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Sudlow A, Galantine P, Vercruyssen F, Peyrot N, Raymond JJ, Duché P. Which Factors Influence Running Gait in Children and Adolescents? A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20054621. [PMID: 36901631 PMCID: PMC10001902 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, running has dramatically increased in children and adolescents, creating a need for a better understanding of running gait in this population; however, research on this topic is still limited. During childhood and adolescence multiple factors exist that likely influence and shape a child's running mechanics and contribute to the high variability in running patterns. The aim of this narrative review was to gather together and assess the current evidence on the different factors that influence running gait throughout youth development. Factors were classified as organismic, environmental, or task-related. Age, body mass and composition, and leg length were the most researched factors, and all evidence was in favour of an impact on running gait. Sex, training, and footwear were also extensively researched; however, whereas the findings concerning footwear were all in support of an impact on running gait, those concerning sex and training were inconsistent. The remaining factors were moderately researched with the exception of strength, perceived exertion, and running history for which evidence was particularly limited. Nevertheless, all were in support of an impact on running gait. Running gait is multifactorial and many of the factors discussed are likely interdependent. Caution should therefore be taken when interpreting the effects of different factors in isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Sudlow
- Impact of Physical Activity on Health Research Unit, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Toulon, Campus La Garde, 83160 Toulon, France
| | - Paul Galantine
- Impact of Physical Activity on Health Research Unit, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Toulon, Campus La Garde, 83160 Toulon, France
| | - Fabrice Vercruyssen
- Impact of Physical Activity on Health Research Unit, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Toulon, Campus La Garde, 83160 Toulon, France
| | - Nicolas Peyrot
- Mouvement-Interactions-Performance, MIP, UR 4334, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Le Mans University, 72000 Le Mans, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Raymond
- Impact of Physical Activity on Health Research Unit, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Toulon, Campus La Garde, 83160 Toulon, France
- Unité de Médecine et de traumatologie du Sport, CHITS Hôpital Sainte Musse, 83100 Toulon, France
| | - Pascale Duché
- Impact of Physical Activity on Health Research Unit, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Toulon, Campus La Garde, 83160 Toulon, France
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de Souza RF, Santos MMS, Thuany M, dos Santos Silva D, de Jesus Alves MD, Oliveira DPM, Knechtle B, Silva AF, Clemente FM, Nobari H, Aidar FJ, Badicu G, Cataldi S, Greco G. Ultramarathon Evaluation above 180 km in relation to Peak Age and Performance. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:1036775. [PMID: 37284504 PMCID: PMC10241566 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1036775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultramarathons with distances over 180 km might lead to different results regarding participation, performance, and age compared to shorter runs of 50 and 100 km. OBJECTIVE To evaluate ultramarathons with distances above 180 km in relation to runners' peak age and performance. METHOD s. Verification of the quantity of competitions in runs over 180 km by continents in the period 2000 to 2020 and evaluation of the individual results of 13,300 athletes after 2010. RESULTS Europe stood out with the largest number of organized events, followed by Asia and North America. The age peak performance (PP) in men and women averaged 45 years old with relationship between sex × years (F = 3.612, p < 0.001; η2 = 0.003). Men accounted for more than 80% of the runners and showed a reduction in PP from 2015 onwards (p < 0.001). Competitions between 180 and 240 km were the most frequent, particularly after 2016, surpassing the number of marathons over 360 km (p < 0.001). Men and women showed higher velocity in distances (p < 0.001) from 180 to 240 km when compared to 241 to 300 k m, 301 to 360 km, and >360 km courses. CONCLUSIONS The decade between 2010 and 2020 showed an increase in the number of Ultramarathon running events. Europe had the highest number. Women had low participation. Performance progression fell, a fact associated with an increase in the number of participants and not specifically related to a decline in athletic performance over the years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Fabricio de Souza
