Key result
In a well-trained cyclist, absolute VO2peak remained unaltered during early pregnancy despite substantial increases in blood volume, but returned to near start-pregnancy levels 12 weeks postpartum with a 5% increase in maximal aerobic power.
Why the study?
To describe performance-related physiological and haematological changes in a well-trained cyclist performing endurance training during pregnancy and postpartum.
Does endurance training affect performance-related physiological and haematological changes during pregnancy and postpartum in a well-trained cyclist?
Population
1 well-trained cyclist performing endurance training
Design
Case study
Follow-up
12 weeks postpartum
Authors
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Case suggests blood volume gains may not boost VO2peak in early pregnancy; leaves open training effects on performance.
Case Report (n=1)
No
Does endurance training affect performance-related physiological and haematological changes during pregnancy and postpartum in a well-trained cyclist?
This case study illustrates a disassociation between increases in haematological values and VO2peak during pregnancy in a well-trained cyclist, with a rapid return to pre-pregnancy performance levels 12 weeks postpartum.
Almquist et al. (2022) conducted a case report in Pregnancy in a well-trained athlete (n=1). Structured endurance training vs. Start-pregnancy baseline was evaluated on Performance-related physiological and haematological changes (VO2peak, Wmax, L4, RBCV, BV). In a well-trained cyclist, absolute VO2peak remained unaltered during early pregnancy despite substantial increases in blood volume, but returned to near start-pregnancy levels 12 weeks postpartum with a 5% increase in maximal aerobic power.
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