Trine Stensrud (born 09.01.60) comes from Skien in Norway. She has a Master degree in sport physiology from the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, and additional studies in mathematics and chemistry from the University of Oslo. She has, since 1992, worked at the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, pulmonary laboratory.
The research thesis and main conclusionsEnvironmental conditions have been reported to influence Exercise–Induced Bronchoconstriction. The main objective of the present thesis was to investigate the effect of different climatic conditions upon Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB) and Exercise Capacity in asthmatic subjects.
Elite athletes, especially within endurance sports, have an increased prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and EIB, most possible because of environmental factors. Both inhaled steroids and β2-agonists are prohibited substances according to the doping list and elite athletes need to document their asthma with a clinical examination by a doctor and in addition demonstrate a positive bronchial provocation test recommended by WADA and IOC’medical committee.
Specificity and sensitivity of these provocation tests are continuously discussed. A secondary objective was therefore to compare two of the recommended provocation tests (a methacholine provocation and a sport specific exercise test) in relation to sensitivity.
The thesis consists of five studies and 40 healthy subjects, 20 asthmatic subjects and 24 cross country skiers, all members of the Norwegian national teams were included.
The results showed that an EIB-test protocol can be used for measuring exercise capacity. Exercising in an altitude of 2500 masl does not increase EIB, exercising in cold air (-20oC) increases EIB and exercising in humid air (95% relative humidity) reduces EIB as compared to a standardized room tempered environment. Altitude and cold air inhalation decrease exercise capacity and inhaling humid air increases exercise capacity in subjects with EIB.
A direct methacholine provocation test is more sensitive than a sport specific exercise field test to diagnose bronchial hyperresponsiveness in elite cross country skiers.
Evaluation committee:
Professor Lars Bo Andersen, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, leader
Professor Leif Bjermer, University of Lund, Sweden, 1.opponent
Professor Cecilie Svanes, University of Bergen, 2.opponent
Program:
Kl. 10.15 – 11.00 Trial lecture:
Kl. 13.00 – 16.00 Defence and discussion of the Thesis.