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At least 1,063 records · Page 59Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Prospective echocardiographic assessment of androgenic-anabolic steroids effects on cardiac structure and function in strength athletes.

Since the abuse of androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) has been associated with the occurrence of serious cardiovascular disease in young athletes, we performed two studies to investigate the effects of short-term AAS administration on heart structure and function in experienced male strength athletes, with special reference to dose and duration of drug abuse. In Study 1 the effects of AAS were assessed in 17 experienced male strength athletes (age 31 +/- 7 y) who self-administered AAS for 8 or 12 - 16 weeks and in 15 non-using strength athletes (age 33 +/- 5 y) in a non-blinded design. In Study 2 the effects of administration of nandrolone decanoate (200 mg/wk i. m.) for eight weeks were investigated in 16 bodybuilders in a randomised double blind, placebo controlled design. In all subjects M-mode and two-dimensional Doppler-echocardiography were performed at baseline and after 8 weeks AAS administration. In the athletes of Study 1 who used AAS for 12 - 16 weeks a third echocardiogram was also made at the end of the AAS administration period. Echocardiographic examinations included the determination of the aortic diameter (AD), left atrium diameter (LA), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), interventricular septum thickness (IVS), posterior wall end diastolic wall thickness (PWEDWT), left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), ejection fraction (EF) and right ventricular diameter (RVD). For assessment of the diastolic function measurements of E and A peak velocities and calculation of E/A ratio were used. In addition, acceleration and deceleration times of the E-top (ATM and DT, respectively) were determined. For evaluation of factors associated with stroke volume the aorta peak flow (AV) and left ventricular ejection times (LVET) were determined. In Study 1 eight weeks AAS self-administration did not result in changes of blood pressure or cardiac size and function. Additionally, duration of AAS self-administration did not have any impact on these parameters. Study 2 revealed that eight weeks administration of nandrolone decanoate did not induce significant alterations in blood pressure and heart morphology and function. Short-term administration of AAS for periods up to 16 weeks did not lead to detectable echocardiographic alterations of heart morphology and systolic and diastolic function in experienced strength athletes. The administration regimen used nor the length of AAS abuse did influence the results. Moreover, it is concluded that echocardiographic evaluation may provide incomplete assessment of the actual cardiac condition in AAS users since it is not sensitive enough to detect alterations at the cellular level. Nevertheless, from the present study no conclusions can be drawn of the cardiotoxic effects of long term AAS abuse.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Dermatological marks in athletes of artistic and rhythmic gymnastics.

The authors present dermatological signs in: a) rhythmic gymnastics athletes, b) male artistic gymnastics athletes, compared to a control group of fitness athletes. Athletes from the artistic gymnastics group were observed twice. The signs they showed on their first examination (20 days previous to the competition) were two circular zones of thickening of the skin with relation to the radial epiphysis. In all of them, two zones of frictional alopecia were present, one on the dorsal face of the forearms, slantwise outlined, the other on the wrists. A noticeable thickening of the skin was present on the palms of the hands. On a second examination, at the beginning of the training, after about two months of inactivity, the alopecic area was replaced by hypertrichosis, although featuring different patterns in each athlete. Thickening of the skin was slightly smaller than that observed at the first examination. The authors describe onychopathology shown in its different forms in 94 % of the athletes of the rhythmic group. Subsequently the authors discuss the pathogenesis of the above described signs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in amateur endurance-trained athletes.

High-level endurance training contributes to the development of asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction but the effect of moderate endurance training on airway function remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma and/or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in moderately endurance-trained athletes. Ninety-five Mediterranean amateur endurance-trained athletes filled out a questionnaire about respiratory disorders and underwent a resting spirometry. Mean training volume was 10 h per week. The prevalence of asthma was found to be 4.2 %. All the athletes with asthma plus another one (5.3 %) reported having exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. These percentages are in the same range as those from the general population and much lower than those observed in elite endurance athletes. In contrast to elite athletes, our amateur endurance-trained athletes seem not exposed to a higher risk of asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction than the general population. We suggest that 10 h per week of moderate endurance training in a temperate climate area does not lead to respiratory disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Aortic distensibility and left ventricular diastolic functions in endurance athletes.

