A single bout of downhill running attenuates subsequent level running-induced fatigue

Abstract

Fatigue can be defined as exercise-induced strength loss. During running, fatigue can be partially explained by repetitive low-intensity eccentric contractions-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Previous studies showed that a bout of downhill running (DR) attenuated subsequent EIMD. Thus, we tested if a 30-min DR bout would attenuate fatigue induced by subsequent 60-min level running (LR). Twenty-seven male college students were randomly allocated to an experimental (EXP) or a control (CON) group. All participants performed LR on a treadmill at 70% of the velocity (vVO2peak) corresponding to peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Only EXP performed a 30-min DR (− 15%) on a treadmill at 70% vVO2peak fourteen days before LR. Indirect EIMD markers and neuromuscular function were assessed before, immediately and 48 h after DR and LR. Knee extension isometric peak torque (IPT) decreased (− 36.3 ± 26%, p < 0.05) immediately following DR with full recovery reached 48 h post-DR. Muscle soreness developed (p < 0.05) immediately (37 ± 25 mm) and 48 h (45 ± 26 mm) post-DR. IPT and rate of torque development (RTD) at late phases (> 150 ms) from the onset of muscle contraction decreased significantly (− 10.7 ± 6.1% and from − 15.4 to − 18.7%, respectively) immediately after LR for the CON group and remained below baseline values (− 5.6 ± 8.5% and from − 13.8 to − 14.9%, respectively) 48 h post-LR. However, IPT and late RTD were not significantly affected by LR for the EXP group, showing a group x time interaction effect. We concluded that a single DR bout can be used to attenuate fatigue induced by a LR performed fourteen days after.

The Impact of ACTN3 Gene Polymorphisms on Susceptibility to Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage and Changes in Running Economy Following Downhill Running

“…The changes in neuromuscular function (i.e., IPT, RTD, and CMJ/SJ heights) and indirect markers of EIMD (i.e., muscle soreness, CIR, ROM, and serum CK activity) following downhill running observed in the current study corroborated to what has been reported in the literature ( Chen et al, 2007 , 2009 ; Assumpção et al, 2020 ; Lima et al, 2020 ). The obtained data confirmed that the explosive strength—assessed as RTD and jump height—was compromised immediately following downhill running but recovered 3–4 days after it while maximal strength—assessed as IPT—remained compromised until at least 4 days post-downhill running.…”

“…The first experimental session consisted of performing the baseline measurements of all the dependent variables followed by a 30-min downhill run at a treadmill (Pulsar, h/p/Cosmos, Germany) with a slope of − 15% and at a speed equivalent to 70% of individual vVO 2 max. These downhill running settings are shown to induce significant muscle damage by our group ( Lima et al, 2018 , 2019 , 2020 ; Assumpção et al, 2020 ) and another independent research group ( Chen et al, 2007 , 2009 ). The dependent variables measurements were repeated for 15 min following downhill running except for indirect markers of EIMD.…”

Table_1.DOCX

“…The changes in neuromuscular function (i.e., IPT, RTD, and CMJ/SJ heights) and indirect markers of EIMD (i.e., muscle soreness, CIR, ROM, and serum CK activity) following downhill running observed in the current study corroborated to what has been reported in the literature (Chen et al, 2007(Chen et al, , 2009Assumpção et al, 2020;Lima et al, 2020). The obtained data confirmed that the explosive strength-assessed as RTD and jump height-was compromised immediately following downhill running but recovered 3-4 days after it while maximal strength-assessed as IPT-remained compromised until at least 4 days post-downhill running.…”

“…The first experimental session consisted of performing the baseline measurements of all the dependent variables followed by a 30min downhill run at a treadmill (Pulsar, h/p/Cosmos, Germany) with a slope of − 15% and at a speed equivalent to 70% of individual vVO 2 max. These downhill running settings are shown to induce significant muscle damage by our group (Lima et al, 2018(Lima et al, , 2019(Lima et al, , 2020Assumpção et al, 2020) and another independent research group (Chen et al, 2007(Chen et al, , 2009. The dependent variables measurements were repeated for 15 min following downhill running except for indirect markers of EIMD.…”

The Repeated Bout Effect of Multiarticular Exercises on Muscle Damage Markers and Physical Performances: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

“…However, there are also studies that have reported no differences in muscle performance measures (26,40,49), running economy (24), and running time-to-exhaustion (23) between 2 bouts of multiarticular muscle-damaging exercises. In addition, for studies that reported lower levels of CK and DOMS after the second bout of running activities (3,9,26,28,44–46,49–51,54,56), the magnitude of changes varied substantially between studies, making overall interpretations difficult. Collectively, the magnitude of the RBE trend seems to be influenced by several methodological factors.…”