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Having a high athletic identity is thought to increase vulnerability for compulsive exercise and Eating Disorder (ED) psychopathology. This study examined whether there is an association between athletic identity and levels of compulsive exercise and ED psychopathology in long-distance runners. A sample of 501 long-distance runners completed the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), Compulsive Exercise Test (CET) and Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ). There was a significant positive association between participants' AIMS and total CET scores (moderate effect size; r=0.34 for males and 0.33 for females). BMI did not influence the relationship between AIMS and CET scores in males. However, for females, AIMS scores were positively associated with levels of Weight Control Exercise when covarying for BMI (small to moderate effect size, r=0.22). No significant associations with EDEQ scores were found (negligible to small effect sizes; r=0.06 for males and r=0.14 for females). Following replication, coaches might need to be vigilant to the welfare of endurance runners that have a strong athletic identity, since this could be linked to them exercising compulsively. Future work should examine whether having a strong athletic identity predicts ED psychopathology when this identity is challenged (e.g., due to injury)., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Fatigue manifests as a decline in performance during high-intensity and prolonged exercise. With technological advancements and the increasing adoption of inertial measurement units (IMUs) in sports biomechanics, there is an opportunity to enhance our understanding of running-related fatigue beyond controlled laboratory environments. How have IMUs have been used to assess running biomechanics under fatiguing conditions? Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, our literature search covered six databases without date restrictions until September 2024. The Population, Concept, and Context criteria were used: Population (distance runners ranging from novice to competitive), Concept (fatigue induced by running a distance over 400 m), Context (assessment of fatigue using accelerometer, gyroscope, and/or magnetometer wearable devices). Biomechanical outcomes were extracted and synthesised, and interpreted in the context of three main study characteristics (cohort ability, testing environment, and the inclusion of physiological outcomes) to explore their potential role in influencing outcomes. A total of 88 articles were included in the review. There was a high prevalence of treadmill-based studies (n=46, 52%), utilising only 1-2 sensors (n=69, 78%), and cohorts ranged in experience, from sedentary to elite-level runners, and were largely comprised of males (69% of all participants). The majority of biomechanical outcomes assessed showed varying responses to fatigue across studies, likely attributable to individual variability, exercise intensity, and differences in fatigue protocol settings and prescriptions. Spatiotemporal outcomes such as stride time and frequency (n=37, 42 %) and impact accelerations (n=55, 62%) were more widely assessed, with a fatigue response that appeared population and environment specific. There was notable heterogeneity in the IMU-based biomechanical outcomes and methods evaluated in this review. The review findings emphasise the need for standardisation of IMU-based outcomes and fatigue protocols to promote interpretable metrics and facilitate inter-study comparisons. • Studies on running fatigue often focus on male cohorts with few sensors and outcomes. • Fatigue responses vary by individual, environment, and exercise intensity. • Standardized assessment and integrating physiological data could enhance analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a 77-year-old former world-record-holding male marathoner (2:08:33.6), this study sought to investigate the impact of lifelong intensive endurance exercise on cardiac structure, function, and the trajectory of functional capacity (determined by maximal oxygen consumption, V̇ o 2max) throughout the adult lifespan. As a competitive runner, our athlete (DC) reported performing up to 150–300 miles/wk of moderate-to-vigorous exercise and sustained 10–15 h/wk of endurance exercise after retirement from competition. DC underwent maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing in 1970 (aged 27 yr), 1991 (aged 49 yr), and 2020 (aged 77 yr) to determine V̇ o 2max. At his evaluation in 2020, DC also underwent comprehensive cardiac assessments including resting echocardiography, and resting and exercise cardiac magnetic resonance to quantify cardiac structure and function at rest and during peak supine exercise. DC's V̇ o 2max showed minimal change from 27 yr (69.7 mL/kg/min) to 49 yr (68.1 mL/kg/min), although it eventually declined by 36% by the age of 77 yr (43.6 mL/kg/min). DC's V̇ o 2max at 77 yr, was equivalent to the 50th percentile for healthy 20- to 29-yr-old males and 2.4 times the requirement for maintaining functional independence. This was partly due to marked ventricular dilatation (left-ventricular end-diastolic volume: 273 mL), which facilitates a large peak supine exercise stroke volume (200 mL) and cardiac output (22.2 L/min). However, at the age of 78 yr, DC developed palpitations and fatigue and was found to be in atrial fibrillation requiring ablation procedures to revert his heart to sinus rhythm. Overall, this life study of a world champion marathon runner exemplifies the substantial benefits and potential side effects of many decades of intense endurance exercise. