Marathon Research Articles

Comparison of the differences in iron and anemia-related markers by ultramarathon distance.

Iron and anemia-related markers in long-distance runners have mostly been investigated following single distance marathons, with contradictory findings. This study compared iron and anemia-related markers according to marathon distance. Iron and anemia-related markers were analyzed from blood samples of healthy, adult male (aged ≥40-60 years) long-distance runners before and after ultramarathon races of 100 km (N.=14), 308 km (N.=14), and 622 km (N.=10). Fe, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC), transferrin saturation, ferritin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) levels were analyzed. On completion of all races, the iron levels and transferrin saturation decreased (P<0.05), while the ferritin and hs-CRP levels and WBC counts significantly increased (P<0.05). The Hb concentrations increased after the 100-km race (P<0.05), although the Hb levels and Hct decreased after the 308- and 622-km races (P<0.05). The highest-to-lowest levels of unsaturated iron-binding capacity were found following the 100-km, 622-km, and 308-km races, whereas those of the RBC count were found following the 622-km, 100-km, and 308-km races. Ferritin levels were significantly higher following the 308-km race than after the 100-km race (P<0.05); hs-CRP levels in the 308- and 622-km races were higher than those in the 100-km race. Ferritin levels increased due to inflammation following distance races, and runners experienced transient iron deficiency without anemia. However, the differences in iron and anemia-related markers according to the ultramarathon distance remain unclear.

Effects of Long-Term Endurance Exercise on Cardiac Morphology, Function, and Injury Indicators among Amateur Marathon Runners.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term endurance exercise on cardiac morphology and function, as well as injury indicators, among amateur marathon runners. We recruited 33 amateur runners who participated in a marathon. Participants were divided into experimental and control groups according to their National Athletic Grade. The experimental group included participants with a National Athletic Grade of 2 or better, and the control group included participants who did not have a National Athletic Grade. Cardiac morphology, function, and injury indicators were assessed before and after the participants' involvement in the Changsha International Marathon. All cardiac morphology and function indicators returned to pre-race levels at 24 h post-race, and left ventricular end-diastolic volume and left ventricular end-systolic volume indicators showed similar trends. Both stroke volume (SV) and percent fractional shortening (%FS) indicators showed similar trends in changes in the measurements before and after the race. SV showed no change between the pre-race and post-race periods. On the other hand, %FS showed a significant increase in the immediate post-race period, followed by restoration of its level at 24 h post-race. Among myocardial injury indicators, serum levels of cardiac troponin I, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and N-terminal pro-b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measured before the race, immediately after the race, and 24 h after the race displayed similar trends in changes among CK, CK-MB, LDH, and AST, while NT-proBNP levels did not change. We concluded that high-level amateur marathon runners had greater heart volumes, as well as wall and septal thicknesses, than low-level marathon runners, with differences in heart volume being the most pronounced. Long-term high-intensity endurance exercise caused some damage to the hearts of amateur runners. High-level runners showed better myocardial repair ability, and their levels of myocardial injury markers showed greater decreases at 24 h post-race, while low-level runners had poorer myocardial repair ability.

Predicting Active Sport Participant's Approach Behaviors from Emotions and Meaning Attributed to Sport Event Experience

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of emotions on sport consumers' meanings, or stored cognitive evaluations, attributed to a participatory sport event experience, and measure how these constructs directly influence event satisfaction and indirectly influence future approach behaviors. Data were collected from a sample of 231 5K and half marathon runners in the Southeastern US using a postevent online survey. Results indicated that meaning attributed to the event experience partially mediated the relationship between emotions and event satisfaction. Additionally, event satisfaction significantly influenced future approach behaviors. Finally, positive emotions (i.e., elation) had a stronger relationship with meaning attributed to the event experience than negative ones (i.e., anger, unhappiness, and worry). The findings illustrated how positive affective experiences drive consumers' cognitive processes related to the formation of meaning and satisfaction in a sport event context and contribute to positive behaviors that are vital to sport organizations.

