Search Results (202)

Ultramarathon running elicits a profound inflammatory response, characterized by significant increases in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), with comparatively modest changes in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). We reviewed approximately 80 field studies of ultramarathon events (distances >42.2 km) that measured IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α before and after races. IL-6 typically spiked immediately post-race—often rising dozens or even thousands of times above baseline—then rapidly declined, usually returning to near baseline within 24–48 h. CRP, an acute-phase protein, exhibited a slower, sustained elevation, peaking 24–72 h after race completion and remaining above baseline for 2–3 days before gradually returning to normal. TNF-α responses were variable: some studies reported small but significant post-race increases (roughly 1.2–1.7-fold above baseline), while others found no significant change in circulating TNF-α despite the extreme effort. Longer race durations and distances generally correlated with higher peak IL-6 and CRP levels. Experienced ultramarathon runners tended to exhibit attenuated inflammatory responses compared with less-trained individuals, and anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10) increased in tandem with IL-6 in well-trained athletes, helping to mitigate TNF-α elevations. In total, 28 studies were included in the final synthesis, and their quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Visual synthesis tools, including a PRISMA flowchart and time course plots, are provided to enhance the narrative’s interpretability. In summary, ultramarathon running elicits a robust systemic inflammatory response with distinct temporal patterns for IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α. These findings have important implications for athlete recovery, monitoring, and understanding the physiological limits of the inflammatory response to extreme endurance stress. Full article

Background/Objectives: Long-distance runners with exercise-induced hypertension (EIH) are at increased risk for cardiovascular complications. Although blood flow restriction (BFR) training has shown promise in improving vascular function, hemodynamic response, and cardiorespiratory fitness, its effects in EIH runners remain understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of BFR training on cardiovascular responses and exercise performance in this population as a potential non-pharmacological therapy. Methods: Middle-aged male long-distance runners aged 40–65 with peak systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 210 mmHg during graded exercise testing were randomly assigned to either a BFR group (n = 18) or a non-BFR control group (n = 15) using a computer-generated random sequence. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. Both groups performed aerobic training at 40–60% HRR for 20 min twice weekly for 8 weeks. SBP, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), rate pressure product (RPP), ventilatory threshold (VT), VO_₂max, and perceived exertion were assessed before and after the intervention at rest, during exercise, and during recovery. Results: Compared to the non-BFR group, the BFR group showed statistically significant reductions in resting and maximal SBP and DBP (p < 0.05), along with significant increases in VO_₂max and VT (p < 0.05). During submaximal exercise and post-exercise recovery, SBP and RPP were significantly lower in the BFR group (p < 0.05). The reductions in maximal SBP and DBP were significantly greater in the BFR group than in the control group. Conclusions: BFR training led to reduced myocardial workload and enhanced cardiovascular efficiency in male runners with EIH. These findings suggest that BFR training may be a viable non-pharmacological therapy for mitigating cardiovascular risks associated with EIH. Future studies should explore the long-term effects of BFR in broader populations and assess its applicability in clinical settings. Full article