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: This life study of a 77-yr-old former world champion marathon runner exemplifies the impact of lifelong high-volume endurance exercise on functional capacity (V̇ o 2max equivalent to a 20- to 29-yr-old), partly due to extreme ventricular remodeling that facilitates a large cardiac output during exercise despite reduced maximal heart rate. Although it is possible that this extreme remodeling may contribute to developing atrial fibrillation, the net benefits of extreme exercise throughout this athlete's lifespan favor increased health span and expected longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is rare among athletes. However, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of SCD among those <35 years of age. Meanwhile, coronary artery disease (CAD) is the primary SCD cause among those ≥35 years of age. CAD-induced plaque ruptures are believed to be a significant cause of cardiovascular diseases in middle-aged individuals who participate in extreme long-distance running activities such as marathons. A total of 1970 articles related to EIH were identified using search terms. Out of these, 1946 studies were excluded for reasons such as arterial hypertension, exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension, the absence of exercise stress testing (EST), and a lack of relevance to EIH. The study analyzed 24 studies related to both long-distance runners with exercise-induced hypertension (EIH) and the general public. Among these, 11 studies were quasi-experimentally designed studies used in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on long-distance runners with EIH. Additionally, 12 studies utilized cohort designs, and one study with a quasi-experimental design was conducted among the general population. Recent studies suggest that an imbalance between oxygen demand and supply due to ventricular hypertrophy may be the actual cause of cardiovascular disease, regardless of CAD. Exercising excessively over an extended period can reduce endothelial function and increase arterial stiffness, which in turn increases afterload and leads to an excessive increase in blood pressure during exercise. Exercise-induced hypertension (EIH), which increases the morbidity rate of resting hypertension and is a risk factor for cardio-cerebro-vascular diseases, is more prevalent in middle-aged long-distance runners than in runners from other age groups, and it increases the prevalence of critical arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular arrhythmias. EIH is associated with angiotensin II activity, and angiotensin II receptor blockers show promising effects in middle-aged runners. Further, guidelines for preventing excessive participation in races and restricting exercise intensity and frequency would be useful. This review identifies EIH as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and describes how EIH induces SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Little is known about the effects of training load on exercise-induced plasma increase of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) and their relationship with vascular remodeling. We sought to evaluate the role of sIL 6R as a regulator of IL-6-induced vascular remodeling. Forty-four male marathon runners were recruited and allocated into two groups: low-training (LT, <100 km/week) and high-training (HT, ≥100 km/week), 22 athletes per group. Twenty-one sedentary participants were used as reference. IL-6, sIL-6R and sgp130 levels were measured in plasma samples obtained before and immediately after finishing a marathon (42.2-km). Aortic diameter was measured by echocardiography. The inhibitory effect of sIL-6R on IL-6-induced VSMC migration was assessed using cultured A7r5 VSMCs. Basal plasma IL-6 and sIL-6R levels were similar among sedentary and athlete groups. Plasma IL-6 and sIL-6R levels were elevated after the marathon, and HT athletes had higher post-race plasma sIL-6R, but not IL-6, level than LT athletes. No changes in sgp130 plasma levels were found in LT and HT groups before and after running the marathon. Athletes had a more dilated ascending aorta and aortic root than sedentary participants with no differences