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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-03-2016 | Original Article

Fluid retention, muscle damage, and altered body composition at the Ultraman triathlon

Authors: Daniel A. Baur, Christopher W. Bach, William J. Hyder, Michael J. Ormsbee

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 3/2016

Abstract

Purpose

The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of participation in a 3-day multistage ultraendurance triathlon (stage 1 = 10 km swim, 144.8 km bike; stage 2 = 275.4 km bike; stage 3 = 84.4 km run) on body mass and composition, hydration status, hormones, muscle damage, and blood glucose.

Methods

Eighteen triathletes (mean ± SD; age 41 ± 7.5 years; height 175 ± 9 cm; weight 73.5 ± 9.8 kg; male n = 14, female n = 4) were assessed before and after each stage of the race. Body mass and composition were measured via bioelectrical impedance, hydration status via urine specific gravity, hormones and muscle damage via venous blood draw, and blood glucose via fingerstick.

Results

Following the race, significant changes included reductions in body mass (qualified effect size: trivial), fat mass (moderate), and percent body fat (small); increases in percent total body water (moderate) and urine specific gravity (large); and unchanged absolute total body water and fat-free mass. There were also extremely large increases in creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, aldosterone and cortisol combined with reductions in testosterone (small) and the testosterone:cortisol ratio (moderate). There were associations between post-race aldosterone and total body water (r = −0.504) and changes in cortisol and fat-free mass (r = −0.536). Finally, blood glucose increased in a stepwise manner prior to each stage.

Conclusions

Participation in Ultraman Florida leads to fluid retention and dramatic alterations in body composition, muscle health, hormones, and metabolism.

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Title: Fluid retention, muscle damage, and altered body composition at the Ultraman triathlon
Authors: Daniel A. Baur
Christopher W. Bach
William J. Hyder
Michael J. Ormsbee
Publication date: 01-03-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 3/2016
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3291-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Fluid retention, muscle damage, and altered body composition at the Ultraman triathlon

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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