Aortic elastic properties are important determinants of left ventricular function. The aim of this study was to determine left ventricular diastolic function and aortic distensibility in endurance athletes. Thirty male runners and thirty age-matched healthy male controls took part in the study. All subjects underwent echocardiographic examination and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Measurements included LV cavity dimension, standard and tissue Doppler parameters, and aortic diameter, 3 cm above aortic valve, at systole and diastole. Maximal oxygen uptake in athletes was higher than in controls. The aortic distensibility index was found to be higher in athletes compared with controls (5.37 +/- 1.50 vs. 3.37 +/- 1.48 cm (2) . dynes (-1) . 10 (-6), p < 0.001). While the aortic stiffness index in athletes was significantly lower than in controls (2.77 +/- 0.28 vs. 3.43 +/- 0.41, p < 0.001). Furthermore, transmitral early peak velocity (E) and late peak velocity (A), peak velocity of myocardial systolic wave (S (m)), early (E (m)) and atrial (A (m)) diastolic waves in athletes were higher than in controls. It seemed that the association of E (m) velocity with aortic distensibility was stronger than that of other LV parameters (coefficient = 0.74, p < 0.001) by using multiple linear regression. Increased aortic distensibility in endurance-trained athletes may cause better diastolic function as a physiological cardiovascular adaptation factor.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Antioxidant status of interval-trained athletes in various sports.

Muscular exercise results in an increased production of free radicals and other forms of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Further, developing evidence implicates cytotoxins as an underlying etiology of exercise-induced stimuli in muscle redox status, which could result in muscle fatigue and/or injury. Two major classes of endogenous protective mechanisms (enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants) work together to reduce the harmful effects of oxidants in the cell. This study examined the effects of acute physical exercise on the enzymatic antioxidant systems of different athletes and comparison was made to the mechanism of action of three main antioxidant enzymes in the blood. Handball players (n = 6), water-polo players (n = 20), hockey players (n = 22), basketball players (n = 24), and a sedentary control group (n = 10 female and n = 9 male) served as the subjects of this study. The athletes were divided into two groups according to the observed changes of activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme. The antioxidant enzyme systems were characterized by catalase (CAT), glutathione-peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide-dismutase (SOD) and measured by spectrophotometry. An important finding in the present investigation is that when the activities of SOD increased, the activities of GPX and CAT increased also and this finding related to the physical status of interval-trained athletes. Positive correlation between SOD and GPX activities was observed (r = 0.38 females, r = 0.56 males; p < 0.05). We have observed that the changes in the primary antioxidant enzyme systems of athletes are sport specific, and different from control subjects. Presumably, with interval-trained athletes, hydrogen-peroxide is significantly eliminated by glutathione-peroxidase. From these results it can be concluded that the blood redox status should be taken into consideration when establishing a fitness level for individual athletes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Eating attitudes, body esteem, perfectionism and anxiety of judo athletes and nonathletes.

The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence and relationships between disordered eating, menstrual irregularity, musculoskeletal injuries and psychological characteristics in 24 judo athletes (12 females and 12 males) and 31 controls (14 females and 17 males). All these parameters were assessed by a health/medical, dieting and menstrual history questionnaire, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Multidimensional perfectionism scale, the Rosenberg Self-esteem, the Body esteem scale, and the Profile of Mood States. Body mass index (BMI) was also computed. Twenty-five percent of female athletes would be "at risk" of EDs (EAT-26 > 20) and 0 % in the other sample groups. Bone injuries sustained over the judo athlete career were reported by 25 % of females and 33.3 % of males, while 35.7 % of the female controls reported bone injuries. The total frequency of menstrual dysfunction among judo athletes was 58.3 %, while 7.1 % of female controls reported oligoamenorrhea. Regression analyses showed that BE-Weight Satisfaction and BMI contributed to 54.6 % and 17 % of the variance, respectively, in the prediction of log-transformed Global EAT scores among female judo athletes. These data indicate that while the prevalence of clinical eating disorders is low in judo athletes, many are "at risk" for an eating disorder, which places them at an increased risk for menstrual irregularity and bone injuries. This study also highlights the relevance of body esteem to eating disorder symptoms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Changes of magnesium concentrations in endurance athletes.

