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Weiss K, Valero D, Villiger E, Thuany M, Forte P, Gajda R, Scheer V, Sreckovic S, Cuk I, Nikolaidis PT, Andrade MS, Knechtle B. Analysis of over 1 million race records shows runners from East African countries as the fastest in 50-km ultra-marathons. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8006. [PMID: 38580778 PMCID: PMC10997622 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58571-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The 50-km ultra-marathon is a popular race distance, slightly longer than the classic marathon distance. However, little is known about the country of affiliation and age of the fastest 50-km ultra-marathon runners and where the fastest races are typically held. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate a large dataset of race records for the 50-km distance race to identify the country of affiliation and the age of the fastest runners as well as the locations of the fastest races. A total of 1,398,845 50-km race records (men, n = 1,026,546; women, n = 372,299) were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and advanced regression techniques. This study revealed significant trends in the performance of 50-km ultra-marathoners. The fastest 50-km runners came from African countries, while the fastest races were found to occur in Europe and the Middle East. Runners from Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, and Kenya were the fastest in this race distance. The fastest 50-km racecourses, providing ideal conditions for faster race times, are in Europe (Luxembourg, Belarus, and Lithuania) and the Middle East (Qatar and Jordan). Surprisingly, the fastest ultra-marathoners in the 50-km distance were found to fall into the age group of 20-24 years, challenging the conventional belief that peak ultra-marathon performance comes in older age groups. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the performance models in 50-km ultra-marathons and can serve as valuable insights for runners, coaches, and race organizers in optimizing training strategies and racecourse selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Weiss
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Valero
- Ultra Sports Science Foundation, Pierre-Benite, France
| | - Elias Villiger
- Klinik für Allgemeine Innere Medizin, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Pedro Forte
- CI-ISCE, Higher Institute of Educational Sciences of the Douro, Penafiel, Portugal
- LiveWell-Research Centre for Active Living and Wellbeing, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Robert Gajda
- Center for Sports Cardiology at the Gajda-Med Medical Center in Pułtusk, Pułtusk, Poland
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Prevention, Jan Dlugosz University, Czestochowa, Poland
| | - Volker Scheer
- Ultra Sports Science Foundation, Pierre-Benite, France
| | | | - Ivan Cuk
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | | | - Beat Knechtle
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, Vadianstrasse 26, 9001, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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Thuany M, Gomes TN, Weiss K, Knechtle B, Rolim R, Moura dos Santos MA. Beyond the border of the athlete-centered approach: a model to understand runners' performance. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1137023. [PMID: 37691794 PMCID: PMC10484714 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1137023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Our purpose is to move beyond the borders of the athlete-centered approach by examining the runners' environment interplay as a key factor for performance. Based on the ecological systems theory, the micro-level (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and training characteristics), meso-level (a direct association with athletes is not observed, but the environment plays an influence on the relationships built at the micro-level), and macro-level (contextual features that influence athletic systems) were theorized and contextualized as important factors for the expression of different outcomes, including performance and participation. We also conceptualized the microtime, mesotime, and macrotime as a constraint. Through this model, we aimed to provide applications and conclusions about how this conceptual model provides advances in the scientific research field. By understanding how environmental factors influence their performance, runners can make informed decisions about where and how to train and compete. Furthermore, by recognizing the role of culture and social context in shaping runners' experiences and outcomes, we can work toward creating a more equitable and supportive running culture for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabliny Thuany
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Thayse Natacha Gomes
- Post-Graduation Program of Physical Education, Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Physical Activity for Health Cluster, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Katja Weiss
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Knechtle
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Ramiro Rolim
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marcos André Moura dos Santos
- Associated Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, University of Pernambuco and Federal University of Paraiba, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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3
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Konopka MJ, Sperlich B, Rietjens G, Zeegers MP. Genetics and athletic performance: a systematic SWOT analysis of non-systematic reviews. Front Genet 2023; 14:1232987. [PMID: 37621703 PMCID: PMC10445150 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1232987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Exercise genetics/genomics is a growing research discipline comprising several Strengths and Opportunities but also deals with Weaknesses and Threats. This "systematic SWOT overview of non-systematic reviews" (sSWOT) aimed to identify the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats linked to exercise genetics/genomics. A systematic search was conducted in the Medline and Embase databases for non-systematic reviews to provide a comprehensive overview of the current literature/research area. The extracted data was thematically analyzed, coded, and categorized into SWOT clusters. In the 45 included reviews five Strengths, nine Weaknesses, six Opportunities, and three Threats were identified. The cluster of Strengths included "advances in technology", "empirical evidence", "growing research discipline", the "establishment of consortia", and the "acceptance/accessibility of genetic testing". The Weaknesses were linked to a "low research quality", the "complexity of exercise-related traits", "low generalizability", "high costs", "genotype scores", "reporting bias", "invasive methods", "research progress", and "causality". The Opportunities comprised of "precision exercise", "omics", "multicenter studies", as well as "genetic testing" as "commercial"-, "screening"-, and "anti-doping" detection tool. The Threats were related to "ethical issues", "direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies", and "gene doping". This overview of the present state of the art research in sport genetics/genomics indicates a field with great potential, while also drawing attention to the necessity for additional advancement in methodological and ethical guidance to mitigate the recognized Weaknesses and Threats. The recognized Strengths and Opportunities substantiate the capability of genetics/genomics to make significant contributions to the performance and wellbeing of athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Johanna Konopka
- Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Billy Sperlich
- Integrative and Experimental Exercise Science and Training, Institute of Sport Science, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gerard Rietjens
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maurice Petrus Zeegers
- Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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4
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Hall ECR, Lockey SJ, Heffernan SM, Herbert AJ, Stebbings GK, Day SH, Collins M, Pitsiladis YP, Erskine RM, Williams AG. The PPARGC1A Gly482Ser polymorphism is associated with elite long-distance running performance. J Sports Sci 2023; 41:56-62. [PMID: 37012221 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2023.2195737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott C R Hall
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sarah J Lockey
- Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Shane M Heffernan
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Adam J Herbert
- School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Georgina K Stebbings
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen H Day
