Age, height and weight of female Olympic finalists in running events.

Age, height, weight and body mass index (weight/height2) of women finalists from seven running events (100 m, 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 1500 m, 3000m and marathon) are analysed. The data on 174 runners are derived from four Olympics (Munich, Montreal, Moscow and Los Angeles). On average endurance runners (3000 m and marathon are 4.8 years older, 6 cm shorter and 5 kg lighter for their height than sprinters (200 m and 400 m). A consistent trend of decreasing body mass index with run was observed; adjusting for height the marathon runners were 7 kg lighter than 100 m sprinters.     

Sex differences in elite swimming with advanced age are less than marathon running

The sex difference in marathon performance increases with finishing place and age of the runner but whether this occurs among swimmers is unknown. The purpose was to compare sex differences in swimming velocity across world record place (1st–10th), age group (25–89 years), and event distance. We also compared sex differences between freestyle swimming and marathon running. The world's top 10 swimming times of both sexes for World Championship freestyle stroke, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events and the world's top 10 marathon times in 5‐year age groups were obtained. Men were faster than women for freestyle (12.4 ± 4.2%), backstroke (12.8 ± 3.0%), and breaststroke (14.5 ± 3.2%), with the greatest sex differences for butterfly (16.7 ± 5.5%). The sex difference in swimming velocity increased across world record place for freestyle (P < 0.001), breaststroke, and butterfly for all age groups and distances (P < 0.001) because of a greater relative drop‐off between first and 10th place for women. The sex difference in marathon running increased with the world record place and the sex difference for marathon running was greater than for swimming (P < 0.001). The sex difference in swimming increased with world record place and age, but was less than for marathon running. Collectively, these results suggest more depth in women's swimming than marathon running.     

Average VO2max as a function of running performances on different distances

Objective

To determine the VO₂max differences as well as average VO₂max values for runners of both genders competing in various race distances at different performance level (International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) scores).

Material and methods

VO₂max of 137 males and 53 females top-class Spain runners was measured wit a multistage treadmill test. An exhaustive bibliographic analysis of the VO₂max values in different events was also done.

Results

From Spain and literature data, VO₂max increases from 100 to 1500 m in runners with the same performance level (IAAF score). For the 3000, 5000, 10,000 m and marathon groups, VO₂max does not differ significantly. Furthermore and for the same event, small differences in performance level are associated with small or no differences in VO₂max.

Conclusions

At the same level of performance (IAAF scores), VO₂max levels are increasing from 100 to 3000 m showing a greater importance of this parameter for training and selection purposes. On longer distances however, VO₂max levels are the highest but similar indicating that VO₂max is an important prerequisite but that VO₂max importance is similar for all distance events from 3000 m to marathon. On the other hand, within a distance event, VO₂max may be a good discriminator within a group of athletes showing a wide range of performances but not in a homogeneous group of elite athletes.     

Age-related decrease in performance of male masters athletes in sprint,sprint–endurance,and endurance events

Sport Sciences for Health - To investigate the slope of age-related performance decrease of male master athletes competing the 100&nbsp;m, 400&nbsp;m, and 10,000&nbsp;m running events....     

Pulmonary O2 uptake on-kinetics in endurance- and sprint-trained master athletes

The purpose of this study was to characterise the VO2 kinetic response to moderate intensity cycle exercise in endurance-trained (END) and sprint or power-trained (SPR) track and field master athletes ranging in age from 45 to 85 years. We hypothesised that the time constant (tau) describing the Phase II VO2 on-response would be smaller in the END compared to the SPR athletes, and that the tau would become greater with increasing age in both groups. Eighty-four master athletes who were competing at either the British or European Veteran Athletics Championships acted as subjects, and were classified as either END (800 m - marathon; n = 41), or SPR (100 - 400 m and field events; n = 43) specialists. Subjects completed two 6 minute "step" transitions to a work rate of moderate intensity on a cycle ergometer and pulmonary gas exchange was measured breath-by-breath. Analysis of variance revealed that SPR athletes had slower VO2 on-kinetics (i.e., greater tau) compared to END athletes at each of the age groups studied: 46 - 55 yrs (END: 25 +/- 6 vs. SPR: 36 +/- 9 s; p < 0.10), 56 - 65 yrs (END: 25 +/- 5 vs. SPR: 35 +/- 10 s; p < 0.05), 66 - 75 yrs (END: 29 +/- 10 vs. SPR: 40 +/- 13 s; p < 0.05), and 76 - 85 yrs (END: 31 +/- 10 vs. SPR: 51 +/- 18 s; p < 0.05). The VO2 on-kinetics became slower with advancing age in the SPR athletes (p < 0.05 between 56 - 65 and 76 - 85 yrs) but were not significantly changed in the END athletes. The slower VO2 on-kinetics in SPR compared to END master athletes is consistent both with differences in physiology (e.g., muscle fibre type, oxidative/glycolytic capacity) and training between these specialist athletes. Master END athletes have similar tau values to their younger counterparts (approximately 25 s) suggesting that participation in endurance exercise training limits the slowing of VO2 on-kinetics with age in this population.     

