Uphill Running Research Articles

Changes in Running Economy During a 65-km Ultramarathon.

Purpose: Running economy (RE), expressed as oxygen cost (O2 cost) and energy cost of running (Cr) is important in ultramarathon (UM) running as it can help predict race performance. Controversy remains if RE increases, decreases, or remains stable in UM running. We examined RE before, during, and after a 65-km UM.Methods: 15 male UM runners (mean age 45 ± 5.7 years) completed a standard exercise test (mean VO2max 48.8 ± 3.4 ml⋅kg-1⋅min-1) for determination of the individual testing speed (60% VO2max: mean speed 9.4 ± 0.7 km/h). This was followed by a 65-km UM (elevation ± 1093 m) consisting of three laps (each 21.7 km). Pre and post indirect calorimetry measurements at individual running speed on the treadmill at UM-specific slopes (average percentage of positive and negative elevation) at -3, +3%, and level grade were performed in randomized order on a motorized treadmill in the laboratory for calculation of RE. Additionally after each lap, testing at +3% took place.Results: The O2 cost, Cr, and RER increased significantly pre to post UM (p < 0.01). During the uphill running, a main effect of distance indicated a gradual, linear increase in O2 cost, F(2,28) = 5.81, p < 0.01, = 0.29, and Cr, F(2,28) = 5.96, p = 0.01, = 0.30.Conclusion: O2 cost and Cr increased significantly pre to post UM in all testing conditions as well as during the uphill testing throughout the UM. This is the first study to demonstrate a consistent increase in O2 cost and Cr among a range of different slopes, at individual running speeds and race-specific slopes giving further evidence that these measures of RE increase in UM running.

How does the slope gradient affect spatiotemporal parameters during running? Influence of athletic level and vertical and leg stiffness

BackgroundThe current evidence leaves certain questions unanswered, including whether well-trained athletes adapt to different slope gradients in the same way as amateurs, and whether stiffness influences spatiotemporal adaptations during uphill running. Research questionThis study aimed to determine the effect of different slope gradients (0%–11%) on spatiotemporal gait characteristics during running, taking into account the influence of athletic level, vertical and leg stiffness. MethodsMale endurance runners (12 amateurs, 10 highly-trained) performed a running test on a motorized treadmill. The running velocity was set at 12 km/h, and participants completed six different running conditions (0, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11% gradients). Spatiotemporal parameters were measured using the OptoGait system. Vertical (Kvert) and leg (Kleg) stiffness were calculated according to the sine-wave method. ResultsA 2 (amateur; highly-trained) × 6 (running conditions) ANOVA found no significant between-group differences in spatiotemporal parameters at any gradient (P ≥ 0.05); however, significant Kvert and Kleg differences (P < 0.05) were found within both groups with increasing gradients. Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that Kleg was strongly associated with contact time (R2 = 0.797, P < 0.001), whereas Kvert was associated with spatiotemporal adaptations to different slope gradients (R2 = 0.547, P = 0.002). SignificanceAn increased slope gradient (0–11%) at a given running velocity (12 km.h−1) caused spatiotemporal adaptations (i.e., increased CT and SF and decreased FT, SL and SA) regardless of the athletic level of the runner, although a non-significant trend differentiated the adaptations between the amateur and highly-trained groups. The results also indicated that leg stiffness plays a key role in the characteristics of spatiotemporal gait during level running, whereas vertical stiffness is strongly associated with spatiotemporal adaptations when running uphill.

Level, uphill and downhill running economy values are strongly inter-correlated.

