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Testing of pulmonary function in a professional cycling team.
J Medelli1, J Lounana, F Messan
1Unit of Biology of the Effort and Sports Medicine, University Hospital Center, Amiens, France. medelli.jean@chu-amiens.fr
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|July 11, 2006
Summary
Professional cyclists show a high prevalence of bronchial hyper-responsiveness, a condition causing airway narrowing. This finding highlights a significant health concern within this athletic group.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Asthma research in athletes primarily focuses on winter sports participants.
- Elite athletes may experience exercise-induced bronchospasm, but prevalence in cyclists is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess bronchial hyper-responsiveness in professional male cyclists.
- To evaluate pulmonary function and its relation to exercise capacity in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire identified respiratory symptoms in 72% of cyclists.
- Pulmonary function tests (spirometry) and methacholine challenge were performed.
- Maximal exercise testing assessed cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max).
Main Results:
- 52% of cyclists exhibited bronchial hyper-responsiveness during methacholine challenge, significantly exceeding general population rates.
- No participants met resting pulmonary function criteria for asthma.
- Cyclists with bronchial hyper-responsiveness had a higher VO2max, indicating greater ventilation energy cost.
Conclusions:
- Professional cyclists demonstrate a substantially higher prevalence of bronchial hyper-responsiveness.
- This condition represents a notable health issue requiring attention in elite cycling.
- Further research is warranted to understand the implications for athlete health and performance.