses of GE and PO for all stages of both WO and WF were completed using a 2x4 repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: GE and PO tended to be greater in all stages of WF when compared to WO (GE: 25%: 20.2 vs. 19.1%, 50%: 19.0 vs. 16.9%, 75%: 19.0 vs. 17.1%, 100%: 19.7 vs. 19.0%) (PO: 25%: 195 vs. 194 W, 50%: 203 vs. 171 W, 75%: 203 vs. 195 W, 100%: 221 vs. 213 W), but none were statistically significant (GE p = 0.084, PO p = 0.119). The biggest differences in GE and PO between the WF and WO conditions were at 50 and 75% completion. CONCLUSIONS: The monitoring of pedaling technique with FB of pedaling technique during a 20-km TT may lead to an improvement in GE without a reduction in PO during a single session using FB.

The Prevalence of Legal Performance-Enhancing Substance Use and Potential Cognitive and or Physical Doping in German Recreational Triathletes, Assessed via the Randomised Response Technique.

This study investigated the use of performance-enhancing substances in recreational triathletes who were competing in German races at distances ranging from super-sprint to long-distance, as per the International Triathlon Union. The use of legal drugs and over-the-counter supplements over the previous year, painkillers over the previous 3 months, and the potential three-month prevalence of physical doping and or cognitive doping in this group were assessed via an anonymous questionnaire. The Randomised Response Technique (RRT) was implemented for sensitive questions regarding “prescription drugs […] for the purpose of performance enhancement […] only available at a pharmacy or on the black market”. The survey did not directly state the word “doping,” but included examples of substances that could later be classed as physical and or cognitive doping. The subjects were not required to detail what they were taking. Overall, 1953 completed questionnaires were received from 3134 registered starters at six regional events—themselves involving 17 separate races—in 2017. Of the respondents, 31.8% and 11.3% admitted to the use of dietary supplements, and of painkillers during the previous three months, respectively. Potential physical doping and cognitive doping over the preceding year were reported by 7.0% (Confidence Interval CI: 4.2–9.8) and 9.4% (CI: 6.6–12.3) of triathletes. Gender, age, experience in endurance sports, and number of weekly triathlon training hours were linked to potential physical or cognitive doping. Given the potentially relevant side effects of painkiller use and physical and or cognitive doping, we recommend that educational and preventative measures for them be implemented within amateur triathlons.

Effects of Competitive Triathlon Training on Telomere Length.

Telomeres act as a mitotic clock and telomere-related senescence has been linked to age-related physiological decline. There is increasing evidence lifestyle factors can influence telomere length (TL). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of competitive triathlon training on TL. Seven competitive male triathletes and seven recreationally active males participated in the study. Relative TL was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Physiological parameters key to athletic performance such as maximal oxygen intake, lactate threshold, and running economy were also measured. Triathletes had longer telomeres than the recreationally active (1.257 ± 0.028 vs. 1.002 ± 0.014; p < .0001). Positive association was found between TL and maximal oxygen intake, lactate threshold, and running economy (R2 = .677, .683, and .696, respectively). This study indicates that competitive triathlon training buffers against age-related telomere shortening, and there is a correlation between exercise behaviors, higher maximal oxygen intake, and TL.

Electrocardiographic changes following six months of long-distance triathlon training in previously recreationally active individuals

ABSTRACT Background: Clinical electrocardiographic (ECG) guidelines for athlete’s heart are based upon cross-sectional data. We aimed to longitudinally evaluate the influence of endurance training on the ECG and compare the prevalence of ECG abnormalities defined by contemporary criteria. Methods: A group of 66 training-naïve individuals completed a six-month training programme with resting ECGs and cardiopulmonary exercise tests performed at baseline, two and six months. Data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance and the prevalence of ECG abnormalities compared between proposed criteria. Results : Maximal oxygen consumption increased from 45.4 ± 7.1 to 50.3 ± 7.1 ml·kg−1·min−1 (p < 0.05) pre-to-post training. ECG changes included, bradycardia (60 ± 12 vs. 53 ± 8 beats·min−1; p < 0.05), shorter P wave duration (106 ± 10 vs. 103 ± 11 ms; p < 0.05), reduced QTc (413 ± 27 vs. 405 ± 22 ms; p < 0.05), and increased left ventricular Sokolow-Lyon index (2.45 ± 0.66 vs. 2.62 ± 0.78 mV; p < 0.05). 85% of individuals showed ≥1 ‘training-related’ ECG finding at six months vs. 68% at baseline. Using the 2013 Seattle Criteria, 4 ECGs were ‘abnormal’ at baseline and 3 at month six vs. 2 at baseline and 1 at month six, using the 2017 International Consensus. Prevalence of ‘borderline’ findings did not increase with training (11% at baseline and six months). Conclusion: Six-months endurance training leads to a greater prevalence of ‘training-related’ but not ‘borderline’ or ‘training-unrelated’ ECGs. ‘Borderline findings’ may not necessarily represent training-related cardiac remodelling in novice athletes following a six-month training intervention. KEY MESSAGES This study aimed to assess the longitudinal ECG changes following six months of endurance training, in training-naïve individuals, and whether these ECG changes support the revisions made to the recent 2017 international consensus criteria. The prevalence of ‘training-related’ findings were increased with six months of endurance training, however the prevalence of the revised ‘borderline’ criteria, according to the 2017 international consensus, did not increase and the associated quantitative ECG data (e.g. P-wave amplitude, QRS axis and QRS duration) remained unchanged. Further clinical consideration may be warranted for individuals within the early phase of exercise engagement presenting with ‘borderline’ ECG abnormalities, defined by the International criteria.