Exercise economy is not solely an intrinsic physiological trait because economy in one mode of exercise (e.g., running) does not strongly correlate with economy in another mode (e.g. cycling). Economy also reflects the skill of an individual in a particular mode of exercise. Arguably, level, uphill and downhill running constitute biomechanically different modes of exercise. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that level running economy (LRE), uphill running economy (URE) and downhill running economy (DRE) would not be strongly inter-correlated. We measured the oxygen uptakes of 19 male trained runners during three different treadmill running speed and grade conditions: 238m/min, 0%; 167m/min, + 7.5%; 291m/min, - 5%. Mean oxygen uptakes were 46.8 (SD 3.9), 48.0 (3.4) and 46.9 (3.7) ml/kg/min for level, uphill and downhill running, respectively, indicating that the three conditions were of similar aerobic intensity. We reject our hypothesis based on the strong correlations of r = 0.909, r = 0.901 and r = 0.830, respectively, between LRE vs. URE, LRE vs. DRE and URE vs. DRE. Economical runners on level surfaces are also economical on uphill and downhill grades. Inter-individual differences in running economy reflect differences in both intrinsic physiology and skill. Individuals who have experience with level, uphill and downhill running appear to be equally skilled in all three modes.

PO-050 Effects of Exercise on Gene Expression Correlative to Bone Metabolism in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Objective To examine the gene expression pattern of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells （PBMCs）and to explore exercise-sensitive genes correlative to bone metabolism in PBMCs. Thus to provide a theoretical basis for exercise intervention to prevent and treat osteoporosis. &#x0D; Methods Uphill (+8° ) and downhill (-8° ) training were used for the exercise loading in two-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. The exercise method performed at 25 m/min, training 50 min/d, 5 d/wk, for 12 wk, respectively. Bone mineral density of distal femurs was measured using dual X-ray absorptiometry, and the expressed gene profile of PBMCs was examined using Gene Chip IVT Labeling Kit (Affymetrix). &#x0D; Results Compared with control (CON) group, the BMD of the femur in the downhill (DOWN) group was significantly increased. Compared with the uphill （UP）group, the BMD and BMC of the femur in the DOWN group were significantly increased. There were 38 genes detected differentially expressed between two exercise groups together with CON group. The expression of genes modified by running involved in immunity, cell proliferation，Rheumatoid arthritis，Cell adhesion molecules and Tnf signaling pathway. There were 105 differently expressed genes between the DOWN group and the UP group which were mainly enriched in biological processes and pathways such as response to hydrogen peroxide，lipopolysaccharide，cell factor and mechanical stimulus，Cell adhesion molecules，cell migration，collagen biosynthetic process and Tnf signaling pathway. Tnf, Cxcl2, Ccl2, Jun and Mmp9 as the key nodes of protein interaction network were identified as candidate genes related to bone metabolism and sensitive to exercise. &#x0D; Conclusions With weight gaining，age increasing and training time prolonging, long-term and high-intensity exercise will be harm for bone. At the same time and same running speed, downhill running conduces to increase bone density more than uphill running. It may be associated with differential expression of exercise-sensitive genes involved in bone metabolism in PBMCs.

PO-228 Effects of Different Cryotherapy Models on Timing Sequence Recovery of Exercise Induced Muscle Damage in Middle and Long Distance Runners

