Abstract des Autors

In order to evaluate the physiological profile of elite competitive sailors, and to determine if sailors revealed any seasonal variation in their exercise capacity over a 9 month period, results from female sailors (n=6), and male sailors ("hikers" n=8 and "non-hikers" n=7) were compared with male physical education students (n=8). Maximal oxygen uptake rate (VO2max) determined on treadmill did not differ between male sailors and control subjects (61.4+/-2.0 vs 64.9+/-1.4 ml O2/min/kg, mean+/-SE) and did not change with time in elite sailors. Isometric endurance for abdominal and back muscles was similar for all groups. The isometric muscle endurance in a hiking bench was markedly greater in "hikers" (time: 218 sec (91-426) mean, range) compared to control subjects (time: 98 sec (48-188)), male "non-hikers", and female sailors. Hiking endurance in "hikers" did not change over the 9 month observation period. Furthermore, dynamic arm performance ("all-out" in 60 sec) was higher in "hikers" compared to all other groups. In conclusion: Elite sailors who perform hiking activity ("hikers") show an enhanced performance in a functional arm test and higher endurance in a hiking-bench compared to "non-hiking" elite sailors and a control group matched for age, weight and fitness. Furthermore sailors did not show any seasonal variation in their VO2max or isometric endurance over a 9 month period. Verf.-Referat