between HT and LT athletes. However, a positive correlation between ascending aorta diameter and plasma IL-6 levels corrected by training load and years of training was observed. IL-6 could be responsible for aorta dilation because IL-6 stimulated VSMC migration in vitro , an effect that is inhibited by sIL-6R. However, IL-6 did not modify cell proliferation, collagen type I and contractile protein of VSMC. Our results suggest that exercise induces vascular remodeling. A possible association with IL-6 is proposed. Because sIL-6R inhibits IL-6-induced VSMC migration, a possible mechanism to regulate IL-6-dependent VSMC migration is also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise addiction is a complex construct that examines maladaptive patterns relative to exercise behavior. This phenomenon, though not clinically recognized as a disorder, describes a condition where an individual has a compulsion to exercise excessively, often causing detriments to his or her physical and psychological wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to identify which psychosocial and behavioral factors are best able to predict exercise addiction in long-distance runners. Two hundred forty-eight self-identified runners at least 18 years of age participated in the study. Each subject completed an online survey that included questions referring to demographics, training history, the 10-item Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), and the 11-item Running Addiction Scale (RAS). Multiple linear regression was used to predict the relationship between several variables to the overall RAS score. The significant predictor variables were the AIMS score (p < 0.01), the number of runs taken per week (p < 0.001), and the number of injuries in the previous 2 years (p < 0.05). The best prediction equation was RAS = 36.99 + (0.13 × AIMS score) + (1.14 × runs per week) − (0.17 × body mass index) − (0.21 × number of years running) + (0.93 × number of injuries). This study shows that higher scores on the RAS were associated with a greater identity as an athlete, more injuries and runs per week. Although not statistically significant, body mass index (p = 0.084) and the number of years running (p = 0.098) were both negatively related to the RAS score, indicating the need for a larger and more diverse sample of self-identified runners to explore the relationship between running addiction and other participant characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(2): 9-14, 2019. The purpose of this study was to examine heart rate variability (HRV) at rest, and during submaximal (100 bpm) and maximal exercise in collegiate distance runners. We predicted there would be less HRV during exercise. Eight collegiate runners (19-22 yrs) were recruited for participation. The participants were equipped with a standard Lead II EKG to record HRV at rest. The participants then performed an incremental VO2max test while running on a treadmill. EKG was recorded throughout the exercise test and HRV was later calculated during the submaximal and maximal exercise. To assess HRV the standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDNN) was calculated at rest and during submaximal and maximal exercise. A one-way ANOVA was used to determine HRV differences between these three states. The average R-R interval was 0.961 ± 0.155 s (64 bpm), 0.413 ± 0.018 s (146 bpm), and 0.321 ± 0.008 s (187 bpm) for rest, submaximal, and maximal exercise, respectively. There were significant differences in SDNN from rest to submaximal (0.108 ± 0.055 to 0.008 ± 0.002 s, p < 0.05), and from rest to maximal exercise (0.108 ± 0.055 to 0.006 ± 0.002 s, p < 0.05). When comparing HRV between the resting and exercise states it seems that the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) influence at rest contributes to greater HRV, whereas the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) influence during both submaximal and maximal exercise corresponds to a reduced HRV. These effects may be related to the enhanced automaticity effects of norepinephrine acting on its B1 receptor sites in the heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation has been extensively used to increase exercise economy in different populations. However, its use in elite distance runners, and its potential effects on biomechanical aspects of running have not been properly investigated. This study aims to analyze the potential effects of 15 days of beetroot juice supplementation on physiological, psychological and biomechanical variables in elite runners. Methods: Twelve elite middle and long-distance runners (age = 26.3 ± 5.1yrs, VO2Max = 71.8±5.2 ml*kg-1*min-1) completed an incremental running test to exhaustion on a treadmill before and after a 15-days supplementation period, in which half of the group (EG) consumed a daily nitrate-rich beetroot juice and the other group (PG) consumed a placebo drink. Time to exhaustion (TEx), running