Objective Exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) is one common physiological phenomenon in competitive sports and mass sports. Water immersion recovery and whole body cryotherapy (cryostimulation) (WBC) has become one of the fast recovery methods adopted by high level athletes in the world. The aim of this study was to compare the water immersion recovery and WBC from timing sequential recovery on EIMD, subjective scales, biochemical indicators, exercise performance indicators.&#x0D; Methods Twelve middle and long distance runners from Beijing Sport University were recruited in this study (exercise performance is secondary level in China). All participants performed four models in four weeks which included rest control (CON), cold water immersion(CWI), contrast water therapy (CWT) and whole body cryotherapy (cryostimulation) (WBC) separated by one week. The subjects needed to complete the EIMD exercise program, includes two parts: the treadmill running and the jump step. The individual speed of treadmill running was based on the individual VO2max. running including 5 sets and total time is about 90 min. Every set consist of 6 min flat running, 6 min uphill running and 6 min downhill running. The speed of the treadmill was stable in different stages. The slope of the uphill running is（＋6,＋5,＋4,＋3,＋2）, and the slope of downhill running is (-8, -7, -6, -5, -4). The jump was performed 20 times separated by 30 s via special step ( height is 40 cm) . After the EIMD exercise program, the subjects were treated with different recovery methods immediately after exercise, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h after exercise, while CON group received no intervention. The CWI group was immerged in 15 °C cold water for 12min, and the CWT groups was immerged in 15°C cold water for 1min and 38°C hot water for 1min with 6 cycles. The whole body cryotherapy (cryostimulation) group was immerged in special chamber (-110—-140℃）for 3 min. The three interventions were immerged body to the position of shoulders. The indexes including subjective scales (VAS scale, RPE scale, Borg scale, WHO deep sleep scale, PQSI scale), biochemical indicators (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, myoglobin, interleukin-6, C reactive protein, SICAM-1), exercise performance indicators ( vertical jump height, grip, running distance). The indexes was collected in different periods (i.e. Before exercise, immediately after exercise,Post1h, Post 24h, Post 48h, Post 72h, Post 96h after exercise etc.).&#x0D; Results (1) Subjective scales. From results of VAS scale, RPE scale, and Borg scale, the WBC had best recovery effects than the other three interventions (P&lt;0.05). The recovery effect of the CWI group was similar with the CON group. From results of WHO deep sleep scale and PQSI scale, the WBC group had better recovery effects than CON group (P&lt;0.05). (2) Biochemical indicators. From results of CK, Mb and SICAM-1, the WBC group had better recovery effect than the other three groups (P&lt;0.05). In the LDH, the WBC group had similar effects with the CWT group (P&gt;0.05). From results of CRP and IL-6, the WBC group had better recovery effects than the other three groups (P&lt;0.05).（3）Exercise performance indicators. From results of vertical jump, WBC had lower decrease than the other three groups (P&lt;0.05). From results of the grip, of the WBC and CWT groups have significant retentive effects than CON group (P&lt;0.05), but there was no significant difference between CON and CWI groups (P&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions (1)Through combine the treadmill running and the jump step exercise program,Can effectively lead to human body appear the EIMD. (2)WBC has positive effects on the subjective scale, biochemical indicators, exercise performance indicators associated with EIMD.For middle and long distance runners EIMD,compared with CWI CWT,WBC effect is better.(3) CWI and CWT has a positive effect on some subjective scales, biochemical indicators, and exercise performance indicators related to EIMD. However, the positive effect of CWI and CWT is lower than WBC in the extent of action and timing sequence. (4)For the middle and long distance runners EIMD timing sequence recovery effects,WBC have better effects,Followed by CWT , CWI effect is not significant.

Cardiorespiratory Responses to Downhill Versus Uphill Running in Endurance Athletes

ABSTRACTPurpose: Mountain running races are becoming increasingly popular, although our understanding of the particular physiology associated with downhill running (DR) in trained athletes remains scarce. This study explored the cardiorespiratory responses to high-slope constant velocity uphill running (UR) and DR. Method: Eight endurance athletes performed a maximal incremental test and 2 15-min running bouts (UR, +15%, or DR, −15%) at the same running velocity (8.5 ± 0.4 km·h−1). Oxygen uptake (O2), heart rate (HR), and ventilation rates (E) were continuously recorded, and blood lactate (bLa) was measured before and after each trial. Results: Downhill running induced a more superficial E pattern featuring reduced tidal volume (p < .05, ES = 6.05) but similar respiratory frequency (p > .05, ES = 0.68) despite lower E (p < .05, ES = 5.46), O2 (p < .05, ES = 12.68), HR (p < .05, ES = 6.42), and bLa (p < .05, ES = 1.70). A negative slow component was observed during DR for O2 (p < .05, ES = 1.72) and HR (p < .05, ES = 0.80). Conclusions: These results emphasize the cardiorespiratory responses to DR and highlight the need for cautious interpretation of O2, HR, and E patterns as markers of exercise intensity for training load prescription and management.

