Abstract des Autors

This case study reports the clinical and physiological changes of a 33 year old elite marathoner undertaking intensive endurance training during and following a twin pregnancy. Prior to conception, the subject ran 155 km/week at an intensity equivalent to 140-180 b/min which following consultation decreased to 107+/-19 km/week at an intensity equivalent to 130-140 b/min during pregnancy. Physical exercise ceased 3 days prior to an elective Caesarean section following a 36 week gestation period and recommenced 8 days following the birth of healthy twins. Medical assessments conducted ante/post partum indicated that both the twins and mother were healthy. A field based test demonstrated that running velocity at a steady state HR of 140 b/min, 150 b/min and 160 b/min decreased by 20%, 15% and 13% respectively between weeks 1 and 32 antepartum. Whole blood lactate ([La-]B), oxygen uptake (VO2), ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO2), HR and Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) increased during a laboratory-based submaximal treadmill test at 29 weeks antepartum in comparison to a test conducted 10 weeks post partum. These data clearly demonstrate that it is possible for an elite endurance athlete to maintain a high level of cardiovascular fitness during pregnancy with no apparent adverse effects on maternal or foetal health. This will facilitate an earlier return to international competition. Verf.-Referat