Performance trends in 3000 m open-water age group swimmers from 25 to 89 years competing in the FINA World Championships from 1992 to 2014

We investigated trends in participation, performance and sex difference in performance in 3000 m freestyle in age groups swimmers (25–29 to 85–89 years) competing in the Fédération Internationale de Natation World Masters Championships between 1992 and 2014. During this period, participation increased in women and men. Women and men improved race times across years in all age groups. Women were slower in age groups 25–29 to 70–74 years. In age groups 75–79 and 85–89 years, however, race times were similar for both women and men. Sex difference in performance remained unchanged across years. In summary, performance improved across years in all age groups, men were faster than women up to the age group 70–74 years and women were not able to reduce the sex difference in performance to men across years. For athletes and coaches, an increase in participation and a continuous improvement in performance can be expected in these age group athletes.     

High‐sensitivity troponin T in marathon runners,marathon runners with heart disease and collapsed marathon runners

Endurance exercise is an established cause of cardiac troponin (cTn) elevation, of further interest is whether this rise represents clinical significance. This study compared cTnT rise in three cohorts of marathon runners using a high‐sensitivity assay; control runners, those with known heart disease and runners who collapsed at the finish line. Control runners (n = 126) and runners with heart disease (n = 12) were prospectively recruited with cTnT levels measured pre‐race and at race completion. Collapsed runners (n = 15) were retrospectively recruited. A mixed model ANCOVA was used to compare the three groups. Pre‐race median cTnT for the control group and heart disease groups was 3.9 ng/L (IQR 3.1 ng/L) and 4.1 ng/L (IQR 3.4 ng/L). Post‐race values for the three groups were control 45.6 ng/L (IQR 42.5 ng/L), heart disease 41.2 ng/L (IQR 36.1 ng/L), and collapsed 41.9 ng/L (IQR 57.8 ng/L). Post‐race cTnT and cTnT change were significantly correlated with pre‐race cTnT within the control group (r = 0.38 and 0.30, P < 0.01). There was no difference in post‐race cTnT (adjusted for pre‐race cTnT) between the three groups. None of the runners reported symptoms suggestive of acute myocardial infarction on follow‐up. These results demonstrate that marathon running is associated with an asymptomatic cTnT rise for all runners, and this rise is significantly correlated to baseline cTnT levels, in addition, marathon runners with pre‐existing cardiac pathology or who collapse at the finish line do not exhibit an increased cTnT rise compared to healthy runners.     

Unstable rocker shoes promote recovery from marathon‐induced muscle damage in novice runners

We recently reported that wearing unstable rocker shoes (Masai Barefoot Technology: MBT ) may enhance recovery from marathon race‐induced fatigue. However, this earlier study only utilized a questionnaire. In this study, we evaluated MBT utilizing objective physiological measures of recovery from marathon‐induced muscle damages. Twenty‐five university student novice runners were divided into two groups. After running a full marathon, one group wore MBT shoes (MBT group), and the control group (CON ) wore ordinary shoes daily for 1 week following the race. We measured maximal isometric joint torque, muscle hardness (real time tissue elastography of the strain ratio) in the lower limb muscles before, immediately after, and 1, 3, and 8 days following the marathon. We calculated the magnitude of recovery by observing the difference in each value between the first measurement and the latter measurements. Results showed that isometric torques in knee flexion recovered at the first day after the race in the MBT group while it did not recover even at the eighth day in the CON group. Muscle hardness in the gastrocnemius and vastus lateralis showed enhanced recovery in the MBT group in comparison with the CON group. Also for muscle hardness in the tibialis anterior and biceps femoris, the timing of recovery was delayed in the CON group. In conclusion, wearing MBT shoes enhanced recovery in lower leg and thigh muscles from muscle damage induced by marathon running.     