Exercise-induced hypertension (EIH) has increasingly been observed among middle-aged long-distance runners, raising concerns about cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to investigate acute changes in cardiovascular biomarkers associated with vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, endothelial function, and myocardial burden in runners with EIH. Thirty-seven middle-aged male runners (aged 40–65 years) were categorized into a normal blood pressure group (NBPG; systolic blood pressure <210 mmHg, n = 23) and an EIH group (EIHG; ≥210 mmHg, n = 14) based on maximal systolic blood pressure during a graded exercise test (GXT). Participants performed a 30 min treadmill run at 80% heart rate reserve, and blood samples were collected before and after exercise. The biomarkers analyzed included high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), biological antioxidant potential (BAP), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). The results show that the EIHG exhibited increased NT-proBNP and SOD levels, along with a reduced NO response, indicating elevated myocardial stress and impaired vasodilation. hs-CRP was positively correlated with multiple hemodynamic indices, and SOD levels were associated with maximal systolic pressure and myocardial burden. These findings highlight the need for individualized monitoring and cardiovascular risk management in runners with EIH. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of respiratory muscle training in runners in relation to gender and trainers (PowerBreathe and Threshold). Methods: This study comprised 32 athletes training in middle-distance running at a high sports level. The subjects were divided into groups depending on the applied breathing training (IMT): group IMT on the PowerBreath, group IMT on the Threshold, and the control group labeled sham-IMT. The following tests were performed on each athlete: spirometry, maximal inspiratory pressure, expiratory pressure, and physical performance. Results: A significant increase in the levels of the parameters VO₂/kg, PEF, PI_max, and PE_max, as well as a decrease in lactic acid levels and an increase in lactate threshold in both sexes, were observed as a result of the training on the PowerBreathe device. There were no significant differences in the levels of the parameters VO₂/kg, PEF, PI_max, lactic acid, and lactate threshold in either sex after Threshold training. A significant increase in PE_max was found in the Threshold device training group. Conclusions: Most of the assessed parameters of physical fitness and lung ventilation function, along with the respiratory muscle strength of women and men running middle distances, increased significantly after the use of IMT on PowerBreathe, and these results were maintained in the third stud, in contrast to the use of IMT on Threshold, with which there was no significant improvement. Full article

Background/Objectives: Exercise training (ET) can improve wound healing and prevent the recurrence of skin lesions. Aerobic ET stimulates the NAD+-dependent deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). The beneficial effects of ET and SIRT1 activation in wound healing have been characterized when considered separately. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of SIRT1 as a mediator of the effects of sera isolated from athletes who regularly participate in aerobic ET (middle-distance running, MDR) on cells primarily involved in wound healing. Methods: Human keratinocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells were conditioned with sera from middle-distance runners and age-matched sedentary subjects (sed). Cell motility, angiogenesis and the expression of key biomarkers of cell activation were evaluated in the presence or absence of the selective SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527. Results: Higher SIRT1 activity was detected in all of the cell lines conditioned with the MDR group sera compared with that in the cells in the sed group sera. The involvement of SIRT1 was demonstrated by EX-527’s selective inhibition. Alongside the increase in SIRT1 activity, a marked increase in migration, invasion and angiogenesis was observed. The levels of E-cadherin decreased while those of integrin β1 and vinculin increased in the keratinocytes and fibroblasts conditioned with the MDR group sera compared to these values with the sed group sera, respectively. Increased levels of differentiation markers, such as involucrin in the keratinocytes, FAP1α in the fibroblasts and CD31 in the endothelial cells, were observed with the MDR group sera compared to these values using the sed group sera. Conclusions: The ex vivo/in vitro approach used here links aerobic ET-induced SIRT1 activity to proper tissue regeneration. Full article

In recent years, advanced footwear technology (AFT) has been shown to improve performance in long-distance road running by altering biomechanics and perceived comfort. This type of footwear is now being marketed for mountain running, although its effects in such races remain unevaluated. This study aimed to examine the impact of AFT on performance, biomechanics, and perceived comfort during a simulated mountain running event. Twelve trained mountain runners participated in a 3-day experiment, with a 7-day recovery between sessions. On the first day, a maximal aerobic speed test assessed the runners’ performance levels. On the second day, participants familiarized themselves with a 5.19 km mountain circuit and comfort scale. On the third day, they completed two time trials on the same circuit, separated by 30 min of passive recovery, using conventional and AFT shoes in a randomized order. Physiological and biomechanical variables were recorded, including body mass, blood lactate, running biomechanics, vertical stiffness, shoe comfort, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). The findings indicate that AFT does not improve performance or physiological responses during a simulated mountain race, regardless of segment (uphill, downhill, or mixed). However, AFT significantly alters running biomechanics, reducing step frequency and increasing the vertical oscillation of the center of gravity, especially in uphill and downhill sections. While overall comfort remained unchanged, specific differences were observed with AFT. Coaches and practitioners should consider these findings when using AFT in mountain running training or competition. Full article