Insidious Onset of Thigh Swelling After Trauma in a Triathlete

HISTORY: A 78-year-old female triathlete presented to clinic to follow-up on injuries sustained during a cycling accident. Evaluation in the ED on the day of injury showed facial bone fractures and small peripheral parenchymal hematomas in the right frontal and temporal lobes for which she had follow-up scheduled. In clinic two days later, she complained of pain and bruising over her right hip. She was diagnosed with an abrasion and contusion of the right hip and treated with ice and NSAIDs. She returned four weeks later with worsening right hip pain, described as constant, throbbing, non-radiating, and worse with weight-bearing. It was associated with swelling and a tender mass that had developed gradually over the right hip. She denied fevers or chills. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Vitals were normal at both visits. Initial exam of the right hip showed a large abrasion, mild ecchymosis, and tenderness. She had full range of motion without pain or edema. She also had normal balance and gait. Four weeks later, the right hip had a 15 x 17 cm, warm, tender mass over the lateral aspect of the thigh, without erythema. FABER and FADIR were negative, and muscle strength, pulses, and sensation were normal. The abrasion was well-healed. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: 1. Hematoma 2. Contusion 3. Bursitis 4. Abscess 5. Neoplasm TESTS AND RESULTS: CBC was normal. Radiographs of right hip were negative for fracture or soft tissue abnormalities. MRI of the right lower extremity showed a heterogeneous fluid collection measuring 22 x 4 x 6 cm (H x W x D, 528 cc) overlying the right hip with small internal foci of hemorrhage/debris, and peripheral rim enhancement without any areas of internal enhancement. FINAL WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Morel-Lavallée lesion TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: The patient underwent aspiration, doxycycline sclerotherapy, and percutaneous drainage. Post-procedure US was negative for any significant fluid collection. Repeat MRI three weeks after the procedure showed incomplete resolution/recurrence of the lesion measuring 20 x 1.5 x 2.8 cm (84 cc). The patient had follow-up with orthopedics and elected for conservative treatment with compression dressings. She returned to triathlon training and has subsequently completed a 100-km bike race at 6 months post injury.

Physiological and psychosocial effects of a highly structured exercise program on breast cancer survivorship.

11558 Background: Exercise after breast cancer treatment improves cancer-related outcomes, although the mechanism of action is unclear. Engagement in healthy active lifestyles after cancer treatment may also impact overall survival. We aimed to determine effectiveness of a highly structured, clinically overseen, goal oriented, group triathlon training program on improving physiological and psychosocial outcomes in female breast cancer survivors (BCS). Methods: After stage appropriate local and systemic breast cancer treatment, 53 female BCS were recruited to participate in this study. The 14-week group triathlon training program was individually adjusted for treatment side effects. 28 similar BCS who did not participate in the training served as controls. Pre- and post-exercise training measures included: Functional endurance (Timed 6MWT), quality of life (QOL, FACT-B), cancer-related fatigue (CRF, FACIT-F), exercise self-efficacy (ESE) via questionnaires, estradiol, and inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein, TNFr1, leptin and adiponectin). Results: Complete data were obtained from 41 [mean age 51 (7) yr, mean BMI 29.5 (6.2)] triathlon finishers and 16 [mean age 56 (10) yr, mean BMI 31.5 (8.0)] controls. 6MWT improved (26 m) more in the triathlon group (p &lt; 0.05). FACT-B, FACIT-F, and ESE all improved compared to controls (all p &lt; 0.05). Body mass and BMI decreased in the training group compared to controls (p = 0.01, p = 0.04 respectively). Arm circumference decreased in the trained group but increased in controls (p &lt; 0.05). Estradiol and leptin positively correlated with initial body weight in both groups but did not change after training. Adiponectin significantly decreased in the triathlon group (p = 0.01), perhaps due to selection bias of controls. No significant changes were seen in other serological markers. Conclusions: A highly structured, clinically overseen, moderate intensity exercise program can improve endurance, QOL, CRF, body mass, and possibly improve survival after breast cancer treatment. Furthermore, improvements in ESE may provide tools for patients to continue adherence to regular exercise guidelines that may lower obesity and its related comorbidities, including arm lymphedema.