Multiannual, Intensive Strength-Endurance Training Modulates the Activity of the Cardiovascular and Autonomic Nervous System among Rowers of the International Level

Abstract

Introduction Professional athlete training is significantly different from recreational physical activity, and sustained, repetitive exposure to over-strenuous and intensive training may result in critical changes of most systems and organs in a sportsman's body. Aim The assessment of the influence of multiannual strength-endurance training on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and cardiovascular system (CVS) among the rowers of Polish national team. Materials and Methods 20 rowers, aged 20–30, seniors of Polish national team were qualified into the study. The functional examination of ANS was conducted by means of Task Force® Monitor system. The assessed parameters included hemodynamic parameters, heart rate, and blood pressure variability and reflexes sensitivity of baroreceptors. In order to examine and compare the reaction of autonomic nervous system the subjects underwent a tilt test. Results In the study group, significantly higher levels of sBP (129.3 ± 12.2 vs 118.3 ± 8.4, p = 0.0030), SI (59.9 ± 8.8 vs 41.2 ± 6.8, p > 0.001), CI (3.2 ± 0.5 vs 2.4 ± 0.4, p > 0.001), and significantly lower levels of HR (54.2 ± 5.3 vs 60.1 ± 5.7, p = 0.0034) and TPRI (2333.3 ± 389.9 vs 2950.2 ± 604.2, p = 0.0012) compared to the control group, were found. After the tilt test the levels of HR (p = 0.0005) and TPRI (p = 0.0128) were significantly higher but SI (p > 0.001) and CI (p = 0.0006) were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control. Conclusions Multiannual strength-endurance training connected with rowing activities substantially modulates the activity of cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system, influences the volumetric workload of the heart and structural changes, and increases the sensitivity of reflexes of arterial baroreceptors.

Influence of training status on cardiac and vascular functioning in young recreational and competitive male rowers

“…In fact, competitive rowers in our study reported lower AIx75, an consequently lower arterial stiffness, compared to recreational athletes ( Figure 4 ). These findings are in accordance with research conducted in adults which reports a significant increase in peripheral artery diameters and baroreflex sensitivity, and a decrease in vascular peripheral resistance in rowers compared to a non-athletic group ( 5 , 7 , 8 ). However, another study reported higher AIx in adult rowers compared to a control group underlining the need of additional investigations in this specific topic ( 16 ).…”

“…Research has shown that the cardiovascular system of this type of athletes may Abbreviations AIx, Augmentation index; APP, aortic pulse pressures; BDBP, brachial diastolic blood pressure; BMI, body mass index; BPP, brachial pulse pressures; BSBP, brachial systolic blood pressure; CR, competitive rowers; HPV, height at peak velocity; HR, heart rate; EDms, ejection duration in ms; FM, fat mass; FFM, fat free mass; MAP, mean aortic pressure; MBP, mean brachial pressure; ORS, other recreational sports; RER, respiratory exchange ratio; RHR, resting heart rate; RR, recreational rowers; PWV, pulse wave velocity; SEVR, subendocardial viability ratio; VO 2 Peak, oxygen consumption in absolute terms at exercise peak. undergo significant remodelling changing both the structure and function of heart and arteries (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8).…”

“…Although cardiac remodelling occurs in both competitive and recreational rowers, this sport seems to increase specific aspects of cardiac structure and function in elite adult athletes consequently to the higher volume and intensity of training (12). These morphological adaptations can improve the mechanical performance of the heart which consequently increases the systolic flow velocity, the emptying velocity of the left ventricle, and the maximum volume ejected during the left ventricle systole (5,13). Additionally, recreational and competitive adult rowers reported favourable elastic properties of the arteries and larger vascular diameters (5)(6)(7)(8)14).…”

“…These morphological adaptations can improve the mechanical performance of the heart which consequently increases the systolic flow velocity, the emptying velocity of the left ventricle, and the maximum volume ejected during the left ventricle systole (5,13). Additionally, recreational and competitive adult rowers reported favourable elastic properties of the arteries and larger vascular diameters (5)(6)(7)(8)14). However, there is also inconclusive evidence on the impact of rowing on cardiovascular functions.…”

Preparation of athletes in cyclic sports taking into account the functional state of the external respiratory system and cardiovascular system

“…These kinds of sports include academic rowing. In this sport, for the rational planning and control of physical fitness, it is necessary to determine the level of functional status of the above systems [15][16][17][18][19]. According to scientists, the practical solution of the problem outlined is the most possible due to the search for new ways to increase the physical preparedness of rowers in different periods of the annual cycle [20][21][22][23].…”