Female Runners Research Articles

The Prevalence of Stress Fractures and the Associated LEAF-Q Responses, Self-Reported Exercise Volume and Dietary Behaviors in Female Recreational Runners

The Prevalence of Stress Fractures and the Associated LEAF-Q Responses, Self-Reported Exercise Volume and Dietary Behaviors in Female Recreational Runners

The Crucial Role of Carbohydrate Intake for Female Long-Distance Runners : A Literature Review

This research is a literature study that aims to explore the relationship between carbohydrate consumption and athlete performance and health, especially female athletes who run long distances. This study uses the method of literature study or literature review using secondary data from scientific journal articles. Article searches are conducted through various platforms such as Google Scholar, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, and Proquest using keywords related to carbohydrate consumption in female long-distance runners. The inclusion criterion for articles is that they must be scientific journal research articles conducted in the UK with the main subject female athletes long-distance runners and the topic relates to carbohydrates. Articles that meet these criteria are then further analyzed Through an analysis of 8 scientific journal articles, it was concluded that carbohydrate intake has a crucial role in improving athletes' performance and endurance, as well as preventing the risk of low energy availability that can have a negative impact on health. In addition, research also highlights the need for adjustments in carbohydrate intake based on environment and stress to maximize athletes' training and recovery abilities. These findings affirm the importance of designing a balanced diet of carbohydrates and protein to achieve the desired results in improving athlete performance and supporting healthy weight loss. This study provides a deep understanding of the importance of carbohydrate intake in supporting the performance and health of female long-distance runners, and emphasizes the need for more inclusive research to develop better nutritional interventions.

Analysis of female Olympic runner’s performance based on diets

This study presents the impact of omnivorous (OMN) and vegan (VG) diets on female Olympic runners’ performance. It seeks to ascertain which diet would yield superior outcomes. Three VG runners and three OMNI runners will be evaluated as part of the study to compare their athletic abilities. This paper proposes that VG female Olympic runners will outperform those following the OMNI diet. This study will be conducted in six steps: (1) the basic insight of how each diet affects a runner’s performance, (2) analysis and calculations of VG runner’s performance development prior to the appropriate Olympic games, (3) analysis and calculations of OMNI development on each runner with equivalent years before the corresponding Olympic games, (4) comparison between the OMNI and VG runners of the 1-year development, (5) comparison between the OMNI and VG runners of the 3-year development, and (6) comparison between the OMNI and VG runners of the 6-year development. The study reveals a complex relationship between dietary choices (VG and OMN) and runners' performance, with the OMNI group showing superior results in two instances.

The effect of obstacle running training on special physical abilities and 100-meter running achievement

The importance of research has crystallized in building obstacle running training in order to raise the special physical abilities of female runners in order to achieve success. Then we can find a training method that participates in raising the level of effectiveness for the better. The aim of the research is to identify the special physical abilities and to complete the 400 m hurdles for young women, as well as to Preparing hurdle-running exercises for the different stages of running, and identifying the effect of these exercises on specific physical abilities and achievement. The researcher used the experimental method by designing two equal control and experimental groups. The research population was determined intentionally from young female 100-meter runners, as the sample was divided into two groups, a control group and its number (4) Female runners and an experimental group (4). The experimental sample group was chosen by lottery from among (8) female runners. The training with this approach was correct and there was development in that effectiveness at the level of the experimental sample. This does not mean that the training of the control group was incorrect and no noticeable development occurred at the level of the control sample.

Risk of Low Energy Availability, Disordered Eating, and Menstrual Dysfunction in Female Collegiate Runners.