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
- Group of Studies and Research of Performance, Sport, Health and Paralympic Sports-GEPEPS, Federal University of Sergipe, UFS, Sergipe, Brazil
| | | | - Mabliny Thuany
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sports, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Devisson dos Santos Silva
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
- Group of Studies and Research of Performance, Sport, Health and Paralympic Sports-GEPEPS, Federal University of Sergipe, UFS, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Micael Deivison de Jesus Alves
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
- Group of Studies and Research of Performance, Sport, Health and Paralympic Sports-GEPEPS, Federal University of Sergipe, UFS, Sergipe, Brazil
| | | | - Beat Knechtle
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana Filipa Silva
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun'Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports Performance, Recreation, Innovation and Technology (SPRINT), 4960-320 Melgaço, Portugal
| | - Filipe Manuel Clemente
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun'Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports Performance, Recreation, Innovation and Technology (SPRINT), 4960-320 Melgaço, Portugal
- Instituto de Telecomunicações, Delegação da Covilhã, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Hadi Nobari
- Department of Physiology, School of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil 56199-11367, Iran
| | - Felipe J. Aidar
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
- Group of Studies and Research of Performance, Sport, Health and Paralympic Sports-GEPEPS, Federal University of Sergipe, UFS, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Georgian Badicu
- Department of Physical Education and Special Motricity, Faculty of Physical Education and Mountain Sports, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500068 Brasov, Romania
| | - Stefania Cataldi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Study of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Greco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Study of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Birat A, Ratel S, Dodu A, Grossoeuvre C, Dupont AC, Rance M, Morel C, Nottin S. A long duration race induces a decrease of left ventricular strains, twisting mechanics and myocardial work in trained adolescents. Eur J Sport Sci 2022:1-11. [PMID: 35757854 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2093131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the acute cardiac consequences of a long-duration (>5 h) adventure race in adolescent athletes from evaluations of left ventricular (LV) strains and myocardial work. METHODS Twenty trained male adolescents (i.e. 8 ± 4 hours/week of endurance sports) aged 14 to 17 years participated in a competitive long-duration adventure race. Blood samples were collected before, immediately and 24 h after the race to determine the time course of troponin I (cTnI) considered as a myocardial damage biomarker. Resting echocardiography were conducted before and after the race to assess myocardial regional strains, LV twisting mechanics and myocardial work using speckle tracking echocardiography. RESULTS The mean completion time of the race was 05:38 ± 00:20 h, with a mean heart rate (HR) of 83 ± 5% of maximal HR. cTnI concentration significantly increased in 16/20 participants after the race (pre: 0.001 ± 0.002 vs. post: 0.244 ± 0.203 ng·dL-1, p < 0.001) and returned to baseline within 24 h. Stroke volume, ejection fraction and global longitudinal strains remained unchanged after the race while LV twist and global myocardial work significantly decreased (8.6 ± 3.3 vs. 6.3 ± 3.3 deg and 2080 ± 250 vs. 1781 ± 334 mmHg%, p < 0.05). Diastolic function, indexes of myocardial relaxation and LV untwisting rate (-91.0 ± 19.0 vs. -56.4 ± 29.1 deg·s-1, p < 0.001) were affected after the race. CONCLUSION We demonstrated for the first time that, in trained adolescents, a high-intensity endurance exercise of several hours induced an increase of the cTnI concentration associated with an alteration of myocardial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Birat
- EA3533 AME2P, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand 63000, France.,Fédération Française Triathlon, Saint Denis 93210, France
| | - Sébastien Ratel
- EA3533 AME2P, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand 63000, France
| | - Alexandre Dodu
- Fédération Française Triathlon, Saint Denis 93210, France