economy, vastus lateralis oxygen saturation (SmO2), leg stiffness and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured at 15, 17.1 and 20 km/h during the incremental test. Results: Likely to very likely improvements in EG were observed for the RPE (Standardized mean difference (SMD) = -2.17, 90%CI = -3.23, -1.1), SmO2 (SMD = 0.72, 90%CI = 0.03, 1.41) and TEx (SMD = 1.18, 90%CI = -0.14, 2.5) in comparison with PG. No other physiological or biomechanical variable showed substantial improvements after the supplementation period. Conclusions: Fifteen days of nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation produced substantial improvements in the time to exhaustion in elite runners; however, it didn’t produce meaningful improvements in running economy, VO2Max or mechanical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate running kinematic characteristics and foot strike patterns (FSP) during early and late stages of actual and common high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT): 5 × 2000 m with 120-s recovery between runs. Thirteen healthy, elite, highly trained male endurance runners participated in this study. They each had a personal record in the half-marathon of 70 ± 2.24 min, and each had a minimum experience of 4 years of training and competition. Heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored during HIIT. High levels of exhaustion were reached by the athletes during HIIT (HRpeak: 174.30 bpm; RPE: 17.23). There was a significant increase of HRpeak and RPE during HIIT; nevertheless, time for each run remained unchanged. A within-protocol pairedt-test (first vs. last run) revealed no significant changes (P ≥ 0.05) in kinematics variables and FSP variables during HIIT. There were no substantial changes on kinematics and FSP characteristics in endurance runners after fatigue induced by a HIIT. Only the minimum ankle alignment showed a significant change. The author suggests that these results might be due to both the high athletic level of participants and their experience in HIIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of two kinds of plantar short foot muscles exercise on foot posture and fundamental movement patterns in long-distance runners. Design: A parallel group non-blinded trial with 6-week follow-up. Methods: Twenty five long-distance runners aged 22–35 years. They were divided into two groups. In group 1 (n = 13) subjects performed the exercise “Vele’s Forward Lean” and “Reverse Tandem Gait” and in Group 2 (n = 12) the “Short Foot Exercise.” The runners performed the exercises daily for 6 weeks. The Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) and The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) tests were performed twice: at baseline and after 6 weeks of the exercise. Results: A significant improvement was observed in FPI -6 (talar head palpation in Group 1, and inversion/eversion of the calcaneus in Group 2). Also in Group 1 a significant improvement was noted in FMS tests: deep squat, active straight leg raise and in total score. Conclusions: Short foot muscles strengthening exercises have beneficial effect on functional movement patterns and on foot posture, therefore they should be included as a part of daily training program of runners. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Leg muscle activation profiles and muscle-tendon interaction were studied with eleven internationally high-level Kenyan and eleven national level Japanese distance runners. Methods: Ultrasonography and kinematics were applied together with surface electromyography (EMG) recordings of leg muscles when subjects ran on treadmill at 9.0 (SLOW) and 13.9 km h (MEDIUM). Results: At each speed, both groups presented similar contact and flight times. The kinematic and ultrasound analyses revealed that, in contrast to the Japanese runners, the Kenyans demonstrated during contact smaller stretching and shortening amplitudes ( p < 0.01) of the tendinous tissue of medial gastrocnemius (MG), but greater tendon contribution to the muscle-tendon unit shortening ( p < 0.05). The MG fascicles of the Kenyans were shorter not only at the resting standing position, but also during the contact phase at both running speeds ( p < 0.01). The EMG profiles of the Kenyans showed lower braking/preactivation ratio in both MG and tibialis anterior ( p < 0.05) muscles. They were also characterized by negative relationships between the Achilles tendon moment arm and the MG fascicle shortening during contact ( r = −0.54, p < 0.01). In contrast, the Japanese presented the classical stretch-shortening cycle muscle activation profile of relatively high MG EMG activity during the braking phase. Conclusion: These findings provide new suggestions that the Kenyans have unique structural characteristics which can result in the reduction of muscle and tendinous stretch-shortening loading together with smaller muscle activation during contact at submaximal running speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research analyzing the multiple effects of an extended interval training (EIT) protocol on countermovement jump (CMJ) and handgrip strength in 30 male long-distances runners and the determination of the relationship between fatigue and potentiation. Research methods, postactivation potentiation (PAP), which is induced by a voluntary contraction as conditioning activity (CA), and factors influencing the efficacy by which a CA can stimulate PAP mechanisms are discussed.