A comparative study on the effects of acute and chronic downhill running vs uphill running exercise on the RNA levels of the skeletal muscles PGC1-α, FNDC5 and the adipose UCP1 in BALB/c mice

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a single bout and 8 weeks of downhill running versus uphill running exercise on expression of PGC1-α, FNDC5 and UCP1 in mice. Forty-eight BALB/c male mice weighing 25–30 g were randomly assigned into 8 groups: 1) acute downhill running (ADR) on a −15° slope; 2) acute uphill running (AUR) on a +15° slope; 3) acute running without inclination (AWI), 4) acute without exercise as control (ACtrl), 5) chronic downhill running (CDR) on a −15° slope; 6) chronic uphill running (CUR) on a +15°slope; 7) chronic running without inclination (CWI), 8) chronic without exercise as control (CCtrl). Twenty four hours after the last training session, the mice were sacrificed and Calf muscles (including soleus and gastrocnemius) and quadriceps muscles (including Rectus femoris and vastus intermedius) were obtained and expression levels of PGC1-α and FNDC5 in crus and quadriceps muscles and UCP1 in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues were measured and compared between the groups. PGC-1α and FNDC5 mRNA levels increased after treadmill exercise training in all acute and chronic exercise groups in both skeletal muscle groups. Furthermore mRNA level of UCP1 in subcutaneous adipose tissue but not in visceral adipose tissue increased both after acute and chronic exercise. Collectively, data showed that downhill running exercise to be more effective than other exercises, as downhill running has led to a greater improvement in metabolism may be considered more effective for browning of fat tissue.

Early Adaptations to a Two-Week Uphill Run Sprint Interval Training and Cycle Sprint Interval Training

This study sought to compare early physiological and performance adaptations between a two-week cycle sprint interval training (SIT) and uphill run sprint training (UST) programs. Seventeen recreationally active adult males (age = 28 ± 5 years; body mass (BM) = 78 ± 9 kg) were assigned to either a control (n = 5), SIT (n = 6), or UST (n = 6) group. A discrete group of participants (n = 6, age = 33 ± 6 years, and body mass = 80 ± 9 kg) completed both training protocols to determine acute physiological responses. Intervention groups completed either a run or cycle peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) test (intervention type dependent) prior to and following two weeks of training. Training comprised of three sessions per week of 4 × 30-s “all-out” sprints with a four-minute active recovery between bouts on a cycle ergometer against 7.5% of body mass in the SIT group and on a 10% slope in the UST group. The VO2peak values remained unchanged in both training groups, but time-to-exhaustion (TTE) was significantly increased only in the UST group (pre—495 ± 40 s, post—551 ± 15 s; p = 0.014) and not in the SIT group (pre—613 ± 130 s, post—634 ± 118 s, p = 0.07). Ventilatory threshold (VT) was significantly increased in both training groups (SIT group: pre—1.94 ± 0.45 L·min−1, post—2.23 ± 0.42 L·min−1; p < 0.005, UST group: pre—2.04 ± 0.40 L·min−1, post—2.33 ± 0.34 L·min−1, p < 0.005). These results indicate that UST may be an effective alternative to SIT in healthy individuals.

Liquids Unidirectional Transport on Dual-Scale Arrays.

Liquids unidirectional transport has cutting-edge applications ranging from fog collection, oil-water separation, to microfluidic devices. Despite extensive progresses, existing man-made surfaces with asymmetric wettability or micro/nanoscales structures are still limited by complex fabrication techniques or obscure essential transport mechanisms to achieve unidirectional transport with both high speeds and large volumes. Here, we demonstrate the three-dimensional printed micro/macro dual-scale arrays for rapid, spontaneous, and continuous unidirectional transport. We reveal the essential directional transport mechanism via a Laplace pressure driven theory. The relationship between liquid unidirectional transport and surface morphology parameter is systematically explored. Threshold values to achieve unidirectional transport are determined. Significantly, dual-scale arrays even facilitate liquid's uphill running, microfluidics patterning, and liquid shunting in target directions without external energy input. Free combination of dual-scale island arrays modules, just like LEGO bricks, achieves fast liquid transport on demand. This dual-scale island array can be used to build smart laboratory-on-a-chip devices, printable microfluidic integration systems, and advanced biochemistry microreactors.

