Race predictors and hemodynamic alteration after an ultra-trail marathon race

Abstract

ObjectiveUnique rough-terrain ultra-trail running races have increased in popularity. Concerns regarding the suitability of the candidates make it difficult for organizers to manage safety regulations. The purpose of this study was to identify possible race predictors and assess hemodynamic change after long endurance races.MethodsWe studied 228 runners who competed in a 66 km-trail running race. A questionnaire and noninvasive hemodynamic flow assessment including blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, stroke volume variation, systemic vascular resistance, cardiac index, and oxygen saturation were used to determine physiologic alterations and to identify finish predictors. One hundred and thirty volunteers completed the questionnaire, 126 participants had a prerace hemodynamic assessment, and 33 of these participants completed a postrace assessment after crossing the finish line. The participants were divided into a finisher group and a nonfinisher group.ResultsThe average age of all runners was 37 years (range of 24–56 years). Of the 228 runners, 163 (71.5%) were male. There were 189 (82.9%) finishers. Univariable analysis indicated that the finish predictors included male gender, longest distance ever run, faster running records, and lower diastolic pressure. Only a lower diastolic pressure was a significant predictor of race finishing (diastolic blood pressure 74–84 mmHg: adjusted odd ratio 3.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.09–13.27 and diastolic blood pressure <74 mmHg: adjusted odd ratio 7.74; 95% CI =1.57–38.21) using the figure from the multivariable analysis. Among the finisher group, hemodynamic parameters showed statistically significant differences with lower systolic blood pressure (135.9±14.8 mmHg vs 119.7±11.3 mmHg; p<0.001), faster heart rate (72.6±10.7 bpm vs 96.4±10.4 bpm; p<0.001), lower stroke volume (43.2±13.6 mL vs 29.3±10.1 mL; p<0.001), higher stroke volume variation; median (interquartile range) (36% [25%–58%] vs 53% [33%–78%]; p<0.001), and lower oxygen saturation (97.4%±1.0% vs 96.4%±1.0%; p<0.001). Systemic vascular resistance and cardian index did not change significantly.ConclusionThe only race finishing predictor from the multivariable analysis was lower diastolic pressure. Finishers seem to have a hypovolemic physiologic response and a lower level of oxygen saturation.

Even Pacing Is Associated with Faster Finishing Times in Ultramarathon Distance Trail Running—The “Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc” 2008–2019

“…In the last years, the various off-road running disciplines have become more popular with an increasing number of athletes participating, and a steady increase in the number of races held each year [ 4 , 5 ]. Additionally, trail and ultramarathon running have become more accessible to non-professional runners [ 6 ], despite the high risk of extreme fatigue and/or exhaustion and other potential medical issues that may occur during each race [ 7 ]. Among the different ultramarathon races, the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB ® ), with its 171 km distance, over 10,000 m of vertical gain, and a time limit of 46 h, is one of the most important ultramarathons held in Europe [ 2 ].…”

Electrical Cardiometry and Cardiac Biomarkers in 24-h and 48-h Ultramarathoners

“…The noninvasive flow measurement, EC-ICON, was chosen to measure hemodynamic parameters in our study due to its portability, simplicity, completely noninvasive technique, and its ability to record a wide variety of hemodynamic parameters [4,7]. Physiologically, the decrease in systolic pressure, tachycardia, and lower SV can be interpreted as consequences of hypovolemia after the race [24]. As expected, increased HR and reduced systolic BP and SV immediately after the race in 24-h runners (i.e., the median of running mileage, 154 km) were observed in our EC results.…”

“…Multiple studies have focused on hemodynamic responses to acute exhaustive exercise, using various cardiac output monitors [2,3,24]. The noninvasive flow measurement, EC-ICON, was chosen to measure hemodynamic parameters in our study due to its portability, simplicity, completely noninvasive technique, and its ability to record a wide variety of hemodynamic parameters [4,7].…”

Defining Off-road Running: A Position Statement from the Ultra Sports Science Foundation

“…However, this is not correct because each discipline has quite distinct characteristics in terms of distance, elevation change, terrain, environmental conditions, and "event culture" (e. g. individual race characteristics, competitiveness, and community involvement). There is also an abundance of different nomenclature and spelling used in scientific publications, such as: ultramarathon, ultra marathon, mountain ultra marathon, mountain ultramarathon, ultra-trail-marathon, ultra trail running, long distance trail running, and trail running ultramarathon [12][13][14][15][16][17]. As scientific interest in these activities grows, it becomes imperative to clarify the terms and develop a universal language for discussing these events to avoid research misinterpretation and miscommunication and apply it appropriately to the relevant running population.…”