- School of Medicine and Clinical Practice, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Malcolm Collins
- Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, and the International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yannis P Pitsiladis
- Centre for Stress and Age-related Disease, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
- Centre for Exercise Sciences and Sports Medicine, FIMS Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Robert M Erskine
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alun G Williams
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK
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5
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Zani ALS, Gouveia MH, Aquino MM, Quevedo R, Menezes RL, Rotimi C, Lwande GO, Ouma C, Mekonnen E, Fagundes NJR. Genetic differentiation in East African ethnicities and its relationship with endurance running success. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265625. [PMID: 35588128 PMCID: PMC9119534 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the 1960s, East African athletes, mainly from Kenya and Ethiopia, have dominated long-distance running events in both the male and female categories. Further demographic studies have shown that two ethnic groups are overrepresented among elite endurance runners in each of these countries: the Kalenjin, from Kenya, and the Oromo, from Ethiopia, raising the possibility that this dominance results from genetic or/and cultural factors. However, looking at the life history of these athletes or at loci previously associated with endurance athletic performance, no compelling explanation has emerged. Here, we used a population approach to identify peaks of genetic differentiation for these two ethnicities and compared the list of genes close to these regions with a list, manually curated by us, of genes that have been associated with traits possibly relevant to endurance running in GWAS studies, and found a significant enrichment in both populations (Kalenjin, P = 0.048, and Oromo, P = 1.6x10-5). Those traits are mainly related to anthropometry, circulatory and respiratory systems, energy metabolism, and calcium homeostasis. Our results reinforce the notion that endurance running is a systemic activity with a complex genetic architecture, and indicate new candidate genes for future studies. Finally, we argue that a deterministic relationship between genetics and sports must be avoided, as it is both scientifically incorrect and prone to reinforcing population (racial) stereotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- André L. S. Zani
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Mateus H. Gouveia
- Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Marla M. Aquino
- Department of Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Quevedo
- School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Dance, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo L. Menezes
- School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Dance, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Charles Rotimi
- Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Gerald O. Lwande
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Collins Ouma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Ephrem Mekonnen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nelson J. R. Fagundes
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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6
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Varillas-Delgado D, Del Coso J, Gutiérrez-Hellín J, Aguilar-Navarro M, Muñoz A, Maestro A, Morencos E. Genetics and sports performance: the present and future in the identification of talent for sports based on DNA testing. Eur J Appl Physiol 2022; 122:1811-1830. [PMID: 35428907 PMCID: PMC9012664 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-04945-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The impact of genetics on physiology and sports performance is one of the most debated research aspects in sports sciences. Nearly 200 genetic polymorphisms have been found to influence sports performance traits, and over 20 polymorphisms may condition the status of the elite athlete. However, with the current evidence, it is certainly too early a stage to determine how to use genotyping as a tool for predicting exercise/sports performance or improving current methods of training. Research on this topic presents methodological limitations such as the lack of measurement of valid exercise performance phenotypes that make the study results difficult to interpret. Additionally, many studies present an insufficient cohort of athletes, or their classification as elite is dubious, which may introduce expectancy effects. Finally, the assessment of a progressively higher number of polymorphisms in the studies and the introduction of new analysis tools, such as the total genotype score (TGS) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have produced a considerable advance in the power of the analyses and a change from the study of single variants to determine pathways and systems associated with performance. The purpose of the present study was to comprehensively review evidence on the impact of genetics on endurance- and power-based exercise performance to clearly determine the potential utility of genotyping for detecting sports talent, enhancing training, or preventing exercise-related injuries, and to present an overview of recent research that has attempted to correct the methodological issues found in previous investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Varillas-Delgado
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan Del Coso
- Centre for Sport Studies, Rey Juan Carlos University, Fuenlabrada, 28933, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Gutiérrez-Hellín
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | - Millán Aguilar-Navarro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Muñoz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Esther Morencos
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223, Madrid, Spain
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Rosa PCD, Oneda G, Daros LB, Dourado AC, Sartori D, Leonel DF, Bara CL, Osiecki R. Can a genetic profile be related to performance in young talent track and field athletes? A pilot study. MOTRIZ: REVISTA DE EDUCACAO FISICA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/s1980-657420220004521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Larissa B. Daros
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Brazil; Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná, Brazil
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A Comparative Study of Hematological Parameters of Endurance Runners at Guna Athletics Sport Club (3100 Meters above Sea Level) and Ethiopian Youth Sport Academy (2400 Meters above Sea Level), Ethiopia. JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE 2021; 2021:8415100. [PMID: 34869775 PMCID: PMC8635926 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8415100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction. Endurance running performance is dependent upon hematological, physiological, anthropometrical, diet, genetic, and training characteristics. Increased oxygen transport and efficiency of tissue in extracting oxygen are the major determinants to competitions that require endurance. Thus, altitude training is often employed to increase blood oxygen-carrying capacity to improve sea-level endurance performance. This study aimed to compare hematological parameters of endurance runners’ training at different clubs with different altitudes (Guna Athletics Sport Club at Guna (3100 meter above sea level) and Ethiopian Youth Sport Academy at Addis Ababa (2400 meter above sea level)). Methods. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at GASC and EYSA. Data were collected from a total of 102 eligible study subjects (26 runners and 25 controls at Guna and 26 runners and 25 controls at Addis Ababa) from May to October 2019. About 3 ml of the venous blood was drawn from the antecubital vein by aseptic procedure and analyzed using a hematology analyzer (DIRUI BCC-3000B, China). One-way ANOVA and independent-sample t-tests were used to compare means. Result. Male runners in Guna had significantly higher hemoglobin (Hgb), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and white blood cell (WBC) count than male runners in Addis Ababa. Besides, female runners in Guna had significantly higher MCH and MCHC than female runners in Addis Ababa. However, there were no significant differences between Guna and Addis Ababa runners in red blood cell (RBC) count, Hct, MCV, and platelet count in both sexes, while Hgb and WBC count in females. Conclusion. Decisively, Guna Athletics Sport Club endurance runners had significantly higher hematological parameters than Ethiopian Youth Sport Academy endurance runners. This provides invaluable information for coaches and sport physicians to monitor the hematological profile and the health status of an athlete living and training at different altitudes.