Effects of 10weeks of regular running exercise with and without parallel PDTC treatment on expression of genes encoding sarcomere-associated proteins in murine skeletal muscle.

Physical exercise can induce various adaptation reactions in skeletal muscle tissue, such as sarcomere remodeling. The latter involves degradation of damaged sarcomere components, as well as de novo protein synthesis and sarcomere assembly. These processes are controlled by specific protease systems in parallel with molecular chaperones that assist in folding of newly synthesized polypeptide chains and their incorporation into sarcomeres. Since acute exercise induces oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to activation of the transcription factor NFκB (nuclear factor kappa B), we speculated that this transcription factor might also play a role in the regulation of long-term adaptation to regular exercise. Thus, we studied skeletal muscle adaptation to running exercise in a murine model system, with and without parallel treatment with the NFκB-inhibitory, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory drug pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). In control mice, 10weeks of uphill (15° incline) treadmill running for 60min thrice a week at a final speed of 14m/min had differential, but only minor effects on many genes encoding molecular chaperones for sarcomere proteins, and/or factors involved in the degradation of the latter. Furthermore, there were marked differences between individual muscles. PDTC treatment modulated gene expression patterns as well, both in sedentary and exercising mice; however, most of these effects were also modest and there was little effect of PDTC treatment on exercise-induced changes in gene expression. Taken together, our data suggest that moderate-intensity treadmill running, with or without parallel PDTC treatment, had little effect on the expression of genes encoding sarcomere components and sarcomere-associated factors in murine skeletal muscle tissue.

Joint kinematics and ground reaction forces in overground versus treadmill graded running

BackgroundTreadmills are often used to assess running biomechanics, however the validity of applying results from treadmill graded running to overground graded running is currently unknown. Research questionThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether treadmill and overground graded running have comparable kinematics and ground reaction force parameters. MethodsEleven healthy male adults ran overground and on an instrumented treadmill as motion capture and force platform data were collected for the following conditions: downhill running at a slope of −8° at 10, 13 and 16 km⋅h−1; level running at 10 and 13 km⋅h−1; uphill running at a slope of +8° at 8, 10 and 13 km⋅h−1. Sagittal joint angles at heel strike, mid-stance, and toe-off were computed for the ankle, knee and hip. Ground reaction force parameters including peak average and instantaneous normal loading rate, peak impact and active normal force, peak tangential (braking and propulsive) forces, and normal and tangential impulses were also calculated. ResultsJoint kinematics and ground reaction forces for level running were generally similar between overground and treadmill conditions. The following variables were significantly higher during overground uphill running (mean difference ± SD): average normal loading rate (14.4 ± 7.1 BW⋅s−1), normal impulse (0.04 ± 0.02 BW⋅s), propulsive impulse (0.04 ± 0.02 BW⋅s), and vertical center of mass excursion (0.092 ± 0.031 m). The following variables were significantly higher during overground downhill running (mean difference ± SD): ankle plantarflexion at toe-off (−5.39 ± 6.19°) and vertical center of mass excursion (0.046 ± 0.039 m). SignificanceThese findings suggest that subtle differences in kinematics and ground reaction forces exist between overground and treadmill graded running. These differences aside, we believe that overground kinematics and ground reaction forces in graded running are reasonably replicated on a treadmill.

