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Effects of a transoceanic rowing challenge on cardiorespiratory function and muscle fitness
Ellis, Chris Ingram, Thomas Taylor, Sue Howard, Liz Pike, Joanna Lee, Eveline Buckley, John
Ellis, Chris
Ingram, Thomas
Taylor, Sue
Howard, Liz
Pike, Joanna
Lee, Eveline
Buckley, John
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Issue Date
2024-02-24
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Abstract
Ultra-endurance sports and exercise events are becoming increasingly popular for older age groups. We aimed to evaluate changes in cardiac function and physical fitness in males aged 50-60 years who completed a 50-day transoceanic rowing challenge. This case account of four self-selected males included electro- and echo-cardiography (ECG, echo), cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness measures recorded nine-months prior to and three weeks after a transatlantic team-rowing challenge. No clinically significant changes to myocardial function were found over the course of the study. The training and race created expected functional changes to left ventricular and atrial function; the former associated with training, the latter likely due to dehydration, both resolving towards baseline within three weeks post-event. From race-start to finish all rowers lost 8.4-15.6 kg of body mass. Absolute cardiorespiratory power and muscular strength were lower three weeks post-race compared to pre-race, but cardiorespiratory exercise economy improved in this same period. A structured programme of moderate-vigorous aerobic endurance and muscular training for >6 months, followed by 50-days of transoceanic rowing in older males proved not to cause any observable acute or potential long-term risks to cardiovascular health. Pre-event screening, fitness testing, and appropriate training is recommended, especially in older participants where age itself is an increasingly significant risk factor.
Citation
Ellis, C., Ingram, T., Kite, C., Taylor, S., Howard, L., Pike, J., Lee, E., Buckley, J. (2023) Effects of a transoceanic rowing challenge on cardiorespiratory function and muscle fitness. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 45 (05), pp. 349-358. DOI: 10.1055/a-2205-1849.
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Journal article
Language
en
Description
This is an author's accepted manuscript of an article published by Thieme in International Journal of Sports Medicine, available online: https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-2205-1849 The accepted manuscript may differ from the final published version.
Series/Report no.
ISSN
0172-4622
EISSN
1439-3964