Prevalence and pattern of focal and potential diffuse myocardial fibrosis in male and female marathon runners using contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance

ObjectivesThis study analyzed the prevalence and pattern of focal and potential diffuse myocardial fibrosis detected by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and extracellular volume (ECV) imaging in male and female marathon runners using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).MethodsSeventy-four marathon runners were studied including 55 males (44 ± 8 years) and 19 females (36 ± 7 years) and compared to 36 controls with similar age and sex using contrast-enhanced CMR, exercise testing, and blood samples.ResultsContrast-enhanced CMR revealed focal myocardial fibrosis in 8 of 74 runners (11%). The majority of runners were male (7 of 8, 88%). LGE was typically non-ischemic in 7 of 8 runners (88%) and ischemic in one runner. ECV was higher in remote myocardium without LGE in male runners (25.5 ± 2.3%) compared to male controls (24.0 ± 3.0%, p < 0.05), indicating the potential presence of diffuse myocardial fibrosis. LV mass was higher in LGE + males (86 ± 18 g/m2) compared to LGE- males (73 ± 14 g/m2, p < 0.05). Furthermore, LGE + males had lower weight (69 ± 9 vs 77 ± 9 kg, p < 0.05) and shorter best marathon finishing times (3.2 ± 0.3 h) compared to LGE- males (3.6 ± 0.4 h, p < 0.05) suggesting higher training load in these runners to accomplish the marathon in a short time.ConclusionThe high frequency of non-ischemic myocardial fibrosis in LGE + male runners can be related to increased LV mass in these runners. Furthermore, a higher training load could explain the higher LV mass and could be one additional cofactor in the genesis of myocardial fibrosis in marathon runners.Key Points• A high frequency of myocardial fibrosis was found in marathon runners.• Myocardial fibrosis occurred typically in male runners and was typically non-ischemic.• Higher training load could be one cofactor in the genesis of myocardial fibrosis in marathon runners.

Shifting gears: Study of immune system parameters of male habitual marathon runners.

Marathon is a running event in which athletes must cover a distance of 42.195 km. In addition to participating in marathons, marathoners have incorporated extensive running into their lifestyle. In the present study, we investigated the effect of long-term strenuous exercise in the form of marathon running on the immune system. We collected peripheral blood samples from 37 male marathoners before/after a race and 37 age/sex/body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy sedentary controls. Hematological and biochemical tests revealed race-induced leukocytosis attributable to neutrophilia and significant increases in plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and cortisol concentrations. Phenotypic analysis of lymphocytes revealed race-induced significant decrease in the number of lymphocytes, memory helper T (Th) cells, naive, memory and activated cytotoxic T (Tc) cells, natural killer (NK), NKT, and B1 cells, and a significant increase in the number of activated Th and regulatory Th cells (Tregs). Compared with controls, marathoners maintained significantly lower levels of memory and activated Th cells and higher levels of activated Tc and B1 cells. Measurement of plasma cytokine levels revealed a pro-inflammatory cytokine polarization that increased after the race. Examination of gene expression of cytokines and Th-cell signature transcription factors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed a significant decrease in tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-17, and a significant increase in IL-6, IL-10 and forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) after the race. Compared with controls, marathoners maintained significantly higher levels of TNF-α. Assessment of the suppressive capacity of Tregs in co-cultures of isolated effector Th cells and Tregs showed significantly increased suppressive capacity of marathoners' Tregs after the race. Compared with controls, marathoners live with permanent changes in certain immune parameters. Marathoners exhibit a stable pro-inflammatory cytokine polarization that increases after the race and is counterbalanced by increased numbers of Tregs overexpressing FoxP3 and having increased suppressive capacity.

Safety evaluation of Veillonella atypica FB0054 with genotoxicity and subchronic toxicological studies.

Veillonella atypica is a nonmotile, nonsporulating anaerobic bacteria commonly found in various human biofilms. V. atypica FB0054 was isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of marathon runners, who have increased amounts of this species after athletic events. Interestingly, the consumption of this strain by rodents has been shown to increase their treadmill endurance, leading to the hypothesis that consumption of this species may improve athletic performance in humans as well. Further evaluation, in humans, of the usefulness of this strain should be preceded by safety studies. Therefore, the genotoxic and subchronic toxicological potential was evaluated as a contribution to this effort. Genotoxicity investigation was performed using the in vivo comet assay and in vivo mammalian micronucleus assay due to the anaerobic characteristic of the strain. A 90-day, repeated-dose oral toxicity study was performed in rats up to 2200 mg/kg bw/d to investigate general toxicity and identify any target organs. Mitsuoka buffer, a solution shown to preserve the viability of anaerobic bacteria, was used as the vehicle. All three studies revealed no toxicological effects from exposure to FB0054 was isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of marathon runners, who have increased amounts of this species after athletic events. Interestingly, the consumption of this strain by rodents has been shown to increase their treadmill endurance, leading to the hypothesis that consumption of this species may improve athletic performance in humans as well. Further evaluation, in humans, of the usefulness of this strain should be preceded by safety studies. Therefore, the genotoxic and subchronic toxicological potential was evaluated as a contribution to this effort. Genotoxicity investigation was performed using the in vivo comet assay and in vivo mammalian micronucleus assay due to the anaerobic characteristic of the strain. A 90-day, repeated-dose oral toxicity study was performed in rats up to 2200 mg/kg bw/d to investigate general toxicity and identify any target organs. Mitsuoka buffer, a solution shown to preserve the viability of anaerobic bacteria, was used as the vehicle. All three studies revealed no toxicological effects from exposure to FB0054 at the highest doses tested.