Muscle synergies are consistent across level and uphill treadmill running

This study aimed to identify muscle synergies of the lower limb during treadmill running on level and inclined ground. Eight subjects ran on a treadmill at three speeds (2.5, 3.3, and 4.1 m/s) and two grades (level and 10% grade). Surface electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded from 10 muscles of the lower limb, including deeper muscles such as vastus intermedius, adductor magnus, and adductor longus. Muscle synergies were extracted applying a non-negative matrix factorization algorithm, and relative co-activations across muscles and the temporal recruitment pattern were identified by muscle synergy vector and synergy activation coefficient, respectively. The scalar product between pairs of synergy vectors and synergy activation coefficients during level and uphill running conditions were analyzed as a similarity index, with values above 0.8 recognized as similar. Approximately 4 muscle synergies controlled the majority of variability in 10 EMGs during running, and were common between level and uphill conditions. At each running speed, inter-condition similarity was observed in synergy vector (r > 0.83) and synergy activation coefficients (r > 0.84) at each type of synergy. These results suggest that types of synergy are consistent between level and uphill running.

Effect of Compression Garments on Physiological Responses After Uphill Running.

Limited practical recommendations related to wearing compression garments for athletes can be drawn from the literature at the present time. We aimed to identify the effects of compression garments on physiological and perceptual measures of performance and recovery after uphill running with different pressure and distributions of applied compression. In a random, double blinded study, 10 trained male runners undertook three 8 km treadmill runs at a 6% elevation rate, with the intensity of 75% VO2max while wearing low, medium grade compression garments and high reverse grade compression. In all the trials, compression garments were worn during 4 hours post run. Creatine kinase, measurements of muscle soreness, ankle strength of plantar/dorsal flexors and mean performance time were then measured. The best mean performance time was observed in the medium grade compression garments with the time difference being: medium grade compression garments vs. high reverse grade compression garments. A positive trend in increasing peak torque of plantar flexion (60º·s-1, 120º·s-1) was found in the medium grade compression garments: a difference between 24 and 48 hours post run. The highest pain tolerance shift in the gastrocnemius muscle was the medium grade compression garments, 24 hour post run, with the shift being +11.37% for the lateral head and 6.63% for the medial head. In conclusion, a beneficial trend in the promotion of running performance and decreasing muscle soreness within 24 hour post exercise was apparent in medium grade compression garments.

Fat max as an index of aerobic exercise performance in mice during uphill running

Endurance exercise performance has been used as a representative index in experimental animal models in the field of health sciences, exercise physiology, comparative physiology, food function or nutritional physiology. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Fatmax (the exercise intensity that elicits maximal fat oxidation) as an additional index of endurance exercise performance that can be measured during running at submaximal exercise intensity in mice. We measured both Fatmax and Vo2 peak of trained ICR mice that voluntary exercised for 8 weeks and compared them with a sedentary group of mice at multiple inclinations of 20, 30, 40, and 50° on a treadmill. The Vo2 at Fatmax of the training group was significantly higher than that of the sedentary group at inclinations of 30 and 40° (P < 0.001). The running speed at Fatmax of the training group was significantly higher than that of the sedentary group at inclinations of 20, 30, and 40° (P < 0.05). Blood lactate levels sharply increased in the sedentary group (7.33 ± 2.58 mM) compared to the training group (3.13 ± 1.00 mM, P < 0.01) when running speeds exceeded the Fatmax of sedentary mice. Vo2 at Fatmax significantly correlated to Vo2 peak, running time to fatigue, and lactic acid level during running (P < 0.05) although the reproducibility of Vo2 peak was higher than that of Vo2 at Fatmax. In conclusion, Fatmax can be used as a functional assessment of the endurance exercise performance of mice during submaximal exercise intensity.

Uphill running excessive training increases gastrocnemius glycogen content in C57BL/6 mice.

The main aim of the present investigation was to verify the effects of three overtraining (OT) protocols performed in downhill (OTR/down), uphill (OTR/up) and without inclination (OTR) on the protein levels of Akt (Ser473), AMPKalpha (Thr172), PGC-1alpha, plasma membrane GLUT-1 and GLUT-4 as well as on the glycogen contents in mice gastrocnemius. A trained (TR) protocol was used as positive control. Rodents were divided into naive (N, sedentary mice), control (CT, sedentary mice submitted to the performance evaluations), TR, OTR/down, OTR/up and OTR groups. At the end of the experimental protocols, gastrocnemius samples were removed and used for immunoblotting analysis as well as for glycogen measurements. There was no significant difference between the experimental groups for the protein levels of pAkt (Ser473), pAMPKalpha (Thr172), PGC-1alpha, plasma membrane GLUT-1 and GLUT-4. However, the OTR/up protocol exhibited higher contents of glycogen compared to the CT and TR groups. In summary, the OTR/up group increased the gastrocnemius glycogen content without significant changes of pAkt (Ser473), pAMPKalpha (Thr172), PGC-1alpha, plasma membrane GLUT-1 and GLUT-4.

