The ultraendurance triathlete: a physiological profile

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Physiology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Ultraendurance triathlons, like the IRONMAN, demand exceptional physical and physiological capabilities.
• Understanding the specific characteristics of athletes participating in these events is crucial for training and performance optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a comprehensive physical and physiological profile of ultraendurance triathletes.
• To compare maximal oxygen uptake across different exercise modalities (treadmill, cycle, arm ergometry).
• To compare triathlete physique and aerobic capacity with elite athletes in other endurance sports.

Main Methods:

• Studied 14 triathletes training for the Hawaii IRONMAN.
• Collected anthropometric data (height, weight, body fat percentage).
• Measured maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) using treadmill, cycle ergometer, and arm ergometer.

Main Results:

• Triathletes' physique (height, weight, body fat) most closely resembles that of elite cyclists.
• Maximal oxygen uptake values varied by exercise mode: treadmill (68.8/65.9 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹), cycle ergometer (66.7/61.6 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹), and arm ergometer (49.1/39.7 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) for males/females, respectively.
• Male triathletes' peak aerobic capacity is comparable to swimmers but lower than cyclists or distance runners.
• Female triathletes achieved higher oxygen uptake values than previously documented for female athletes.

Conclusions:

• Ultraendurance triathletes possess a unique physiological profile, with body composition similar to cyclists.
• Aerobic capacity varies significantly with exercise mode, highlighting the importance of sport-specific testing.
• The study provides valuable data on the performance capabilities of both male and female ultraendurance triathletes, with notable findings for female athletes.