Marathon Group Research Articles

S5-2 Co-creating a feasible and valid physical literacy assessment tool for children for use in both educational and community physical activity settings, within England

Abstract Purpose Physical literacy (PL) has been described as a gateway to lifelong participation in physical activity, with relevance to the education, health, and sports contexts. That said, it remains a contested term in research and practice, meaning existing PL assessment tools (PLAT) are inconsistent, with divergent ways to assess PL and the encompassing domains. Furthermore, PLATs often lack feasibility, especially when looking to gain population-level data. Therefore, we are developing a feasible and valid PLAT for children (ages 5-11) for use in both educational and community physical activity settings, within England. Method To develop an England-specific PLAT, the project includes four stages: (1) a review of reviews to identify existing strengths and weaknesses of existing tools, (2) identifying stakeholders’ facilitators and barriers to using a PLAT in an education and/or community sports setting, (3) co-developing a feasible PLAT through a multi-stakeholder co-creation event (researchers, practitioners, policymakers), and (4) pilot testing to assess the tools validity and feasibility. Results The results of the scoping review of reviews revealed very few tools exist that assess all domains of PL. Of the identified tool, where the validity and reliability of the tool were more promising, the feasibility of the tool lacked. These findings were akin to tools assessing one domain of PL. Stages 2 and 3 are currently in process. We anticipate sharing findings from the stakeholder survey, and insights from the co-creation event that will have led to a newly developed PLAT for England. Conclusion The co-created PLAT tool will bring together stakeholders across the education, sport, and health sector to gain consensus around the importance of assessing children’s PL in a bid to improve their physical activity levels. We anticipate the co-developed tool will provide surveillance data on children’s PL levels, which will enhance our understanding of the specific needs of children and young people to improve their PL. Thus, better targeting and tailoring support for children and young people to be physically active throughout their lives. Support/Funding Source The project has been externally funded by Sport England and the London Marathon Group.

Assessment of right ventricular structure and systolic function in amateur marathon runners using three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.

Prolonged high-intensity endurance exercise has been reported to have adverse effects on the heart, which are further correlated with exercise dose. However, its effect on the right ventricle (RV) of amateur runners is unknown. This study aimed was to evaluate the early right ventricular structure and systolic function of amateur marathon runners by three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE), and to further analyze the correlation between relevant parameters and the amount of training. A total of 30 amateur marathon runners (marathon group) and 27 healthy volunteers (control group) were enrolled. Conventional echocardiography combined with 3D-STE was performed in all subjects, and the marathon group was screened by echocardiography a week before a marathon (V1), within 1h post-marathon (V2), and 4days post-marathon (V3). RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV end-diastolic volume (EDV) increased significantly in the marathon group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). RV GLS was significantly decreased in the marathon group within 1h post-marathon (V1: -26.2 ± 2.5% vs V2: -23.0 ± 1.6% vs V3: -25.6 ± 2.6%, P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in RV ejection fraction (RVEF) (P > 0.05). The results of the correlation analysis showed that RV EDV and RV end-systolic volume (ESV) were positively correlated with the average training volume (P < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that average training volume was an independent predictor of RV EDV in amateur marathoners (β = 0.642, P < 0.001). The systolic function of the RV was enhanced in amateur marathon runners in the early stage, manifested by an increase in RV EDV. After a long period of high-intensity endurance exercise, RV systolic function will temporarily be reduced. 3D-STE can identify this subclinical change with high sensitivity and provide valuable information to assess the structure and function of RV in amateur marathon runners.

Changes in Skeletal Muscle Troponin T and Vitamin D Binding Protein (DBP) Concentrations in the Blood of Male Amateur Athletes Participating in a Marathon and 100 km Adventure Race

This study assessed changes in creatine kinase (CK) activity and skeletal muscle troponin T (sTnT) concentrations in the blood, to estimate the degree of muscle degradation after exercise. In addition, the concentration of vitamin D binding protein (DBP) in the blood was assessed. DBP concentrations were measured in blood as a marker for plasma load by monomeric actin. The study included marathon (MR) participants and 100 km adventure race (AR) participants, who were examined before and after the race. There was a significant (16-fold) increase in CK activity among AR participants, and a significant increase in sTnT concentration-127% in the MR group and 113% in the AR group, while there was a statistically significant decrease in DBP concentration by 14% in the AR group. In addition, it was observed that the initial concentration of DBP in both groups was in a normal range, but was lower than the average population, and the DBP concentration in the AR group was lower than in the MR group. It was concluded that exhausting physical effort such as a marathon or adventure races causes muscle damage with a far stronger influence on sarcoplasm than on filaments. The short-term and slight reduction in the concentration of DBP in blood after such efforts may be due to the appearance of monomeric actin in plasma.