Acute effect of uphill running: current scenario and future hypotheses

Strategies for metabolic adjustments are often considered by athletes throughout a running event. Planning for such events during training does not always include variations from level training, even though up/downhill exertion should definitely be a part of such planning. The differentiation of training stimuli, under adverse conditions of intensity and inclination, can generate differentiated benefits. However, uphill running raises expectations of deleterious effects. The imposition of different slope gradients throughout running could generate increased metabolic demands for sports performance. Thus, the present study aimed to answer questions mainly about the acute effects of uphill running, its relationship with aerobic performance, allowing us to introduce new hypotheses for future studies in the area on the subject. Gaps still need to be filled concerning the relevance of uphill running, and its determinants. Many of the points presently under scrutiny only lead to speculative explanations; for logical reasons, more studies should focus on the prescription of training at different slopes. This is the point at which specific conditioning is required, because the regulation of the effort and the energy cost resulting from the imposition of uphill running during competitive races depends heavily on previous experiences. This review will cover recently published research on the subject.

Combinatory effects of phytoestrogens and exercise on body fat mass and lipid metabolism in ovariectomized female rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the combinatory effects of an isoflavone (ISO)-rich diet and exercise on fat mass and lipid metabolism in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Therefore the female Wistar rats were sedentary, performed an intense treadmill uphill running, received ISOs, or a combination of ISOs and running after ovariectomy. The exercise reduced visceral fat mass, adipocyte size and serum leptin in Sham animals and antagonized the increases of these parameters induced by OVX. ISOs reduced OVX induced increase of serum leptin. The combination of training and ISOs was most effective in reducing serum triglyceride levels. In OVX rats the training stimulated the expression of genes associated with fatty acid synthesis (SREBP-1c and FAS) in adipose tissue, soleus muscle, liver and genes associated with fatty acid oxidation (PPARδ and PGC-1α) in adipose tissue. ISOs stimulated the expression of SREBP-1c and FAS in soleus muscle and PGC-1α in adipose tissue, whereas suppressed hepatic SREBP-1c and FAS expression. Strong additive effects of ISOs combined with the training were observed for PPARδ and PGC-1α expressions in soleus muscle. In conclusion our results demonstrate that both the training and ISOs affect fat mass and fatty acid metabolism in OVX rats. The training seems to have a higher impact than ISO exposure in regulating gene expression in adipose tissue. However, the strongest effects for several of the addressed parameters could be observed in the combination group especially in the soleus muscle. Therefore a combination of training and an ISO-rich diet may have beneficial effects on fatty acid metabolism and could be a concept for the prevention of obesity in postmenopausal females.

Wearing Compression Tights on the Thigh during Prolonged Running Attenuated Exercise-Induced Increase in Muscle Damage Marker in Blood.