Erythrocitary and serum magnesium (Mg) were determined in a group of 11 well-trained athletes before and after a 25-km running race, and in a group of 30 sedentary controls. The significant increase of mean erythrocitary Mg (EMg) concentration observed in the athletes after physical strain (2.58 +/- 0.34 mEq/l before, 3.10 +/- 0.45 mEq/l after the race: significance level = 5%) leads to the assumption that the possible Mg uptake is effected by the red blood cell to enhance some enzymatic reactions. The decrease of mean serum Mg concentration observed in the same subjects after the effort (1.70 +/- 0.14 mEq/l before, 1.64 +/- 0.15 mEq/l after the race) is not significant. The difference between mean Mg concentrations observed in the athletes' group before the race and in the sedentary group (EMg: 2.58 +/- 0.34 mEq/l in athletes, 3.67 +/- 0.38 mEq/l in sedentaries, significance level = 1%; serum Mg: 1.70 +/- 0.14 mEq/l in athletes, 1.96 +/- 0.15 mEq/l in sedentaries, significance level = 1%) suggests that athletes suffer from a Mg deficiency, partially due to physical exercise. The two hypotheses and the possible causes of the observed phenomena are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Stress fractures in athletes.

During the 14-year period of 1971-1985, 368 stress fractures in 324 athletes were treated. The series contained 268 fractures in males and 100 fractures in females; 32 fractures occurred in children (less than 16 years), 117 in adolescents (16-19 years), and 219 in adults. Forty-six fractures were incurred by athletes at an international level, 274 by athletes at a national or district level and 48 by recreational athletes. Of the total cases, 72% occurred to runners and a further 12% to athletes in other sports after running exercises. The distribution of the stress fractures by site was: tibia 182, metatarsal bones 73, fibula 44, big toe sesamoid bones 15, femoral shaft 14, femoral neck 9, tarsal navicular 9, pelvis 7, olecranon 5 and other bones 10. Of the total fractures, 342 were treated conservatively and 26 fractures required surgical treatment. The operative indication was dislocation in 5 cases and delayed union/nonunion in 21 cases. The sites most often affected by delayed union were: anterior midtibia, sesamoid bones of the big toe, base of the fifth metatarsal, olecranon, and tarsal navicular. The athletes at an international level experienced the greatest risk of multiple separate fractures, protracted healing, or fractures requiring surgery.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Assessment of ventilatory performance of athletes using the maximal expiratory flow-volume curve.

We carried out a maximum expiratory flow-volume curve (MEFV) and a spirometric recording with 67 athletes of different ages (15-27 years) and disciplines (rowers, kayakists, cyclists, swimmers) and with 20 adult and 13 adolescent nonathletic controls of matching ages. These recordings were repeated, with athletes only, after 6-10 months of training. Significant differences between the groups of adult athletes and the controls were observed for some parameters, the most discriminating of which were, in order, the peak expiratory flow (PEF), the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and the flow at 75% of the vital capacity (V75). The vital capacity (VC) itself was only higher in the rowers group. The adult athletes, when grouped together (n = 47), produced a higher flow at 50% of their VC (V50) than the control group (+15%, P less than 0.05) with no difference in the flow at 25% of VC (V25) nor in the VC. A study of the effects of training showed no evolution among high level athletes while increases of 14% of the PEF, 5% of the V75, and 7% of the FEV1 were found after 7-10 months of training in adolescents; the VC increased during that time by only 2.7%. The reproducibility of these ventilatory parameters after 6-8 months was studied with adult athletes. The upper limit of the variation (95% CLl) was 12% for the FEV1 and forced vital capacity (FVC), 18% for PEF, 21% for V75 and V50, and 40% for V25.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Detection of changes in diastolic function by pulmonary venous flow analysis in women athletes.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular cavity dimension, wall thickness, relaxation, and filling increase with exercise training and have a role in enhancing physical performance. We probed whether changes in diastole may develop separately from those in cardiac morphometry and still contribute to improve physical performance. Challenging diastole by preload reduction with standing and integrating mitral flow analysis with the pulmonary venous flow analysis were viewed as a means for detecting fine diastolic variations. METHODS: Patterns of mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary venous flow were evaluated by echo Doppler imaging in the supine and standing positions in 11 long-distance runner women athletes participating in training programs and having no or very mild cardiac morphologic alterations and were compared with those in 11 healthy women active in daily life not participating in training programs. Maximal exercise tolerance was tested in both groups with a treadmill with use of the standard Bruce protocol. RESULTS: Echocardiographic left ventricular mass index and mitral and pulmonary flow patterns in athletes and controls were similar while they were supine. Major (P<.01) percent variations and differences between athletes and controls with standing were smaller decrease in right (-12% +/- 5% vs -29% +/- 5%) and left ventricular (-3% +/- 1% vs -9% +/- 2%) dimensions and stroke volume (-7% +/- 4% vs -23% +/- 4%), smaller lengthening of early mitral deceleration (+7% +/- 4% vs +18% +/- 5%), and isovolumic relaxation (-3% +/- 5% vs +15% +/- 7%) times. Athletes showed greater reduction in pulmonary S wave peak velocity (-25% +/- 10% vs -12.5% +/- 7%) and time velocity integral (Si) (-50% +/- 9% vs -21% +/- 8%), greater increases in pulmonary venous diastolic (D) wave peak velocity(+20% +/- 9% vs +12% +/- 10%, meters per second), and time velocity integral (Di) (+81% +/- 16% vs +27% +/- 14%) and greater decrease of S/D(-30% +/- 6% vs -18% +/- 5%) and Si/Di (-70% +/- 10% vs -33% +/- 5%) ratios. At multivariate analysis standing Si/Di was the strongest independent predictor of better exercise tolerance (peak exercise time 1035 +/- 88 sec in athletes, 751 +/- 20 in controls). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary flow analysis in athletes while standing can detect changes in diastolic function that are dissociated from apparent left ventricular morphologic alterations, are undetected in the supine position, and may, in part, determine exercise performance.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Assessment of regional systolic and diastolic wall motion velocities in highly trained athletes by pulsed wave Doppler tissue imaging.