The PPARGC1A Gly482Ser polymorphism is associated with elite long-distance running performance

ABSTRACT Success in long-distance running relies on multiple factors including oxygen utilisation and lactate metabolism, and genetic associations with athlete status suggest elite competitors are heritably predisposed to superior performance. The Gly allele of the PPARGC1A Gly482Ser rs8192678 polymorphism has been associated with endurance athlete status and favourable aerobic training adaptations. However, the association of this polymorphism with performance amongst long-distance runners remains unclear. Accordingly, this study investigated whether rs8192678 was associated with elite status and competitive performance of long-distance runners. Genomic DNA from 656 Caucasian participants including 288 long-distance runners (201 men, 87 women) and 368 non-athletes (285 men, 83 women) was analysed. Medians of the 10 best UK times (Top10) for 10 km, half-marathon and marathon races were calculated, with all included athletes having personal best (PB) performances within 20% of Top10 (this study’s definition of “elite”). Genotype and allele frequencies were compared between athletes and non-athletes, and athlete PB compared between genotypes. There were no differences in genotype frequency between athletes and non-athletes, but athlete Ser allele carriers were 2.5% faster than Gly/Gly homozygotes (p = 0.030). This study demonstrates that performance differences between elite long-distance runners are associated with rs8192678 genotype, with the Ser allele appearing to enhance performance.

Ayurveda Treatment for Cardiorespiratory Endurance Enhancement in a Marathon Runner—A Case Study in a 21-Year-Old Athlete

Abstract Marathon runners are a group of endurance athletes who spend a remarkable amount of energy during which they may manifest fatigue and restlessness. However, these athletes are prone to musculoskeletal and cardiovascular disorders when not under ideal dietary recommendations or medical supervision. The existing medical remedies seem to be self-administered “commercial supplements” for the improvement of cardiopulmonary endurance (CPE), which may affect the functioning of the kidney. We present a case of a marathon runner who presented with generalized weakness/fatigue during running, lack of sleep, and appetite, seeking improvement in overall health condition for his run. We considered the case to be of an endurance athlete in need of improved CPE and initiated an ayurvedic treatment and dietary plan. Ashwagandha, Triphala, and Gokshura churnas significantly improved the CPE while simultaneously improving his generalized weakness after treatment.

THE ROLE AND THE STATUS OF MARATHON RUNNING IN MODERN ATHLETICS

Marathon running is a track and field discipline that is included in the program of the Olympic Games. Currently, the distance of the classic marathon race is 42 km 195 m. This discipline has a strong influence on the development of athletics in general, and especially on types of running . Its accessibility allows both young and mature people to run, as well as participate in relevant competitions. The popularity is due to its positive effect on the human body. Despite the positive effect of marathon running on the body, a number of authors hold the opposite point of view, according to which the popularization of this sport is not encouraged because it negatively affects health. The aim of the research is to identify the geography and pace of the spread of marathon running, as well as its role in the process of development of the mass of track and field running. To achieve the goal of the study, we used the methods of analysis of the synthesis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature. Marathon running is a powerful motivation for millions of people to run. Currently, the popularization and geography of marathon running, as well as running in many countries of the world has significantly expanded. Along with this, a number of specialists, doctors oppose the popularization of marathon running, since fatal cases are known. The marathon is one of the most important components of athletics in the program of the modern Olympic Games. Being quite popular, marathon running has become not only an encouragement for the development of cross-country athletics, but has also brought many people from different countries of the world to running courses, since a properly organized training process promotes health, the formation of a healthy lifestyle and is the key to longevity.