| | | | - Anne-Charlotte Dupont
- Fédération Française Triathlon, Saint Denis 93210, France.,U1254 INSERM, Imagerie Adaptative Diagnostique et Interventionnelle (ADI), Université de Lorraine, Nancy 54510, France
| | - Mélanie Rance
- Centre de Ressources et d'Expertise de la Performance Sportive (CREPS), Bellerive-sur-Allier 03700, France
| | - Claire Morel
- Centre de Ressources et d'Expertise de la Performance Sportive (CREPS), Bellerive-sur-Allier 03700, France
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Trends in Participation, Sex Differences and Age of Peak Performance in Time-Limited Ultramarathon Events: A Secular Analysis. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58030366. [PMID: 35334541 PMCID: PMC8952003 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58030366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Increases in the number of participants in time-limited ultra-marathons have been reported. However, no information is available regarding the trends in participation, performance and age in 12 h and 24 h time-limited events. The aim of the study was to describe the trends in runners’ participation, performance and age in 12 h and 24 h ultra-marathons for both sexes and to identify the age of peak performance, taking into account the ranking position and age categories. Materials and Methods: The sample comprised 210,455 runners in time-limited ultra-marathons (female 12 h = 23,706; female 24 h = 28,585; male 12 h = 61,594; male 24 h = 96,570) competing between 1876 and 2020 and aged 18 to 86 years. The age of peak performance was tested according to their ranking position (first−third; fourth−tenth and >tenth position) and taking into account their running speed in different age categories (<30 years; 31−40 years; 41−50 years; 51−60 years; >60 years), using the Kruskal−Wallis test, followed by the Bonferroni adjustment. Results: An increase in the number of participants and a decrease in running speed were observed across the years. For both events, the sex differences in performance decreased over time. The sex differences showed that male runners performed better than female runners, but the lowest differences in recent years were observed in the 24 h ultra-marathons. A positive trend in age across the years was found with an increase in mean age (“before 1989” = 40.33 ± 10.07 years; “1990−1999” = 44.16 ± 10.37 years; “2000−2009” = 45.99 ± 10.33 years; “2010−2020” = 45.62 ± 10.80 years). Male runners in 24 h races were the oldest (46.13 ± 10.83 years), while female runners in 12 h races were the youngest (43.46 ± 10.16 years). Athletes ranked first−third position were the youngest (female 12 h = 41.19 ± 8.87 years; female 24 h = 42.19 ± 8.50 years; male 12 h = 42.03 ± 9.40 years; male 24 h = 43.55 ± 9.03 years). When age categories were considered, the best performance was found for athletes aged between 41 and 50 years (female 12 h 6.48 ± 1.74 km/h; female 24 h 5.64 ± 1.68 km/h; male 12 h 7.19 ± 1.90 km/h; male 24 h 6.03 ± 1.78 km/h). Conclusion: A positive trend in participation in 12 h and 24 h ultra-marathons was shown across the years; however, athletes were becoming slower and older. The fastest athletes were the youngest ones, but when age intervals were considered, the age of peak performance was between 41 and 50 years.
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Knechtle B, Weiss K, Villiger E, Scheer V, Gomes TN, Gajda R, Ouerghi N, Chtourou H, Nikolaidis PT, Rosemann T, Thuany M. The Sex Difference in 6-h Ultra-Marathon Running-The Worldwide Trends from 1982 to 2020. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:179. [PMID: 35208503 PMCID: PMC8876730 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58020179] [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: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The 6-h ultra-marathon is the shortest time-limited ultra-marathon race, but little has been investigated regarding this race format. Previously, only the age of peak performance in the context of longer time-limited ultra-marathons was determined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the trends in 6-h ultra-marathon races from 1982 to 2020 for female and male ultra-runners, the participation and performance by countries, the age of peak performance, and the differences in performance regarding countries. Materials and Methods: The sample included 23,203 female ultra-runners, aged 18-83 years, and 87,264 male ultra-runners, aged 18-85 years, who were finishers in a 6-h ultra-marathon held between 1982 and 2020. The age of peak performance was tested using the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the Bonferroni Correction. The difference in performance by countries was verified using a linear regression model with the fastest runners