Skeletal muscle, haematological and splenic volume characteristics of elite breath-hold divers

• DOI: 10.1007/s00421-019-04230-6
• Publication Date: 2019-09-21T12:02:28Z
• Authors: Antonis Elia; Oliver J. Wilson; Matthew Lees; Paul J. Parker; Matthew J. Barlow; Matthew Cocks; John P. O’Hara
• Keywords: Fibre type

The aim of the study was to provide an evaluation oxygen transport, exchange and storage capacity elite breath-hold divers (EBHD) compared with non-divers (ND).Twenty-one healthy males' (11 EBHD; 10 ND) resting splenic volumes were assessed by ultrasound venous blood drawn for full count analysis. Percutaneous skeletal muscle biopsies obtained from m. vastus lateralis measure capillarisation, fibre type-specific localisation distribution myoglobin mitochondrial content using quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy.Splenic volume not different between groups. Reticulocytes, red cells haemoglobin concentrations higher (+ 24%, p < 0.05; + 9%, 3%, respectively) mean cell lower (- 6.5%, 0.05) in EBHD ND. Haematocrit Capillary density greater 19%; EBHD. diffusion distance (R95) type I versus II fibres both groups (EBHD, 0.01; ND, 0.001), a R95 ND 13%, 0.05). Myoglobin than 27%; 0.01) No differences observed Mitochondrial 35%; 0.05), no or groups.In conclusion, EBDH demonstrate enhanced more efficient