Collegiate female distance runners may be at risk for low energy availability (LEA) due to increased exercise energy expenditure with or without decreased energy intake. Furthermore, this population has increased risk of disordered eating (DE), which can lead to LEA and negative health consequences, such as menstrual dysfunction (MD). 1) investigate risk of LEA and DE, 2) compare DE, training volume, and weight dissatisfaction among female collegiate runners at risk vs not at risk for LEA, and 3) compare risk for LEA between NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) Division I, II, and III female collegiate runners. Cross-sectional study. Free-living. Female runners (n = 287) who competed on an NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) Division I, II, or III cross-country and/or track team. A 45 question questionnaire was completed which included the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) and the Disordered Eating Screening Assessment (DESA-6). 54.5% (n = 156) of runners were at risk for LEA (score ≥ 8 on LEAF-Q), and 40.8% (n = 117) were at risk for DE (DESA-6 score ≥ 3), and 56.5% (n = 162) reported MD (LEAF-Q subsection MD score ≥ 4). Athletes "at risk" for LEA had significantly higher DESA-6 scores than athletes "not at risk" for LEA (p < 0.001). Athletes "at risk" for LEA had significantly greater weight dissatisfaction than those not at risk for LEA (X23, 156 = 15.92, p = 0.001). Higher weekly training volumes was not associated with risk for LEA (X22, 156 = 4.20, p = 0.112). A substantial percentage of collegiate female runners were found to be at risk for LEA, DE, and report MD. These findings demonstrate that risk for DE, MD, and weight dissatisfaction are associated with risk for LEA.

Assessing exogenous carbohydrate intake needed to optimize human endurance performance across sex: insights from modeling runners pursuing a sub-2-h marathon.

Carbohydrate (CHO) availability sustains high metabolic demands during prolonged exercise. The adequacy of current CHO intake recommendations, 30-90 g·h-1 dependent on CHO mixture and tolerability, to support elite marathon performance is unclear. We sought to scrutinize the current upper limit recommendation for exogenous CHO intake to support modeled sub-2-h marathon (S2M) attempts across elite male and female runners. Male and female runners (n = 120 each) were modeled from published literature with reference characteristics necessary to complete a S2M (e.g., body mass and running economy). Completion of a S2M was considered across a range of respiratory exchange rates, with maximal starting skeletal muscle and liver glycogen content predicted for elite male and female runners. Modeled exogenous CHO bioavailability needed for male and female runners were 93 ± 26 and 108 ± 22 g·h-1, respectively (P < 0.0001, d = 0.61). Without exogenous CHO, males were modeled to deplete glycogen in 84 ± 7 min, females in 71 ± 5 min (P < 0.0001, d = 2.21) despite higher estimated CHO oxidation rates in males (5.1 ± 0.5 g·h-1) than females (4.4 ± 0.5 g·h-1; P < 0.0001, d = 1.47). Exogenous CHO intakes ≤ 90 g·h-1 are insufficient for 65% of modeled runners attempting a S2M. Current recommendations to support marathon performance appear inadequate for elite marathon runners but may be more suitable for male runners in pursuit of a S2M (56 of 120) than female runners (28 of 120).NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study scrutinizes the upper limit of exogenous carbohydrate (CHO) recommendations for elite male and female marathoners by modeling sex-specific needs across an extreme metabolic challenge lasting ∼2 h, a sub-2-h marathon. Contemporary nutritional guidelines to optimize marathon performance appear inadequate for most elite marathon runners but appear more appropriate for males over their female counterparts. Future research examining possible benefits of exogenous CHO intakes > 90 g·h-1 should prioritize female athlete study inclusion.

The acute effects of running on pelvic floor morphology and function in runners with and without running-induced stress urinary incontinence

Introduction and hypothesisThe aim of this study was to examine the impact of a single running session on pelvic floor morphology and function in female runners, and to compare those with and without running-induced stress urinary incontinence (RI-SUI).MethodsThis cross-sectional, observational study involved two groups: female runners who regularly experienced RI-SUI (n = 19) and runners who did not (n = 20). Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) properties were assessed using intravaginal dynamometry during maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and during passive tissue elongation. The morphology of the pelvic floor was assessed at rest, during MVC and during maximal Valsalva maneuver (MVM) using 2D and 3D transperineal ultrasound imaging before and after a running protocol. Mixed-effects ANOVA models were used to compare all outcomes between groups and within-groups, including the interaction between group and time. Effect sizes were calculated.ResultsNo changes in PFM function assessed using intravaginal dynamometry were observed in either group after the run. Significant and large within-group differences were observed on ultrasound imaging. Specifically, the area and antero-posterior diameter of the levator hiatus were larger after the run, the bladder neck height was lower after the run, and the levator plate length was longer after the run (p ≤ 0.05). At the peak MVM and MVC, the bladder neck height was lower after the run than before the run (p ≤ 0.05). No between-group differences were observed for any outcomes.ConclusionsRunning appears to cause transient strain of the passive tissues of the female pelvic floor in runners both with and without RI-SUI, whereas no concurrent changes are observed in PFM contractile function.

