The aim of this study was to examine functional state of the central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular system (CVS) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) related to the macro- and microelements content in elite soccer players in background exposure. 20 professional soccer players were examined (mean age 19 years) for electroencephalogram (EEG), evoked and even-related potentials (EP and ERP); heart rate variability (HRV: time and frequency domain parameters), which reflects the autonomic balance and cardiovascular parameters (stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), total peripheral resistance (TPR), blood pressure (BP). Concentration of 24 chemical elements determined in hair by X-ray spectrophotometry was within normal ranges in the studied group compared to the control group of non-athlete healthy individuals (n=36) of same age where concentration of essential elements was significantly lower (0.01<p<0.05 Mann-Whitney U-test). Spearman correlation analyses showed that most of the significant correlations for CNS parameters in athletes were revealed between hair Zn, Mo, As content and spectral power of all the EEG rhythms (0.40<rs<0.58; 0.01<p<0.05), indicating that Zn has influence mostly on basic brain`s electric activity and higher levels of Mo are associated with lower excitability (beta1 and beta2 frequency: 0.43<rs<0.47; p<0.05). While for the cardiovascular parameters (SV, CO, TPR, systolic BP) recorded at rest and after exercises associations were determined with hair Mo, Fe, Ca, Mn, Zn and Cu levels (0.49<rs<0.69; p<0.05). Whereas HRV parameters reveled correlation only with Ca and Zn (0.41<rs<0.59; p<0.05). Correlation between hair Ca and RRNN, SDNN, HF at rest and after exercises suggested that calcium affects parasympathetic nervous system more strongly, while Zn tend to decrease HRV (SDNN) at higher concentrations of this element (rs=-0.42; p<0.05). These results support associations of the macro- and microelement balance with EEG components and HRV characteristics. Future studies are needed to clarify the interaction among different elements and their neurophysiological effects in athletes.
© Copyright 2012 The biomedical basis of elite performance. 19-21 March 2012, London, UK. Abstracts & Manuscripts. Published by The Physiological Society. All rights reserved.