from Russia in women, and Tunisia in men, used as reference. Results: Over the years, the men-to-women ratio decreased. The mean age was 43.20 ± 9.30 years for female and 46.09 ± 10.17 years for male runners. Athletes in younger age groups were faster than athletes in older age groups. Most female and male participants originated from Germany. Women from Russia (10.01 ± 1.28 km/h) and men from Tunisia (12.16 ± 1.46 km/h) were the fastest. Conclusions: In summary, in 6-h ultra-marathons held between 1982 and 2020, the participation for both women and men increased, while the men-to-women ratio decreased. The mean age was higher in men compared to women. Most female and male runners originated from Germany, but the fastest women were from Russia, and the fastest men from Tunisia. Future studies need to investigate whether Russian women and Tunisian men are also the best in other distance-limited ultra-marathon races, such as 12-h and 24-h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beat Knechtle
- Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland;
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, 8000 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Katja Weiss
- Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland;
| | - Elias Villiger
- Klinik für Allgemeine Innere Medizin, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland;
| | - Volker Scheer
- Ultra Sports Science Foundation, 69310 Pierre-Benite, France;
- Department Sports and Health, Institute of Sports Medicine, Paderborn University, 33098 Paderborn, Germany
| | - Thayse Natacha Gomes
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Brazil;
| | - Robert Gajda
- Center for Sports Cardiology, Gajda-Med Medical Center in Pułtusk, 06-100 Pułtusk, Poland;
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Prevention, Jan Dlugosz University in Częstochowa, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Nejmeddine Ouerghi
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Kef, University of Jendouba, UR13JS01, Kef 7100, Tunisia;
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Rabta Hospital, University of Tunis El Manar, LR99ES11, Tunis 1007, Tunisia
| | - Hamdi Chtourou
- Institut Supérieur du Sport et de l’Education Physique de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia;
- Activité Physique, Sport et Santé, UR18JS01, Observatoire National du Sport, Tunis 1003, Tunisia
| | | | - Thomas Rosemann
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, 8000 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Mabliny Thuany
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
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Potential Long-Term Health Problems Associated with Ultra-Endurance Running: A Narrative Review. Sports Med 2021; 52:725-740. [PMID: 34542868 PMCID: PMC8450723 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01561-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that physical activity reduces all-cause mortality and can prolong life. Ultra-endurance running (UER) is an extreme sport that is becoming increasingly popular, and comprises running races above marathon distance, exceeding 6 h, and/or running fixed distances on multiple days. Serious acute adverse events are rare, but there is mounting evidence that UER may lead to long-term health problems. The purpose of this review is to present the current state of knowledge regarding the potential long-term health problems derived from UER, specifically potential maladaptation in key organ systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, renal, immunological, gastrointestinal, neurological, and integumentary systems. Special consideration is given to youth, masters, and female athletes, all of whom may be more susceptible to certain long-term health issues. We present directions for future research into the pathophysiological mechanisms that underpin athlete susceptibility to long-term issues. Although all body systems can be affected by UER, one of the clearest effects of endurance exercise is on the cardiovascular system, including right ventricular dysfunction and potential increased risk of arrhythmias and hypertension. There is also evidence that rare cases of acute renal injury in UER could lead to progressive renal scarring and chronic kidney disease. There are limited data specific to female athletes, who may be at greater risk of certain UER-related health issues due to interactions between energy availability and sex-hormone concentrations. Indeed, failure to consider sex differences in the design of female-specific UER training programs may have a negative impact on athlete longevity. It is hoped that this review will inform risk stratification and stimulate further research about UER and the implications for long-term health.