“Everyone does it but no one really wants to talk about it”: roles and meanings of bodily secretions in the confines of distance running groups

ABSTRACT Bodily secretions such as urinating, expectorating, defaecating and flatulating during distance running often play an integral part in the distance runner’s routine, but to a large degree remain undiscussed in public. The aim of this study is to deconstruct this taboo topic by shedding light on the nexus between secretions and their sociocultural meanings and implications in the confines of running groups. Drawing on Douglas’s (1970) conceptual framework of the physical and social body-system, the paper provides a novel examination of bodily secretions and their dictated norms and assigned symbolic meanings. The contribution of this paper is to address the lacuna of research that focuses on the runner’s (lived) body in times of secretion and the way it is navigated in the process of being in and belonging to a running group. An ethnographic research design of three years was implemented in two running groups, using participant observation and semi-structured interviews. The data presented suggest that while the running social body often restricts the novice runner’s corporeal body in times of secretion, veteran runners seem to be looser and more unauthorised in the social system, treating their bodies and their secretions with less restraint and less feeling the need to hide or to be embarrassed by their secretions. Moreover, it is evident that bodily secretions are highly gendered. In this context, in contrast to male runners in the study, female runners are drastically more vigilant regarding the way they might be perceived, both to themselves and to others.

Towards functionally individualised designed footwear recommendation for overuse injury prevention: a scoping review

Injury prevention is essential in running due to the risk of overuse injury development. Tailoring running shoes to individual needs may be a promising strategy to reduce this risk. Novel manufacturing processes allow the production of individualised running shoes that incorporate features that meet individual biomechanical and experiential needs. However, specific ways to individualise footwear to reduce injury risk are poorly understood. Therefore, this scoping review provides an overview of (1) footwear design features that have the potential for individualisation; and (2) the literature on the differential responses to footwear design features between selected groups of individuals. These purposes focus exclusively on reducing the risk of overuse injuries. We included studies in the English language on adults that analysed: (1) potential interaction effects between footwear design features and subgroups of runners or covariates (e.g., age, sex) for running-related biomechanical risk factors or injury incidences; (2) footwear comfort perception for a systematically modified footwear design feature. Most of the included articles (n = 107) analysed male runners. Female runners may be more susceptible to footwear-induced changes and overuse injury development; future research should target more heterogonous sampling. Several footwear design features (e.g., midsole characteristics, upper, outsole profile) show potential for individualisation. However, the literature addressing individualised footwear solutions and the potential to reduce biomechanical risk factors is limited. Future studies should leverage more extensive data collections considering relevant covariates and subgroups while systematically modifying isolated footwear design features to inform footwear individualisation.

Retrospective and Contemporary Predictors of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Cross-Country Performance Are Sex Specific.

Carder, MJ, Scudamore, EM, Savanna, KN, Pribyslavska, V, Bowling, LR, and O'Neal, EK. Retrospective and contemporary predictors of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I cross-country performance are sex specific. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2267-2272, 2023-The purpose of this study was to identify National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I cross-country (XC) performance potential using laboratory-based and field-based parameters and retrospective high school (HS) personal best (PB) data at various distances of current collegiate XC runners. Fifteen female and 17 male NCAA XC runners provided their PB for 5-km (women) and 8-km (men) distances from the previous season. Bivariate correlation and stepwise and hierarchical regression modeling were used to predict XC performance. Single squat jump height and multijump reactive strength index displayed r < 0.27 for both sexes, suggesting lower-body power is a poor predictor of XC performance or masked by other factors of greater importance. Triceps skinfold thickness approached significance (r = 0.43; p = 0.09) for men but was unrelated to women's performance (r = -0.05; p = 0.86). HS XC PB neared significance (r = 0.55, p = 0.054), but no other single or combination of variables reached significance for female runners. Aerobic capacity displayed a moderate to strong relationship (r = 0.65) for male runners. High school 3,200-m PB for men produced a robust prediction capacity (r = 0.85; p = 0.005, SEE = ± 0.65 minutes), and predicted 8-km PB within 30 seconds for approximately two-thirds of runners. These outcomes suggest when recruiting HS or transfer athletes, male and female XC runners should not be recruited on the same factors. Women's XC PB is more difficult to predict, but skinfold thickness was statistically the least valuable predictor of all factors.

