Female elite long-distance runners showed no significant differences in vascular function and morphology compared to inactive women, despite 44% of runners being at risk for RED-S.
Cross-Sectional (n=33)
Does elite long-distance running impact vascular function and morphology in female athletes compared to inactive women?
Female elite long-distance runners maintain normal vascular function and morphology comparable to inactive women of the same age, despite a high prevalence of relative energy deficiency in sports (RED-S) risk.
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.
Kyte et al. (Wed,) conducted a cross-sectional in Female elite long-distance runners (n=33). Elite long-distance running vs. Inactive women was evaluated on Vascular function and morphology (FMD, PWV, CAR %, cIMT, and biomarkers of endothelial activation). Female elite long-distance runners showed no significant differences in vascular function and morphology compared to inactive women, despite 44% of runners being at risk for RED-S.
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