Sculpting Time: Sara Rudner in Her Studio

Sculpting Time: Sara Rudner in Her Studio

Analysis of the characteristics of MRI T2 value changes of the muscles around the knee joint before and after the race in amateur marathon runners based on T2 mapping

Objective: To evaluate the characteristics of MRI T2 value changes of muscles around the knee joint in amateur marathon athletes based on T2 mapping. Methods: A total of 12 amateur marathon runners (5 males and 7 females) were recruited as the marathon group, aged from 21 to 37(27.5±5.4) years. MRI examination of bilateral knee joint was performed one week before the race, within 12 hours after the race and two months after the race, respectively. Fifteen healthy volunteers (5 males and 10 females) were recruited as the control group, aged from 24 to 27(24.9±1.0) years, and underwent MRI examination of both knee joints. The T2 mapping imaging sequence was used to measure the T2 values of the sartorius, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, semimembranosus, medial head of gastrocnemius and lateral gastrocnemius head on the post-processing platform, and analyzed the marathon group before and after the race. The differences in the T2 value of each muscle of the marathon group before and after the race within 12 hours, before and 2 months after the race, and between the control group and the marathon group before the marathon were analyzed. Results: All subjects had not knee joint pain during the examination. Routine MRI examination showed that there was no obvious abnormality in the shape and signal of the muscles around the knee joint. The T2 value of the semimembranosus [(34.3±2.8) ms vs (35.5±2.5) ms, P=0.008], medial head of gastrocnemius [(34.1±3.4) ms vs (37.7±3.1) ms,P<0.001] and lateral head of gastrocnemius [(35.2±2.9) ms vs (37.2±3.9) ms,P=0.011] increased after the competition compared with that of pre-competition in the marathon group, while the T2 value of the remaining muscles showed no significant difference compared with that of pre-competition(P>0.05). At the follow-up of 2 months, the T2 value of semimembranosus remains higher than before the marathon [(34.3±2.8) ms vs (35.4±2.5) ms,P=0.043], and the T2 value of the medial head of the gastrocnemius and lateral head of gastrocnemius showed no statistically difference compared with pre-competition (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the T2 value of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius in the marathon group was decreased [(35.3±3.0) ms vs (38.5±4.1) ms,P=0.007]. There was no significant difference in the T2 value of the remaining muscles in the marathon group (P>0.05). Conclusions: After the marathon, the changes in the T2 value of the muscles around the knee joint is reversible. T2 mapping imaging sequence can indirectly reflect the changes of skeletal muscle microstructure to a certain extent.

Quantitative analysis of patellar tendon elasticity of amateur marathon runners after a competition based on shear wave elastography

Objective: To analyze the changes of patellar tendon elasticity quantitatively of amateur marathon runners by shear wave elastography (SWE) in a half marathon. Methods: A total of 47 amateur marathon runners (31 males and 16 females, aged from 20 to 44 years) were enrolled as the marathon group, and divided into dominant side (47 patellar tendons) and non-dominant side (47 patellar tendons). Grey-scale ultrasound and SWE were performed on the bilateral patellar tendons before and after the half marathon within 2 h and after a period of 1 week. Thirty healthy volunteers (18 males and 12 females, aged from 22 to 39 years) were enrolled as the control group, the SWE-values derived from the patellar tendon were collected and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze the relationship between the changes of SWE-values and running age as well as weekly amount of running. Results: None of any runners showed knee pain and sports injury during the test. The dominant side had a higher SWE-values than non-dominant side in marathon group before running [(55.1±15.7) kPa vs (43.8±15.9) kPa, P<0.05]. The marathon group had higher SWE-values than the control group both in dominant side [(55.1±15.7) kPa vs (18.5±3.7) kPa] and non-dominant side [(43.8±15.9) kPa vs (17.4±3.2) kPa], respectively, before running (P<0.05). The SWE-values increased significantly both in dominant side [(80.2±23.2) kPa vs (55.1±15.7) kPa] and non-dominant side [(76.5±26.6) kPa vs (43.8±15.9) kPa] 2 h after running in marathon group. After a week, the SWE-values were not statistically different from those before running (P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that running age and weekly amount of running were related factors leading to the increase of SWE-values after running. Conclusions: The patellar tendon of amateur marathon runners has higher SWE-values. SWE can dynamically evaluate the changes of patellar tendon during exercise and is helpful for runners in scientific training and avoiding sports injury.