Fear of failure,psychological stress,and burnout among adolescent athletes competing in high level sport

The purpose of this study was to investigate fear of failure in highly competitive junior athletes and the association with psychological stress and burnout. In total 258 athletes (152 males and 108 females) ranged in age from 15 to 19 years (M = 17.4 years, SD = 1.08) participated. Athletes competed in variety of sports including both team and individual sports. Results showed in a variable‐oriented approach using regression analyses that one dimension, fear of experiencing shame and embarrassment had a statistically significant effect on perceived psychological stress and one dimension of burnout, reduced sense of accomplishment. However, adopting a person‐oriented approach using latent class analysis, we found that athletes with high levels of fear failure on all dimensions scored high on burnout. We also found another class with high scores on burnout. These athletes had high scores on the individual‐oriented dimensions of fear of failure and low scores on the other oriented fear of failure dimensions. The findings indicate that fear of failure is related to burnout and psychological stress in athletes and that this association is mainly associated with the individual‐oriented dimensions of fear of failure.     

Inflammation and atrial remodeling after a mountain marathon

Endurance athletes have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. We performed a longitudinal study on elite runners of the 2010 Jungfrau Marathon, a Swiss mountain marathon, to determine acute effects of long‐distance running on the atrial myocardium. Ten healthy male athletes were included and examined 9 to 1 week prior to the race, immediately after, and 1, 5, and 8 days after the race. Mean age was 34.9 ± 4.2 years, and maximum oxygen consumption was 66.8 ± 5.8 mL/kg*min. Mean race time was 243.9 ± 17.7 min. Electrocardiographic‐determined signal‐averaged P‐wave duration (SAPWD) increased significantly after the race and returned to baseline levels during follow‐up (128.7 ± 10.9 vs. 137.6 ± 9.8 vs. 131.5 ± 8.6 ms; P < 0.001). Left and right atrial volumes showed no significant differences over time, and there were no correlations of atrial volumes and SAPWD. Prolongation of the SAPWD was accompanied by a transient increase in levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, proinflammatory cytokines, total leucocytes, neutrophil granulocytes, pro atrial natriuretic peptide and high‐sensitivity troponin. In conclusion, marathon running was associated with a transient conduction delay in the atria, acute inflammation and increased atrial wall tension. This may reflect exercise‐induced atrial myocardial edema and may contribute to atrial remodeling over time, generating a substrate for atrial arrhythmias.     

Analysis of wheelchair track performances

The purpose of this study was to analyze the performance in wheelchair races with respect to the level of impaired functional musculature of the athletes. The data consisted of the world records and 1984 World Wheelchair Games track finalists' performances in the seven competitive classes for males and females. Peak wheelchair record speed, regardless of level of disability, of 6.43 m.s-;1 for males occurs in the 200 m event which decreases to 5.75 m.s-1 at 5000 m. Comparable female speeds are 5.60 and 4.67 m.s-1, which are similar to male-female differences in running records. Analysis of variance of wheelchair finalists' average speeds indicated a significant (P less than 0.05) difference between the sexes, distances, and classes of athletes. Females were slower than males and tetraplegics slower than paraplegics over all distances. Tetraplegics did not show any significant change in speed over distance. Significant linear and quadratic trends over distance were noted for male paraplegics due to a generally decreasing speed with duration of the race and a peak speed at 200 m, respectively. Male paraplegics had a faster speed in the marathon compared to their longest track event, reflecting the greater speeds attainable during downhill wheeling.     

La réalisation d'un marathon n'affecte pas les performances aérobies mesurées en laboratoire chez des marathoniens de niveau national

AimEvaluate the influence of a marathon race on maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max) and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) in 9 marathon runners (national level: best performance: 153 ± 14 minutes).MethodAn incremental VO_2max test was performed on a treadmill by 9 marathon runners, 6 days before a marathon race (j–6), 3 days after (j+3) and 11 days after (j+11).Results and conclusionNo significant difference was observed between the three days concerning VO_2max, rest and maximal heart rate, lactatemia and MAS which strongly suggests that the higher the level is, the faster is the recovery after a marathon race.     

