Effects of furosemide on athletic performance and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in horses.
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Animals↗
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Results for “Athletic Performance”
Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.
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Mandibular repositioning to enhance athletic performance: is it well founded? And more importantly, is it safe?
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Athletic Injuries↗
Cortisol, testosterone, and free testosterone in athletes performing a marathon at 4,000 m altitude.
Cortisol, testosterone, free testosterone and the ratio between free testosterone and cortisol (FTCR) were monitored in six athletes participating in a marathon starting at 3,860 and finishing at 3,400 m, having reached the top at 5,100 m altitude. Blood was drawn at sea level before the departure for the mountain area, after a week of acclimatization, immediately after the marathon and after a 24-hour recovery period from the run. Cortisol increased after acclimatization and especially after the marathon; it decreased to normal values after recovery. Testosterone decreased after acclimatization, especially after the run; it presented a partial recovery 24 h after the race. Free testosterone did not decrease after acclimatization and presented partial recovery. FTCR could also be useful for monitoring fitness, overtraining and overstrain in strenuous and ultraendurance exercise.
Adult↗
Magnesium, zinc, and chromium nutrition and athletic performance.
Magnesium, zinc and chromium are mineral elements required in modest amounts for health and optimal performance. Accumulating evidence supports the hypothesis that magnesium and zinc play significant roles in promoting strength and cardiorespiratory function in healthy persons and athletes. Differences in study designs, however, limit conclusions about recommendations for intakes of magnesium and zinc needed for optimal performance and function. The role of chromium in supporting performance is not well established. There is a compelling need to confirm and extend findings of beneficial effects of magnesium and zinc function and performance of humans. Suggestions for an experimental model and specific topics for research to advance knowledge of mineral nutrition to promote attainment of genetic potential for optimal performance are provided.
Chromium↗
Special feature for the Olympics: effects of exercise on the immune system: infections and exercise in high-performance athletes.
The elite athlete has a potentially increased sensitivity to respiratory infections, rendering protective measures particularly important. Some other infections that may appear in clusters in the sports setting, such as gastroenteritis, leptospirosis, herpes simplex and viral hepatitis, also require special precautionary attention. Strenuous exercise during ongoing infection and fever may be hazardous and should always be avoided. In addition, early symptoms of infection warrant caution until the nature and severity of the infection become apparent. Because myocarditis may or may not be accompanied by fever, malaise or catarrhal symptoms, athletes should be informed about the symptoms suggestive of this disease. Although sudden unexpected death resulting from myocarditis is rare, exercise should be avoided whenever myocarditis is suspected. Guidelines are suggested for the management and counselling of athletes suffering from infections, including recommendations on when to resume training. Acute febrile infections are associated with decreased performance resulting from muscle wasting, circulatory deregulation and impaired motor coordination, which require variable amounts of time to become normalized once the infection is over.
Adult↗
Effect of sexual activity on cycle ergometer stress test parameters, on plasmatic testosterone levels and on concentration capacity. A study in high-level male athletes performed in the laboratory.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sexual activity on cycle ergometer stress test parameters, on plasmatic testosterone levels and on concentration capacity in high-level male athletes. METHODS: Experimental design. Analysis of two days of testing accomplished in a laboratory setting, comparing a day with to a day without sexual activity (control day). Participants. Fifteen high-level male athletes, consisting of 8 team players, 5 endurance athletes and 2 weight-lifters, participated in the study. Measures. Each subject completed the following on each test day: two maximal graded stress tests on a cycle ergometer and a one-hour exercise stress test coupled to an arithmetic mental concentration test. Blood samples of testosterone were obtained and cardiac activity of each athlete was monitored with a 24-hour ECG tape recording over the two test days. RESULTS: Significantly higher differences were achieved for post-effort heart rate (HR) values at 5 minutes (p<0.01) and at 10 minutes (p<0.01) during the recovery phase of the morning stress test 2 hours after sexual activity. These differences disappeared during the recovery phase of the afternoon stress test performed approximately 10 hours after sexual intercourse took place. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that sexual activity had no detrimental influence on the maximal workload achieved and on the athletes' mental concentration. However, the higher posteffort HR values after the maximal stress test on the morning of sexual intercourse suggest that the recovery capacity of an athlete could be affected if he had sexual intercourse approximately 2 hours before a competition event.
