The purpose of this study was to evaluate the behavior of physiological variables during a synchronized swimming training session performed in athletes preparing for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sampling used was constituted by the duet (24 ± 0 years) who was representing Brazil in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Data collection was performed during a 198 minute training session. The training started with the physical portion, followed by the technical portion. In order to determine the glycemia and the beta-hydroxybutyrate, it was used an Optium® monitor with its respective stripes. The cortisol and the dehydrogenase lactate enzymes (LDH), concentrations, as well as the kinase creatine (KC) concentration were determined through the radioimmunoassay (RIA©) and through commercially available kits (CELM©), respectively. The follow-up of the heart rate (HR) was performed using an Advantage Polar® heart rate monitor. RESULTS: It was noted a reduction (~2%) in the body weight. The glycemia also presented a fall (~30%) compared to the value attained in the beginning of the training session. Otherwise, it was observed an elevation in the cortisol concentration (salivary, 22%, and plasmatic, 29%) and in the beta-hydroxybutyrate (~340%). No significant changes in the plasmatic concentration of the KC and LDH were observed. The follow-up of the HR showed that from all 198 minutes of the training session, 36.5 ± 0.7 minutes were performed at a light intensity; 103.5 ± 0.7 minutes at a moderate intensity, 54.0 ± 2.1 minutes at a high intensity, and 4.0 ± 0.0 minutes at a very high intensity. CONCLUSIONS: The weight loss indicates that the hydric reposition was not adequate. The reduction in the glycemia and the increase in the ketonic bodies and cortisol concentrations reinforce the importance of a carbohydrate supplement during the long endurance training. The HR behavior shows that the training session was performed at a moderate intensity, but having fast moments of high intensity, in which routines were performed.
Glycemia; Cortisol; Ketonic bodies; KC; LDH; Heart rate; Synchronized swimming
