Master Runners Research Articles

Running biomechanical and isokinetic strength differences in masters runners with and without Achilles tendinopathy

ABSTRACT Masters runners are an increasing proportion of the running community. The most significant musculoskeletal changes in runners occur after the age of 50 in addition to changes in injury rates and types, the most common being Achilles tendinopathy (AT). Previous evidence has suggested similarities between risk factors for AT and age-related changes that are focused at the hip and the ankle during the propulsive stage of running. The purpose of this study was to investigate biomechanical and peak torque association to AT in masters runners. Thirty-two masters runners over age 50 with AT (60.31 ± 8.37, n = 16) and without (59.94 ± 4.95 n = 16) were included. 3D motion capture and force plates were used to assess running biomechanics. A motor-driven dynamometer was used to assess isokinetic peak torque production. No significant differences in running biomechanics were found between masters runners with and without AT. Hip peak isokinetic torque production was found to be significantly less in masters runners with AT, but no significant differences in ankle plantarflexion peak isokinetic torque production were found. Masters runners with AT may be able to adapt their running biomechanics and muscular torque production during submaximal running efforts.

Bone health and the masters runner.

Masters runners are often defined as those ages 35 years and older who train and compete in running events. These runners represent a growing population of the overall running community and experience running-related injuries including bone stress injuries (BSIs). Similar to younger runners, health considerations in masters runners include the goal to optimize bone health with focus on mitigating age-associated loss of bone strength and preventing BSIs through a combination of ensuring appropriate physical activity, optimizing nutrition, and correcting faulty biomechanics. Importantly, BSIs in masters runners may include characteristics of both overuse injury from insufficient recovery and failure of bone weakened by age-related loss of bone (insufficiency fractures). This narrative review covers the limited available research on strategies to optimize bone health in masters runners. Applying knowledge on masters athletes and extrapolating from other populations, we propose strategies on treatment and prevention of BSIs. Finally, the review highlights gaps in knowledge that require further age-specific discoveries to advance treatment and prevention.

Spatiotemporal and kinematic adjustments in master runners may be associated with the relative physiological effort during running.

Master runners maintain a similar running economy to young runners, despite displaying biomechanical characteristics that are associated with a worse running economy. This apparent paradox may be explained by a greater physiological effort-i.e., percentage of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2-max)-that master runners perform at a given speed. Moreover, age-related responses to non-exhaustive sustained running are yet underexplored. The aims of this study were, therefore, to examine if biomechanical adjustments in master runners are physiological-effort dependent, and to explore the age-related biomechanical changes during a non-exhaustive sustained run. Young (23.9 ± 6; n = 12) and master (47.3 ± 6.9; n = 12) runners performed a sustained 30-minute treadmill run matched for relative physiological effort (70% VO2-max), while spatiotemporal and lower-limb kinematic characteristics were collected during the 1st and 30th minute. Group differences were observed in step/stride length, knee touch-down angle, and knee stiffness. However, both groups of runners had a similar step frequency, vertical center of mass oscillation, and knee range of motion. Age-related adjustment in these latter characteristics may thus not be an inevitable result of the aging process but rather a strategy to maintain running economy. The relative physiological effort of runners should, therefore, be considered when examining age-related adjustments in running biomechanics.

“Impact of aging on maximal oxygen uptake adjusted for lower limb lean mass, total body mass, and absolute values in runners”