ALÍVIO DA FADIGA ESPORTIVA APÓS CORRIDAS DE MARATONA POR ALONGAMENTO PNF

ABSTRACT Introduction: Marathon running requires stretching practices to relieve fatigue after exercise. The Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) technique is an advanced stretching technique that allows segmenting of a specific muscle group for simultaneous stretching and strengthening. Objective: This paper explores the effect of PNF stretching exercise on relieving sports fatigue after marathon races. Methods: In this paper, 160 marathon runners were selected for the experiment, and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed the PNF stretching exercise, while the control group remained with traditional stretching without any new intervention. Fatigue was assessed according to the heart rate, collected before, during, and after the experiment. Results: After nine weeks of PNF stretching training, the heart rate in the experimental group changed from 65.35 to 62.46 in the morning; during training, the group’s heart rate changed from 180.79 to 173.04; after recovery, the first group’s heart rate changed from 82.88 to 81.88. In the control group, the heart rate of the group also showed changes from 65.29 to 68.86 in the morning; during training, it changed from 180.7 to 175.49; and after recovery, from 86.23 to 88.4. Conclusion: PNF stretching exercise has a positive effect on relieving sports fatigue after marathon races. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Marathon running and cell-cycle arrest biomarkers of acute kidney injury.

Endurance exercise is known to cause a rise in serum creatinine. It is not known to what extent this rise reflects renal stress and a potential acute kidney injury (AKI). Increases in Insulin Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 7 (IGFBP7) and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloprotinases-2 (TIMP-2), urinary biomarkers of cell cycle arrest and renal stress, are associated with the development of AKI in clinical populations. Repeated measures study. Runners were recruited at the 2019 Brighton Marathon (UK) and provided urine and blood samples at baseline, immediately post-race and 24 h post-race. Serum creatinine, urinary creatinine and urinary IGFBP7 and TIMP-2 were analysed from the samples. Seventy nine participants (23 females, 56 males), aged 43 ± 10 yrs. (mean ± SD), finish time 243 ± 40mins were included for analysis. Serum creatinine increased over the race by 40 ± 26% (p < 0.001), TIMP-2 increased by 555 ± 697% (p < 0.001) and IGFBP7 increased by 1094 ± 1491% (p < 0.001) over the race. A subset of twenty-two participants supplied samples 24 h post-race, reporting values similar to baseline for all variables. This study is the first to report large rises in IGFBP7 and TIMP-2 following marathon running. This suggests that rises in creatinine are not fully explained by changes in production and clearance and marathon running induces a state of kidney stress and potential injury.

EFEITOS DO TREINAMENTO DE RESISTÊNCIA SOBRE A TOLERÂNCIA AO EXERCÍCIO EM CORREDORES DE MARATONA

ABSTRACT Introduction: A high index of exercise tolerance is fundamental for marathon runners, indicating a good capacity to perform the exercises considering their maximum duration and workload. Objective: Evaluate the effects of resistance training with different loads on exercise tolerance of marathon runners. Methods: 120 professional long-distance runners were selected as volunteers for the experiment. Divided into experimental groups A, B and Control, the intervention had a 9-week period. The experimental groups A and B received resistance training with different loads, while the Control group did not undergo training intervention. Results: Upper limb muscle mass increased from 3.38 ± 0.18 to 3.75 ± 0.37 in group A; from 3.40 ± 0.15 to 3.66 ± 0.31 in group B; peak biceps brachii moment increased from 53.60 ± 6.27 to 62.97 ± 8.87 in group A; from 53.67 ± 5.68 to 58.48 ± 6.16 in group B; from 5. 37 ± 2.16 to 5.73 ± 2.67 in group A; from 7.21 ± 2.62 to 6.76 ± 4.36 in group B; and from 154.86 ± 19.69 to 108.30 ± 31.75 in group A; group B presented a reduction from 156.97 ± 46.13 to 116.45 ± 39.09, and the data from the control group did not change significantly. Conclusion: Resistance training with different loads in daily training can effectively improve the endurance of long-distance runners. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

EFEITO DO TREINAMENTO DE EQUILÍBRIO SOBRE A APTIDÃO FÍSICA DOS MARATONISTAS

ABSTRACT Introduction: As a comprehensive sport, Marathon presents high demands concerning the athletes’ comprehensive capacity. Objective: This paper explores to what extent balance skill training can effectively contribute to improving physical fitness for marathon runners. Methods: 120 marathon runners were selected for the pilot experiment. The experimental group received balance training, while the control group underwent no intervention. Results: In the experimental group, the time with eyes closed and feet apart increased from 33.559 ± 15.8570 to 37.203 ± 15.5865s, the time spent in the T-shaped run from 10.144 ± 0.5063s to 9.908 ± 0.5225s, the time spent in the standing long jump from 2.831 ± 0.2648m to 3.058 ± 0.3183m, and the time spent in the T-shaped run from 55.544 ± 2.2581 to 60.845 ± 2.4367 times/min. The total FMS score changed from 14.618 ± 0.9392 to 18.481 ± 1.3909. Shoulder flexibility increased from 2.777 ± 0.4756 to 2.917 ± 0.2994, and active straight knee raise changed from 2.306 ± 0.4692 to 2.803 ± 0.403. Conclusion: Daily balance training can be added to usual marathon training to improve the fitness of its athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Atypical Unilateral Sacral Stress Fracture in a Marathon Runner