Hypobaric live high‐train low does not improve aerobic performance more than live low‐train low in cross‐country skiers

Live high‐train low (LHTL ) using hypobaric hypoxia was previously found to improve sea‐level endurance performance in well‐trained individuals; however, confirmatory controlled data in athletes are lacking. Here, we test the hypothesis that natural‐altitude LHTL improves aerobic performance in cross‐country skiers, in conjunction with expansion of total hemoglobin mass (Hb_mass, carbon monoxide rebreathing technique) promoted by accelerated erythropoiesis. Following duplicate baseline measurements at sea level over the course of 2 weeks, nineteen Norwegian cross‐country skiers (three women, sixteen men, age 20 ± 2 year, maximal oxygen uptake (VO ₂max) 69 ± 5 mL/min/kg) were assigned to 26 consecutive nights spent at either low (1035 m, control, n = 8) or moderate altitude (2207 m, daily exposure 16.7 ± 0.5 hours, LHTL , n = 11). All athletes trained together daily at a common location ranging from 550 to 1500 m (21.2% of training time at 550 m, 44.2% at 550‐800 m, 16.6% at 800‐1100 m, 18.0% at 1100‐1500 m). Three test sessions at sea level were performed over the first 3 weeks after intervention. Despite the demonstration of nocturnal hypoxemia at moderate altitude (pulse oximetry), LHTL had no specific effect on serum erythropoietin, reticulocytes, Hb_mass, VO ₂max, or 3000‐m running performance. Also, LHTL had no specific effect on (a) running economy (VO ₂ assessed during steady‐state submaximal exercise), (b) respiratory capacities or efficiency of the skeletal muscle (biopsy), and (c) diffusing capacity of the lung. This study, showing similar physiological responses and performance improvements in the two groups following intervention, suggests that in young cross‐country skiers, improvements in sea‐level aerobic performance associated with LHTL may not be due to moderate‐altitude acclimatization.     

Trunk muscle strength and lumbo‐pelvic kinematics in adolescent athletes: Effects of age and sex

Considering their potential relevance for low‐back pain, we investigated trunk muscle strength, sagittal lumbo‐pelvic alignment while standing and lumbo‐pelvic ratio during trunk flexion in adolescent athletes with regard to the effects of age and sex. Twenty‐two early adolescent (EA: 13‐15 years, 10 females) and 28 late adolescent (LA: 16‐19 years, 14 females) high‐level athletes (training duration more than 12 hours per week) participated in the study. We measured trunk extension and trunk flexion moments during maximum voluntary isometric contractions using a dynamometer. Further, we examined lumbo‐pelvic kinematics in the upright standing position and during forward trunk bending using two 3‐dimensional accelerometers. Using a lineal regression model in which the flexion moment from each participant was used as predictor for the corresponding extension moment, we found higher residuals (P < 0.001) in the EA compared to LA, indicating greater imbalances in the trunk muscle strength in EA. We found a higher lordosis in the upright position, greater pelvic rotation, and greater lordotic posture during the forward bending in females (P < 0.01). These age‐related imbalances and sex‐related characteristics in lumbo‐pelvic kinematics might affect the neuromuscular control of trunk stability and the magnitude of spine loading. We recommend the implementation of specific coordination and stabilization programs for muscle groups that contribute to lumbo‐pelvic kinematics and training routines that support a balanced strength development within the trunk muscles in adolescent athletes.     

Anaerobic threshold and performance in middle and long distance running.

A total of 112 endurance athletes, divided in three groups according to their age, were selected considered in this study. Thirtythree randomly subjects (11 per each age group) were both laboratory--and field--tested for anaerobic threshold (AT) determination. The running speed (RS) and heart rate (HR) at which AT occurred were highly correlated in the two conditions, with R ranging from 0.82 to 0.90, with the highest correlation for the oldest group. All the athletes participated a series of competition races at various distances, and the correlation between RS at AT and actual racing RS was calculated. It was found that RS at AT is highly correlated with racing RS for distances from 5 km and above, with the highest correlation found in the 10 km race for the 12-18 years and the 19-30 years age groups, and for the one hour race for the oldest group. Shorter distances (e.g. 800 m) did not show significant correlation with RS at AT, and this was particularly evident for the oldest group (R = 0.30).     

