Quercetin does not affect rating of perceived exertion in athletes during the Western States endurance run

The purpose of this study was to measure the influence of quercetin supplementation on ratings of perceived exertion in ultramarathon runners competing in the 160-km Western States Endurance Run (WSER). Sixty-three runners were randomized to quercetin (Q) and placebo (P) groups, and under double blinded methods ingested four supplements per day with or without 250 mg quercetin for 3 weeks before the WSER. Thirty-nine of the 63 subjects (quercetin N = 18, placebo N = 21) finished the race. At the completion of exercise ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed at aid stations located at 40, 90, 125, 150, and 160 km (finish line). The pattern of change in RPE over time was not significantly different between the Q and P groups. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) did not significantly increase throughout the race (15.2 +/- 2.9 at 40 km -14.2 +/- 4.0 at 160 km) for both groups combined. Race times were not different between the groups (Q = 26.4 +/- 0.7 h and P = 27.5 +/- 0.6 h). Significant time main effects (p < 0.001) were found for both serum glucose and cortisol throughout the race. Quercetin supplementation for 3 weeks prior to the WSER had no effect on RPE during competitive self-paced ultramarathon running. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) did not increase in a linear fashion but instead fluctuated nonmonotonically throughout the self-paced endurance running event.

Cardiopulmonary physiology and responses of ultramarathon athletes to prolonged exercise

The purpose of this study was to determine the changes of pulmonary function and autonomic cardiovascular control after an ultramarathon and their relation to performance. Eight entrants to the Canadian National Championship 100-km running race participated in the study. Pulmonary function and 30-s maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV30s) tests were conducted one day before the race and within 5 minutes of race completion. Heart rate and blood pressure data were collected 30 min before and 5 min after the race as well as during a 10-min stand test one day prior to the race. During the race, beat-by-beat R-R interval data were collected over the first and last 20 km. The results showed that MVV30s and MVV30s tidal volumes were reduced postrace (p < 0.001). Prerace supine total harmonic variation (p < 0.01) and prerace MVV values (10 s to 30 s) (p < 0.05) were correlated with race finish time. The changes in pulmonary function and MVV30s values from pre- and postrace were not significantly correlated to race performance. We conclude that maximal sustainable ventilatory power and dynamic autonomic cardiovascular control are important factors in determining overall performance in an ultramarathon.