Effectofthe BONYAN-method experiential marathon group on the quality of life of non-clinical populations duringthe Covid-19 pandemic

BONYAN theory and method indicate being committed, accepted, and responsible as effective and constructive for "how to be with what is," and is presented in the form of the experiential marathon group. This study investigates the effect of online participation in the BONYAN-method experiential marathon group (BMEMG) on the quality of life of the non-clinical populations.This study was a quasi-experimental design of two heterogeneous groups, the experimental group (N=50) and the control group (N=98), with pre-test and post-test. The program was held over three days with three weekly follow-up sessions. Before the start and after the third follow-up session, WHOQOL-100 was provided to the two groups. The physical, psychological, level of independence, social relationships, environment, personal beliefs, generality, and overall score in the experimental group's post-test significantly differed from the experimental group's pre-test and the control group's post-test. The effect size was significant for all indices, among which spirituality and independence showed the highest effect size.The BMEMG, by providing opportunities for awareness of "how to be with what is," confronts people with their internal and dynamic psychological patterns and improves their quality of life by increasing their capacity for acceptance and flexibility.

The effect of Bonyan-Method Experiential Marathon Structured Groups (BEMSG) on ego functions

The present research has studied Bonyan-Method Experiential Marathon Structured Groups' efficacy on the nonclinical populations' ego functions. This study was a quasi-experimental trial with a control group. The trial group participated in the marathon group on three consecutive days (36 hours) and weekly sessions for three weeks. Then the ego function evaluation questionnaire was simultaneously given to both groups. All ego functions in the trial group showed significant growth compared to the control group. Among these, the most remarkable statistical effect size was related to "Adaptive Regression in Service of the Ego" and "Stimulus barrier." The relationship between improving ego functions and mental health can be anticipated, and steps can be taken to promote the community’s mental health by using these groups.

The Effect of Bonyan-Method Experiential Marathon Structured Groups (BEMSG) on the Elements of the Five-Factor Model of Personality

Various studies have shown the effectiveness of marathon groups on improving participants&amp;#39; personality components. For the first time, the present study has studied the effectiveness of one of the oldest marathon groups in Iran on the personality elements of the Big Five model in the nonclinical population. This study was performed quasi-experimental with an experimental (n = 50) and a control group (n = 50). To meet the entry criteria, all applicants were screened while completing a comprehensive demographic questionnaire. The experimental group participated in the marathon group on three days in a row (for 36 hours) and three weekly follow-up sessions. At the end of the third follow-up session, the NEO FFI questionnaire was simultaneously given to the experimental and control groups. The mean difference statistical tests showed that the score of all personality elements in the experimental group compared to the control group had changed significantly (P &amp;lt;0.05). Among these, the largest effects size are related to &amp;quot;extraversion&amp;quot;, &amp;quot;responsibility&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;openness to experience&amp;quot; (d&amp;gt; 0.4), respectively. Individual and group constructive experiential games and intensive and sequential feedback processes in Bonyan-method experiential marathon groups seem to improve the Big 5 personality components in the nonclinical population. Considering the relationship between improving the components of personality and mental health, it can be predicted that important steps can be taken to promote the community&amp;#39;s mental health and prevent psychological damage by using these groups.

MRI study of changes in knee bone marrow edema-like signal in asymptomatic amateur marathon runners before and after half-marathon running

