„Tajemství“ tělesné zdatnosti 95letého zimního plavce

Comprehensive sports medical examination was performed in 95-years old man (born 1913). Standard stress test on bicycle ergometer and biochemical screening were performed. Very favourable parameters of workload tolerance were found (VO2max = 1.97 l/min, VO2max/kg = 28.48 ml/min, Wmax = 85 W, TFmax = 134/min). Despite of advanced age they testified high fitness level of the athlete. According to NYHA classification his maximal aerobic power conformed to 11.7 METs, which was NYHA class 0 (no limitations in physical activity). Results of whole body bioelectric impedance (19.0 % of body fat) corresponded to his anthropometric values of body height (163.5 cm), weight (69.3 kg) and body mass index BMI (25.9 kg/m2). Biochemical screening revealed slightly elevated plasmatic values of glykemia (6.1 mmol/l), total cholesterol (6.94 mmol/l), LDL-cholesterol (4.29 mmol/l) and HDL-cholesterol (2.21 mmol/l). Thanks to high HDL-cholesterol significantly lower atherogenic index (2.1) and CHOL/HDL index were found. Immunoglobulin IgG was slightly increased (14.74 g/l). The subject never was top class athlete, however since his age 55 years he regularly practised swimming in open air whole year long. He participated almost every week-end in winter swimming competitions in the course of winter period. He covered 500m distance until his 79 years of age, later 250m distance till 2005, and later on 100m tracks “only”. Thanks to systematic physical activity, which became integral part of his lifestyle, he was able to enjoy his favourite sport until advanced age and be independent in his ordinary daily needs.