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Scheer V, Krabak BJ. Musculoskeletal Injuries in Ultra-Endurance Running: A Scoping Review. Front Physiol 2021; 12:664071. [PMID: 33868030 PMCID: PMC8044296 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.664071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultra-endurance running (UER) has seen an important increase in participation over the last few decades. Long hours of UER can lead to excessive stress on the body, resulting in musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI). UER is not a uniform sport and events can differ considerably in distance (over 42.195 km), time (e.g., events over 6 h) and multi-day or multi-stage events on various surfaces (e.g., track, on-road, off-road). The aims of this scoping review were therefore: (1) to examine the current evidence of MSKI, providing a synthesis of the most common MSKI by anatomical region and specific diagnosis; (2) categorize MSKI by type of UER activity (competition: time-limited; multi-stage; continuous UER events and training); (3) describe knowledge gaps in the literature and provide advice on potential further research. Our electronic literature search (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science) identified a total of 13 studies (9 in competition, and 4 in training). Anatomical site, diagnosis and rate of injuries differ between competition and training as well as between different UER types. MSKI are observed in 18% of multi-stage events (0.7-1.8 injuries/runner and 7.2 injuries/1000 h). Most MSKI involve the lower leg (35.0%), ankle (16.8%), knee (13.1%) and foot (12.6%), with main diagnosis of medial tibial stress syndrome (30.1%) and patella femoral pain syndrome (PFPS; 7.2%). Single, continuous UER events differ between a 1005 km road race with almost all of the injuries due to overuse, with the main anatomical site of the knee (31%), ankle (28%) and lower leg (14%) and main diagnosis of PFPS (15.6%), compared to a 65 km trail race, with 32.8% of MSKI, mainly on the foot [plantar fasciitis (28.6%)], ankle [sprain (28.6%)] and knee. Timed-UER events (injury rate of 2.1 injuries/athlete) observed most injuries on the ankle (36%) and knee (19%), with the main diagnosis of tendinitis of the foot dorsiflexors (30%). Injuries during training most commonly affect, the back (42%), and knee (40%) and bone stress injuries (22%). Main diagnoses include ankle sprain (18%), iliotibial band injury (16%) and Achilles tendinopathy (11%). Future considerations include examining MSKI in different UER events, environments and surfaces, and on larger study populations. Establishing risk factors, examining sex differences and using a standard reporting system of MSKI in UER are also important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Scheer
- Ultra Sports Science Foundation, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Brian J Krabak
- University of Washington and Seattle Children's Sports Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
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8
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An Analysis of Participation and Performance of 2067 100-km Ultra-Marathons Worldwide. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18020362. [PMID: 33418867 PMCID: PMC7825131 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the number of successful finishers and the performance of the athletes in 100-km ultra-marathons worldwide. A total of 2067 100-km ultra-marathon races with 369,969 men and 69,668 women competing between 1960 and 2019 were analyzed, including the number of successful finishers, age, sex, and running speed. The results showed a strong increase in the number of running events as well as a strong increase in the number of participants in the 100-km ultra-marathons worldwide. The performance gap disappeared in athletes older than 60 years. Nevertheless, the running speed of athletes over 70 years has improved every decade. In contrast, the performance gap among the top three athletes remains persistent over all decades (F = 83.4, p < 0.001; pη2 = 0.039). The performance gap between the sexes is not significant in the youngest age groups (20–29 years) and the oldest age groups (>90 years) among recreational athletes and among top-three athletes over 70 years. In summary, especially for older athletes, a 100-km ultra-marathon competition shows an increasing number of opponents and a stronger performance challenge. This will certainly be of interest for coaches and athletes in the future, both from a scientific and sporting point of view.
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9
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Scheer V, Di Gangi S, Villiger E, Nikolaidis PT, Rosemann T, Knechtle B. Age-related participation and performance trends of children and adolescents in ultramarathon running. Res Sports Med 2020; 28:507-517. [PMID: 32573266 DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2020.1781124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Participation and performance trends as well as the performance differences among sexes in ultra-endurance running have been well described in the adult population; however, less information on such trends existed in youth ultramarathoners. The aim of the present study was to investigate the age-related participation and performance trends of children and adolescent ultramarathoner runners. Data on runners, younger than 19 years of age, competing from 1960 to 2018 in distance-limited ultramarathons of 50 km, 100 km, 50 miles and 100 miles, were analysed. During this period, the number of ultramarathon participation increased, most notably among boys, most runners originated from Europe, and the 50- and 100-km race distances were the most popular. Overall, male runners were faster than female runners, except in the case of European and Oceanian origin, where girls were faster over the 50-km race. The fastest male runners originated from Africa and the fastest girls from Oceania, and the average running speed has largely decreased for both sexes over calendar years. In summary, this study was the first to report details on participation and performance trends in youth ultramarathoners competing in distance-limited ultramarathons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Scheer