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Rodrigo-Carranza V, González-Mohíno F, Santos Del Cerro J, Santos-Concejero J, González-Ravé JM. Influence of advanced shoe technology on the top 100 annual performances in men's marathon from 2015 to 2019. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22458. [PMID: 34789828 PMCID: PMC8599511 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01807-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The NIKE Vaporfly shoe was introduced in May 2017 as part of the original #Breaking2 Project (an event aimed to run the first marathon under 2 h). This new advanced shoe technology (NAST) changed the footwear design conception. The aim of this study was (i) to analyse the effect of NAST in men's marathon performance, (ii) to analyse whether the changes in the environmental constraints (temperature and wind) and orography of the marathons, age and birthplace of the runners has changed from 2015 to 2019 and (iii) to analyse the impact of NAST on the historical 50 best performances. Data from top-100 men's marathon performances were collected in that timeframe. The shoes used by the athletes were identified (in 91.8% of the cases) by publicly available photographs. External and environmental conditions of each marathon and age and birthplace of the runners were also analysed. Marathon performances improved from 2017 onwards between 0.75 and 1.50% compared to 2015 and 2016 (p < 0.05). In addition, the improvement was greater in the upper deciles than in the lower ones (p < 0.001). Runners wearing NAST ran ~ 1% faster in marathon compared to runners that did not use it (p < 0.001). When conducting an individual analysis of athletes who ran with and without NAST, 72.5% of the athletes who completed a marathon wearing NAST improved their performance by 0.68% (p < 0.01). External and environmental conditions, age or birthplace of runners seems not to have influenced this performance improvement. NAST has had a clear impact on marathon performance unchanged in the environmental constraints (temperature and wind), orography, age, and birthplace of the runners but with differences between venues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Rodrigo-Carranza
- Sport Training Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avenida Carlos III S/N, 45071, Toledo, Spain
| | - Fernando González-Mohíno
- Sport Training Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avenida Carlos III S/N, 45071, Toledo, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida y de la Naturaleza, Universidad Nebrija, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jordan Santos-Concejero
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria‑Gasteiz, Spain
| | - José María González-Ravé
- Sport Training Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avenida Carlos III S/N, 45071, Toledo, Spain.
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10
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Mizokami T, Akiyama M, Ikeda Y. Kaempferol as a phytochemical increases ATP content in C2C12 myotubes under hypoxic conditions. J Funct Foods 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2021.104510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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11
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Relationship between Running Spatiotemporal Kinematics and Muscle Performance in Well-Trained Youth Female Athletes. A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168869. [PMID: 34444618 PMCID: PMC8392471 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to analyse the relationship of neuromuscular performance and spatiotemporal parameters in 18 adolescent distance athletes (age, 15.5 ± 1.1 years). Using the OptoGait system, the power, rhythm, reactive strength index, jump flying time, and jump height of the squat jump, countermovement jump, and eight maximal hoppings test (HT8max) and the contact time (CT), flying time (FT), step frequency, stride angle, and step length of running at different speeds were measured. Maturity offset was determined based on anthropometric variables. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of repeated measurements showed a reduction in CT (p < 0.000) and an increase in step frequency, step length, and stride angle (p < 0.001), as the velocity increased. The HT8max test showed significant correlations with very large effect sizes between neuromuscular performance variables (reactive strength index, power, jump flying time, jump height, and rhythm) and both step frequency and step length. Multiple linear regression found this relationship after adjusting spatiotemporal parameters with neuromuscular performance variables. Some variables of neuromuscular performance, mainly in reactive tests, were the predictors of spatiotemporal parameters (CT, FT, stride angle, and VO). Rhythm and jump flying time in the HT8max test and power in the countermovement jump test are parameters that can predict variables associated with running biomechanics, such as VO, CT, FT, and stride angle.
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12
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Santos CGM, Rolim-Filho NG, Domingues CA, Dornelas-Ribeiro M, King JL, Budowle B, Moura-Neto RS, Silva R. Association of whole mtDNA, an NADPH G11914A variant, and haplogroups with high physical performance in an elite military troop. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 54:e10317. [PMID: 33909855 PMCID: PMC8075130 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x202010317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Physical performance is a multifactorial and complex trait influenced by environmental and hereditary factors. Environmental factors alone have been insufficient to characterize all outstanding phenotypes. Recent advances in genomic technologies have enabled the investigation of whole nuclear and mitochondrial genome sequences, increasing our ability to understand interindividual variability in physical performance. Our objective was to evaluate the association of mitochondrial polymorphic loci with physical performance in Brazilian elite military personnel. Eighty-eight male military personnel who participated in the Command Actions Course of the Army were selected. Total DNA was obtained from blood samples and a complete mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) was sequenced using Illumina MiSeq platform. Twenty-nine subjects completed the training program (FINISHED, 'F'), and fifty-nine failed to complete (NOT_FINISHED, 'NF'). The mtDNA from NF was slightly more similar to genomes from African countries frequently related to endurance level. Twenty-two distinct mtDNA haplogroups were identified corroborating the intense genetic admixture of the Brazilian population, but their distribution was similar between the two groups (FST=0.0009). Of 745 polymorphisms detected in the mtDNA, the position G11914A within the NADPH gene component of the electron transport chain, was statistically different between F and NF groups (P=0.011; OR: 4.286; 95%CI: 1.198-16.719), with a higher frequency of the G allele in group F individuals). The high performance of military personnel may be mediated by performance-related genomic traits. Thus, mitochondrial genetic markers such as the ND4 gene may play an important role on physical performance variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G M Santos
- Instituto de Biologia do Exército, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - N G Rolim-Filho