Performance in endurance sports decreases with aging, which has been primarily attributed to cardiovascular and musculoskeletal aging; however, there is still no clear information on the factors that are most affected by aging. The aim of this study was to compare two groups of runners (< 50 and > 50 years of age) according to their absolute, weight-adjusted maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), lower limb lean mass-adjusted V̇O2max, ventilatory threshold, and respiratory compensation point (RCP). A total of 78 male recreational long-distance runners were divided into Group 1 (38.12 ± 6.87 years) and Group 2 (57.55 ± 6.14 years). Participants were evaluated for body composition, V̇O2max, VT, and RCP. Group 1 showed higher absolute and body mass-adjusted V̇O2max (4.60 ± 0.57 l·min−1 and 61.95 ± 8.25 ml·kg−1·min−1, respectively) than Group 2 (3.77 ± 0.56 l·min−1 and 51.50 ± 10.22 ml·kg−1·min−1, respectively), indicating a significant difference (p < 0.001, d = − 1.46 and p < 0.001, d = − 1.16). Correspondingly, Group 1 showed a significantly higher lower limb lean mass–adjusted V̇O2max (251.72 ± 29.60 ml·kgLM−1·min−1) than Group 2 (226.36 ± 43.94 ml·kgLM−1·min−1) (p = 0.008, d = − 0.71). VT (%V̇O2max) (p = 0.19, d = 0.19) and RCP (%V̇O2max) (p = 0.24, d = 0.22) did not differ between the groups. These findings suggest that both variables that are limited by central or peripheral conditions are negatively affected by aging, but the magnitude of the effect is higher in variables limited by central conditions. These results contribute to our understanding of how aging affects master runners.

Micronutrient supplement intakes among collegiate and masters athletes: A cross-sectional study.

In our cross-sectional study, we evaluated micronutrient supplementation intake among Collegiate and Masters Athletes. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess micronutrient supplementation consumption in Collegiate and Masters Athletes, comparing sex and sport classification within each respective group. Micronutrient supplement consumption data were measured using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. A two-way analysis of variance was used to explore the differences among Collegiate and Masters Athletes' supplement intakes of the following vitamins and minerals: vitamins A, B6, B12, C, E, D, and calcium, folate, iron, magnesium niacin, riboflavin, selenium, thiamine, and zinc. When significant differences were found, a Bonferroni post hoc test was performed to identify specific group differences. The significance level was set a priori at p < 0.05. A total of 198 athletes (105 females and 93 males) were included in the study. Participants were 36.16 ± 12.33 years of age. Collegiate male athletes had significantly greater vitamin A [1,090.51 ± 154.72 vs. 473.93 ± 233.18 mg retinol activity equivalents (RAE)/day] (p < 0.036), folate [337.14 ± 44.79 vs. 148.67 ± 67.50 mcg dietary folate equivalents (DFE)/day] (p < 0.027), and magnesium (65.35 ± 8.28 vs. 31.28 ± 12.48 mg/day) (p < 0.031) intakes compared to Collegiate female athletes. Collegiate CrossFit Athletes (940.71 ± 157.54 mg/day) had a significantly greater vitamin C intake compared to Collegiate General Athletes (156.34 ± 67.79 mg/day) (p < 0.005), Collegiate Triathletes (88.57 ± 148.53 mg/day) (p < 0.027), Collegiate Resistance Training Athletes (74.28 ± 143.81 mg/day) (p < 0.020), and Collegiate Powerlifters (175.71 ± 128.63 mg/day) (p < 0.044). Masters females had significantly greater calcium intakes compared to Masters males (494.09 ± 65.73 vs.187.89 ± 77.23 mg/day, respectively) (p < 0.002). Collegiate Runners (41.35 ± 6.53 mg/day) had a significantly greater iron intake compared to Collegiate Powerlifters (4.50 ± 6.53 mg/day) (p < 0.024). Masters Swimmers (61.43 ± 12.10 mg/day) had significantly greater iron intakes compared to Masters General Athletes (13.97 ± 3.56 mg/day) (p < 0.014), Masters Runners (17.74 ± 2.32 mg/day) (p < 0.03), Masters Triathletes (11.95 ± 3.73 mg/day) (p < 0.008), Masters CrossFit Athletes (15.93 ± 5.36 mg/day) (p < 0.043), Masters Rowers (9.10 ± 3.36 mg/day) (p < 0.003), and Masters Cyclists (1.71 ± 9.88 mg/day) (p < 0.011). Masters Powerlifters (47.14 ± 9.65 mg/day) had significantly greater zinc intakes compared to Masters General Athletes (9.57 ± 2.84 mg/day) (p < 0.015), Masters Runners (10.67 ± 1.85 mg/day) (p < 0.017), Masters Triathletes (10.24 ± 2.98 mg/day) (p < 0.020), Masters Rowers (9.33 ± 2.68 mg/day) (p < 0.013), and Masters Cyclists (1.43 ± 7.88 mg/day) (p < 0.019). There were no other significant differences among the other micronutrient supplement intakes between the sexes or among the sport classification. We reported significant differences among female and male Collegiate and Masters Athletes. Additionally, we reported significant differences among Collegiate and Masters Athletes sport classifications. Further research should examine both dietary and micronutrient supplement intake among Collegiate and Masters Athletes to examine the extent that athletes exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), and the potential effects on health and performance.

