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Cook JD, Gratton MKP, Bender AM, Werthner P, Lawson D, Pedlar CR, Kipps C, Bastien CH, Samuels CH, Charest J. Sleep Health, Individual Characteristics, Lifestyle Factors, and Marathon Completion Time in Marathon Runners: A Retrospective Investigation of the 2016 London Marathon. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1346. [PMID: 37759947 PMCID: PMC10527296 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13091346] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite sleep health being critically important for athlete performance and well-being, sleep health in marathoners is understudied. This foundational study explored relations between sleep health, individual characteristics, lifestyle factors, and marathon completion time. Data were obtained from the 2016 London Marathon participants. Participants completed the Athlete Sleep Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) along with a brief survey capturing individual characteristics and lifestyle factors. Sleep health focused on the ASSQ sleep difficulty score (SDS) and its components. Linear regression computed relations among sleep, individual, lifestyle, and marathon variables. The analytic sample (N = 943) was mostly male (64.5%) and young adults (66.5%). A total of 23.5% of the sample reported sleep difficulties (SDS ≥ 8) at a severity warranting follow-up with a trained sleep provider. Middle-aged adults generally reported significantly worse sleep health characteristics, relative to young adults, except young adults reported significantly longer sleep onset latency (SOL). Sleep tracker users reported worse sleep satisfaction. Pre-bedtime electronic device use was associated with longer SOL and longer marathon completion time, while increasing SOL was also associated with longer marathon completion. Our results suggest a deleterious influence of pre-bedtime electronic device use and sleep tracker use on sleep health in marathoners. Orthosomnia may be a relevant factor in the relationship between sleep tracking and sleep health for marathoners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse D. Cook
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Matt K. P. Gratton
- Division of Medical Informatics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 66160, USA;
- Social and Behavioral Sciences, Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Amy M. Bender
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (A.M.B.); (P.W.); (C.H.S.); (J.C.)
| | - Penny Werthner
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (A.M.B.); (P.W.); (C.H.S.); (J.C.)
| | - Doug Lawson
- Centre for Sleep and Human Performance, Calgary, AB T2X 3V4, Canada;
| | - Charles R. Pedlar
- Faculty of Sport, Allied Health, and Performance Science, Twickenham, St Mary’s University, London TW1 4SX, UK;
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London WC1E 6JB, UK;
| | - Courtney Kipps
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London WC1E 6JB, UK;
| | - Celyne H. Bastien
- École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Charles H. Samuels
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (A.M.B.); (P.W.); (C.H.S.); (J.C.)
- Centre for Sleep and Human Performance, Calgary, AB T2X 3V4, Canada;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jonathan Charest
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (A.M.B.); (P.W.); (C.H.S.); (J.C.)
- Centre for Sleep and Human Performance, Calgary, AB T2X 3V4, Canada;
- École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
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Armento AM, VanBaak KD, Seehusen CN, Howell DR. Differences in Training and Health Characteristics Between Trail Ultrarunners and Shorter Distance Runners. Wilderness Environ Med 2023; 34:182-186. [PMID: 36764885 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The primary aim of the study was to compare select training and health characteristics between ultramarathon and shorter distance runners participating in a trail race series. METHODS A questionnaire was sent to all participants who signed up for a trail race series, including distances of 10 km, half marathon, 50 km, 80.5 km (50 mi), and 100 km. There were 59 participants (27 ultramarathoners and 32 half marathon/10-km runners) who completed the questionnaire. We compared the training and health characteristics between groups using t tests and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS There were no significant differences in reported history of stress fracture (15% vs 9%; P=0.70) or sleep quality scores (4.4 vs 5.5; P=0.15) between the ultramarathon and half marathon/10-km groups. Over half of both groups reported trying to change body weight to improve performance, without significant differences between groups (65% vs 53%; P=0.42). A significantly greater proportion of the ultramarathoners reported an episode of binge eating in the 4 wk preceding the race (38% vs 3%; P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Despite differences in training volume, we did not find different injury, sleep, and nutrition data between the ultramarathoners and half marathon/10-km runners, with the exception of more ultramarathoners reporting binging behaviors in the 4 wk leading up to the race. Screening for eating disorder behaviors should be considered in distance runners, particularly ultrarunners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey M Armento
- Sports Medicine Center, Orthopedics Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO; Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO.