- Centro de Instrução de Operações Especiais do Exército Brasileiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - C A Domingues
- Centro de Instrução de Operações Especiais do Exército Brasileiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - J L King
- Center for Human Identification, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - B Budowle
- Center for Human Identification, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - R S Moura-Neto
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - R Silva
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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13
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Bermon S, Garrandes F, Szabo A, Berkovics I, Adami PE. Effect of Advanced Shoe Technology on the Evolution of Road Race Times in Male and Female Elite Runners. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:653173. [PMID: 33969296 PMCID: PMC8100054 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.653173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The influence of advanced footwear technology (thickness of light midsole foam and rigid plate) on distance running performances was analyzed during an 8-year period. Analysis of variance was used to measure effects of time, gender, shoe technology, and East African origin on male and female top 20 or top 100 seasonal best times in 10-kilometer races, half-marathons, and marathons. In both genders and three distance-running events, seasonal best times significantly decreased from 2017, which coincided with the introduction of the advanced footwear technology in distance running. This performance improvement was of similar magnitude in both East African and non-East African elite runners. In female elite athletes, the magnitudes (from 1.7 to 2.3%) of the decrease in seasonal best times between 2016 and 2019 were significantly higher than in their male counterparts (from 0.6 to 1.5%). Analyses of variance confirmed that the adoption of the advanced footwear technology significantly improved the top 20 seasonal best times in female half marathons and marathons and male marathons, with the improvements being more pronounced in females and in long-distance running events. The adoption of this new shoe technology improved female marathon time by ~2 min and 10 s, which represents a significant increase in performance (1.7%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Bermon
- Health and Science Department, World Athletics, Manoco City, Monaco.,Laboratoire Motricité Humaine Expertise Sport Santé, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | | | | | | | - Paolo Emilio Adami
- Health and Science Department, World Athletics, Manoco City, Monaco.,Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico," Rome, Italy
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Lieberman DE, Mahaffey M, Cubesare Quimare S, Holowka NB, Wallace IJ, Baggish AL. Running in Tarahumara (Rarámuri) Culture. CURRENT ANTHROPOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1086/708810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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15
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Thomas CE, Abbott G, Gastin PB, Main LC. Construct validity and reliability of the Talent Development Environment Questionnaire in Caribbean youth track and field athletes. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227815. [PMID: 31978072 PMCID: PMC6980498 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Caribbean nations stand to benefit significantly from the potential insights that can be gained from the assessment of their athlete talent development environments; which in turn can lead to the formulation of evidence-based strategies and improvements to their sport development pathways. The principal aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the 25-item TDEQ-5 to determine its validity to assess the development environments of talented youth track and field athletes from six English-speaking Caribbean countries. As a secondary aim, we sought to examine athletes’ perceptions of their talent development environment within this context. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed adequate model fit of a re-specified model and good overall internal reliability of the scale, therefore offering support for its use within this context. Furthermore, adequate construct validity and internal reliability was found within three subscales (i.e., communication, holistic quality preparation and support network) with subpar scores within two subscales (i.e., long-term development focus and alignment of expectations). Preliminary findings on athletes’ perceptions of their environment revealed key strengths in coaches’ long-term development focus and communication, however deficiencies were noted in the accessibility and availability of sport-related support and preparation of athletes. In conclusion, the re-specified TDEQ-5 with 25 items appears to be a reliable and valid measure within the Caribbean context. However, it is recommended that the scale be used with some caution with regard to the interpretation of results for the ‘long-term development focus’ and ‘alignment of expectations’ subscales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice E Thomas
- Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Gavin Abbott
- Institute of Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Paul B Gastin
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Luana C Main
- Institute of Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Liver-Metabolizing Genes and Their Relationship to the Performance of Elite Spanish Male Endurance Athletes; a Prospective Transversal Study. SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN 2019; 5:50. [PMID: 31820125 PMCID: PMC6901632 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-019-0227-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background The genetic profile that is needed to define an endurance athlete has been studied during recent years. The main objective of this work is to approach for the first time the study of genetic variants in liver-metabolizing genes and their role in endurance performance by comparing the allelic and genotypic frequencies in elite endurance athletes to the non-athlete population. Methods Genotypic and allelic frequencies were determined in 123 elite endurance athletes (75 professional road cyclists and 48 endurance elite runners) and 122 male non-athlete subjects (sedentary). Genotyping of cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily D member 6 (CYP2D6 rs3892097), glutathione-S transferase mu isoform 1 (GSTM1), glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP rs1695) and glutathione S-transferase theta (GSTT) genes was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The combination of the polymorphisms for the “optimal” polygenic profile has been quantified using the genotype score (GS). Results Statistical differences were found in the genetic distributions between elite endurance athletes and non-athletes in CYP2D6 (p < 0.001) and GSTT (p = 0.014) genes. The binary logistic regression model showed a favourable OR (odds ratio) of being an elite endurance runner against a professional road cyclist (OR: 2.403, 95% CI: 1.213–4.760 (p = 0.002)) in the polymorphisms studied. Conclusions Genotypic distribution of liver-metabolizing genes in elite endurance athletes is different to non-athlete subjects, with a favourable gene profile in elite endurance athletes in terms of detoxification capacity.