We studied the relationship between left ventricular (LV) function and the increased LV mass in 18 highly trained rowing athletes (14 men, 4 women; mean age 20.7 +/- 4.5 years) using pulsed wave Doppler tissue imaging (PWDTI). Thirteen untrained volunteers, matched for age and body mass index, acted as control participants. Peak systolic, early diastolic (Ev), and late diastolic (Av) myocardial velocities (cm/s); Ev/Av ratio; and isovolumic relaxation time (ms) were measured at the level of basal lateral wall and basal posterior interventricular septum (bas-IVS) segments. In comparison with control participants, athletes showed a greater LV cavity size (P <.05), wall thickness (IVS, P <.001; posterior wall, P <.01), and mass index (P <.001). In athletes, systolic velocity of bas-IVS had increased (P <.001) and was positively correlated with IVS thickness (r = 0.66, P <.005) and LV mass index (r = 0.71, P <.001). Of the PWDTI-measured diastolic indexes, Ev/Av ratio significantly increased in athletes in comparison with control participants in both the examined segments (bas-IVS, P <.05; basal lateral wall, P <.05). When Ev and Av were separately considered, a different behavior was found in the 2 segments: Ev significantly increased in the basal lateral wall (P <.005); Av significantly decreased in the bas-IVS. The increase in the systolic velocity of bas-IVS suggests that septum greatly contributes to the longitudinal LV systolic shortening and increase of stroke volume in athletes compared with untrained participants. Moreover, the behavior of PWDTI diastolic velocities suggests a more effective relaxation activity in the longitudinal axis at the level of lateral wall. This study suggests therefore the usefulness of PWDTI in the assessment of functional properties of "athlete's heart" and differentiation from pathologic cardiac conditions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Touch-down and take-off characteristics of the long jump performance of world level above- and below-knee amputee athletes.

The aims of this study were to establish the take-off characteristics of long jump performance of disabled amputee athletes, and to establish to what extent amputee athletes conform to a model of performance defined for elite able-bodied athletes. The jumps of 8 male below-knee (trans-tibial) and 8 male above-knee (trans-femoral) amputee athletes who competed in the finals of the long jump at the 1998 World Disabled Championships were recorded in the sagittal plane on video (50 Hz). Approach speed was measured using a laser Doppler system. The best jump for each athlete was digitized, and kinematic data from the key instants of touch-down (TD), maximum knee flexion (MKF) and take-off (TO) were obtained. Amputees demonstrated a lower approach speed and jumped less far than able-bodied athletes although below-knee amputees performed better than above-knee amputees. For each amputee group there was a significant (p < 0.05) linear relationship between approach speed and distance jumped. With the exception of their slower horizontal speed and greater negative vertical speed at touch-down, below-knee amputees demonstrated characteristics of technique that were similar to elite able-bodied long jumpers. Above-knee amputees at touchdown had a more upright trunk, smaller hip and knee angles and consequently a smaller leg angle. This was attributed to the difficulty of taking off on the last stride on the prosthetic limb. Consequently, above-knee amputees were less able to gain vertical velocity during the compression (TD-MKF) phase, but were able to compensate for this by using a greater hip range of motion during the extension (MKF-TO) phase. It was concluded that below-knee amputees displayed the same basic jumping technique as elite able-bodied long jumpers, but above-knee amputees did not. These findings have implications for the training and technical preparation of amputee long jumpers.