Background: Unlike road running, mountain and trail running typically cover longer distances and include uphill and downhill segments that impose unique physiological and mechanical demands on athletes. Objectives: This study aimed to identify morphological differences in the patellar and Achilles tendons between trail and road runners. Moreover, the potential influence of weekly mileage and accumulated positive elevation gain on the morphology of both tendons was obtained. Design: Cross-sectional comparative study. Methods: Thirty-three road runners (11 women, 22 men) and thirty-three trail runners (13 women, 20 men) were recruited and their weekly mileage and elevation gain collected. All participants had a weekly training volume exceeding 20 km. The thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) of their patellar and Achilles tendons were evaluated using ultrasound. Results: Independent samples t-tests revealed significant differences between groups for the Achilles tendon (p < 0.003) but not for the patellar tendon (p > 0.330). Further, Spearman’s correlation coefficients indicated moderate positive correlations for the thickness and CSA of the Achilles tendon with weekly running volume (0.256 and 0.291, respectively) and with elevation gain (0.332 and 0.334, respectively), suggesting a tendency for the tendon to adapt to greater training loads, enhancing its structural integrity and resilience. Conclusions: Trail runners exhibit larger and thicker Achilles tendons, likely due to increased weekly mileage and elevation gain, highlighting the adaptive response to mechanical overload from uphill running. Full article

We recently have shown that the gut microbiota composition in female and male runners positively correlates with sports, and female runners show similar gut microbiome diversity to male runners. However, gut microbiota composition has not yet been fully investigated in other endurance athletes, such as cyclists. Therefore, in the current study, we investigated the gut microbiome profiles in competitive, non-professional female and male cyclists compared to what we have shown in runners. We aim to understand (1) whether the gut microbiome signature is sport-specific; (2) whether there is a microbiome difference between female and male cyclists and runners; and (3) whether the gut bacteria expressed in cyclists and runners correlates with exercise performance. Our study included 58 subjects: 18 cyclists (9 males), 22 runners (13 males), and 18 control subjects (9 males). Fecal samples were obtained and subjected to taxonomic analysis to assess the relative abundances of species across subjects based on 16S rRNA sequencing results. Both alpha and beta diversity of the bacterial communities were evaluated to identify compositional variations between the groups. Each participant completed a maximal oxygen consumption test and a time-to-exhaustion test at 85% of the measured VO2max. Cyclists performed the test on an SRM ergometer, while runners used a motorized treadmill. Blood lactate levels were measured at 5 min intervals throughout the time-to-exhaustion trials. Alpha diversity demonstrated a significant difference (p-adj < 0.001) between cyclists and runners. Male cyclists showed significantly lower alpha diversity than runners (p-adj < 0.001). The taxonomic analysis of gut microbiota composition between cyclists, runners, and controls showed a lower or higher abundance of fifteen different bacteria. In cyclists, there was a significant positive correlation between six bacteria, and in runners, there was a significant positive correlation between eight bacteria, with weekly training volume, time-to-exhaustion, VO2max, and blood lactate levels. This study suggests potential sport-specific characteristics in long-distance cyclists’ and runners’ gut microbiome signatures. These findings emphasize the differences in gut microbiota between cyclists and runners, probably due to the difference in physiological and biomechanical conditions related to the activity mode during each sport. Full article

