Influence of maturational status in the exercise-induced release of cardiac troponin T in healthy young swimmers

To determine the influence of maturational status on the release of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) induced by a bout of 30min, high-intensity, continuous exercise. Quasi-experimental, cross-sectional study. Seventy male, young, well trained swimmers (age range 7–18 years, training experience 1–11 years) were classified by maturational stages: Tanner stage I (n=14), II (n=15), III (n=15), IV (n=13), and V (n=13). Participants underwent a distance-trial of 30min continuous swimming, and cTnT was measured before, immediately after and 3h after exercise. Changes in cTnT over time were compared among groups, and associated with exercise load. Basal cTnT was higher in Tanner-V (3.8–8.1ng/L) compared with I (1.5–5.5ng/L, p