Effect of mountain ultramarathon distance competition on biochemical variables, respiratory and lower-limb fatigue

Abstract

The study aimed at assessing the acute physiological effects of running a 65-km vs a 107km mountain ultramarathon. Nineteen athletes (15 males and 4 females) from the shorter race and forty three athletes (26 males and 17 females) from the longer race were enrolled. Body weight, respiratory and lower limb strength were assessed before and after the race. Blood samples were obtained before, after and 24-h post-race. Body weight loss did not differ between races. A decrease in squat jump height (p<0.01; d = 1.4), forced vital capacity (p<0.01; d = 0.5), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (p<0.01; d = 0.6), peak inspiratory flow (p<0.01; d = 0.6) and maximal inspiratory pressure (p<0.01; d = 0.8) was observed after the longer race; while, after the shorter race only maximal inspiratory pressure declined (p<0.01; d = 0.5). Greater post-race concentrations of creatine kinase (p<0.01; d = 0.9) and C-reactive protein (p<0.01; d = 2.3) were observed following the longer race, while high-sensitivity cardiac troponin was higher after the shorter race (p<0.01; d = 0.3). Sodium decreased post-competition only after the shorter race (p = 0.02; d = 0.6), while creatinine increased only following the longer race (p<0.01; d = 1.5). In both groups, glomerular filtration rate declined at post-race (longer race: p<0.01, d = 2.1; shorter race: p = 0.01, d = 1.4) and returned to baseline values at 24 h post-race. In summary, expiratory and lower-limb fatigue, and muscle damage and inflammatory response were greater following the longer race; while a higher release of cardiac troponins was observed after the shorter race. The alteration and restoration of renal function was similar after either race.

Impact of Plasma Oxidative Stress Markers on Post-race Recovery in Ultramarathon Runners: A Sex and Age Perspective Overview

“…Briefly, male participants showed significant higher pre-race values for weight, BMR, BMI and percentage of muscular mass when compared to women runners [31,32]. The muscular membrane disruption variables, LDH and CK release, peaked after the race and returned to normal values after 24 h. In the Supplementary material section, we also have included results about acute inflammatory processes (CRP), muscle damage (CK and LDH) and muscle strength (SJ and HG), previously published by our research group [4]. No changes were observed in the performance of SJ and HG before the race when compared with the finish line.…”

“…In the recent years, these short of competitive events have gained a lot of popularity. These extremely long races defiance our physiological systems inducing muscle injuries (muscle membrane disruption), respiratory fatigue, cardiac and renal damage, representing an outstanding model to evaluate the ultra-endurance exercises/sports on human body physiology [1][2][3][4].…”

Effects of Ultratrail Running on Neuromuscular Function, Muscle Damage and Hydration Status. Differences According to Training Level

“…These results fall in line with those previously reported by other authors. For instance, Martínez-Navarro et al [ 50 ] observed lower SJ heights after races covering 65 km and 107 km. Balducci et al [ 51 ] reported a 20% loss in CMJ after a 75 km race, as Gatterer et al did [ 52 ].…”

Influence of Female Sex Hormones on Ultra-Running Performance and Post-Race Recovery: Role of Testosterone

“…The test was performed twice, with 90 s of rest between attempts. Each individual’s best performance value was retained for statistical analysis [ 26 ].…”