Nutrition strategies before and during ultra‐endurance event: A significant gap between science and practice

The purpose of this study was to investigate and assess the nutritional practices of open‐water swimmers, during the preparation period and the competition, as well as their implications on performance and anthropometric parameters according to their age. Twenty‐four (n = 24) men open‐water swimmers, twelve young (26.3 ± 4.9 years) and twelve older athletes (45.8 ± 9.7 years), participated in this study. Nutritional behavior—energy intake consumption, and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated prior to the Toroneos Gulf crossing (26 km). In addition, nutritional intakes during the race and anthropometrics after the race were also evaluated. Significant differences between the two groups were found for Toroneos Gulf crossing performance, BMI , and all variables of body composition at the preparation period (P  < .05). The results involving energy consumption, in both preparation period and during the race, displayed significant differences between the two groups, while both groups exhibited significantly negative energy balances. During the race, significant differences were found also for the energy expenditure, relative energy intake, negative energy balance, relative consumption of carbohydrates per hour, and relative protein intake (P  < .05). In both groups, lower intakes than the recommended were observed for macronutrient‐micronutrient elements at any time point. Significant correlations were found between selected variables of body composition, nutritional intakes during the preparation period and the competition, and athletes' performance. In summary, this study provides strong evidence about the malnutrition of ultra‐endurance swimmers prior and during their competition, with potential dangers for their health and performance as certain deficiencies in both macro‐ and micronutrient contents are present.     

Antioxidant‐rich foods and response to altitude training: A randomized controlled trial in elite endurance athletes

High doses of isolated antioxidant supplements such as vitamin C and E have demonstrated the potential to blunt cellular adaptations to training. It is, however, unknown whether intake of high doses of antioxidants from foods has similar effects. Hence, the aim of the study was to investigate whether intake of antioxidant‐rich foods affects adaptations to altitude training in elite athletes. In a randomized controlled trial, 31 national team endurance athletes (23 ± 5 years) ingested antioxidant‐rich foods (n = 16) or eucaloric control foods (n = 15) daily during a 3‐week altitude training camp (2320 m). Changes from baseline to post‐altitude in hemoglobin mass (Hb_mass; optimized CO rebreathing), maximal oxygen uptake (VO _2max; n = 16) or 100 m swimming performance (n = 10), and blood parameters were compared between the groups. The antioxidant group significantly increased total intake of antioxidant‐rich foods (~118%) compared to the control group during the intervention. The total study population improved VO _2max by 2.5% (1.7 mL/kg/min, P  = .006) and Hb_mass by 4.7% (48 g, P  < .001), but not 100 m swimming performance. No difference was found between the groups regarding changes in Hb_mass, VO _2max or swimming performance. However, hemoglobin concentration increased more in the antioxidant group (effect size = 0.7; P  = .045) with a concomitantly larger decrease in plasma and blood volumes compared to control group. Changes in ferritin and erythropoietin from pre‐ to post‐altitude did not differ between the groups. Doubling the intake of antioxidant‐rich foods was well tolerated and did not negatively influence the adaptive response to altitude training in elite endurance athletes.     

Critical velocity and lactate threshold in young swimmers

The purpose of the present study was to compare the critical swimming velocity (CV) in children, with the lactate threshold (LT) and the velocity corresponding to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol x l(-1) (V4). Twenty swimmers (ten females and ten males, mean +/- SD age: 12.9 +/- 1.1 years, body weight: 51.2 +/- 10.0 kg, height: 157.1 +/- 9.7 cm) performed four repetitions of 200 m swimming with increasing intensity (80, 85, 90 and 100% of their 200 m maximum velocity), interspersed with 15 minutes of passive rest. Blood lactate concentration was determined after each repetition. From the speed-lactate curve, the velocity corresponding to LT and V4 was calculated. In order to calculate CV, all swimmers were timed exerting maximum effort, on distances of 50, 100, 200 and 400 m. CV was expressed as the slope of the linear relationship of time versus distance and was calculated from combinations of four (CV4) three or two timed distances. Velocity on LT (1.079 +/- 0.114 m x s(-1)) and V4 (1.106 +/- 0.112 m x s(-1)) was comparable to CV4 (1.085 +/- 0.121 m x s(-1)). CV calculated from a combination including distances of 50, 100 or 200 m were higher compared to LT (p < 0.05). V4 was higher compared to CV of 100-200-400, CV of 200-400, CV of 100-400 (p < 0.05). The CV calculated from distances of 50 and 100 m was significantly higher than all other velocities (p < 0.05). These results confirm that the critical velocity seems to be a valid, practical and time-saving, non-invasive alternative method which can be applied in the swimming pool by a coach for the evaluation of the endurance capacity of young swimmers. For practical reasons, combinations of less than four distances can be used (i.e. 50-400 m, or 50-100-400 m).     