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Haugen T, Seiler S, Sandbakk Ø, Tønnessen E. The Training and Development of Elite Sprint Performance: an Integration of Scientific and Best Practice Literature. SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN 2019; 5:44. [PMID: 31754845 PMCID: PMC6872694 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-019-0221-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite a voluminous body of research devoted to sprint training, our understanding of the training process leading to a world-class sprint performance is limited. The objective of this review is to integrate scientific and best practice literature regarding the training and development of elite sprint performance. Sprint performance is heavily dependent upon genetic traits, and the annual within-athlete performance differences are lower than the typical variation, the smallest worthwhile change, and the influence of external conditions such as wind, monitoring methodologies, etc. Still, key underlying determinants (e.g., power, technique, and sprint-specific endurance) are trainable. In this review, we describe how well-known training principles (progression, specificity, variation/periodization, and individualization) and varying training methods (e.g., sprinting/running, technical training, strength/power, plyometric training) are used in a sprint training context. Indeed, there is a considerable gap between science and best practice in how training principles and methods are applied. While the vast majority of sprint-related studies are performed on young team sport athletes and focus on brief sprints with maximal intensity and short recoveries, elite sprinters perform sprinting/running over a broad range of distances and with varying intensity and recovery periods. Within best practice, there is a stronger link between choice of training component (i.e., modality, duration, intensity, recovery, session rate) and the intended purpose of the training session compared with the “one-size-fits-all” approach in scientific literature. This review provides a point of departure for scientists and practitioners regarding the training and development of elite sprint performance and can serve as a position statement for outlining state-of-the-art sprint training recommendations and for generation of new hypotheses to be tested in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Haugen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, PB 1190 Sentrum, 0107, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Stephen Seiler
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, PB 422, 4604, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Espen Tønnessen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, PB 1190 Sentrum, 0107, Oslo, Norway
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18
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Drum SN, Rappelt L, Donath L. Trunk and Upper Body Fatigue Adversely Affect Running Economy: A Three-Armed Randomized Controlled Crossover Pilot Trial. Sports (Basel) 2019; 7:sports7080195. [PMID: 31430880 PMCID: PMC6722636 DOI: 10.3390/sports7080195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trunk muscle fatigue and its negative relationship with running economy (RE) is frequently recognized by practitioners but lacks evidence-based support. Thus, this three-armed randomized controlled crossover pilot trial (RCT) examined the effects of trunk and upper body fatigue protocols on RE, trunk muscle isometric rate of force production, and lactate response in runners. Seven well-trained runners (2 males and 5 females) randomly underwent control (CON), trunk fatigue (TRK), and upper body fatigue (UPR) protocols on three different lab visits. Both workload-matched fatigue protocols-consisting of 24 min of a circuit weight routine-elicited comparable rates of perceived exertion, heart rate responses, and lactate accumulations. As expected, core muscle strength assessed with isometric testing immediately before and after both fatigue protocols, decreased notably. RE (VO2/kg bodyweight averaged for 1 min) was determined during a 15 min individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) run at 4, 9 and 14 min. The IAT (13.9 to 15.8 km/h) was determined on lab visit one using an incremental treadmill running protocol to volitional exhaustion. RE differed, although not significantly, between CON and both fatigue protocols by 0.75 (4th min) to 1.5 ml/min/kg (9th and 14th min) bodyweight (Time × Mode Interaction: p = 0.2, np2 = 0.40) with a moderate to large effect size. Despite no signficance, the largest RE differences were observed between TRK and CON (and underscored by the moderate to large effect size). This preliminary pilot RCT revealed that both UPR and TRK conditions might adversely impact running economy at a high intensity, steady state running pace. Future studies should elucidate if these findings are replicable in large scale trials and, in turn, whether periodized core training can beneficially preserve RE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott N Drum
- School of Health & Human Performance, Northern Michigan University, 1401 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855, USA.
| | - Ludwig Rappelt
- Department of Intervention Research in Exercise Training German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Köln, Germany
| | - Lars Donath
- Department of Intervention Research in Exercise Training German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Köln, Germany
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WEBBER BRYANTJ, UPTEGRAFT COLBYC, NYE NATHANIELS, O’Connor FG. Association of Sickle Cell Trait and Hemoglobin S Percentage with Physical Fitness. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2018; 50:2488-2493. [DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000001720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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20
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Wang J, Meng J, Wang X, Zeng Y, Li L, Xin Y, Yao X, Liu W. Analysis of Equine ACTN3 Gene Polymorphisms in Yili Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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21
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Ginszt M, Michalak-Wojnowska M, Gawda P, Wojcierowska-Litwin M, Korszeń-Pilecka I, Kusztelak M, Muda R, Filip AA, Majcher P. ACTN3 Genotype in Professional Sport Climbers. J Strength Cond Res 2018; 32:1311-1315. [PMID: 29401200 PMCID: PMC5916482 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000002457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Ginszt, M, Michalak-Wojnowska, M, Gawda, P, Wojcierowska-Litwin, M, Korszeń-Pilecka, I, Kusztelak, M, Muda, R, Filip, AA, and Majcher, P. ACTN3 genotype in professional sport climbers. J Strength Cond Res 32(5): 1311–1315, 2018—The functional RR genotype of the alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) gene has been reported to be associated with elite sprint/power athlete status. Although large and rapidly increasing number of studies have investigated the associations between the ACTN3 genotypes and athletic performance in various sport disciplines, there is a lack of studies on the genetic predisposition in sport climbing, which was selected to be part of the next Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020 with three subdisciplines (“lead climbing,” “speed climbing,” and “bouldering”). The aim of the study is to determine the frequency distribution of ACTN3 genotypes and alleles in professional lead climbers and boulderers. 100 professional sport climbers from Poland, Russia, and Austria were divided into 2 equal groups: professional boulderers and professional lead climbers were involved in the study. ACTN3 allele frequencies and genotypes were compared with 100 sedentary controls. Genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The percent distribution of RR genotype in the boulderers was significantly higher than in lead climbers and controls (62 vs. 26%; 33%, respectively; χ2 = 17.230, p = 0.0017). The frequencies of ACTN3 R allele in boulderers differed significantly from lead climbers and controls (77 vs. 51%; 58%, respectively; χ2 = 15.721, p = 0.0004). The proportion of the ACTN3 RR genotype is significantly higher in boulderers than in lead climbers and may be related to the specific type of predisposition to this subdiscipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Ginszt