Effects of Sixty-Minute Race-Pace Running on Cardiac Stress Biomarkers in Recreational Distance Runners

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes is generally rare, but a serious complication of cardiovascular events during exercise. Although regular intensive physical exercise is thought to be a key to a healthy life, unsuspected pathologies might lead to SCD during or after physical activity. Cardiac dysfunction and elevated cardiac markers have been reported after prolonged exercise. We sought to clarify the cardiac marker levels and hydration status in healthy, middle-aged male subjects for 24 hours after running sixty-minute at race-pace. The participants were 47.4±1.7 years old, had peak oxygen consumption of 47.1±1.2ml/kg/min, and regularly running 70.5±6.4km/week. Blood biomarkers were performed before, immediately after, at the fourth and twenty-fourth hours after running. Compared to initial values, creatine kinase (before:161.2±22.5U/L, 24 hours after:411.9±139.7U/L, p&lt;0.001) and CK-MB (before:4.3±0.7ng/ml, 24 hours after:10.1±3.0ng/ml, p&lt;0.001) were significantly elevated immediately after running and remained significantly high for 24 hours. In addition, Troponin-I (before:5.0±1.1ng/l, 4 hours after:81.5±29.9ng/l, p&lt;0.001) and NT-proBNP (before: 31.2±5.3pg/ml, immediately after: 64.4±8.5pg/ml, p&lt;0.01) were significantly elevated immediately after running and returned to baseline levels in 24 hours. The sixty-minute running caused significant dehydration, but athletes were rehydrated at the 4th hour in their voluntary hydration behavior. As the individual data were analyzed, it was interesting to see that some of the athletes had critical biomarker levels without any cardiac symptom. Our findings indicate that race-pace sixty-minute running may induce a possible transient silent myocardial injury in apparently healthy master runners. Detailed pre-participation screening of these athletes may be necessary to reduce the risk of SCD.

Sex Differences in the Speed-Duration Relationship of Elite Runners across the Lifespan.

To determine if the speed-duration relationship is altered with age and sex of elite Master's runners. The world's top 10 performances for men and women in three events (800, 1500, and 5000 m) across six age groups (18-34 yr, 40-49 yr, 50-59 yr, 60-69 yr, 70-79 yr, and 80-89 yr) were analyzed from public data to establish theoretical models of the speed-duration relationship. Critical speed (CS) and the curvature constant ( D ') were estimated by fitting the average speeds and performance times with a two-parameter hyperbolic model. Critical speed expressed relative to the 18- to 34-yr-olds, declined with age (92.2% [40-49] to 55.2% [80-89]; P < 0.001), and absolute CS was higher in men than women within each age group ( P < 0.001). The percent difference in CS between the men and women progressively increased across age groups (10.8% [18-34] to 15.5% [80-89]). D ' was lower in women than men in the 60-69 yr, 70-79 yr, and 80-89 yr age groups ( P < 0.001), but did not differ in the 18-34 yr, 40-49 yr, or 50-59 yr age groups. Critical speed progressively decreased with age, likely due to age-related decrements in several physiological systems that cause reduced aerobic capacity. The mechanism for the larger sex difference in CS in the older age groups is unknown but may indicate physiological differences that occur with aging and/or historical sociological factors that have reduced participation opportunities of older female runners resulting in a more limited talent pool.

Immediate Effects of Manipulating Footwear or Cadence on the Lower Limb Biomechanics of Female Masters Runners.