ObjectiveTo evaluate the incidence of knee bone marrow edema-like signal and its changes before and after running a half marathon running in asymptomatic amateur marathon runners to explore the impact of the half marathon on knee bone marrow edema-like signal. Methods50 asymptomatic amateur marathon runners (30 males, 20 females) were recruited. T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), fat-suppressed protein density weighted imaging (fs-PDWI) and three-dimensional double-echo steady-state (3D-DESS) sequence on the right knee were performed before and within 3 h after a half-marathon running. 20 healthy volunteers were recruited as control. According to the whole-organ magnetic resonance imaging score (WORMS) system, the involvement of bone marrow edema-like signal in 15 regions of knee was graded from 0 to 3. The results were classified and Mann Whitney U test was used for comparison between groups. ResultsThe total incidence of bone marrow edema-like signal in amateur marathon group was 62%. Among them, the incidence of grade 1–3 was 48% (24/50), 12% (6/50), 2% (1/50), respectively, which was statistically significant compared with the controls (P = 0.007). There was no significant difference between gender before running (P = 0.172) and after running (P = 0.162). There was no significant difference before and after running (P > 0.05). However, 3 subjects showed new lesions, 8 subjects showed progression and 4 subjects showed decreased signal. ConclusionThe occurrence of knee bone marrow edema-like signal in amateur marathon runners is more common. The lesions of bone marrow edema-like signal will show aggravation or improvement in a certain extent after the half marathon.

장시간의 고강도 유산소 운동이 항산화 효소 및 근 손상지표에 미치는 영향

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of long-term aerobic exercise on muscle damage indicators and antioxidant enzymes by observation of amateur athlete participants. We observed the changes that occurred at rest and immediately after a marathon and triathlon.<BR> Method: The subjects of the study were 8 amateur male marathon runners and 9 amateur triathletes. All participants were in their 30’s and 40’s of age and resided in the city of S. After the marathon runners ran a full race of 42.195 kilometers, two blood samples were taken immediately after the race when their conditions were stable. After the triathletes went through an Olympic course which included 1.5 kilometers of swimming, 40 kilometers of cycling, and 10 kilometers of running, two blood samples were also taken immediately after completion when their conditions were stable. Using the SPSS/PC+Ver. 21.0K program, descriptive statistics (Mean ± Standard Error) of all dependent variables were calculated. A two-way repeated ANOVA was performed to verify the difference between the average of the dependent variables once the homogeneity between the two groups (marathon and triathlon) and between thew to tests (stable and immediately after the race) were confirmed. A paired t-test was performed for the differences of the two tests within the groups, and an independent t-test was performed for the differences between the two groups. The statistical significance level was set to α=.05.<BR> Results: In the marathon group, SOD significantly increased immediately after the race (p<.001). In the triathlon group, SOD significantly increased in the same manner after the race (p<.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups. In both groups, CK and LDHi significantly increased immediately after the races (p<.001), with no significant differences between the groups.<BR> Conclusion: During long-term high-intensity aerobic exercise, marathons and triathlons increase oxidative stress, which can lead to muscle damage. Additionally, the increase of SOD, an antioxidant defense system enzyme, is a response to oxidative stress and appears to prevent the generation of free radicals from exercise.

Marathon running improves mood and negative affect

BackgroundPhysical activity has beneficial effects on depression, as well as on other mental and somatic diseases. The amount of recommended exercise is still under discussion. We investigated whether marathon runners (MA) exhibit less or more depressive symptoms and negative affects compared to sedentary controls (SC) and how their mood changes in the context of marathon training and marathon running. MethodsWe included 100 amateur marathon runners and 46 age- and gender matched sedentary controls in the ReCaP (Running effects on Cognition and Plasticity) study. Questionnaires contained Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Positive And Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). SC were evaluated one time at baseline, MA six times during the six months study period. ResultsCompared to SC, marathon runners (281.80 ± 131.44 running min/week) exhibited less depressive symptoms, more positive affects (PANAS-PA) and a higher level of functioning (GAF). Within the marathon group, negative affect (PANAS-NA) decreased and general mood states (VAS) further improved throughout the study period with a maximum 24 h after the marathon. DiscussionMA had less depressive symptoms and a higher level of functioning compared to SC. Higher amounts than the recommended duration of 150 min/week aerobic training (WHO/ACSM) and the participation in a marathon seem to even further improve negative affect. These findings give new insight into the relationship between exercise and mood parameters. They can be implemented in future preventive strategies for depressive symptoms.

