Clinical Exercise and Respiratory Physiology Research Group, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.
Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Eur J Appl Physiol. 2021 Apr;121(4):1027-1036. doi: 10.1007/s00421-020-04587-z. Epub 2021 Jan 9.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the respiratory function and symptom perception in professional cyclists completing a Grand Tour (GT).
Nine male cyclists completed La Vuelta or Tour de France (2018/19). At study entry, airway inflammation was measured via fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function were assessed prior to the first stage (Pre-GT), at the second rest day (Mid-GT) and prior to the final stage of the GT (Late-GT). Sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) was assessed at pre and late-GT timepoints.
Seven cyclists reported respiratory symptoms during the race (with a prominence of upper airway issues). Symptom severity increased either mid or late-GT for most cyclists. A decline in FEV from pre-to-mid GT (- 0.27 ± 0.24 l, - 5.7%) (P = 0.02) and pre-to-late GT (- 0.27 ± 0.13 l, - 5.7%) (P < 0.001) was observed. Similarly, a decline in FVC (- 0.22 ± 0.17 l, - 3.7%) (P = 0.01) and FEF (- 0.49 ± 0.34 l/s, - 11%) (P = 0.02) was observed pre-to-late GT. Overall, eight (89%) and six (67%) demonstrated a clinically meaningful decline (> 200 ml) in FEV and FVC during the GT follow-up, respectively. SNIP remained unchanged pre-to-late GT (n = 5), however, a positive correlation was observed between ΔSNIP and ΔFVC (r = 0.99, P = 0.002).
GT competition is associated with a high prevalence of upper respiratory symptoms and a meaningful decline in lung function in professional cyclists. Further research is now required to understand the underpinning physiological mechanisms and determine the impact on overall respiratory health and elite cycling performance and recovery.
本研究旨在评估完成大环赛（GT）的职业自行车运动员的呼吸功能和症状感知。
9 名男性自行车运动员参加了 2018/19 年的环法自行车赛或环西自行车赛。在研究开始时，通过呼出气一氧化氮分数（FeNO）测量气道炎症。在第一阶段（GT 前）、第二个休息日（GT 中）和 GT 最后阶段（GT 后）之前评估呼吸症状和肺功能。在 GT 前和 GT 后时间点评估鼻吸气峰压（SNIP）。
7 名自行车运动员在比赛中报告了呼吸道症状（以上呼吸道问题为主）。大多数自行车运动员在 GT 中期或后期症状严重程度增加。FEV 从 GT 前到 GT 中期（-0.27±0.24l，-5.7%）（P=0.02）和 GT 前到 GT 后（-0.27±0.13l，-5.7%）（P<0.001）均有下降。同样，FVC 从 GT 前到 GT 后（-0.22±0.17l，-3.7%）（P=0.01）和 FEF（-0.49±0.34l/s，-11%）（P=0.02）也有下降。总体而言，8 名（89%）和 6 名（67%）运动员在 GT 随访期间分别出现 FEV 和 FVC 有临床意义的下降（>200ml）。GT 前到 GT 后 SNIP 保持不变（n=5），但ΔSNIP 和 ΔFVC 之间存在正相关（r=0.99，P=0.002）。
GT 比赛与职业自行车运动员上呼吸道症状高发和肺功能明显下降有关。目前需要进一步研究以了解潜在的生理机制，并确定其对整体呼吸健康以及精英自行车运动表现和恢复的影响。
