Bioelectrical, Anthropometric, and Hematological Analysis to Assess Body Fluids and Muscle Changes in Elite Cyclists during the Giro d'Italia

Simple Summary Giro d'Italia is one of the most demanding races in cycling tour, in which, during the 3 weeks of competition, several physiological adaptations occur. This study aimed to analyze these changes with different methods (bioelectrical, anthropometrical, and hematological analysis) in order to see how body fluids vary in the whole body as the competition progresses, and also in three specific muscle groups (quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves). There were three checkpoint assessments: at the beginning, middle, and end of the race. Results indicated that bioelectrical impedance vector analysis is sensitive to the body fluid changes. A proper homeostatic adaptation was detected during the first half of competition, but the long-term, high intensity exercise would result in profound fluid loss and distribution in the soft tissues. Furthermore, most of these changes happened in the extracellular water compartment, indicating that the state of the cell membranes was maintained in good condition. The calves are the muscle group most sensitive to this analysis. In conclusion, bioelectrical impedance vector analysis is a reliable, non-invasive, and practical method to assess physiological adaptations in athletes. This study aimed to characterize and monitor the body fluid and muscle changes during the Giro d'Italia in nine elite cyclists via bioelectrical (whole-body and muscle-localized) anthropometric and hematological analysis. There were three checkpoint assessments: at the beginning, middle, and end of the race. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the data at baseline and follow up. The Spearman correlation was used to explore relationships between variables. Hotelling's T-2 test was used to determine bioelectrical differences in the complex vector. Bodyweight did not change during the competition, despite bioelectrical and hematological data indicating that at the first half of the race, there was a fluid gain, and in the second half a fluid loss occurred, reaching baseline values. These changes were especially prevalent in the extracellular water compartment. Significant correlations between whole-body bioelectrical vector changes and red blood cell parameter changes were reported. The muscle group most sensitive to changes were the calves. Quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves reported a PhA decrease trend during the first half of the race, and an increase during the second half. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis appears to be sensitive enough to detect hydration and cellular integrity adaptions induced by competitions as demanding as the Giro d'Italia.

Automated summary

This study aimed to analyze the physiological changes in body fluids during the Giro d'Italia cycling race using bioelectrical, anthropometric, and hematological analysis. Results showed that bioelectrical impedance vector analysis is sensitive to these changes, with a proper adaptation during the first half of the competition and significant fluid loss in the second half. Most changes occurred in the extracellular water compartment, indicating good cellular integrity. The calves were the most affected muscle group.