Oxytocin Blocks Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms Only When Combined with Group Therapy: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Oxytocin is a well-known central nervous system mediator in social-related behaviors and stress management. Oxytocin has also been shown to prevent withdrawal symptoms of opioids in animal studies. Group interactions with emotion sharing have been shown to result in an increase in endogenous oxytocin. Although abrupt discontinuation of methadone in opioid substitution therapy is not routinely recommended, it might result in severe withdrawal symptoms and relapse in cases that there is a clinical justification for quitting methadone. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the role of oxytocin and group interactions, combined or independently, in abrupt discontinuation of methadone in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) cases, where there had been a reasonable clinical judgment to cease medication. Methods: In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, four groups of participants who were on methadone treatment for more than six months received either oxytocin or placebo and marathon group therapy or routine group therapy upon abrupt discontinuation of methadone. The participants were monitored for opioid withdrawal symptoms, depression, and anxiety during a four-month follow-up program. The participants were also screened by urine tests for lapses. Results: Administration of oxytocin combined with marathon group activity, with highly emotional content, resulted in less craving (P &lt; 0.000) and withdrawal symptoms (P &lt; 0.000) compared to placebo and non-marathon group intervention in different combinations, irrespective of methadone dose and age. The same combination also resulted in continued participation in group therapy for a longer period (P &lt; 0.000). Additionally, the same combination was effective in improving mental health, as measured by the Beck Anxiety (P &lt; 0.002) and Beck depression (P &lt; 0.014) inventories. Conclusions: In order to prevent methadone craving and withdrawal symptoms and sustained abstinence, group therapy with a highly emotional theme appears to be an essential factor for the manifestation of oxytocin effects in the brain.

Personality Traits in Marathon Runners and Sedentary Controls With MMPI-2-RF.

BackgroundEndurance exercise in general and marathon running in particular have become increasingly popular over the past decades. Recent investigations about personality structures in this cohort and comparisons to non-active cohorts are lacking.MethodsIn the ReCaP study (Running effects on Cognition and Plasticity), a total of 100 marathon runners and 46 sedentary controls were recruited. After elimination of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) profiles with insufficient validity, 79 marathon runners (MA) and 27 sedentary controls (SC) remained for final analyses. Depressive symptoms were evaluated with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD).ResultsMarathon runners had lower scores in scales measuring somatic and cognitive complaints, stress, demoralization, hopelessness and distrust. Within the marathon group, committed runners exhibited hypomanic traits compared to regular runners.Discussion and ConclusionPersonality differences could be summarized as (sub-)depressive personality traits in SC compared to MA rather than typical (sub-) depressive symptoms in the meaning of depressive disorders. Future studies should further evaluate cause and consequence of endurance training and hypomanic or euthymic symptoms, as a two-way interaction exists.Trial Registrationhttp://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=DRKS00012496.

Exploration of University Application of Marathon Group Counseling: Self-affirmation Theme

团体辅导；马拉松团体辅导；自我肯定；团体干预

A Comparison Study of Energy Expenditure and Nutrition Intake in Amateur Athletes in Long Distance Running

PURPOSE: By analyzing the energy expenditure figures of each group (training group, marathon group and cross-country running group) and their nutrition intake figures, some reasonable suggestions were given to solve the problem of nutrition intakes in daily training or competition. METHODS: The energy expenditure data were collected by wearing 3-axis accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X, USA) when 10 amateurs did 10km training, 6 amateurs did marathon competition, and 6 amateurs did 50-100 km cross-country running. They were asked to recall and record all the foods and beverages during competition or training. After measuring energy expenditure during their exercises, and recording the process of nutrition supplement, we compared the differences in energy expenditures of different groups, and analysis the relativity between energy expenditures and nutrition intakes. RESULTS: (1) The energy expenditure figure of training group was 0.66±0.10 kcal/kg/km , which was observably less than those of marathon group(1.22±0.32 kcal/kg/km) and cross-country group(1.20±0.18 kcal/kg/km)(P<0.01); however, there was no any obvious difference between the marathon group and cross-country group(p>0.05);(2) The calorie of supplement intakes was 756.17 ±387.80 kcal/kg/km , which was significant lower than the calories of energy expenditure (2331.61±939.30 kcal/kg/km) in 22 amateurs. However, there was a positive correlation between energy expenditure and supplement intake among the 22 amateur athletes(r=0.950,P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: (1) The energy expenditure level during daily training was obviously lower than which during competition in amateur runners;(2) The nutrition intake didn't meet the demand of energy cost during long distance running although the runners had followed the principle of “the more energy cost, the more supplement will need”.

Static and dynamic plantar pressure distribution in amateur marathon runners.

