Physiological performance and cardiac function in female ironman- triathletes

Background: Data about physiological performance of female ironman-triathletes are rare. However, some papers reported endurance sport may cause damage of the right or left ventricle even in females. Aim: The goal of this study was to assess prospectively the right/left ventricular function and physiological performance in female ironman-athletes (middleand long-distance). Methods: 33 female healthy triathletes were examined using spiroergometry and echocardiography. Inclusion criterion was participation in at least one middle distance triathlon. Results: The triathletes achieved the following results: VO2max 52.8 ± 5.7 ml/min/kg, Wmax 264.0 ± 26.1, VAT (aerobic threshold) VO2 38.5 ± 7.9 ml/min/kg, 193.0 ± 48.4 Watt. In respect of echocardiographic readings LVEDD (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter) was 4.4 ± 0.3 cm and the left ventricular muscle mass (LVM) was 145.9 ± 31.3 g (LVM index 85.8 g/m2 ± 18.7). Conclusions: The performance date of female triathletes can be used as training goals for leisure female triathletes, when middle or long distances in triathlon competitions should be finished. In respect of echocardiographic parameters a right or left ventricular dysfunction could not be found despite of long times of training and finishing of long distance competitions (5.4 ± 2.8 years triathlon competitions non-elite and 7.6 ± 5.8 years elite athletes).