Adult↗
The effect of alcohol on athletic performance.
The use of alcohol is often intimately associated with sport. As well as providing a source of energy, alcohol (ethanol) has metabolic, cardiovascular, thermoregulatory, and neuromuscular actions that may affect exercise performance. Strength is minimally affected, and performance impairments depend on the dose of alcohol and subject habituation to alcohol intake, exercise duration, environmental conditions, and other factors. Central nervous system function is impaired at high doses, resulting in decrements in cognitive function and motor skill, as well as behavioral changes that may have adverse effects on performance. Effects may persist for hours after intoxication.
Alcohol Drinking↗
Effect of fourteen days of acclimatization on athletic performance in tropical climate.
In order to study the acclimatization process over 14 days of exposure to tropical climate, 9 triathletes performed 4 outdoor indirect continuous multistage tests in both thermoneutral and tropical conditions. The thermoneutral test (TN, 14 degree C, 45% rh) was performed before traveling to the tropical area (Martinique, FWI). The tropical tests were performed 2, 8, and 14 days after arrival (32.9 degree C, 78% rh). During each trial, we measured tympanic temperature, sweat rate, body mass loss, heart rate (HR), and performance. The results showed that 1). the mean tympanic temperature was greater in T2 (P <.001), T8 (P <.01) and T14 (P <.01) than in TN and significantly lower in T14 than in T2 (P <.05); 2). the mean sweat rate was significantly greater (P <.001) in T2, T8 and T14 than in TN and significantly greater (P <.05) in T8 and T14 than in T2; 3). the body mass loss after trials was significantly greater (P <.001) in T2, T8 and T14 than in TN and significantly greater (P <.05) in T8 and T14 than in T2; 4). the mean HR and HR at rest were significantly higher (P <.005) in T2 than in TN, T8, T14 and the mean HR was significantly lower (P <.05) in T14 than in the other trials; and 5). the performance time was significantly lower in T2 (P < 0.02), T8 (P < 0.03) and T14 (P < 0.05) than in TN. We concluded that 14 days of exposure to tropical climate led to changes in physiological parameters but were still insufficient to ensure complete acclimatization in well-trained athletes. The hot/wet climate induced impairment of physiological responses and performance that were still evident on the 14th day.
Acclimatization↗
Three independent biological mechanisms cause exercise-associated hyponatremia: evidence from 2,135 weighed competitive athletic performances.
To evaluate the role of fluid and Na+ balance in the development of exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH), changes in serum Na+ concentrations ([Na+]) and in body weight were analyzed in 2,135 athletes in endurance events. Eighty-nine percent of athletes completed these events either euhydrated (39%) or with weight loss (50%) and with normal (80%) or elevated (13%) serum [Na+]. Of 231 (11%) athletes who gained weight during exercise, 70% were normonatremic or hypernatremic, 19% had a serum [Na+] between 129-135 mmol/liter, and 11% a serum [Na+] of <129 mmol/liter. Serum [Na+] after racing was a linear function with a negative slope of the body weight change during exercise. The final serum [Na+] in a subset of 18 subjects was predicted from the amount of Na+ that remained osmotically inactive at the completion of the trial. Weight gain consequent to excessive fluid consumption was the principal cause of a reduced serum [Na+] after exercise, yet most (70%) subjects who gained weight maintained or increased serum [Na+], requiring the addition of significant amounts of Na+ (>500 mmol) into an expanded volume of total body water. This Na+ likely originated from osmotically inactive, exchangeable stores. Thus, EAH occurs in athletes who (i) drink to excess during exercise, (ii) retain excess fluid because of inadequate suppression of antidiuretic hormone secretion, and (iii) osmotically inactivate circulating Na+ or fail to mobilize osmotically inactive sodium from internal stores. EAH can be prevented by insuring that athletes do not drink to excess during exercise, which has been known since 1985.
Body Weight↗
Risk for exercise-induced myocardial injury for athletes performing prolonged strenuous endurance exercise.