Purpose: To examine the effects of wearing a lower-body compression garment with different body coverage areas during prolonged running on exercise performance and muscle damage.Methods: Thirty male subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) wearing a compression tights with 15 mmHg to thigh [n = 10, CT group], (2) wearing a compression socks with 15 mmHg to calf [n = 10, CS group], and (3) wearing a lower-body garment with < 5 mmHg to thigh and calf [n = 10, CON group]. The exercise consisted of 120 min of uphill running at 55% of O2max. Heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and running economy (evaluated by VO2) were monitored during exercise every 10 min. Changes in maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of knee extension and plantar flexion, height of counter movement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ), and scores of subjective feelings of muscle soreness and fatigue were evaluated before exercise, and 60 and 180 min after exercise. Blood samples were collected to determine blood glucose, lactate, serum free fatty acid, myoglobin (Mb), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and plasma interleukin-6 concentrations before exercise (after 20 min of rest), at 60 min of exercise, immediately after exercise, and 60 and 180 min after exercise.Results: Changes in HR, RPE, and running economy during exercise did not differ significantly among the three groups. MVC of knee extension and plantar flexion, and DJ decreased significantly following exercise, with no difference among groups. The serum Mb concentration increased significantly with exercise in all groups, whereas the area under the curve for Mb concentration during 180 min post-exercise was significantly lower in the CT group (13,833 ± 1,397 pg/mL 180 min) than in the CON group (24,343 ± 3,370 pg/mL 180 min, P = 0.03).Conclusion: Wearing compression garment on the thigh significantly attenuated the increase in serum Mb concentration after exercise, suggesting that exercise-induced muscle damage was attenuated.

Depressogenic variables and hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity

The purpose of this study was to investigate the combinatory effects of an isoflavone (ISO)-rich diet and exercise on fat mass and lipid metabolism in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Therefore the female Wistar rats were sedentary, performed an intense treadmill uphill running, received ISOs, or a combination of ISOs and running after ovariectomy. The exercise reduced visceral fat mass, adipocyte size and serum leptin in Sham animals and antagonized the increases of these parameters induced by OVX. ISOs reduced OVX induced increase of serum leptin. The combination of training and ISOs was most effective in reducing serum triglyceride levels. In OVX rats the training stimulated the expression of genes associated with fatty acid synthesis (SREBP-1c and FAS) in adipose tissue, soleus muscle, liver and genes associated with fatty acid oxidation (PPARδ and PGC-1α) in adipose tissue. ISOs stimulated the expression of SREBP-1c and FAS in soleus muscle and PGC-1α in adipose tissue, whereas suppressed hepatic SREBP-1c and FAS expression. Strong additive effects of ISOs combined with the training were observed for PPARδ and PGC-1α expressions in soleus muscle. In conclusion our results demonstrate that both the training and ISOs affect fat mass and fatty acid metabolism in OVX rats. The training seems to have a higher impact than ISO exposure in regulating gene expression in adipose tissue. However, the strongest effects for several of the addressed parameters could be observed in the combination group especially in the soleus muscle. Therefore a combination of training and an ISO-rich diet may have beneficial effects on fatty acid metabolism and could be a concept for the prevention of obesity in postmenopausal females.

The metabolic costs of walking and running up a 30-degree incline: implications for vertical kilometer foot races.

Vertical kilometer (VK) races, in which runners gain 1000m of elevation in<5000m of distance, are becoming popular. However, few studies on steep uphill running (>25°) exist. Previously, we determined that~30° is the optimal angle for uphill running, costing the least amount of metabolic energy for a specific vertical velocity. To inform the training and strategy of VK racers, we quantified the metabolic cost of walking and running at various velocities up a 30° incline. At 30°, 11 experienced runners (7M, 4 F, 30.8±7.9years, 1.71±0.08m, 66.7±9.4kg) walked and ran for 5-min trials with 5-min rest between. Starting at 0.3ms-1, we increased treadmill velocity by 0.1ms-1 for each trial until subjects could not maintain the set velocity. We measured oxygen uptake (ml O2kg-1min-1) and metabolic power (W kg-1=metabolic energy per unit time per unit body mass) and calculated metabolic costs of walking (C w) and running (C r) per unit distance (Jkg-1m-1). Oxygen uptake and metabolic power increased linearly with velocity. Between 0.3 and 0.7ms-1, C w<C r. At 0.8ms-1 there was no difference and extrapolation suggests that at faster velocities, running likely costs less than walking. On a 30° incline, metabolic power increases linearly with velocity. At speeds slower than 0.7ms-1, walking requires less metabolic power than running (Wkg-1) suggesting most VK racers should walk rather than run.