Metabolic changes during serial squash matches in older men.

We have previously reported dramatic changes in heart rate and blood biochemistry in older men during and shortly after competitive squash. In this study we sought to determine whether these changes are attenuated or exaggerated during tournament matches played in rapid succession. Ten veteran (greater than 45 yrs) players were studied during three competitive matches played over a 36-hr period. Squash was associated with significant changes in heart rate and circulating concentrations of catecholamines, lactate, free fatty acids, and potassium. These changes were of equal magnitude and in some cases tended to be exaggerated during the second and third matches. These data confirm the acute changes in cardiac function and metabolism that occur during competitive squash and suggest that these responses are not down-regulated but may in fact be accentuated during sequential tournament matches.