Effects of massage therapy and exercise therapy on recovery of shin splints injury in women's long distance running athletes

The high intensity of running athletes’ training to overtraining and athletes who are not optimal even forget to do stretching and cooling down causes shin splints injuries. This certainly interferes with the performance of athletes during training and competitions. This study aims to determine the effect of massage therapy and exercise therapy on the recovery of shin splint injuries in female long-distance runners in the master category. This type of research uses a quasi-experimental approach with a One-Control Group Pretest-Postest Design research design. The data collection technique used tests and measurements with a goniometer to measure the range of motion of the joints and a pain scale to determine the level of pain. The population in this study were female marathon athletes aged 42 years and over. The data analysis technique used the paired t-test after previously going through the normality test and homogeneity test. The results showed that there were significant differences in the treatment of massage therapy and exercise therapy, namely decreased pain and increased joint ROM with a value of p = 0.000 (p &lt; 0.05).

Is Running Power a Useful Metric? Quantifying Training Intensity and Aerobic Fitness Using Stryd Running Power Near the Maximal Lactate Steady State.

We sought to determine the utility of Stryd, a commercially available inertial measurement unit, to quantify running intensity and aerobic fitness. Fifteen (eight male, seven female) runners (age = 30.2 [4.3] years; V·O2max = 54.5 [6.5] ml·kg-1·min-1) performed moderate- and heavy-intensity step transitions, an incremental exercise test, and constant-speed running trials to establish the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). Stryd running power stability, sensitivity, and reliability were evaluated near the MLSS. Stryd running power was also compared to running speed, V·O2, and metabolic power measures to estimate running mechanical efficiency (EFF) and to determine the efficacy of using Stryd to delineate exercise intensities, quantify aerobic fitness, and estimate running economy (RE). Stryd running power was strongly associated with V·O2 (R2 = 0.84; p < 0.001) and running speed at the MLSS (R2 = 0.91; p < 0.001). Stryd running power measures were strongly correlated with RE at the MLSS when combined with metabolic data (R2 = 0.79; p < 0.001) but not in isolation from the metabolic data (R2 = 0.08; p = 0.313). Measures of running EFF near the MLSS were not different across intensities (~21%; p > 0.05). In conclusion, although Stryd could not quantify RE in isolation, it provided a stable, sensitive, and reliable metric that can estimate aerobic fitness, delineate exercise intensities, and approximate the metabolic requirements of running near the MLSS.

Changes in the incidence of stress reactions and fractures among intercollegiate athletes after the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to characterize the impact of detraining due to the COVID-19 pandemic on incidence of bony injuries and stress fractures in collegiate athletes.MethodsA comprehensive collegiate athletic conference injury database was queried for all in-season, sport-related bony injuries (defined as all stress reactions and fractures) that occurred across all sports from January 2016 to June 2021. The bony injury rate per 1000 athlete exposure hours (AEH) was calculated and compared between the immediate post-hiatus season and historic rates from pre-hiatus seasons (2016–2019). Injury characteristics were also compared between the pre- and post-hiatus time periods.ResultsA total of 868 bony injuries across 23 sports were identified. The sports with highest overall baseline bony injury rates in historic seasons were women’s cross country (0.57 injuries per 1000 AEH) and men’s cross country (0.32). Compared to historic pre-hiatus rates, female cross-country runners demonstrated a significantly lower bony injury incidence rate in the post-hiatus season (0.24 vs. 0.57, p = 0.016) while male swimming athletes demonstrated a statistically significant increase in bony injury rate (0.09 vs. 0.01, p = 0.015). The proportion of bony injuries attributed to repetitive trauma increased; while, the proportion of injuries attributed to running decreased between the pre- and post-hiatus seasons.ConclusionAcross all sports, there was no consistent trend toward increased rates of bony injury in the immediate post-hiatus season. However, female cross-country runners demonstrated lower rates of bony injury in the post-hiatus season while male swimmers demonstrated higher rates. Furthermore, bony injuries in the post-hiatus season were more likely to be the result of repetitive trauma and less likely to be from running.Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective, cross sectional study.