- Chair and Department of Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, and Balneotherapy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Gawda
- Chair and Department of Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, and Balneotherapy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | | | | | - Rafał Muda
- Department of Banking, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agata A Filip
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Majcher
- Chair and Department of Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, and Balneotherapy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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22
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Amaro-Gahete FJ, De-la-O A, Sanchez-Delgado G, Robles-Gonzalez L, Jurado-Fasoli L, Ruiz JR, Gutiérrez A. Functional Exercise Training and Undulating Periodization Enhances the Effect of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Training on Running Performance. Front Physiol 2018; 9:720. [PMID: 29951003 PMCID: PMC6009337 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The popularity of whole-body electromyostimulation is growing during the last years, but there is a shortage of studies that evaluate its effects on physical fitness and sport performance. In this study, we compared the effects of a periodized and functional whole-body-electromyostimulation training on maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2), running economy (RE), and lower-body muscle strength in runners, vs. a traditional whole-body-electromyostimulation training. A total of 12 male recreational runners, who had been running 2–3 times per week (90–180 min/week) for at least the previous year and had no previous experience on WB-EMS training, were enrolled in the current study. They were randomly assigned to a periodized and functional whole-body-electromyostimulation training group (PFG) (n = 6; 27.0 ± 7.5 years; 70.1 ± 11.1 kg; 1.75 ± 0.05 m) whose training program involved several specific exercises for runners, or a traditional whole-body-electromyostimulation training group (TG) (n = 6; 25.8 ± 7.4 years; 73.8 ± 9.8 kg; 1.73 ± 0.07 m), whose sessions were characterized by circuit training with 10 dynamic and general exercises without external load. The training programs consisted of one whole-body electromyostimulation session and one 20-min running session per week, during 6 weeks. The PFG followed an undulating periodization model and a selection of functional exercises, whereas the TG followed a traditional session structure used in previous studies. Both groups were instructed to stop their habitual running training program. VO2max, VT1, VT2, RE, and lower body muscle strength (vertical jump) were measured before and after the intervention. The PFG obtained significantly higher improvements when compared with the TG in terms of VO2max (2.75 ± 0.89 vs. 1.03 ± 1.01 ml/kg/min, P = 0.011), VT2 (2.95 ± 1.45 vs. 0.35 ± 0.85 ml/kg/min, P = 0.005), VO2max percentage at VT2 (5.13 ± 2.41 vs. 0.63 ± 1.61%), RE at VT1 (−7.70 ± 2.86 vs. −3.50 ± 2.16 ml/kg/km, P = 0.048), RE at 90% of VT2 (−15.38 ± 4.73 vs. −3.38 ± 4.11 ml/kg/km, P = 0.005), and vertical jump in Abalakov modality (2.95 ± 0.94 vs. 0.52 ± 1.49 cm, P = 0.008). Therefore, we conclude that running performance improvements were better after a 6-week program following an undulating periodization and consisting on functional exercises when compared with a 6-week traditional WB-EMS program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Amaro-Gahete
- Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Alejandro De-la-O
- Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Guillermo Sanchez-Delgado
- PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Lidia Robles-Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Lucas Jurado-Fasoli
- Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jonatan R Ruiz
- PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Angel Gutiérrez
- Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Abstract
PURPOSE To assess differences in event-specific specialization between elite African and non-African male marathon runners based on age, performance, and career length. METHODS The top 90 African marathoners from 2001 to 2015 were compared with the top 90 non-African marathoners from the same time period across various markers related to specialization age, performance, and career length. Independent t tests were used to identify significant differences (P < .05) between the African and non-African groups. Linear regression was used to explore the relationship between first half-marathon and best full-marathon performance. A 1-way ANOVA and Bonferroni correction was used to assess differences in specialization age and rates of performance improvement and decline. RESULTS African marathoners were found to specialize, reach peak levels of performance, and retire at younger ages than non-African marathoners (P < .001). In addition, African marathoners were found to be faster at these same career time points and in half-marathon performance (P < .001). There was no significant difference in the number of career marathons run between groups, but African marathoners were found to race more frequently than non-African marathoners (P < .001). Half-marathon performance was positively correlated with marathon performance (r2 = .67). Marathon athletes who specialized at early ages experienced significantly higher rates of improvement than those who specialized at older ages. (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that elite African marathoners achieve a greater level of performance at younger ages than their non-African counterparts. Furthermore, current marathon talent-identification practice may benefit from using half-marathon performance.
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Tawa N, Louw Q. Biomechanical factors associated with running economy and performance of elite Kenyan distance runners: A systematic review. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2018; 22:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Santos-Concejero J, Billaut F, Grobler L, Oliván J, Noakes TD, Tucker R. Brain oxygenation declines in elite Kenyan runners during a maximal interval training session. Eur J Appl Physiol 2017; 117:1017-1024. [PMID: 28321639 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-017-3590-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to characterise the cerebral oxygenation (Cox) response during a high-intensity interval training session in Kenyan runners, and to examine any relationship with running performance. METHODS 15 Kenyan runners completed a 5-km time trial (TT) and a Fatigue Training Test on a treadmill (repeated running bouts of 1-km at a pace 5% faster than their mean 5-km TT pace with a 30-s recovery until exhaustion). Changes in Cox were monitored via near-infrared spectroscopy through concentration changes in oxy- and deoxy-haemoglobin (Δ[O2Hb] and Δ[HHb]), tissue oxygenation index (TOI), and total hemoglobin index (nTHI). RESULTS The number of 1-km repetitions achieved by the participants was 5.5 ± 1.2 repetitions at a mean pace of 20.5 ± 0.7 km h-1. Δ[O2Hb] measured at the end of each running repetition declined progressively over the course of the trial (p = 0.01, ES = 4.59). Δ[HHb] increased during each running bout until the end of the Fatigue Training Test (p < 0.001; ES = 6.0). TOI decreased significantly from the beginning of the test (p = 0.013, ES = 1.83), whereas nTHI remained stable (ES = 0.08). The Cox decline in the Fatigue Training Test was negatively correlated with the speed at which the test was completed (p = 0.017; r = -0.61), suggesting that the best performers were able to defend their Cox better than those of lower running ability. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this study suggests that elite Kenyan runners cannot defend cerebral oxygenation when forced to exercise to their physiological limits. This emphasises the critical importance of pacing in their racing success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Santos-Concejero
