Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B (2025)

The objective of this study was to examine the differences in cardio-functional parameters specifically: Total Peripheral Resistance (TPR) and Stroke Volume (SV) among elite athletes from various sports disciplines and non-athletes. 
Methodology: A total of 160 male participants aged 18–25 were included: 130 elite athletes (who had secured at least first, second, or third positions at inter-university or national-level competitions) and 30 non-athletes. The athletes were categorized into six groups: long-distance runners (n=20), volleyball (n=20), basketball (n=20), football (n=20), hockey (n=20), and yoga practitioners (n=30). Cardio-functional measurements were obtained using the Cheetah Cardiac Output Monitor (COM), a non-invasive bio-reactance-based device developed by Cheetah Nicom, Israel. 
Results: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed statistically significant differences in TPR and SV across the different groups, with F-values of 21.25 and 86.80 (p<0.01), respectively. Post hoc t-test comparisons demonstrated that long-distance runners had significantly lower TPR and higher SV compared to basketball, football, hockey, yoga, and non-athlete groups (p<0.05), but not significantly different from volleyball players in terms of TPR. Furthermore, stroke volume was significantly higher in long-distance runners than in all other groups (p<0.01). The findings indicate that long-distance runners exhibit superior vascular compliance and cardiac efficiency, as reflected by reduced TPR and elevated SV. Conversely, non-athletes displayed the least favorable cardio-functional profiles. 
Conclusion: The study concludes that regular participation in sustained aerobic activities leads to more efficient cardiovascular adaptations compared to anaerobic or non-athletic lifestyles.