Effects of Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Triathletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Triathlon is an aerobic sport, which is commonly measured by maximal aerobic consumption (VO2max). Objective: to analyze the changes produced in cardiorespiratory and physiological measurements during practice, which determine triathletes’ performance level. A systematic review and a meta-analysis based on PRISMA protocol and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020189076) was conducted. The research was performed using PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Embase, Dialnet, Web of Science (WOS) and MEDLINE databases during February and March 2020. Studies that measured cardiorespiratory variables in triathletes published in the last 10 years were included. Results: 713 articles were identified, with 25 studies selected for the systematic review and five articles for the meta-analysis. These articles concluded that the main cardiorespiratory variables that determine triathletes’ performance were modified depending on the triathlon segment performed and the athletes’ sex and age. The meta-analysis showed no conclusive results related to the effects of changes in VO2max in triathletes’ performance [SMD = −0.21; 95%CI: (−0.84 to 0.43)]. Conclusions: cardiorespiratory fitness, in terms of VO2max and ventilatory thresholds, is the strongest predictor of performance in triathlon. This response may be affected depending on the triathlon segment performed and the athlete’s age or sex, leading to both physiological and biomechanical alterations that affect competition performance.

Improvement of the special running training of the highly qualified triathlete

“…Деякі аспекти спортивної підготовки в триатлоні розглянуто в публікаціях українських вчених [1,3,4]. Значний інтерес становили дослідження присвячені таким питанням, як фізичні та фізіологічні фактори успішності змагальної діяльності в триатлоні [16], вплив тренувань на кардіореспіраторну систему триатлоністів [11], вплив фізіологічних та біомеханічних параметрів на продуктивність елітних триатлоністів [14] та інші.…”

Prevalence of dietary supplement use among male Brazilian recreational triathletes: a cross-sectional study

“…Triathlon is an endurance sport that combines three modalities (swimming, cycling, and running) over various distances [1][2][3][4]. Numerous aspects have been studied, such as physiological, biomechanical, training, nutrition, morphology, and physical performance [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. With regard to nutritional aspects, some triathletes have difficulties meeting the daily energy demand required by their training routine due to daily training commitments, residual training fatigue, reduced appetite after intense training sessions, lack of access to appropriate food and fluids, and family and work commitments, among others [12].…”

Anthropometric profile, cardiorespiratory capacity and pulmonary function in an elite Chilean triathlete: A case study

“…Cardiorespiratory fitness, in terms of VO2max and ventilatory thresholds, are the strongest predictors of triathlon performance. This response can be affected depending on the triathlon segment performed and the age or sex of the athlete, leading to both physiological and biomechanical alterations that affect competition performance (Borrego et al, 2021) Elite triathletes have VO2max values. significantly higher than subelite triathletes, and high levels of VO2max are required.…”