The objective of this study was to compare the immediate effects of modifications to footwear or cadence on lower limb biomechanics of female Masters runners. After analyzing habitual treadmill running biomechanics in 20 female runners (52.4 [8.3]y), we assessed the effects of 5 conditions: (1)barefoot running, (2)Merrell Vapor Glove, (3)Merrell Bare Access, (4)Brooks Pure Flow, and (5)increasing cadence by 10%. In comparison with habitual biomechanics, greater vertical loading rates of the ground reaction force were observed during running barefoot or with a Merrell Vapor Glove or Bare Access. There was high variability among participants as to changes in foot kinematics during the conditions. Running barefoot (-26.0%) and with a Merrell Vapor Glove (-12.5%) reduced sagittal plane knee moments, but increased sagittal plane ankle moments (both 6.1%). Increasing cadence by 10% resulted in a more modest decrease in knee flexion moments (-7.7%) without increasing peak external ankle dorsiflexion moments. When asked if they would prefer minimalist shoes or increasing cadence, 11 participants (55%) chose cadence and 9 (45%) chose footwear. Minimalist footwear decreased sagittal knee moments, but increased vertical loading rate and sagittal ankle moments. Increasing cadence may be useful to lower sagittal knee moments without increasing ankle moments.

A New Approach for Evaluation of Cardiovascular Fitness and Cardiac Responses to Maximal Exercise Test in Master Runners: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to analyze the cardiac autonomic function at rest, at maximum exercise, and in recovery after exercise and to determine sex-specific and age-specific values for resting heart rate (RHR), hear rate (HR)-peak, HR recovery (HRR), and HR variability at rest in master runners. Fifty endurance runners (21 women) participated in this study (43.28 ± 5.25 years). The subjects came from different athletic clubs in Andalusia (Spain), and the testing protocol was performed in-season. A 3-km running test was performed and the cardiovascular response was monitored. Regarding sex, no significant differences were found regarding cardiovascular autonomic function at rest, during exercise, and following maximal exercise, only at rest, the standard deviation of all R-R intervals and low frequency values displayed significantly (p < 0.05) lower scores in women. 46% of athletes showed an RHR < 60 bpm. Additionally, HR-peak showed a significant correlation with age (r = −0.369; p = 0.009) and HRR5min (r = 0.476, p = 0.001). Also, endurance performance was inversely associated with obesity traits and cardiometabolic risk factors. In summary, age, sex, fitness, or anthropometrics characteristics did not show a relevant influence on cardiovascular autonomic modulation in master runners. However, the 3-km performance displayed a significant negative association with several factors of cardiometabolic risk.

Association between age and muscle function, architecture, and composition in long-distance master runners: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to describe the muscle function, architecture, and composition of long-distance master runners, and verify the association between age and these variables. Additionally, different clusters of runners were compared based on age and training variables. Forty male runners (≥50 years) reported their training routine and had their muscle function evaluated through maximum knee extensor isometric peak torque (PT) assessed with an isokinetic dynamometer. The cross-sectional area (CSA), pennation angle (PA), fascicle length (FL), muscle thickness (MT), and echo intensity (EI) were evaluated through ultrasound (muscle architecture and composition). The participants were 58.7±6.2 years old and had been training for 18.4±10.3 years, 4 sessions/week with 298.8±164.7 min/week of training. The absolute torque was 226.92±63.44 N·m, and the specific torque (PT/CSA) was 7.29±3.78 N·m/cm2. Regarding muscle architecture, the phase angle was 17.34±4°, the fascicle angle 6.78±1.04 cm, muscle thickness 2.93±0.56 cm, and the cross-sectional area 21.24±5.88 cm2. Concerning muscle composition, the master runners showed echo intensity values of 62.05±11.68 AU. The analysis demonstrated a weak and negative association between age and some muscle architecture variables (CSA and MT) and muscle function (PT). No association was verified between age and muscle composition (EI). Age partially explained CSA, MT, and muscle function changes (13, 11, and 14%, respectively). Participants' high level of physical training might have contributed to the low association between these variables and the lack of association with muscle composition.