| | - Karin D VanBaak
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO; Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Corrine N Seehusen
- Sports Medicine Center, Orthopedics Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO; University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, ME
| | - David R Howell
- Sports Medicine Center, Orthopedics Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO; Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
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Boer PH, Schwellnus MP, Jordaan E. Chronic diseases and allergies are risk factors predictive of a history of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) in distance runners: SAFER study XXIV. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2023; 51:166-174. [PMID: 35073241 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2021.2021597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is one of the most common causes of exercise-associated lower leg pain in distance runners. AIM To identify risk factors predictive of a history of MTSS in distance runners entering the Two Oceans Marathon races (21.1 km and 56 km). DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING 2012 to 2015 Two Oceans Marathon races (21.1 km and 56 km). PARTICIPANTS Consenting race entrants. METHODS 106,743 race entrants completed an online pre-race medical screening questionnaire. 76,654 consenting runners (71.8%) were studied. 558 verified MTSS injuries were reported in the previous 12 months. Risk factors predictive of a history of MTSS were explored using uni - & multivariate analyses: demographics (race distance, sex, and age groups), training/racing history, history of chronic diseases, allergies, and medication use. RESULTS Independent risk factors predictive of a history of MTSS (adjusted for sex, age group, and race distance) were a higher chronic disease composite score (PR = 3.1 times increase risk for every two additional chronic diseases; p < 0.0001) and a history of allergies (PR = 1.9; p < 0.0001). Chronic diseases (PR > 2) predictive of a history of MTSS were: symptoms of CVD (PR = 4.2; p < 0.0001); GIT disease (PR = 3.3; p < 0.0001); kidney/bladder disease (PR = 3.3; p < 0.0001); nervous system/psychiatric disease (PR = 3.2; p < 0.0001); respiratory disease (PR = 2.9; p < 0.0001) a history of CVD (PR = 2.9; p < 0.0001); and risk factors of CVD (PR = 2.4; p < 0.0001) (univariate analysis). Average running speed was associated with higher risk of MTSS. CONCLUSION Novel independent risk factors predictive of a history of MTSS in distance runners (56 km, 21.1 km) were multiple chronic diseases and a history of allergies. Identifying athletes at higher risk for MTSS can guide healthcare professionals in their prevention and rehabilitation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter-Henk Boer
- Department of Human Movement Science, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Wellington, South Africa
| | - Martin P Schwellnus
- Sport Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (Semli), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- International Olympic Committee (IOC) Research Centre, South Africa
- Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town Rondebosch South Africa
| | - Esmè Jordaan
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, South Africa
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Lecina M, Castellar-Otín C, López-Laval I, Carrasco Páez L, Pradas F. Acute Kidney Injury and Hyponatremia in Ultra-Trail Racing: A Systematic Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58050569. [PMID: 35629986 PMCID: PMC9146822 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58050569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Ultra-trail races can cause episodes of acute kidney injury (AKI) and exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) in healthy subjects without previous renal pathology. This systematic review aims to review the incidence of these two syndromes together and separately taking into account the length and elevation of the ultra-trail race examined. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted through electronic search in four electronic databases (PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science and Alcorze). Results: A total of 1127 articles published between January 2006 and December 31, 2021 were included, 28 of which met the inclusion criteria. The studies were categorized according to the length and stages of the race in four categories: medium (42 to 69 km), long (70 to 99 km), extra (>100 km) and multi-stage if they included various stages. A total of 2950 runners (666 females and 2284 males) were extracted from 28 publications. The AKI incidence found was 42.04% (468 cases of 1113), and 195 of 2065 were diagnosed with EAH, accounting for 9.11%. The concurrence of both pathologies together reached 11.84% (27 individuals) from a total of 228 runners with AKI and EAH simultaneously analyzed. Sorted by race category, the AKI+EAH cases were distributed as follows: 18 of 27 in the extra (13.63% and n = 132), 4 in the large (5.79% and n = 69) and 5 in the medium category (18.15% and n = 27). Conclusions: According to these results, extra and medium races showed a similar incidence of AKI+EAH. These findings underline the importance of the duration and intensity of the race and may make them responsible for the etiology of these medical conditions. Due to their variable incidence, EAH and AKI are often underdiagnosed, leading to poorer prognosis, increased condition seriousness and hindered treatment. The results of this review urge participants, coaches and race organizers to take measures to improve the early diagnosis and urgent treatment of possible EAH and AKI cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Lecina
- Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 22002 Huesca, Spain;
| | - Carlos Castellar-Otín
- ENFYRED Research Group, Faculty of Health and Sports, University of Zaragoza, 22002 Huesca, Spain;
- Correspondence:
| | - Isaac López-Laval
- Department of Physiatry and Nursery, Section of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Zaragoza, 22002 Huesca, Spain;
| | - Luis Carrasco Páez
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain;
| | - Francisco Pradas
- ENFYRED Research Group, Faculty of Health and Sports, University of Zaragoza, 22002 Huesca, Spain;