Nowadays road running is becoming more and more popular in our country. Road running is mostly done under improper conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of running on nasal response combined with the effects of air pollutants. Twenty road runners were enrolled in the study. All subjects were male and between 20 and 41 years of age. They ran for 60 min on the right side of an avenue in the center of the city. It is in a residential area but has heavy traffic. One week later they were invited to run for 60 min through a running course away from traffic that is located outside the city center. Nasal resistances were measured by active anterior rhinomanometry. Nasal transport time was also measured by saccharin transport method. There was a reduction in nasal resistance, which was statistically significant in city center runners but was not statistically significant in those running outside of the city center after the exercise. Although nasal transport times were statistically shorter in both groups, there were no differences between two groups. Nowadays, everyone is advised to do sports. Due to increase in the number of breaths, the depth of breathing, and the reduction in nasal resistance in outdoor runners during exercise, harmful air pollution particles can easily reach the lower respiratory tract. Exercise is important for our health, but it should be noted that the environment in which we run is as important as doing sports for our health, especially in outdoor runners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we test the hypothesis that continuous concentric exercise training renders skeletal muscles more susceptible to damage in response to eccentric exercise. Elite road cyclists (CYC; n = 10, training experience 8.1 ± 2.0 years, age 22.9 ± 3.7 years), long-distance runners (LDR; n = 10, 9.9 ± 2.3 years, 24.4 ± 2.5 years), and healthy untrained (UT) men ( n = 10; 22.4 ± 1.7 years) performed 100 submaximal eccentric contractions at constant angular velocity of 60° s. Concentric isokinetic peak torque, isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and electrically induced knee extension torque were measured at baseline and immediately and 48 h after an eccentric exercise bout. Muscle soreness was assessed and plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity was measured at baseline and 48 h after exercise. Voluntary and electrically stimulated knee extension torque reduction were significantly greater ( p < 0.05) in UT than in LDR and CYC. Immediately and 48 h after exercise, MVC decreased by 32 % and 20 % in UT, 20 % and 5 % in LDR, and 25 % and 6 % in CYC. Electrically induced 20 Hz torque decreased at the same times by 61 and 29 % in UT, 40 and 17 % in LDR, and 26 and 14 % in CYC. Muscle soreness and plasma CK activity 48 h after exercise did not differ significantly between athletes and UT subjects. In conclusion, even though elite endurance athletes are more resistant to eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage than are UT people, stretch-shortening exercise-trained LDR have no advantage over concentrically trained CYC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Additional forms of theorizing and methodologies are warranted to expand understandings of the body, food and exercise relationship in physically active individuals. Design: A narrative approach grounded in social constructionism was used to explore the meaning-making process around this relationship in male and female distance runners. Method: Narratives around the body, food and exercise were elicited from nine recreational male and female distance runners (n = 5 males, 4 females). The sociocultural construction of meaning was explored through a thematic and dialogic/performance analysis of 17 in-depth interviews (2 interviews per person, with one exception) (see ). Results: Findings indicated that male and female runners drew upon one of two running narratives – ‘just do it’ and ‘just do it better’ – in constructing meanings around the body, food and exercise. Meanings shifted based upon the gendered narratives and cultural discourses. The specific narratives and meanings within them had implications for the runners'' experiences and behaviors around their bodies, food and exercise in empowering/healthy and/or disempowering/unhealthy ways. Conclusions: This study highlights the complexity of the body, food and exercise relationship in male and female