The importance of aerobic capacity and nutrition in recreational master mountain runners’ performance and race-induced changes in body composition and biochemical blood indices

This study aimed to explore the importance of aerobic capacity and nutrition on 28-km mountain running performance and race-induced changes in body composition and biochemical blood indices, in recreational master athletes of different performance levels. Twenty male master runners (age: 44.6 ± 7.7 years) were divided into two groups, slower and faster runners, according to their race performance. Maximum oxygen uptake [Formula: see text], velocity at [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], oxygen consumption [Formula: see text], and velocity [Formula: see text] during the second ventilatory threshold were evaluated. Nutrition was assessed for one week before and during the race. Body composition was evaluated, and blood samples were collected before and 3 h after the race. Slower runners exhibited a greater reduction in lean body mass and greater changes in all muscle damage/inflammation/metabolism blood indices than the faster runners ( η2 = 0.201–0.927; p &lt; 0.05). When all the participants were assessed as one group ( n = 20), significant correlations were found between ([Formula: see text], vVO2Thr, race time, energy intake, expenditure, carbohydrate, protein intakes, and post-race changes in body composition and blood markers ( r: −0.825–0.824; p &lt; 0.05). The strongest determinants were ([Formula: see text] and vVO2Thr, while energy intake, expenditure, carbohydrate, and protein intakes seemed to be the weakest determinants of race performance and race-induced changes in body composition and blood indices. The results suggest that race-induced changes in body composition and blood indices are determined mainly by master runners’ race performance and endurance capacity and to a lesser extent by nutrition. However, it seems that carbohydrate and protein intakes have equal importance.

The importance of protein intake in master marathon runners

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between protein intake (during the tapering period and the race), marathon performance, body composition, acute race-induced changes, and selected metabolic– and muscle damage–related blood biomarkers in recreational master runners. MethodsIn 58 experienced master runners (58.28 y ± 1.07 y, 174.06 cm ± 0.72 cm, 78.51 kg ± 0.76 kg body mass, 21.38% ± 0.52% body fat, mean ± SEM), nutritional intake was evaluated 1 wk before the race and during the marathon. Body composition was evaluated before and 2 h after the race. Blood samples were collected at the same time points. ResultsBody fat and lean body mass (LBM) were significantly reduced after the marathon (P < 0.01; η2: 0.311–0.888). Significant negative correlations were observed between energy intake from carbohydrates and proteins (expressed per LBM), marathon performance, and race-induced changes of blood metabolic-muscle damage indices (P < 0.05; r: –0.522 to –0.789). Positive correlations were observed between energy from carbohydrates and proteins per LBM, and body mass and LBM changes (P < 0.05; r: 0.485–0.814). The specific contribution of protein intakes per LBM (beta coefficient: –0.789 to 0.615) on race-induced changes of body composition and blood markers was the same as that of carbohydrate intakes per LBM (beta coefficient: –0.777 to 0.559). ConclusionsMarathon-induced changes in body composition and metabolic blood indices are highly related to protein intake, either during the tapering period or during the race, with runners experiencing the lowest changes when consuming higher protein intakes.

Greater Semantic Memory Activation After Exercise Training Cessation in Older Endurance-Trained Athletes.

To examine the effects of a 10-day exercise-training cessation on semantic memory functional activation in older distance runners. Ten master runners (62.6 ± 7.0years) with a long-term endurance-training history (29.0 ± 6.0years) underwent a 10-day training cessation. Before and immediately after the training cessation, semantic memory activation was measured during the famous name recognition task, using functional magnetic resonance imaging. The 10-day training cessation resulted in greater semantic memory activation in three brain regions, including the left inferior frontal gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, and inferior semilunar lobule. The 10-day training cessation did not significantly alter famous name recognition task performance. The findings demonstrate that even a relatively short period without exercise training alters the functional activation patterns of semantic memory-related neural networks. Increased semantic memory activation after training cessation may indicate reduced neural efficiency during successful memory retrieval.

A field tool for the aerobic power evaluation of middle-aged female recreational runners

ABSTRACT This study used time to exhaustion (TTE) to predict V̇O2max in female recreational master runners. Forty-two middle-aged women (mean = 40.5 ± 5.9 years) who had trained for recreational running performed two Université de Montréal Track Tests in the facilities of the University of Barcelona (Spain). The first was performed on a treadmill (t), the second, on an athletics track (field: f). After measuring TTE and V̇O2max on the treadmill, a first-order equation was obtained to estimate fV̇O2max from fTTE. No significant difference was observed between the estimated fV̇O2max (46.5 ± 2.9 mL·kg−1·min−1) and the measured tV̇O2max (46.2 ± 5.3), with a mean value of the absolute differences of less than 8% of the tV̇O2max average. High agreement between the two V̇O2max values was also evident, as shown by the low bias of the differences and the Bland-Altman plot. The equation obtained is of interest to evaluate performance in middle-aged female recreational runners. It will allow coaches and runners to set running paces for training and could be used in training routines to determine improvements after a training program. Moreover, these tools could be used in the field to assess the physical fitness of middle-aged women, in efforts to preserve their health and physical function.