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Michnik A, Sadowska-Krępa E, Kiełboń A, Duch K, Bańkowski S. Blood serum denaturation profile examined by differential scanning calorimetry reflects the effort put into ultramarathon by amateur long-distance runners. J Therm Biol 2021; 99:103013. [PMID: 34420643 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.103013] [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: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The impact of participation in the ultramarathon on the health and mental and physical condition is very complex. Undoubtedly, exercise brings many benefits but also involves health risks. Especially such an extreme effort as the one associated with finishing the ultramarathon run, can be dangerous to the health of the runner. With the variety of possible biomarkers of excessive fatigue that threaten health and life, a question arises which of them are the best and which should be considered in amateur long-distance runners showing particularly high individual variability. In this study differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has been applied to show the overall effect of the 12-h run on blood sera of participants. Serum samples were obtained from the blood of ten male amateur long-distance runners, collected before and immediately after the run. Distinct changes in the shape of DSC curves have been observed for serum after finishing the run relative to pre-race serum. Statistically significant differences between stages "before" and "after" ultramarathon running have been found for parameters of the endothermic transition associated with denaturation of serum proteins. An increase in the temperature (from 70.9 ± 0.9 to 75.8 ± 2.9 °C) and excess heat capacity (from 0.859 ± 0.201 to 1.102 ± 0.226 Jg-1 °C-1) at peak maximum, the enthalpy of serum denaturation (from 18.55 ± 6.52 to 22.08 ± 5.61 Jg-1) and the first moment of the thermal transition with respect to the temperature (from the value of 67.0 ± 2.1 to 72.6 ± 2.1 °C) has been observed. These results show a clear impact of running an ultramarathon on the participant's blood serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Michnik
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, The Silesian Centre for Education and Interdisciplinary Research, University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. 75 Pułku Piechoty 1A, 41-500, Chorzow, Poland.
| | - Ewa Sadowska-Krępa
- The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Institute of Sport Sciences, ul. Mikołowska 72a, 40-065, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Kiełboń
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, The Silesian Centre for Education and Interdisciplinary Research, University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. 75 Pułku Piechoty 1A, 41-500, Chorzow, Poland.
| | - Klaudia Duch
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, The Silesian Centre for Education and Interdisciplinary Research, University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. 75 Pułku Piechoty 1A, 41-500, Chorzow, Poland.
| | - Sebastian Bańkowski
- The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Institute of Sport Sciences, ul. Mikołowska 72a, 40-065, Katowice, Poland.
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Raghunandan A, Charnoff JN, Matsuwaka ST. The Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Nonsurgical Treatment of Injuries Related to Endurance Running. Curr Sports Med Rep 2021; 20:306-311. [PMID: 34099608 DOI: 10.1249/jsr.0000000000000852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Running is a popular form of exercise that is easily accessible to various populations; endurance running, defined as distances beyond 5 km, continues to grow within the sport. Endurance running-related injuries are common in the lower extremities and are primarily overuse related. A multitude of risk factors for injury exist, including extrinsic factors, such as running distance and frequency, and intrinsic factors, such as biomechanics and nutrition status. Training and rehabilitation techniques vary with a general focus on strengthening and gradual increase in activity, but evidence is mixed, and it is difficult to generalize programs across different running populations. Management of specific running groups, including youth runners, is an area in which additional research is needed. New treatments, such as orthobiologics and wearable technology, have promising potential to optimize performance and recovery and minimize injury. However, they need to be further evaluated with high-quality studies.
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Ozdurak Singin RH, Duz S, Kiraz M. Cortical and Subcortical Brain Volume Alterations Following Endurance Running at 38.6 km and 119.2 km in Male Athletes. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e926060. [PMID: 34155188 PMCID: PMC8234558 DOI: 10.12659/msm.926060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several studies have shown that ultramarathon running causes severe physical and mental stress and harms organ systems, its effect on brain tissue remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the volumetric change of cortical and subcortical brain structures following 38.6-km and 119.8-km mountain races. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 23 healthy male runners (age, 49.05±5.99 years) were classified as short-trail (ST; n=9) and ultra-trail (UT; n=14) endurance running. Pre- and post-test scanning of brain tissue was performed by using a 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pre- and post-race differences in cortical and subcortical volumes in the ST and UT groups were separately determined by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS Cortical gray matter (GM) and cerebral GM volume significantly increased after the race in both ST and UT groups, whereas the volume of the thalamus, caudate, pallidus, and hippocampus significantly increased only in the UT group. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and white-matter (WM) volumes did not change after endurance running and remained unaltered in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Endurance running has a site-specific acute effect on cortical and subcortical structures and may attenuate GM volume decrease in older adult male athletes. The increased volume of subcortical structures might be a response of physical exercise and additional physical stress experienced by ultramarathon runners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Serkan Duz
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Murat Kiraz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Çorum, Turkey
