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Sports Medicine

Published in:

01-05-2006 | Review Article

Ultra-Endurance Exercise and Oxidative Damage

Implications for Cardiovascular Health

Authors: Dr Wade L. Knez, Jeff S. Coombes, David G. Jenkins

Published in: Sports Medicine | Issue 5/2006

Abstract

At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity accumulated on most, preferably all days is considered the minimum level necessary to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Despite an unclear explanation, some epidemiological data paradoxically suggest that a very high volume of exercise is associated with a decrease in cardiovascular health. Although ultra-endurance exercise training has been shown to increase antioxidant defences (and therefore confer a protective effect against oxidative stress), an increase in oxidative stress may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis via oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Research has also shown that ultra-endurance exercise is associated with acute cardiac dysfunction and injury, and these may also be related to an increase in free radical production. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess whether antioxidant defences are adequate to prevent LDL oxidation that may occur as a result of increased free radical production during very high volumes of exercise. In addition, this work will assist in understanding the accrued effect of repeated ultra-endurance exercise-induced myocardial damage.

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Title: Ultra-Endurance Exercise and Oxidative Damage
Implications for Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Dr Wade L. Knez
Jeff S. Coombes
David G. Jenkins
Publication date: 01-05-2006
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Sports Medicine / Issue 5/2006
Print ISSN: 0112-1642
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2035
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200636050-00005

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Ultra-Endurance Exercise and Oxidative Damage

Implications for Cardiovascular Health

Abstract

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