Participation and Performance Analysis in Children and Adolescents Competing in Time-Limited Ultra-Endurance Running Events.

Ultra-endurance running is of increasing popularity in the adult population, mainly due to master runners older than 35 years of age. However, youth runners younger than 19 years of age are also competing in ultra-endurance events, and an increase has been observed in distance-limited events, but no data is available on time-limited ultra-endurance events in this age group. This study investigated participation and performance trends in time-limited ultra-endurance races, including multi-day events, in runners younger than 19 years of age. Between the period 1990 and 2018, the most popular events recorded a total of 214 finishes (from 166 unique finishers (UF)) for 6-h events, 247 (212 UF) for 12-h events, and 805 (582 UF) for 24-h events, respectively. The majority of athletes originated from Europe and North America. Only a minority participated in multi-day events. Overall, speed increased with age, but the overall performance speed decreased across calendar years for 6- and 24-h events as participation numbers grew. In summary, in youth ultra-endurance runners, differences were observed regarding participation and performance across the different time-limited events, the age of the athletes and their country of origin

Predictors of long-distance race performance in master runners.

To determine predictors of temperature-converted VDOT in master runners training for a long-distance race (10-26.2 mi). Twenty-three master runners (age 57±9 years; eight females) performed treadmill marathon-intensity-effort (MIE) and V .O2peak tests within four weeks of their goal race. The MIE occurred at 88% of predicted maximum heart rate, which corresponds to estimated marathon intensity. Participants completed online training-history surveys. Forward stepwise multiple linear regression was used to find key predictors of VDOT. The alpha level for significance was .05. Converted VDOT was significantly associated with three-year peak weekly training distance (3YP) (r = 0.454, p = .039), V .O2peak (r = 0.845, p = .000), alloV .O2 (r = 0.623, p = .005), and EC (r = -0.528, p = .018). The best-fitting model included V .O2peak and 3YP (r = 0.898). Physiological and training factors are related to race performance in master runners. The best predictors of VDOT are V .O2peak and 3YP. Training to enhance these variables may improve distance-running performance in masters.

Do Fast Older Runners Pace Differently From Fast Younger Runners in the "New York City Marathon"?

Nikolaidis, PT and Knechtle, B. Do fast older runners pace differently from fast younger runners in the "New York City Marathon"? J Strength Cond Res 33(12): 3423-3430, 2019-Although pacing strategies in the marathon and generally in endurance running have been well studied with regard to the effects of age group and performance level, little is known for their interaction. Thus, the aim of this was to examine whether fast runners of different age differ for pacing. Finishers (women, n = 117,595; men, n = 180,487) in the "New York City" Marathon between 2006 and 2016 were analyzed in 5-year age groups. To examine the effect of performance, we created performance groups according to quartiles of average race speed (Q1-the fastest, Q2, Q3, and Q4-the slowest). A large main effect of split on race speed was observed in women and men with the fastest speed in the 5-10-km split and the slowest in the 35-40-km. Compared with the other performance groups, the slowest group had the largest percentage decrease in speed at 5, 10, 15, and 20 km but the largest percentage increase in speed at 35 and 40 km. The fastest group had the least decrease during the race and the least increase at 40 km. A trivial split × age group interaction on race speed was observed for all performance groups in both sexes. This interaction was more pronounced in Q4. Based on these findings, coaches should advise their slow master runners to adopt age-tailored pacing strategy, whereas their fast master runners should adopt similar pacing as the younger fast runners.

Improved Performance in Master Runners Competing in the European Championships Between 1978 and 2014.