distance runners, demonstrating that athletes'' eating and exercising practices are socially and culturally formed in and through particular narratives and cultural discourse. These findings also add to the genre of cultural sport psychology research and a growing body of qualitative literature on disordered eating in the physical activity realm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Classical altitude training can cause an increase in total hemoglobin mass (THM) if a minimum "dose of hypoxia" is reached (altitude ≥2000 m, ≥ weeks). We wanted to find out if repetitive exposure to mild hypoxia during living and training at low altitude (<2000m) for several weeks, often performed by elite athletes, might also have significant effects on erythropoiesis. THM, erythropoietin (EPO), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and ferritin were determined in 8 elite runners before and after each of 2 training camps at low altitude interspersed by 3 weeks of sea-level training and at the same time points in a control group (CG) of 5 well-trained runners. EPO, sTfR and ferritin were also repeatedly measured during the altitude training camps. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant increases in EPO- and sTfR-levels during both training camps and a significant decrease in ferritin indicating enhanced erythropoietic stimulation during living and training at low altitude. Furthermore, significant augmentation of THM by 5.1 % occurred in the course of the 2 altitude training camps. In conclusion, repetitive living and training at low altitude leads to a hypoxia-induced increase in erythropoietic stimulation in elite 400m and 800m runners and, apparently, might also cause a consecutive augmentation of THM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to characterize the changes in purine metabolism in long-distance runners in the main phases of their 1-year training cycle. Nine male athletes competing in distances 5 and 10 km at national/regional level, mean age 22.9 +/- 0.6 years, practising sport for 8.6 +/- 0.3 years, participated in the study. The changes in plasma concentrations of hypoxanthine (Hx), xanthine (X) and uric acid (UA) and the activity of the enzyme HGPRT in red blood cells haemolysate were followed in four characteristic points of the annual training cycle: preparatory phase (specific subphase), competition period, transition period and preparatory phase (intermediate subphase). Resting and postexercise plasma concentrations of X and, Hx and HGPRT activity changed significantly during 1-year training cycle. Significant changes in postexercise Hx values between training phases were found, from 9.3 micromol l(-1) in competition period to 22.9 micromol l(-1) in transition period (Friedmann's ANOVA, P < 0.01). Postexercise UA values ranged from 371 to 399 micromol l(-1) and did not change significantly between training phases. An increase in resting (from 52.0 to 58.4 IMP mg(-1) Hb min(-1), P < 0.05) and postexercise (from 70.7 to 76.2 IMP mg(-1) Hb min(-1), not significant) HGPRT activity between the specific preparation and competition period was observed. In the transition period, Hx postexercise concentration increased (22.9 micromol l(-1), P < 0.01) and HGPRT postexercise activity decreased (58.8 IMP mg(-1) Hb min(-1), P < 0.01) significantly. The results indicate that the level of plasma Hx at rest and after standard exercise may be a useful tool for monitoring the adaptation of energetic processes in different training phases and support the overload/overtraining diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mechanical loading is thought to be a determinant of bone mass and geometry. Both ground reaction forces and tibial strains increase with running speed. This study investigates the hypothesis that surrogates of bone strength in male and female master sprinters, middle and long distance runners and race-walkers vary according to discipline-specific mechanical loading from sedentary controls. Bone scans were obtained by peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT) from the tibia and from the radius in 106 sprinters, 52 middle distance runners, 93 long distance runners and 49 race-walkers who were competing at master championships, and who were aged between 35 and 94 years. Seventy-five age-matched, sedentary people served as control group. Most athletes of this study had started to practice their athletic discipline after the age of 20, but the current training regime had typically been maintained for more than a decade. As hypothesised, tibia diaphyseal bone mineral content (vBMC), cortical area and polar moment of resistance were largest in sprinters, followed in descending order by middle and long distance runners, race-walkers and controls. When compared to control people, the differences in these measures were always >13% in male and >23% in female sprinters (p <0.001). Similarly, the periosteal circumference in the tibia