The aim of the study was to compare the static and dynamic plantar pressure profiles of amateur marathon runners with sedentary cohorts. Are there differences in the plantar pressures of these two populations? Is there a correlation between body mass and BMI with plantar loading? The study involved 43 runners involved in marathon training and 30 age-matched untrained individuals. Plantar pressure was measured using a baropodometric system. The marathon runners showed greater forefoot plantar pressure of the dominant extremity in the static condition and reduced medial plantar pressure of both extremities in the dynamic condition. A correlation was observed between body mass and BMI with mean plantar pressure only in the marathon group and only for the dominant extremity in the dynamic condition. Marathon training may modify the forefoot plantar loading characteristics of the dominant extremity during static conditions and increase lateral plantar pressure of both extremities in a dynamic (gait) condition.

Neuroimaging Measures to Assess the Effectiveness of a Two-Day Marathon Group of Individuals with Early Developmental Trauma: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACTGroup therapy can be effective with individuals with developmental trauma who re-experience intense physiological traumatic distress and struggle with terror and despair. This modality can address the long-term ramifications of developmental trauma, including problems with perceptions, trust, emotional regulation, and loss of sense of self. Neuroimaging techniques can be combined with group therapy interventions as a way to empirically validate the effectiveness of group psychotherapy on brain structures and networks impacted by trauma. The neuroscience explaining overpowering traumatic responses and related emotions will be reviewed. Results of a pilot study combining group therapy with neuroimaging are presented.

Running injuries and associated factors in participants of ING Taipei Marathon

ObjectivesTo investigate the distribution of lower extremity running injuries and their associated factors. DesignDescriptive and exploratory study. Participants1004 participants of the 2005 ING Taipei International Marathon. Main outcome measuresWe used a self-developed questionnaire to collect data of previous running injuries and applied multivariate logistic regression modeling to examine relationships between these injuries and associated factors. ResultsOf the 893 valid questionnaires, 396 (44.4%) reported having previous lower extremity pain related to running. Knee joint pain was the most common problem (32.5%). Hip pain was associated with the racing group, training duration, and medial arch support. Use of knee orthotics (P = 0.002) and ankle braces (P = 0.007) was related to a higher rate of knee and ankle pain. Participants of the full marathon group who practiced on a synthetic track had a higher incidence of ankle pain. A training duration of >60 min was linked to an increased rate of foot pain (P = 0.003). ConclusionOur data indicated that running injuries were associated with training duration and use of orthotics. Clinicians can use this information in treating or preventing running associated injuries and pain.

Increased eNos Gene Expression Identified Among Marathon Runners With Improved Vo2max

Exercise induces beneficial physiologic changes in the human body such as changes in serum cholesterol, blood pressure and aerobic capacity. It has been observed that among individuals undergoing the same type of exercise training, there is a differential physiologic response. Some individuals display a significant change in physiologic parameters while others show no significant change. PURPOSE: To explore the relationship between genetics and fitness, we examined global gene expression in the leukocytes of sedentary individuals collected before and after a 17-week half marathon training program. METHODS Twenty men (29.3 ±1.0yr) were enrolled in the training program. An additional 22 men (27.8 ± 1.4yr) who performed aerobic activity less than 2 hours/week served as controls. Fasting blood samples, VO2max and measures of body fat composition were collected at baseline and at completion of the training program for all participants. To examine gene expression profiles, extracted RNA samples were run on the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Gene ST array. Significance Analysis of Microarray (SAM) was used to identify statistically significant genes GeneGo software was used to analyze associated biological pathways. RESULTS: The sedentary control group showed no statistically significant physiological changes after 17 weeks (DBP p=0.542; VO2max p=0.813; % body fat p=0.116) whereas the marathon-training group had statistically significant improvements in HR (p=0.002), DBP (p=0.0001), VO2max (p=0.00004) and % body fat (p=0.044). We found that the exercise program induced significant (FDR <0.000001) changes in blood gene expression with increases in genes related to DNA translation, transcription and repair and decreases in genes related to inflammation. In addition, eNOS showed significant increased (FDR <.000001) expression in the subset of the marathon group who had a change in VO2max of greater than 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise induces significant changes in gene expression of the blood in individuals undergoing marathon training. Biological pathways highlighted by these changes include those involved in cellular growth and inflammation. Of interest, increased Nitric Oxide (NO) levels have been shown to promote several protective cardiovascular effects against atherosclerosis and reperfusion injury.