- Ultra Sports Science Foundation , Pierre-Bénite, France.,Health Science Department, Universidad a Distancia De Madrid (UDIMA) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefania Di Gangi
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich , Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elias Villiger
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich , Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Thomas Rosemann
- 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
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10
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Knechtle B, Scheer V, Nikolaidis PT, Sousa CV. Participation and Performance Trends in the Oldest 100-km Ultramarathon in the World. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17051719. [PMID: 32155703 PMCID: PMC7084458 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Participation and performance trends in ultramarathon running have been investigated for large datasets and long period of times with an increase in participants and an improvement in performance. However, the analysis of ultramarathons across many decades is missing. We analyzed these trends for 96,036 athletes (88,286 men and 7750 women) from 67 countries competing between 1956 and 2019 in ‘100 km Lauf Biel’ in Switzerland, the oldest 100-km ultramarathon in the world. More men than women participated in all years. The number of male participants reached a peak at around 1985 and a decline in participation occurred thereafter. Women started competing in 1962. Men were always faster than women and both women and men reduced their race times over years. After about 1985, both overall women and men and both female and male winners were not able to improve race times. For men, athletes from all age groups below the age of 49 years old reached a peak of participation in the 1980s, and showed a decrease since then. Regarding age groups, the decrease first started in age group 20–29 years, followed by 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, and 60–69 years. For athletes in age groups 70–79 and 80–89 years, no decrease occurred. For women, age group athletes in age groups 40–49, 50–59, and 60–69 years increased their participation, whereas age groups 20–29 and 30–39 peaked in the late 1980s and started to decrease or stabilize, respectively. Switzerland, Germany, and France were the countries with the highest numbers of participants throughout the history of the race. In men, race times increased after about 1990 for most nationalities; only runners from Germany seemed to stabilize their performance. In women, runners from Italy, France, and Austria improved their performance over the years. In summary, the analysis of the oldest 100-km ultramarathon in the world showed a decrease in participation and an impairment in performance in the last 60 years. These changes were due to a decrease in the number of male ultramarathoners in around the 1980s, where mainly the number of age group runners younger than 70 years decreased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beat Knechtle
- Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-(0)-71-226-93-00
| | - Volker Scheer
- Ultra Sports Science Foundation, 69310 Pierre-Bénite, France;
- Health Science Department, Universidad a Distancia de Madrid (UDIMA), 28400 Collado Villalba, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Caio Victor Sousa
- Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
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Scheer V, Di Gangi S, Villiger E, Rosemann T, Nikolaidis PT, Knechtle B. Participation and Performance Analysis in Children and Adolescents Competing in Time-Limited Ultra-Endurance Running Events. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17051628. [PMID: 32138338 PMCID: PMC7084740 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ultra-endurance running is of increasing popularity in the adult population, mainly due to master runners older than 35 years of age. However, youth runners younger than 19 years of age are also competing in ultra-endurance events, and an increase has been observed in distance-limited events, but no data is available on time-limited ultra-endurance events in this age group. This study investigated participation and performance trends in time-limited ultra-endurance races, including multi-day events, in runners younger than 19 years of age. Between the period 1990 and 2018, the most popular events recorded a total of 214 finishes (from 166 unique finishers (UF)) for 6-h events, 247 (212 UF) for 12-h events, and 805 (582 UF) for 24-h events, respectively. The majority of athletes originated from Europe and North America. Only a minority participated in multi-day events. Overall, speed increased with age, but the overall performance speed decreased across calendar years for 6- and 24-h events as participation numbers grew. In summary, in youth ultra-endurance runners, differences were observed regarding participation and performance across the different time-limited events, the age of the athletes and their country of origin
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Scheer
- Ultra Sports Science Foundation, 69130 Pierre-Bénite, France;
- Health Science Department, Universidad a Distancia de Madrid (UDIMA), 28400 Collado Villaba, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefania Di Gangi
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland; (S.D.G.); (E.V.); (T.R.)
| | - Elias Villiger
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland; (S.D.G.); (E.V.); (T.R.)
| | - Thomas Rosemann
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland; (S.D.G.); (E.V.); (T.R.)
| | | | - Beat Knechtle
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland; (S.D.G.); (E.V.); (T.R.)
- Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-71-226-93-00
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