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Is there enhanced lymphatic function in upper body trained females?
Lianne B Dolan1, Kirstin N Lane, Donald C McKenzie
1School of Human Kinetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. lbdolan@interchange.ubc.ca
Lymphatic Research and Biology
|March 26, 2008
Summary
Upper body training in females does not significantly alter lymphatic function. Lymphoscintigraphy showed no major differences in lymphatic clearance rates between trained and untrained individuals, except for axillary uptake post-maximal exercise.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Lymphatic System
Background:
- Chronic physical activity induces physiological adaptations and structural changes.
- The impact of habitual exercise on upper extremity lymphatic function in females is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare lymphatic function in upper body trained versus untrained females under various exercise stresses.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving ten trained and ten untrained females.
- Lymphoscintigraphy quantified lymphatic function using (99m)Tc-antimony colloid injected into the hand.
- Lymphatic stress tests included maximal arm cranking, submaximal arm cranking, and resting.
Main Results:
- Axillary uptake post-maximal exercise was significantly different between trained and untrained groups (p=0.009).
- No other significant differences in lymphatic function measures (clearance rate, axillary uptake) were observed between groups across all stress tests.
Conclusions:
- Habitual upper body exercise does not significantly impact overall upper extremity lymphatic function in females.
- Specific lymphatic responses may differ, but general function remains comparable.
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