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Adult↗
[Selenium determination in blood plasma samples of high performance athletes].
Cooperating with the department "Sport- und Leistungsmedizin" of the university hospital of Freiburg/Brsg. we investigated the problem whether endurance stress leads to a significant change in the selenium blood concentration of athletes. We took blood samples of 13 test persons (11 men, 2 women) before, immediately after and 2 hours following a marathon course. The analyses of the concentration of selenium in plasma were performed by atomic absorption spectrometry AAS (molybdenum-coated graphite tube technique with L'vov platform as well as matrix modification with nickel nitrate in order to thermally stabilize the selenium). The selenium level of the plasma samples ranged between 41 and 153 micrograms/L. Our experiments have shown that running a marathon course does not lead to significant changes in the standard selenium plasma concentrations of the athletes.
Adult↗
Optimizing athletic performance by influence curves.
Recent application of modeling techniques to physical training has opened the possibility for prediction from training. Solution of the inverse problem, determining a training program to produce a desired performance at a specific time, is also possible and may yield strategies for achieving better training and tapering (complete or relative rest for a period before competition) regimens for competitive athletes. A mathematical technique derived from model theory is described in this paper that allows the design of an optimal strategy of physical preparation for an individual to do well in a single future competitive event or cluster of events. Simulation results, using default parameters of a training model, suggest that presently accepted forms of taper for competition may remain too rigorous and short in duration to achieve the best result possible from the training undertaken.
Humans↗
[Stress reactions and stress fractures in the high performance athlete. Causes, diagnosis and therapy].
From 1987 until July 1991 70 athletes with stress reactions or stress fractures were treated in the orthopaedic department of the Hannover Medical School. The average age of the 42 male and 28 female athletes was 22.6 years. The number of athletes involved in track and field sports was 29 (41.4%), in gymnastics 9 (12.9%) and in soccer 5 (7.1%). The most common bone injured was the tibia in 29 (41.4%), followed by the tarsal navicular in 21 (30.0%), the midfoot in 17 (24.3%) and the fibula in 4 (5.7%) athletes. In three cases double stress fractures were found in adjacent locations; in one case a stress fracture of the opposite navicular occurred after the initial tarsal navicular stress fracture had healed, and in another case the tarsal navicular was found to be fractured again. Thirty-seven percent of the athletes claimed sudden increase in training intensity was the cause; 33% felt that the increased sprinting and jump activities were the reason for their complaints. In some athletes pain started after an ankle sprain. Standard diagnostic procedure consisted in X-rays in two planes and three-phase bone scanning. In tarsal navicular or tibial locations additional tomograms were performed. MRI and CT scans were reserved for unclear findings and to exclude the possibility of a tumorous or inflammatory process. A new grading system was introduced that covers all forms of stress reactions from periostitis to pseudarthrosis. Clinical symptoms, sport disabilities, radiological and bone scan findings were graded from A to D. Using a modified Wilson classification, all radiologically recognizable stress reactions could be classified.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adult↗
ACTN3: A genetic influence on muscle function and athletic performance.
A common variant of the ACTN3 gene, R577X, results in complete deficiency of the alpha-actinin-3 protein in the fast skeletal muscle fibers of more than a billion humans worldwide. We review the evidence that this genetic variant is strongly associated with elite athlete status and with normal variation in human muscle strength and sprinting speed.
Actinin↗
B-type natriuretic peptide in athletes performing an Olympic triathlon.
AIM: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a cardioactive molecule produced in the myocardium. BNP is a sensitive marker of cardiac failure and its measurement in blood could be useful to the diagnosis and the treatment of this disease. Sporting activities, especially endurance ones, can induce cardiac problems, owing to the high workload for the myocardium during long and ultralong heavy effort. There are 2 papers describing the behavior of BNP in endurance events. BNP was elevated in marathoners, immediately after the race and also after 4 h. We studied the behavior of BNP in the triathlon, which is a complex sport characterized by 3 different activities (swimming, cycling, running). METHODS: We recruited 49 athletes, all males, except for 4 females; 2 athletes did not finish the race and were not included in the statistical analysis in 2 different competitions. In these subjects we measured BNP using an immunological method before and after a triathlon. RESULTS: No statistical significance between BNP values, before and after the triathlon, was found. CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant differences between pre- and postcompetition BNP values. Moreover, the range of values in both the blood drawings are similar of those of the general population, representing the biological variability of the analyte. The values in regularly trained athletes,, are not different from the general population and BNP is not modified by a triathlon, a typical endurance sport performance. We can underline that BNP increases in plasma are induced by heavy pathologies and are not influenced by physical activities, even strenuous ones.