Schneider, AL, Nikolaidis, PT, and Knechtle, B. Improved performance in master runners competing in the European championships between 1978 and 2014. J Strength Cond Res 33(9): 2559-2569, 2019-The performance trends in elite runners have been well investigated, but we have no knowledge about performance trends and the difference between the sexes in elderly runners competing at a high level in varying distances. The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of these age groups. Data from 17 European Championships held between 1978 and 2014 were analyzed for various race distances (i.e., 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,500, 5,000, 10,000 m, and marathon). Running speed for the top 8 female and male finalists for each age group (35-99 years, split into 5-year gaps) and each race distance were included. A 2-way analysis of variance compared the effects of sex, race distance, age group and calendar year on speed. Subsequent comparisons between race distances, age groups, or calendar years were performed using a post hoc Bonferroni's test. Our analysis shows that men were faster than women in all distances, and the difference between the sexes was greater in the shorter distances. Speed was higher for shorter distances than for longer distances. Younger participants were faster than older ones, and the effect of age group was the largest for the 200 m. There was a minor effect of calendar year on speed in the 100, 20, 1,500, 10,000 m and marathon, and a minor calendar year × sex interaction on running speed was shown for the 200 m. For athletes and coaches, the current study demonstrates that both male and female athletes improved their running performance over time and that the sex gap may have reached its limit.

Strength and Conditioning Habits of Competitive Distance Runners.

Blagrove, RC, Brown, N, Howatson, G, and Hayes, PR. Strength and conditioning habits of competitive distance runners. J Strength Cond Res 34(5): 1392-1399, 2020-Targeted strength and conditioning (S&C) programs can potentially improve performance and reduce injury risk factors in competitive runners. However, S&C practices of distance runners are unknown. This study aimed to explore S&C practices of competitive middle- and long-distance runners and examined whether reported frequency of injuries was influenced by training behaviors. One thousand eight hundred eighty-three distance runners (≥15 years old) completed an online survey. All runners who raced competitively were included in data analysis (n = 667). Distance runners mainly engaged with S&C activities to lower risk of injury (63.1%) and improve performance (53.8%). The most common activities used were stretching (86.2%) and core stability exercises (70.2%). Resistance training (RT) and plyometric training (PT) were used by 62.5 and 35.1% of runners, respectively. Junior (under-20) runners include PT, running drills, and circuit training more so than masters runners. Significantly more international standard runners engaged in RT, PT, and fundamental movement skills training compared with competitive club runners. Middle-distance (800-3,000 m) specialists were more likely to include RT, PT, running drills, circuit training, and barefoot exercises in their program than longer-distance runners. Injury frequency was associated with typical weekly running volume and run frequency. Strength and conditioning did not seem to confer a protection against the number of injuries the runners experienced. Practitioners working with distance runners should critically evaluate the current S&C practices of their athletes, to ensure that activities prescribed have a sound evidence-based rationale.

An Assessment of Training Characteristics Associated with Atrial Fibrillation in Masters Runners.

A growing body of literature supports an association between long-term endurance exercise and the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Given the benefits of lifelong exercise, a better understanding of this association is critical to allow healthcare providers to counsel aging exercisers on the proper “dose” of exercise to maximize health benefits but minimize AF risk. The current study examines the relationship between specific aspects of training volume and intensity and the occurrence of AF among older runners in order to better understand what aspects of endurance exercise may contribute to the development of AF. The study was an Internet-based survey of endurance training and health characteristics of runners 35 years of age and older. A total 2819 runners participated and 69 (2.4%) reported a current or prior diagnosis of AF. Among “traditional” risk factors, runners reporting AF were older, more likely to be male, and had higher rates of hypertension and diabetes. Among training characteristics, only accumulated years of training was associated with AF. In contrast, average weekly mileage, training pace, and days of training per week were not associated with AF. In a multivariable analysis that included chronologic age, sex, diabetes, and hypertension, accumulated years of training remained significantly associated with the report of AF. These findings suggest that the relationship between chronic endurance exercise and AF is dependent on the accumulated training duration but does not appear to be influenced by specific training characteristics such as frequency or intensity of endurance exercise. Further confirmation of these relationships may help healthcare providers counsel exercisers on optimal training habits and identify endurance athletes who are at risk for the development of AF.