Amputees↗
PubMed1994

Energy cost of running in young and adult female athletes.

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max.kg-1) and energy cost of running were determined on the treadmill in groups of differently trained young and adult athletes. The VO2 max.kg-1 was in all cases higher in adults than in young athletes. These differences were significant (p < 0.05) in long-distance runners (n = 12, mean age = 24.2 +/- 2.2 vs 17.3 +/- 0.9 yrs, mean VO2 max.kg-1 = 66.9 +/- 4.2 vs 58.2 +/- 4.3 ml.min-1.kg-1), and in middle-distance runners (10, 22.9 +/- 2.8 vs 16, 16.6 +/- 0.8, 62.3 +/- 3.7 vs 56.1 +/- 2.8); in canoeists these differences were non-significant (7, 21.1 +/- 2.1 vs 16.0 +/- 2.3 vs 8, 48.2 +/- 2.6). Values of energy cost of running--coefficients of energy demand of running c, which indicates how much energy is required to transfer 1 kg of body mass on a distance of 1 m--were lower in adult athletes than in young athletes. These differences were significant (p < 0.05) only in long-distance runners (3.69 +/- 0.15 vs 3.84 +/- 0.14 J.kg-1.m-1). In middle-distance runners (3.67 +/- 0.19 vs 3.76 +/- 0.18), and in canoeists (3.84 +/- 0.14 vs 3.86 +/- 0.18) these differences were non-significant. It is concluded that the differences in energy cost of running between trained adult and young female athletes are probably associated with differences in adaptation to the running, and with the technique of movement. Differences in running speed (sports performance) between adult and young athletes are associated with differences in VO2 max.kg-1 and c.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

A comparison of maladaptive behaviors of athletes and nonathletes.

A comparison of maladaptive behavior tendencies of men and women who were athletes and nonathletes was undertaken. Participating students (N = 200) were divided into four groups: male athletes, male nonathletes, female athletes, and female nonathletes. Maladaptive behavior tendencies were determined from responses on C. MacAndrew's (1965) Alcoholism Scale. The statistical analysis used was an independent groups 2 x 2 analysis of variance to determine significant main effects and interaction effects. The mean maladaptive behavior score (MBS) for athletes (M = 21.87) was significantly higher (p < .05) than the MBS for nonathletes (M = 20.24). The MBS for the men (M = 21.68) was significantly higher (p < .05) than the MBS for the women (M = 20.43). No significant interaction (p > .05) between gender and athletic status was found. Male athletes are more likely than the other 3 groups to have maladaptive behavior tendencies. Research directed toward greater understanding and the development of preventive and coping techniques for this population is needed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2003

The coach-athlete relationship: a motivational model.

The aim of this paper is to present a motivational model of the coach-athlete relationship that describes how coaches may influence athletes' motivation. In line with cognitive evaluation theory (Deci and Ryan, 1980, 1985) and the hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (Vallerand, 1997, 2000), a motivational sequence is proposed where coaches' personal orientation towards coaching, the context within which they operate, and their perceptions of their athletes' behaviour and motivation influence coaches' behaviours. Also, coaches' behaviours in the form of autonomy-supportive behaviours, provision of structure and involvement have a beneficial impact on athletes' needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness, which, in turn, nurture athletes' intrinsic motivation and self-determined types of extrinsic motivation. Here, we first review coaches' autonomy-supportive behaviours. We then describe the psychological processes through which coaching behaviours have a positive influence on athletes' intrinsic and self-determined extrinsic motivation. Finally, we identify social and personality processes that determine coaching behaviours.