shaft was larger in male and female sprinters by 4% and 8%, respectively, compared to controls (p <0.001). Epiphyseal group differences were predominantly found for trabecular vBMC in both male and female sprinters, who had 15% and 18% larger values, respectively, than controls (p <0.001). In contrast, a reverse pattern was found for cortical vBMD in the tibia, and only few group differences of lower magnitude were found between athletes and control people for the radius. In conclusion, tibial bone strength indicators seemed to be related to exercise-specific peak forces, whilst cortical density was inversely related to running distance. These results may be explained in two, non-exclusive ways. Firstly, greater skeletal size may allow larger muscle forces and power to be exerted, and thus bias towards engagement in athletics. Secondly, musculoskeletal forces related to running can induce skeletal adaptation and thus enhance bone strength. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study measured the influence of the flavonoid quercetin on immune changes and incidence rates of upper respiratory tract infections in ultramarathoners competing in the 160-km Western States Endurance Run. Sixty-three runners were randomized to quercetin and placebo groups, and under double-blinded methods ingested 1000 mg/day quercetin for 3 wks before, during, and 2 wks after the race. Thirty-nine of the 63 subjects (n = 18 for quercetin, n = 21 for placebo) finished the race and provided blood and saliva samples the morning before the race and 15-30mm postrace. Upper respiratory tract infections were assessed during the week before and the 2-wk period after the race using an illness symptom checklist. Race times did not differ significantly between quercetin and placebo groups. Significant pre- to postrace decreases were measured for natural killer cells (43%), granulocyte respiratory burst activity (55%), and salivary IgA output (48%), and increases for neutrophil(288%) and monocyte (211%) cell counts, with no significant group differences. Postrace illness rates did not differ between groups. In conclusion, quercetin supplementation for 3 wks before and 2 wks after the Western States Endurance Run had no effect on illness rates, perturbations in leukocyte subset counts, or decreases in granulocyte respiratory burst activity and salivary IgA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the comparison of the age and performance of men and women athletes in ultramarathons. In the article, the author studies the race results of 86 pairs of athletes from "Way Too Cool 50-kilometer Race," the "American River 80-kilometer Race," and the "161-kilometer Western States Endurance Run." A mean difference of 1 year in the age of women paired with men athletes is recorded in the study. The author concludes that the performance of matched women and men athletes in the 50-kilometer race is similar to their performance in the 80 and 161-kilometer trails.

This study evaluated how preparing for an interval workout, while wearing a cooling vest, affects core temperature (Tc), heart rate (HR), and interval time in long-distance runners. Nineteen male collegiate cross-country runners exercised under two different conditions: (a) wearing a Nike PreCool™ ice vest for one hour prior to the workout (30 minutes resting with the vest and 30 minutes while performing their warm-up); and (b) a control condition utilizing a traditional warm-up. Subjects performed 8 x 1000 m intervals. HR and Tc were measured prior to warm-up, immediately before the first interval, and after each interval. Tc measured before the first interval was significantly lower in the vest condition (difference = 0.37° ± 0.2°C). Differences persisted through the sixth interval. Differences in HR and interval times were nonsignificant between conditions for all intervals. Wearing an ice vest prior to and during warm-up effectively lowers Tc during long-distance interval training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Usually misdiagnosed and ignored in the literature, exercise-induced vasculitis (EIV) is not uncommon, occurring mostly in long-distance runners and in females after long walks, especially in hot weather. Observations I report 23 otherwise healthy patients (22 females, 1 male) who developed EIV after walking or hiking in hot weather. Erythematous, urticarial or purpuric plaques arose on the lower legs, not involving skin compressed by socks. Symptoms included itch, pain, and burning sensation. Lesions resolved after some days. Relapses were frequent at further muscular exercise, and could be prevented in some cases by compression hosiery, manual lymphatic drainage, intake of oedema protective agents, or steroids (local or systemic). Investigations Histopathology demonstrated leucocytoclastic vasculitis in five biopsies, and urticarial vasculitis in one. Extensive blood investigations have been performed in six patients and were negative. No clear relation with chronic venous disease (duplex or Doppler) had been established in 12 patients. Conclusions I suggest denominating this condition exercise-induced vasculitis. This clinical entity is well defined, but poorly recognized. The presentation of 23 original cases demonstrates its reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yang, Z.Y. and Xia, S.Y., 2020. The effect of exercise fluid supplement on human metabolism after load exercise. In: Guido Aldana, P.A. and Kantamaneni, K. (eds.), Advances in Water Resources, Coastal Management, and Marine Science Technology. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 104, pp. 504–507. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Objective: In the process of load exercise training, with the discharge of sweat, the loss of water and electrolyte will destroy the balance of water and salt metabolism, and the athletic ability of athletes will also decline in varying degrees. Therefore, this paper studies the effect of exercise fluid supplementation on human metabolism after load exercise. The average value of the ionic concentration of athletes' sweat was used as the basis for the preparation of electrolyte sports drinks. Result: The results showed that the concentration of potassium ion in the sweat of male long-distance runners was significantly higher than that of female athletes; the concentration of potassium ion in male athletes of Sanda Team was significantly higher than that of female athletes; the test results of sodium, chlorine and potassium ion of long-distance runners were higher than that of Sanda athletes; Compared with the first week, the concentration of sodium, chloride and calcium ions in female athletes' serum increased in the fourth week, while the potassium ion concentration decreased slightly. Conclusion: After three weeks of load exercise, with the supplement of sports drinks containing appropriate electrolyte concentration, the concentration of serum chloride ion of athletes remained stable, slightly lower than that of the first week, but both were within the normal range; daily supplement of liquid supplement containing potassium ion and calcium ion had a slight decrease in serum potassium ion, and the decrease range was smaller than the former, and the calcium ion concentration was maintained compared with the first week During the period of load training, 800 ml of fluid was provided to athletes every day. After 3 weeks of rehydration, hematocrit remained stable, and there was no significant difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Overtraining syndrome, caused by prolonged excessive stress, results in reduced performance and cortisol responsiveness in athletes. It is necessary to collect saliva samples sequentially within circadian rhythm for assessing exercise stress by measuring cortisol concentrations, and automated cortisol measurements using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) may be useful for measuring a large number of saliva samples. In this study, we evaluated the appropriate use of cortisol-based exercise stress assessment within the circadian rhythm, which may diagnose and prevent overtraining syndrome in athletes. Methods: We collected saliva and sera from 54 healthy participants and analyzed the correlation between salivary cortisol concentrations measured by ECLIA and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or serum cortisol analysis. We also collected saliva continuously from 12 female long-distance runners on 2 consecutive days involving different intensities and types of exercise early in the morning and in the afternoon and measured salivary cortisol concentrations using ECLIA. Each exercise intensity of runners was measured by running velocities, Borg Scale score, and rate of change in the pulse rate by exercise. Results: ECLIA-based salivary cortisol concentrations correlated positively with those detected by ELISA (ρ = 0.924, p < 0.001) and serum cortisol (ρ = 0.591, p = 0.001). In long-distance runners, circadian rhythm of salivary cortisol, including the peak after waking and the decrease promptly thereafter, were detected on both days by continuous saliva sampling. The rates of change in salivary cortisol concentrations were significantly lower after an early morning exercise than after an afternoon exercise on both days (day 1, p = 0.002, and day 2, p = 0.003). In the early morning exercise, the rate of change in salivary cortisol concentration was significantly higher on day 1 than on day 2 (p = 0.034), similar to a significant difference in running velocities (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that automated ECLIA-based salivary cortisol measurements are able to detect the athletes' circadian rhythm and compare the exercise stress intensities at the same times on different days, even in the early morning, possibly leading to the prevention of overtraining syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]