Cardiovascular function and sural arterial circulation during the bicycle ergometric test of sprint and endurance runners

We tested the hypothesis that effects of different training programs reflects in the relation of changes of arterial circulation and cardiovascular function. The subjects of this study were 17 sprinters and 13 long distance runners. An incremental bicycle ergometer test was used. The subject underwent a increase in workload and they exercised to a predetermined goal (submaximal heart rate) unless distressing cardiovascular symptoms supervened. A computerized 12-lead ECG analysis system “Kaunas-Load”was employed for ECG recording and analysis. The intensity of sural arterial circulation was registered by Whitney plethysmograph. Results: The sural arterial circulation during the incremental exercise test undergoes the bi-phasic change: slow augmentation and steep increase. The endurance group features a more extensive slow augmentation phases (5,58±0,24 minutes) and greater peak values of blood flow (80.88+6.17 ml/min/100 cm3 ) when compared with the sprint cohort (4,73±0,29 minutes and 69.82+5.66ml/min/100 cm3 respectively). ST-segment depression at the end of an exhausting workout proceeds the rapid increase in sural arterial circulation. Rapid vasodilation is one of the ways to make up for the limited cardiac capacity. In conclusion, different effects of training on cardiovascular system reflects in the values of changes of arterial circulation and cardiovascular function. The intensity of sural arterial circulation during exercise has to be assessed along with the functional capacity of cardiovascular system.