Background: Advanced footwear technology (AFT) has gained popularity among non-elite runners due to its potential benefits in training and competition. This study investigated the training practices and reported outcomes in non-elite runners using AFT. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 61 non-elite runners competing in distances ranging from 5 km to marathons. The survey collected data on demographics, training parameters, footwear usage, perceived changes in running mechanics, and self-reported injuries. Results: The results revealed a significant positive correlation (R = 0.6, p < 0.0001) between years of AFT use and weekly training volume, indicating that more experienced runners are likely to incorporate AFT consistently into their routines. Conversely, a significant negative correlation (R = −0.5, p < 0.0001) was found between training volume and the number of weekly sessions using AFT, suggesting a selective approach to footwear use. Participants reported biomechanical changes, such as increased forefoot support (49%) and higher calf muscle activation (44%), alongside a 16% self-reported injury rate, predominantly affecting the calves. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of proper guidance and gradual adaptation to maximize the benefits of AFT while minimizing injury risks. Future research should explore the long-term impact of AFT on performance and injury prevention through longitudinal studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) comprise 14 known isoforms, with MCT1 being particularly important for lactate transport. Variations in lactate metabolism capacity and aerobic performance are associated with the T1470A polymorphism in MCT1. We aimed to investigate the frequency of the T1470A polymorphism and compare relevant physiological parameters among long-distance runners, wherein these parameters are fundamental to athletic performance. Methods: We included 158 Japanese long-distance runners (LD) and 649 individuals from the general Japanese population (CON). The frequency of the T1470A polymorphism was compared between these groups and across athletic levels using the chi-square test. Additionally, physiological data were collected from 57 long-distance runners, and respiratory gas measurements were obtained using the mixing-chamber method during a graded incremental exercise test. Results: We observed a significant difference between the LD and CON groups in the dominant model and between the sub-28 min group and 28 min or above group in the recessive model. As the competitive level increased, the frequency of the AA genotype also increased. When comparing physiological parameters between the AA genotype and T allele, subjects with the AA genotype showed significantly higher values for oxygen uptake at lactate threshold (p = 0.001), oxygen uptake at onset of blood lactate accumulation (p = 0.01), maximal oxygen uptake (p = 0.005), and maximal blood lactate concentration (p = 0.038). Conclusions: These results suggest that the AA genotype of the T1470A polymorphism of MCT1 is an effective genotype associated with athletic status and aerobic capacity in Japanese long-distance runners. Full article

Serverless computing services are offered by major cloud service providers such as Google Cloud Platform, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure. The primary purpose of the services is to offer efficiency and scalability in modern software development and IT operations while reducing overall costs and operational complexity. However, prospective customers often question which serverless service will best meet their organizational and business needs. This study analyzed the features, usability, and performance of three serverless cloud computing platforms: Google Cloud’s Cloud Run, Amazon Web Service’s App Runner, and Microsoft Azure’s Container Apps. The analysis was conducted with a containerized mobile application designed to track real-time bus locations for San Antonio public buses on specific routes and provide estimated arrival times for selected bus stops. The study evaluated various system-related features, including service configuration, pricing, and memory and CPU capacity, along with performance metrics such as container latency, distance matrix API response time, and CPU utilization for each service. The results of the analysis revealed that Google’s Cloud Run demonstrated better performance and usability than AWS’s App Runner and Microsoft Azure’s Container Apps. Cloud Run exhibited lower latency and faster response time for distance matrix queries. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting an appropriate serverless cloud service for similar containerized web applications. Full article

Carbon plate running shoes (CPRSs) have gained widespread popularity among elite and amateur runners, representing one of the most substantial changes in running gear over the past decade. Compared to elite runners, however, amateurs run at lower speeds and show more diverse running styles. This is a meaningful difference as many previous studies on CPRSs focus either on highly trained male runners and higher speeds or only on a single CPRSs manufacturer. The present study aims at bridging this gap by investigating how CPRSs from four different manufacturers affect running economy in amateurs of both sexes at their individual running speeds. For this purpose, 21 trained amateur triathletes (12 men; 9 women) completed an incremental treadmill test until volitional exhaustion, yielding running speeds at ventilatory thresholds 1 (v_VT1) and 2 (v_VT2). In a second session, subjects ran five trials of 3 × 3 min (speeds of 90% v_VT1, ½ (v_VT1 + v_VT2), and 100% v_VT2), wearing one out of four different pairs of CPRSs or their own preferred non-CPRS shoes in each trial. Our results show that tested CPRS models resulted in a significant reduction in the mean energy cost of transport, compared to the non-CPRS control condition, with Cohen’s d amounting to −1.52 (p = 0.016), 2.31 (p < 0.001), 2.57 (p < 0.001), and 2.80 (p < 0.001), respectively, although effect sizes varied substantially between subjects and running speeds. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that amateur athletes may benefit from various manufacturers’ CPRS models at their typical running speeds to a similar degree as highly trained runners. It is recommended that amateur athletes evaluate a range of CPRSs and select the shoe that elicits the least subjective sensation of fatigue over a testing distance of at least 400–1000 m. Full article