Cardiac imaging to detect coronary artery disease in athletes aged 35 years and older. A scoping review

Sudden cardiac death (SCD ) is a devastating event in athletes. Screening efforts that were first directed at athletes younger than 35 years are now focusing on the rapidly growing group of older sportspersons. Athletes aged ≥35 years have a 10‐fold increased risk of exercise‐related cardiac arrest, mostly due to coronary artery disease (CAD ). Although cardiac imaging is pivotal in identifying CAD , the role of imaging modalities in screening asymptomatic older sportspersons remains unclear. We performed a scoping review to identify the role of cardiac imaging to detect CAD in older sportspersons and to identify gaps in the existing literature. We searched MEDLINE , EMBASE and the Cochrane library for studies reporting data on cardiac imaging of CAD in sportspersons ≥35 years. The systematic search yielded 1737 articles, and 14 were included in this scoping review. Imaging modalities included two echocardiography, one unenhanced computed tomography (CT ) for coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS ), three CACS and contrast‐enhanced CT angiography (CCTA ), two CACS and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR ), one CCTA with CMR and echocardiography, two CCTA , two CMR , and one myocardial perfusion imaging article. The low number of relevant articles and the selection bias introduced by studying specific groups, like veteran marathon runners, indicate the need for future research. Cardiac CT (CACS and CCTA ) probably has the highest potential for pre‐participation screening, with high diagnostic value to detect CAD and low radiation dose. However, currently there is insufficient evidence for incorporating routine cardiac imaging in the pre‐participation screening of asymptomatic sportspersons over 35 years.     

Hormone plasma levels from pituitary-gonadal axis in performance athletes after the 400 m run

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the concentration changes in hormones from pituitary - gonadal axis, induced by the 400 m run in the well-trained athletes (vice-champions in the Hall and Summer Athletic World Championship in 1999) to the changes observed in the competitors with shorter training period and achieving worse final results. METHODS: This research was conducted on 6 males - members of the Polish Olympic Team, who won vice-championship in the Hall and Summer World Championships 1999 and 6 athletes trained in the academic sport clubs. In the recent investigation, the 400 m run was assumed to be a stimulating impulse for evoking hormonal changes. The blood samples were taken from the elbow vein before the run, immediately after the effort and after the 24-hour rest. In the serum, the luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT) as well as the sex hormones-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations were determined. RESULTS: During our research, immediately after the 400 m run in group I - the top class sportsmen - the statistically significant increase in both gonadotrophins (LH, FSH) was determined as well as the decrease in the total and free testosterone. In the group II - the athletes with the lower training level - the increase in FSH and the total and free testosterone concentrations was noticed. There were no statistically significant differences in the SHBG concentration. After-effort increase in the lactic acid concentration was observed in both groups. In the master group I, the increase in lactic acid concentration was higher than in group II. In both groups after the 24-hour restitution, the examined parameters, except LH levels in the group I, showed the concentrations similar to those before the effort. Analysis of the time needed to cover the distance of the race showed that the athletes from group I covered the distance of 400 m in the shorter time. CONCLUSIONS: The group of master class athletes, whose average intensive training period was 8 years, had higher VO(2max) and higher after-effort increase in the lactic acid concentration than in the group of sportsmen with the shorter training period (4 years), who had lower VO(2max), worse sport results and lower after-effort increase in the lactic acid concentration, gave different hormonal response (particularly TT, FT concentration) for the same exercise impulse. The difference based on the fact, that after the run in group I the decrease in the total and free testosterone levels and in group II the increase in the same parameters were observed. The observed hormonal changes in the master class athletes induced by the years-long anaerobic training might provide evidence for the reduction of functional reserves in gonads when compared to the group of less trained sportsmen.