Vascular Function in Norwegian Female Elite Runners: A Cross-Sectional, Controlled Study

Abstract

In general, aerobic exercise has a positive impact on the vascular system, but the syndrome of relative energy-deficiency in sports (RED-S) makes this impact less clear for the athlete. The present cross-sectional controlled study aimed to investigate the vascular function in female elite long-distance runners, compared to inactive women. Sixteen female elite long-distance runners and seventeen healthy controls were recruited. Assessments of vascular function and morphology included endothelial function, evaluated by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), vascular stiffness, evaluated with pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid artery reactivity (CAR %), and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). Blood samples included hormone analyses, metabolic parameters, lipids, and biomarkers reflecting endothelial activation. RED-S risk was assessed through the low energy availability in female questionnaire (LEAF-Q), and body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We found no significant differences in brachial FMD, PWV, CAR %, cIMT, or biomarkers reflecting endothelial activation between the two groups. Forty-four percent of the runners had a LEAF-Q score consistent with being at risk of RED-S. Runners showed significantly higher HDL-cholesterol and insulin sensitivity compared to controls. In conclusion, Norwegian female elite runners had an as good vascular function and morphology as inactive women of the same age.

Study the Effect of Relative Energy Deficiency on Physiological and Physical Variables in Professional Women Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…To minimize limitations in this study, strict best practice protocols developed for body composition and RMR assessments were used [ 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 ]. In addition, all players comprising the professional team participated in the study, to obtain sufficient statistical power, and a 7-consecutive-day dietary recording period reflecting the typical dietary patterns of the participants was used, including heavy dietary recordings to assess energy intake.…”

Analysis of Predictive Factors for Return to Sports in Female Athletes With Stress Urinary Incontinence

“…In addition, it was confirmed that EFAs did not use testosterone to enhance their performance. The following parameters were measured at Bio Medical Laboratories, Inc., Tokyo, Japan: total testosterone level, as measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay method (normal range: 10.8-56.9 ng/dL); estradiol level, as measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay method (normal range: 49-487 pg/mL); total cholesterol level [ 12 ], as measured using an enzymatic method (normal range: 150-219 mg/dL); hemoglobin level [ 13 ], as measured using the sodium lauryl sulphate-hemoglobin (SLS-Hb) method (normal range: 11.2-15.2 g/dL); and urea nitrogen level [ 14 ], as measured using the urease-glutamate dehydrogenase-ultraviolet method (normal range: 8.0-20.0 mg/dL).…”

Bone health in Norwegian female elite runners: a cross-sectional, controlled study

“…The present cross-sectional study is part of a larger study of the same population. The main aim was to investigate vascular function in Norwegian female elite long-distance runners 17. Overlap includes age, height, weight, training data, fat mass, hormone levels and the LEA in Female Questionnaire (LEAF-Q).…”

“…The study was conducted during three different test days. The overall study17 included vascular function tests, performed on the first test day. In addition, the participants answered the LEAF-Q 19.…”

“…The main aim was to investigate vascular function in Norwegian female elite long-distance runners. 17 Overlap includes age, height, weight, training data, fat mass, hormone levels and the LEA in Female Questionnaire (LEAF-Q). Power analysis was done for the main outcome, endothelial function, in the overall study on vascular function.…”