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From Athens to Sparta-37 Years of Spartathlon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094914. [PMID: 34063017 PMCID: PMC8124832 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: Recent studies analyzed the participation and performance trends of historic races such as the oldest ultra-marathon (Comrades) or the oldest 100-km ultra-marathon (Biel). One of the toughest and historic ultra-marathons in the world is the ‘Spartathlon’ (246-km ultra-marathon from Athens to Sparta). The present study aimed to analyze the trends in participation and performance of this race. (2) Methods: Different general linear models were applied as follows: the first model was a two-way ANOVA (Decade × Sex), with separate models for all participants and for only the top five finishers in each race; the second model was a two-way ANOVA (Age Group × Sex); the third model was a two-way ANOVA (Nationality × Sex). (3) Results: Between 1982 and 2019, 3504 ultra-marathoners (3097 men and 407 women) officially finished the Spartathlon at least once. Athletes from Japan were the majority with 737 participants, followed by far by runners from Germany (n = 393), Greece (n = 326), and France (n = 274). The nations with the highest numbers of athletes amongst the top five performers were Japan (n = 71), followed by Germany (n = 59), and Great Britain (n = 31). Runners from the USA were the fastest in men, and runners from Great Britain were the fastest in women. Female and male runners improved performance across the decades. The annual five fastest women and men improved their performance over time. Runners achieved their best performance earlier in life (20–29 and 30–39 years) than female runners (30–39 and 40–49 years). Runners in age group 30–39 years were the fastest for all nationalities, except for Greece. (4) Conclusions: Successful finishers in the Spartathlon improved performance in the last four decades and male runners achieved their best performance ~10 years earlier in life than female runners.
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Sangha GS, Goergen CJ, Prior SJ, Ranadive SM, Clyne AM. Preclinical techniques to investigate exercise training in vascular pathophysiology. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 320:H1566-H1600. [PMID: 33385323 PMCID: PMC8260379 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00719.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a dynamic process starting with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation and eventually leading to life-threatening arterial plaques. Exercise generally improves endothelial function in a dose-dependent manner by altering hemodynamics, specifically by increased arterial pressure, pulsatility, and shear stress. However, athletes who regularly participate in high-intensity training can develop arterial plaques, suggesting alternative mechanisms through which excessive exercise promotes vascular disease. Understanding the mechanisms that drive atherosclerosis in sedentary versus exercise states may lead to novel rehabilitative methods aimed at improving exercise compliance and physical activity. Preclinical tools, including in vitro cell assays, in vivo animal models, and in silico computational methods, broaden our capabilities to study the mechanisms through which exercise impacts atherogenesis, from molecular maladaptation to vascular remodeling. Here, we describe how preclinical research tools have and can be used to study exercise effects on atherosclerosis. We then propose how advanced bioengineering techniques can be used to address gaps in our current understanding of vascular pathophysiology, including integrating in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies across multiple tissue systems and size scales. Improving our understanding of the antiatherogenic exercise effects will enable engaging, targeted, and individualized exercise recommendations to promote cardiovascular health rather than treating cardiovascular disease that results from a sedentary lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurneet S Sangha
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Craig J Goergen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.,Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Steven J Prior
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland.,Baltimore Veterans Affairs Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sushant M Ranadive
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland
| | - Alisa M Clyne
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
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Nikolaidis PT, Knechtle B, Vancini R, Gomes M, Sousa C. Participation and Performance in the Oldest Ultramarathon-Comrades Marathon 1921-2019. Int J Sports Med 2020; 42:638-644. [PMID: 33260248 DOI: 10.1055/a-1303-4255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Participation and performance trends have been analyzed for different ultramarathons for limited time periods. This study examined trends in participation and performance in the oldest ultramarathon in the world, the 'Comrades Marathon' (South Africa), during a century (1921-2019). Data from www.ultra-marathon.org on 100 000 unique finishers were analysed using different general linear models. Women represented 4.2% of the total sample (n=4152), and the first women ran this race in 1978. Before the year 1965, the number of participants in the race ranged between 5 and 35 athletes, then started to grow exponentially until mid 90's. An increase in finishers in the 70 s mainly due to an increase in male athletes in age groups 30-39, 40-49 and 50-59 years was observed (p<0.001). A stable running speed for overall women and men but an improvement in performance for the annual top five women and men were shown (p<0.001). Male runners were faster than female runners for all age groups (p<0.001). While overall performance was not improved across years, the annual top five women and men were able to improve their performance over years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beat Knechtle
- Gesundheitszentrum, St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - RodrigoLuiz Vancini
- Centro de Educação Física e Desportos, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Margarida Gomes
- Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health, Polytechnic Institute of Beja, Portugal
| | - CaioVictor Sousa
- Graduate Program in Physical Education, Universidade Católica de Brasília - UCB, Brasília, Brazil
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