Exercise performance in elite male and female sailors

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 (V̇O₂ max) 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(p > 0.05). 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 (p < 0.05). 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 hitting-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 V̇O₂ max or isometric endurance over a 9 month period.