Stress fractures are common overuse injuries in athletic population. They contribute to 15-20% of all cases in a sports medicine clinic [1,2]. These injuries occurs when a normal bone is exposed to excessive, repetitive forces leading to altered bone homeostasis with predominant osteoclastic function with osseous breakdown leading to micro fractures in the bone which may progress to a frank fracture line in the setting of continued exposure[3].

Probiotic supplementation improves memory in marathon runners

Probiotic supplementation improves memory in marathon runners

Awareness and practice of adaptive strategies for acclimatization to environmental conditions among marathon runners

Awareness and practice of adaptive strategies for acclimatization to environmental conditions among marathon runners

Non-Invasive estimation of muscle fiber type using ultra Sonography

Introduction: The aim of this study was to estimate the muscle fiber type i.e., fast/white muscle fibers and slow/red muscle fibers) on the basis of selected muscle architectural parameters i.e., Pen-nation angle, Muscle thickness and Fascicle Length of Rectus Femoris and Vastus Lateralis using ultrasound image analysis. Materials and Methods: In this work of investigation, a total sample comprised of 30 highly trained male athletes of Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh was considered as sample for present investigation. Purposive sampling technique was employed for selecting sample, out of which 15 were marathon runners and 15 were 100-meter sprinters. The selected subjects’ age ranged between 19 to 25 years. Muscle architectural parameters such as Pen-nation angle, Fascicle length, and Muscle thickness were measured using a B-Mode ultrasonography method (Model-WIPRO GE VOLUSON E 6). Results: The developed estimate model explains 54.6% to 72.8% of the variation in muscle fiber type. Thus, the logistic regression equation developed was: - Log p/(1-p) = 10.955 - 3.278 (VL_FL) + 1.267 (VL_PA). Conclusion: The wald statistics obtained from the logistic model revealed that decreasing the vastus lateralis pen nation angle by one unit increases the likelihood of having white muscle fiber by 2.54 times, while increasing the Vastus Lateralis Fascicle Length by one unit increases the likelihood of having white muscle fiber by 0.62 times. In order to determine muscle fiber type on the basis of muscle architectural parameters Vastus lateralis pen-nation angle and fascicle length were the most discriminating variables among selected fiber types.

Marathon running: Blowing the whistle on race-related cardiac arrest

Marathon running: Blowing the whistle on race-related cardiac arrest

Assessment of left ventricular systolic function using a non-invasive index of myocardial work in amateur marathon runners

Assessment of left ventricular systolic function using a non-invasive index of myocardial work in amateur marathon runners

“I loved it, absolutely loved it” a qualitative study exploring what student podiatrists learn volunteering as part of an interprofessional medical team at a marathon

BackgroundFinal year podiatry students volunteer annually as part of the wider interprofessional medical team at both the Brighton and London Marathon race events, supervised by qualified podiatrists, allied health professionals and physicians. Volunteering has been reported to be a positive experience for all participants and a way of developing a range of professional, transferable, and where appropriate, clinical skills. We sought to explore the lived experience of 25 students who volunteered at one of these events and aimed to: i) examine the experiential learning reported by students while volunteering in a dynamic and demanding clinical field environment; ii) determine whether there were elements of learning that could be translated to the traditional teaching environment in a pre-registration podiatry course.MethodsA qualitative design framework informed by the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis, was adopted to explore this topic. We used IPA principles to enable analysis of four focus groups over a two-year period to generate findings. Focus group conversations were led by an external researcher, recorded, independently transcribed verbatim and anonymised prior to analysis by two different researchers. To enhance credibility, data analysis was followed by independent verification of themes, in addition to respondent validation.ResultsIn total, five themes were identified: i) a new inter-professional working environment, ii) identification of unexpected psychosocial challenges, iii) the rigors of a non-clinical environment, iv) clinical skill development, and v) learning in an interprofessional team.SummaryThroughout the focus group conversations, a range of positive and negative experiences were reported by the students. This volunteering opportunity fills a gap in learning as perceived by students, particularly around developing clinical skills and interprofessional working. However, the sometimes-frantic nature of a Marathon race event can both facilitate and impede learning. To maximize learning opportunities, particularly in the interprofessional environment, preparing students for new or different clinical settings remains a considerable challenge.