Behavior↗
PubMed1990

Endurance running performance in athletes with asthma.

Laboratory assessment was made during maximal and submaximal exercise on 16 endurance trained male runners with asthma (aged 35 +/- 9 years) (mean +/- S.D.). Eleven of these asthmatic athletes had recent performance times over a half-marathon, which were examined in light of the results from the laboratory tests. The maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) of the group was 61.8 +/- 6.3 ml kg-1 min-1 and the maximum ventilation (VEmax) was 138.7 +/- 24.7 l min-1. These maximum cardio-respiratory responses to exercise were positively correlated to the degree of airflow obstruction, defined as the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (expressed as a percentage of predicted normal). The half-marathon performance times of 11 of the athletes ranged from those of recreational to elite runners (82.4 +/- 8.8 min, range 69-94). Race pace was correlated with VO2max (r = 0.863, P less than 0.01) but the highest correlation was with the running velocity at a blood lactate concentration of 2 mmol l-1 (r = 0.971, P less than 0.01). The asthmatic athletes utilized 82 +/- 4% VO2max during the half-marathon, which was correlated with the %VO2max at 2 mmol l-1 blood lactate (r = 0.817, P less than 0.01). The results of this study suggest that athletes with mild to moderate asthma can possess high VO2max values and can develop a high degree of endurance fitness, as defined by their ability to sustain a high percentage of VO2max over an endurance race. In athletes with more severe airflow obstruction, the maximum ventilation rate may be reduced and so VO2max may be impaired. The athletes in the present study have adapted to this limitation by being able to sustain a higher %VO2max before the accumulation of blood lactate, which is an advantage during an endurance race. Therefore, with appropriate training and medication, asthmatics can successfully participate in endurance running at a competitive level.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Nutritional practices of athletes: are they sub-optimal?

Athletes' nutritional needs are principally determined by their training load (the intensity x frequency x duration of daily workouts) and body mass. Analyses of the diets of track and field competitors and marathon runners reveal a macronutrient composition similar to that of weight-matched, inactive individuals. Male athletes generally ingest adequate dietary energy to meet their daily energy expenditure and all vitamin and mineral needs. However, the energy intake of most female athletes is less than might be anticipated based on their training load. As a result, intakes of iron, calcium, vitamin B12 and zinc are often below the recommended daily allowances. Compared with the recommendations of sports nutritionists and exercise physiologists, the majority of athletes consume a diet which might be considered significantly deficient in carbohydrate (CHO). Although there is currently little scientific support for increasing the proportion of daily energy intake from CHO above the 45-55% (approximately 5 g kg BM-1 day-1) chronically consumed by most athletes, such a regimen would probably improve an athlete's training capacity, especially when rapid recovery from intense activity is required.

Dietary Carbohydrates↗
PubMed1999

Left ventricular morphology and function in endurance-trained female athletes.

In this study, we investigated resting left ventricular dimensions and function in trained female rowers, canoeists and cyclists. In male populations, such athletes have demonstrated the largest left ventricular wall thicknesses and cavity dimensions. Echocardiograms were analysed from 24 athletes (rowers and canoeists, n = 12; cyclists, n = 12) and 21 age-matched controls to measure left ventricular end-diastolic dimension and volume, and septal (ST) and posterior wall (PWT) thicknesses. Left ventricular mass was calculated from M-mode data. Systolic and diastolic function were calculated from M-mode and Doppler echocardiography, respectively. Height, body mass, body surface area and fat-free mass were determined anthropometrically. The athletes were well matched with the controls for all anthropometric variables except fat-free mass (rowers and canoeists 49.7+/-3.6 kg, cyclists 48.0+/-3.8 kg, controls 45.0+/-5.4 kg; P < 0.05). The left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, mass and volume, and septal and posterior wall thicknesses, were all significantly greater in the athletes than the controls (P < 0.05). These differences persisted (except for left ventricular end-diastolic dimension) even after allometric adjustment for group differences in fat-free mass. Stroke volume was larger (rowers and canoeists 102+/-13 ml, cyclists 103+/-16 ml, controls 80+/-15 ml; P < 0.05) in both groups of athletes but all other functional data were similar between groups. As in male athletes, female rowers, canoeists and cyclists displayed significantly larger left ventricular cavity dimensions and wall thicknesses than controls.

Adipose Tissue↗