Considerations of Low Carbohydrate Availability (LCA) to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) in Female Endurance Athletes: A Narrative Review.

The purpose of this narrative review is to identify health and performance consequences associated with LCA in female endurance athletes. The intake of carbohydrates (CHO) before, during, and after exercise has been demonstrated to support sport performance, especially endurance activities which rely extensively on CHO as a fuel source. However, low energy availability (LEA) and low carbohydrate availability (LCA) are common in female athletes. LEA occurs when energy intake is insufficient compared to exercise energy expenditure, and LEA-related conditions (e.g., Female Athlete Triad (Triad) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)) are associated with a myriad of health and performance consequences. The RED-S model highlights 10 health consequences and 10 performance consequences related to LEA. The independent effect of LCA on health and performance has been under-researched, despite current CHO intake being commonly insufficient in athletes. It is proposed that LCA may not only contribute to LEA but also have independent health and performance consequences in athletes. Furthermore, this review highlights current recommendations for CHO intake, as well as recent data on LCA prevalence and menstrual cycle considerations. A literature review was conducted on PubMed, Science Direct, and ResearchGate using relevant search terms (i.e., "low carbohydrate/energy availability", "female distance runners"). Twenty-one articles were identified and twelve met the inclusion criteria. The total number of articles included in this review is 12, with 7 studies illustrating that LCA was associated with direct negative health and/or performance implications for endurance-based athletes. Several studies included assessed male athletes only, and no studies included a female-only study design. Overall, the cumulative data show that female athletes remain underrepresented in sports science research and that current CHO intake recommendations and strategies may fail to consider female-specific adaptations and hormone responses, such as monthly fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone throughout the menstrual cycle. Current CHO guidelines for female athletes and exercising women need to be audited and explored further in the literature to support female athlete health and performance.

The importance of gluteal muscle strength in dynamic pelvic stability of fatigued female endurance road runners

BACKGROUND: Recently there has been a rise in female participation in running yet the female population is under-researched in sport specific research. Locally, many female athletes annually compete in numerous ultra-marathons (&gt; 42 km). OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the importance of Gluteal muscle strength in dynamic pelvic stability of fatigued female endurance road runners. METHODS: Fourteen female endurance runners (age: 38.0 ± 10.12 years, BMI: 21.99 ± 2.37 kg/m2, and VO2max: 40 ± 5.34 ml/min/kg) volunteered for the participation of this study. Through isokinetic testing, muscle strength and fatigability of the Gluteus Maximus, Medius and Minimus was determined. Sign tests compared pelvis stability (unilateral Trendelenburg, Pelvic Bridge test and pelvic stability through a gait analysis) before and after an endurance run on a cambered and flat surface. Participants were divided into two groups based on change in pelvic stability after the fatigue intervention. RESULTS: The unaffected group was moderately younger; lighter in weight and had a lower BMI. Additionally, this group was largely more experienced (p= 0.61, d= 1.341); aerobically fit and ran significantly longer weekly distances (p= 0.002, d= 3.4). There was no statistical difference in isokinetic testing of strength and endurance hip flexion/extension and abduction/adduction between the two groups (p&gt; 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the group that was more experienced and ran longer weekly distances showed no change in pelvic stability after an endurance run. However, the group that showed changes in pelvic stability suggests that fatigue could be a contributing factor to pelvic compensation. It is recommended that female endurance runners incorporate strength training to strengthen the Gluteal and Hip Flexor muscle groups to reduce pelvic compensation.