Adult↗
[Diagnosis of changes in the knee joint of high performance athletes].
Sport-associated knee-joint alterations are frequent. A correct and rapid differentiation between traumatic lesions, chronic degenerative changes, and adaptive processes is important with regard to therapy as well as training and competitive planning for athletes. After the case history and physical examination, X-ray images are an absolute necessity for more in-depth diagnostic procedures. Depending on the clinical symptoms, partial aspects of the knee-joint can be visualized by sonography as well as by conventional tomography and computed tomography. If, however, a comprehensive evaluation of all knee-joint structures is needed, magnetic resonance imaging of the knee-joint should be performed. As a rapid, noninvasive procedure with high diagnostic reliability for all essential knee-joint structures only magnetic resonance imaging presently fulfills the specific demands placed on a modern diagnostic procedure by doctors working in sports-medicine.
Athletic Injuries↗
[Is top level athletic performance dangerous? A 25-year follow-up study of 24 elite cross-country skiers].
In the years 1964-68, the Norwegian troop of elite cross-country skiers comprised 27 skiers (15 men and 12 women). We present the results of a follow-up study 25 years after the troop's active competing period. One of the male skiers died suddenly of acute myocardial infarction in 1986, one was unable to participate in the study because of other disease, and one female refused to participate. The follow-up study thus comprises 24 athletes (13 men and 11 women). The results show that the group has managed to keep in physically good condition after concluding the active period. Two of the participants had paroxystic atrial fibrillation. Apart from this no cardiovascular disease was found which could be attributed to the hard physical training as top athletes.
Adult↗
Application of 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy to the study of athletic performance.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a non-invasive and repeatable method of studying muscle metabolism. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy uses specific radiofrequency pulses in a strong magnetic field to determine the relative concentrations of chemical compounds in the sample. 31P Magnetic resonance spectroscopy provides indirect measures of phosphate compounds such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), phosphocreatine and inorganic phosphate. Muscle intracellular pH can also be determined. Exercise tests can be performed in the magnet such that the metabolic response to steady-state exercise can be measured. The ratio of inorganic phosphate to phosphocreatine reflects the relative metabolic rate of mitochondrial respiration (V) and the extrapolated maximum capacity of oxidative metabolism (Vm). Normal humans vary considerably in their metabolic response to exercise. These differences are reflected in their Vms and the degree of acidosis during exercise. Active muscles in endurance trained athletes have higher Vms and faster recovery rates than normal controls. Preliminary studies have been done to assess muscle glycolytic capacity by measuring the degree of acidosis during ischaemic exercise. Exercise-induced muscle injury can be detected as an increased inorganic phosphate to phosphocreatine ratio in resting muscle. The increase in the inorganic phosphate to phosphocreatine ratio with injury reaches a peak 1 to 2 days after the injury and lasts for up to a week. Similar increases in the inorganic phosphate to phosphocreatine ratio occur in patients with destructive neuromuscular diseases. Thus changes in the resting inorganic phosphate to phosphocreatine ratio may be used to detect the degree of muscle injury following exercise. Levels of H2PO4- in muscle are thought to be important in causing muscle fatigue during exercise. As 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy can measure H2PO4-, magnetic resonance spectroscopy has become a useful technique in the study of the metabolic causes of muscle fatigue. It may also be possible to identify the relative populations of fast twitch and slow twitch fibres in a skeletal muscle using pH changes measured with 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy using other nuclei, such as 1H, 13C and 23Na, have the potential to provide information on other metabolic changes which occur with exercise. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy has shown promise as a technique to monitor the effects of training, including overtraining, in specific muscle groups in athletes.
Energy Metabolism↗