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Portal de Lasarte 71, 01007, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. .,UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - F Billaut
- Department of Kinesiology, University Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - L Grobler
- Department of Sport Science, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - J Oliván
- Department of Physiology, European University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - T D Noakes
- UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - R Tucker
- UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,School of Medicine, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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Knechtle B, Nikolaidis PT, Onywera VO, Zingg MA, Rosemann T, Rüst CA. Male and female Ethiopian and Kenyan runners are the fastest and the youngest in both half and full marathon. SPRINGERPLUS 2016; 5:223. [PMID: 27026917 PMCID: PMC4771648 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-1915-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In major marathon races such as the 'World Marathon Majors', female and male East African runners particularly from Ethiopia and Kenya are the fastest. However, whether this trend appears for female and male Ethiopians and Kenyans at recreational level runners (i.e. races at national level) and in shorter road races (e.g. in half-marathon races) has not been studied yet. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine differences in the performance and the age of female and male runners from East Africa (i.e. Ethiopians and Kenyans) between half- and full marathons. Data from 508,108 athletes (125,894 female and 328,430 male half-marathoners and 10,205 female and 43,489 male marathoners) originating from 126 countries and competing between 1999 and 2014 in all road-based half-marathons and marathons held in one country (Switzerland) were analysed using Chi square (χ(2)) tests, mixed-effects regression analyses and one-way analyses of variance. In half-marathons, 48 women (0.038 %) and 63 men (0.019 %) were from Ethiopia and 80 women (0.063 %) and 134 men (0.040 %) from Kenya. In marathons, three women (0.029 %) and 15 men (0.034 %) were from Ethiopia and two women (0.019 %) and 33 men (0.075 %) from Kenya. There was no statistically significant association between the nationality of East Africans and the format of a race. In both women and men, the fastest race times in half-marathons and marathons were achieved by East African runners (p < 0.001). Ethiopian and Kenyan runners were the youngest in both sexes and formats of race (p < 0.001). In summary, women and men from Ethiopia and Kenya, despite they accounted for <0.1 % in half-marathons and marathons, achieved the fastest race times and were the youngest in both half-marathons and marathons. These findings confirmed in the case of half-marathon the trend previously observed in marathon races for a better performance and a younger age in East African runners from Ethiopia and Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beat Knechtle
- Facharzt FMH für Allgemeinmedizin, Gesundheitszentrum St. Gallen, Vadianstrasse 26, St. Gallen, 9001 Switzerland ; Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pantelis T Nikolaidis
- Department of Physical and Cultural Education, Hellenic Army Academy, Athens, Greece
| | - Vincent O Onywera
- Department of Recreation Management and Exercise Science, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Matthias A Zingg
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Rosemann
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph A Rüst
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Abstract
Running economy (RE) represents a complex interplay of physiological and biomechanical factors that is typically defined as the energy demand for a given velocity of submaximal running and expressed as the submaximal oxygen uptake (VO2) at a given running velocity. This review considered a wide range of acute and chronic interventions that have been investigated with respect to improving economy by augmenting one or more components of the metabolic, cardiorespiratory, biomechanical or neuromuscular systems. Improvements in RE have traditionally been achieved through endurance training. Endurance training in runners leads to a wide range of physiological responses, and it is very likely that these characteristics of running training will influence RE. Training history and training volume have been suggested to be important factors in improving RE, while uphill and level-ground high-intensity interval training represent frequently prescribed forms of training that may elicit further enhancements in economy. More recently, research has demonstrated short-term resistance and plyometric training has resulted in enhanced RE. This improvement in RE has been hypothesized to be a result of enhanced neuromuscular characteristics. Altitude acclimatization results in both central and peripheral adaptations that improve oxygen delivery and utilization, mechanisms that potentially could improve RE. Other strategies, such as stretching should not be discounted as a training modality in order to prevent injuries; however, it appears that there is an optimal degree of flexibility and stiffness required to maximize RE. Several nutritional interventions have also received attention for their effects on reducing oxygen demand during exercise, most notably dietary nitrates and caffeine. It is clear that a range of training and passive interventions may improve RE, and researchers should concentrate their investigative efforts on more fully understanding the types and mechanisms that affect RE and the practicality and extent to which RE can be improved outside the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle R Barnes
- Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Level 2, AUT-Millennium Campus, 17 Antares Place, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, New Zealand,
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Running economy: measurement, norms, and determining factors. SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN 2015; 1:8. [PMID: 27747844 PMCID: PMC4555089 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-015-0007-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Running economy (RE) is considered an important physiological measure for endurance athletes, especially distance runners. This review considers 1) how RE is defined and measured and 2) physiological and biomechanical factors that determine or influence RE. It is difficult to accurately ascertain what is good, average, and poor RE between athletes and studies due to variation in protocols, gas-analysis systems, and data averaging techniques. However, representative RE values for different caliber of male and female runners can be identified from existing literature with mostly clear delineations in oxygen uptake across a range of speeds in moderately and highly trained and elite runners. Despite being simple to measure and acceptably reliable, it is evident that RE is a complex, multifactorial concept that reflects the integrated composite of a variety of metabolic, cardiorespiratory, biomechanical and neuromuscular characteristics that are unique to the individual. Metabolic efficiency refers to the utilization of available energy to facilitate optimal performance, whereas cardiopulmonary efficiency refers to a reduced work output for the processes related to oxygen transport and utilization. Biomechanical and neuromuscular characteristics refer to the interaction between the neural and musculoskeletal systems and their ability to convert power output into translocation and therefore performance. Of the numerous metabolic, cardiopulmonary, biomechanical and neuromuscular characteristics contributing to RE, many of these are able to adapt through training or other interventions resulting in improved RE.