INJURY PROFILE OF THE MOUNTAIN RUNNER: GENDER COMPARISON

The number of events and distances in mountain races has grown exponentially. Meanwhile, the number of runners has also increased considerably. The increased participation in mountain races has resulted in an increase in runner injuries. This research is aimed at analysing and comparing (men vs. women) experience time, training time, and the injuries sustained during the practice of this sport. The sample (n=306) was made up of men (n=261) and women (n=45) who participated in the Canfranc - Canfranc Race (Spain). The instrument used is the Runner´s Profile and Propensity to Sports Injury questionnaire. There were no significant differences (p=0.01) between male and female variables: years of running experience, years of mountain running experience, training hours and time per week, and injuries in the previous three years and three months. Further research is required to analyse and compare male and female runners at different distances and mountain races.

The Running Injury Continuum: A qualitative examination of recreational runners' description and management of injury.

A critical step in understanding and preventing running-related injuries (RRIs) is appropriately defining RRIs. Current definitions of RRIs may not represent the full process of injury development, failing to capture lower levels of injury that many athletes continue to train through. Understanding runners' description and management of the injury development process may allow for a more appropriate examination of all levels of injury. This study aimed to examine recreational runners' description and management of the injury development process. A qualitative focus group study was undertaken. Seven semi-structured focus groups with male (n = 13) and female (n = 18) recreational runners took place. Focus groups were audio and video recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were reflexively thematically analysed. A critical friend approach was taken to data coding. Multiple methods of trustworthiness were executed. Runners describe injury on a nine-level continuum, ranging from injury-free to career-ending injury. There are lower and higher levels of injury. Each level of injury is described across four categories of descriptors; physical description, outcome (effect on running and daily life), psychological description, and management. The Running Injury Continuum is a tool that can be used for injury surveillance (for healthcare professionals and researchers) and for research investigating RRI risk factors. Healthcare professionals, researchers and coaches must ensure they monitor the development of all levels of RRIs, across all categories of descriptors. Runners need to be educated regarding appropriate self-management strategies for lower level injuries, with access to evidence-based information being a critical management tool.

Higher Triad Risk Scores Are Associated With Increased Risk for Trabecular-Rich Bone Stress Injuries in Female Runners.

Bone stress injuries (BSIs) in trabecular-rich bone are associated with greater biological risk factors compared with cortical-rich bone. We hypothesized that female runners with high Female Athlete Triad (Triad)-related risk would be at greater risk for trabecular-rich BSIs than runners with low Triad-related risk. Prospective cohort study. Two NCAA institutions. Female runners were followed prospectively for up to 5 years. The intervention consisted of team nutrition presentations focused on optimizing energy availability plus individualized nutrition sessions. Triad Cumulative Risk Assessment (CRA) categories were assigned yearly based on low-energy availability, menstrual status, age of menarche, low body mass index, low bone mineral density, and prior BSI. The outcome was the annual incidence of trabecular- and cortical-rich BSI. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE, to account for the correlated nature of the observations) with a Poisson distribution and log link were used for statistical modeling. Cortical-rich BSI rates were higher than trabecular-rich BSI rates (0.32 vs 0.13 events per person-year). Female runners with high Triad-related risk had a significantly higher incidence rate ratio of trabecular-rich BSI (RR: 4.40, P = 0.025) and cortical-rich BSI (RR: 2.87, P = 0.025) than women with low Triad-related risk. Each 1-point increase in Triad CRA score was associated with a significant 26% increased risk of trabecular-rich BSI ( P = 0.0007) and a nonsignificant 14% increased risk of cortical-rich BSI ( P = 0.054). Increased Triad CRA scores were strongly associated with increased risk for trabecular-rich BSI. Incorporating Triad CRA scores in clinical care could guide BSI prevention.

Lower Baseline Vo2max Associated With Greater Decrements In Running Economy In Female Runners After COVID19

Lower Baseline Vo2max Associated With Greater Decrements In Running Economy In Female Runners After COVID19

Running Gait Biomechanics Associated With Femoral Neck Bone Stress Injuries In Female Runners

Running Gait Biomechanics Associated With Femoral Neck Bone Stress Injuries In Female Runners