The accurate and continuous location monitoring of athletes helps in meeting health and safety requirements and supporting the infotainment needs of large marathon events with thousands of participants. Currently, the tracking of individuals and groups of athletes at mass sports events is only possible to a limited extent, due to the weight, size, and cost constraints of the necessary devices. At marathon events, the usual infrastructure for timekeeping is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, which allows only precise tracking at huge intervals, with heuristic and interpolative algorithms to estimate runner positions in between the measuring points. Setting up RFID tracking stations on site is also material- and labor-intensive. We instead propose a continuous, real-time tracking solution, relying on Long-Range Wide-Area Network (LoRaWAN) GPS trackers. Due to the large geographical area and urban space in which marathon events take place, the positioning of static gateways cannot provide complete and continuous coverage. This research article presents an implementation with multiple LoRa trackers and mobile LoRa gateways installed on vehicle escorts to assess coverage quality. The tracking data collected by a receiving LoRaWAN Network Server (LNS) are stored in a database. Three experiments were conducted at three different official running events: a 10 km race, a half marathon, and a marathon. The backdrop for the 42.195 km event was the official Vienna City Marathon 2024 with more than 35,000 participants. The experimental results under these realistic conditions show the reception quality of this approach; e.g., during the marathon, the received packets from LoRa gateways were at an average distance of about 136 m (σ 157 m) from the tracker with a median update rate of 31 s across all trackers, using DR3/SF9. At greater distances, the quality decreased, although some outliers were received up to a distance of two kilometers. A possible prospect is that the low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) may repeat the history of RFID by entering the mass sports market from the industry domain. Full article

Runners achieve forward locomotion through diverse techniques. However, understanding the behavior of the involved kinematical variables remains incomplete, particularly when running overground and along an intensity spectrum. We aimed to characterize the biomechanical and physiological adaptations while running at low, moderate, heavy and severe intensities. Ten middle- and long-distance runners completed an incremental intermittent protocol of 800 m steps until exhaustion (1 km·h⁻¹ velocity increments and 30 s intervals) on an outdoor track field. Biomechanical data were captured using two high-resolution video cameras, and linear and angular kinematic variables were analyzed. With the intensity rise, a decrease in stride, step and contact times ([0.70–0.65], [0.35–0.33] and [0.42–0.37] s) and an increase in stride length and frequency and flight time ([3.13–3.52] m, [1.43–1.52] Hz and [0.28–0.29] s; p < 0.05) were observed, together with an increase in oxygen uptake and blood lactate concentrations ([54.7–67.6] mL∙kg⁻¹∙min⁻¹ and [3.1–10.2] mmol∙L⁻¹). A more flexed hip at initial contact and toe-off (152.02–149.36] and [165.70–163.64]) and knee at initial contact ([162.64–159.57]; p < 0.05) were also observed. A consistent gait pattern along each protocol step was exhibited, with minor changes without practical significance. Runners are constantly adapting their gait pattern, reflected in both biomechanical and physiological responses, both of which should be considered for better characterization. Full article

Background: Endurance athletes require tailored nutrition strategies to optimize performance, recovery, and training adaptations. While traditional sports nutrition guidelines provide a foundational framework, individual variability in metabolic responses underscores the need for precision nutrition, informed by genetic, biological, and environmental factors. This scoping review evaluates the application of systems biology-driven sports nutrition for endurance athletes, focusing on ‘omics’ and wearable technologies. Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Research questions, search strategies, and eligibility criteria were guided by the Population–Concept–Context framework with the following inclusion criteria: original research in English, involving endurance athletes, systems biology approaches, and nutritional interventions or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Results: Fifty-two studies were included, with distance runners as the most studied cohort. Eleven studies used metagenomics, eleven CGM, ten nutrigenetics, ten metabolomics, seven multi-omics, one proteomics, one epigenomics, and one lipidomics. Over half (n = 31; 60%) were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with generally high methodological quality. Conclusions: Most studies were proof-of-concept investigations aimed at assessing biomarkers; however, the evidence linking these biomarkers to performance, recovery, and long-term health outcomes in endurance athletes remains insufficient. Future research should focus on well-powered replicated crossover RCTs, multivariate N-of-1 clinical trials, 360-degree systems-wide approaches, and the validation of genetic impacts on nutritional interventions to refine dietary guidelines. Full article