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Santos-Concejero J, Billaut F, Grobler L, Oliván J, Noakes TD, Tucker R. Maintained cerebral oxygenation during maximal self-paced exercise in elite Kenyan runners. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2015; 118:156-62. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00909.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the cerebral oxygenation response to maximal self-paced and incremental exercise in elite Kenyan runners from the Kalenjin tribe. On two separate occasions, 15 elite Kenyan distance runners completed a 5-km time trial (TT) and a peak treadmill speed test (PTS). Changes in cerebral oxygenation were monitored via near-infrared spectroscopy through concentration changes in oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin (Δ[O2Hb] and Δ[HHb]), tissue oxygenation index (TOI), and total hemoglobin index (nTHI). During the 5-km TT (15.2 ± 0.2 min), cerebral oxygenation increased over the first half (increased Δ[O2Hb] and Δ[HHb]) and, thereafter, Δ[O2Hb] remained constant (effect size, ES = 0.33, small effect), whereas Δ[HHb] increased until the end of the trial ( P < 0.05, ES = 3.13, large effect). In contrast, during the PTS, from the speed corresponding to the second ventilatory threshold, Δ[O2Hb] decreased ( P < 0.05, ES = 1.51, large effect), whereas Δ[HHb] continued to increase progressively until exhaustion ( P < 0.05, ES = 1.22, large effect). Last, the TOI was higher during the PTS than during the 5-km TT ( P < 0.001, ES = 3.08; very large effect), whereas nTHI values were lower ( P < 0.001, ES = 2.36, large effect). This study shows that Kenyan runners from the Kalenjin tribe are able to maintain their cerebral oxygenation within a stable range during a self-paced maximal 5-km time trial, but not during an incremental maximal test. This may contribute to their long-distance running success.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Santos-Concejero
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - F. Billaut
- Department of Kinesiology, University Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - L. Grobler
- Department of Sport Science, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa; and
| | - J. Oliván
- Department of Physiology, European University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - T. D. Noakes
- UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - R. Tucker
- UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Santos-Concejero J, Tucker R. Comment on Dissociation between running economy and running performance in elite Kenyan distance runners. J Sports Sci 2014; 34:96-8. [DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2014.971048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Santos-Concejero
- UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Ross Tucker
- UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
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New frontiers in the study of human cultural and genetic evolution. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2014; 29:103-9. [PMID: 25218864 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2014.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the dynamic linkages between culture and the genetic evolution of the human species. We begin by briefly describing the framework of gene-culture coevolutionary (or dual-inheritance) models for human evolutionary change. Until recently, the literature on gene-culture coevolution was composed primarily of mathematical models and formalized theory describing the complex dynamics underlying human behavior, adaptation, and technological evolution, but had little empirical support concerning genetics. The rapid progress in the fields of molecular genetics and genomics, however, is now providing the kinds of data needed to produce rich empirical support for gene-culture coevolutionary models. We briefly outline how theoretical and methodological progress in genome sciences has provided ways for the strength of selection on genes to be evaluated, and then outline how evidence of selection on several key genes can be directly linked to human cultural practices. We then describe some exciting new directions in the empirical study of gene-culture coevolution, and conclude with a discussion of the role of gene-culture evolutionary models in the future integration of medical, biological, and social sciences.
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Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the ethnicity of Kenya's most successful international runners, tracking their evolution over the period of their international emergence and current dominance. METHODS The authors analyzed male track distance events from 800m upwards from all the major global athletics championships from 1964 to 2013, and the annual Top-25 world marathon performances since 1990. RESULTS The percentage of top-25 marathon performances and medals won by Kenyan and Kalenjin runners have increased over time with Nandi subtribe outperforming the rest of the world outside Africa (r > .70, large effect). However, Europe, North America, Oceania, Asia, and South America decreased over time in top marathon performances and track medals won (r > .70, large effect). The tribe and subtribe distribution was different in the marathon than in the track: Maasais were more likely to feature in medals won in shorter track events than in the top 25 of the world marathon rankings (risk ratio [RR] = 9.67, very large effect). This was also the case for Marakwets (RR = 6.44, very large effect) and Pokots (RR = 4.83, large effect). On the other hand, Keiyos, Kikuyus, Kipsigis, Sabaots, and Tugens were more likely to succeed in the marathon than in shorter track events (RR > 2.0, moderate effect). CONCLUSION These data emphasize that the previously documented emergence of African distance runners is primarily a Kenyan phenomenon, driven by the Kalenjin tribe and in particular the Nandi subtribe. This supports the complex interaction between genotype, phenotype, and socioeconomic factors driving the remarkable dominance of Kenyan distance runners.
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Vancini RL, Pesquero JB, Fachina RJ, Andrade MDS, Borin JP, Montagner PC, de Lira CAB. Genetic aspects of athletic performance: the African runners phenomenon. Open Access J Sports Med 2014; 5:123-7. [PMID: 24891818 PMCID: PMC4037248 DOI: 10.2147/oajsm.s61361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The current dominance of African runners in long-distance running is an intriguing phenomenon that highlights the close relationship between genetics and physical performance. Many factors in the interesting interaction between genotype and phenotype (eg, high cardiorespiratory fitness, higher hemoglobin concentration, good metabolic efficiency, muscle fiber composition, enzyme profile, diet, altitude training, and psychological aspects) have been proposed in the attempt to explain the extraordinary success of these runners. Increasing evidence shows that genetics may be a determining factor in physical and athletic performance. But, could this also be true for African long-distance runners? Based on this question, this brief review proposed the role of genetic factors (mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid, the Y chromosome, and the angiotensin-converting enzyme and the alpha-actinin-3 genes) in the amazing athletic performance observed in African runners, especially the Kenyans and Ethiopians, despite their environmental constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Luiz Vancini
- Centro de Educação Física e Desportos, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - João Bosco Pesquero
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Júlio Fachina
- Departamento de Ciência do Esporte, Faculdade de Educação Física, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil ; Confederação Brasileira de Basquetebol, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marília Dos Santos Andrade
- Centro de Educação Física e Desportos, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Borin
- Departamento de Ciência do Esporte, Faculdade de Educação Física, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Paulo César Montagner
- Departamento de Ciência do Esporte, Faculdade de Educação Física, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Claudio Andre Barbosa de Lira
- Setor de Fisiologia Humana e do Exercício, Faculdade de Educação Física, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
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