Alternative Metabolic Strategies are Employed by Endurance Runners of Different Body Sizes; Implications for Human Evolution

Abstract

Objective A suite of adaptations facilitating endurance running (ER) evolved within the hominin lineage. This may have improved our ability to reach scavenging sites before competitors, or to hunt prey over long distances. Running economy (RE) is a key determinant of endurance running performance, and depends largely on the magnitude of force required to support body mass. However, numerous environmental factors influence body mass, thereby significantly affecting RE. This study tested the hypothesis that alternative metabolic strategies may have emerged to enable ER in individuals with larger body mass and poor RE. Methods A cohort of male (n = 25) and female (n = 19) ultra-endurance runners completed submaximal and exhaustive treadmill protocols to determine RE, and V̇O2Max. Results Body mass was positively associated with sub-maximal oxygen consumption at both LT1 (male r=0.66, p<0.001; female LT1 r=0.23, p=0.177) and LT2 (male r=0.59, p=0.001; female r=0.23, p=0.183) and also with V̇O2Max (male r=0.60, p=0.001; female r=0.41, p=0.046). Additionally, sub-maximal oxygen consumption varied positively with V̇O2Max in both male (LT1 r=0.54, p=0.003; LT2 r=0.77, p<0.001) and female athletes (LT1 r=0.88, p<0.001; LT2 r=0.92, p<0.001). Conclusions The results suggest that, while individuals with low mass and good RE can glide economically as they run, larger individuals can compensate for the negative effects their mass has on RE by increasing their capacity to consume oxygen. The elevated energy expenditure of this low-economy high-energy turnover approach to ER may bring costs associated with energy diversion away from other physiological processes, however.

Pace setting as an adaptive precursor of rhythmic musicality

“…Several genetic and developmental traits are specifically associated with endurance running capabilities, and many of the thermoregulatory and other adaptations we exhibit are particularly enabling for endurance running. 51,[58][59][60] Our speed and distances are comparable to, and often exceed, those of other mammalian species adapted to long-distance running and, importantly, we can maintain a wider range of speeds with lower metabolic costs than most of them. While there is an optimal running speed that varies by the individual, 61 we can also maintain the same set pace while increasing or decreasing stride length and speed.…”

“…Furthermore, although not particularly effective sprinters, we are, uniquely among primates, good endurance runners. Several genetic and developmental traits are specifically associated with endurance running capabilities, and many of the thermoregulatory and other adaptations we exhibit are particularly enabling for endurance running 51,58–60 . Our speed and distances are comparable to, and often exceed, those of other mammalian species adapted to long‐distance running and, importantly, we can maintain a wider range of speeds with lower metabolic costs than most of them.…”

The Effect of a Hydroxytyrosol-Rich, Olive-Derived Phytocomplex on Aerobic Exercise and Acute Recovery

“…Exercise intensities were calculated using lactate profiles from the familiarization trial (visit 1) and remained consistent in visit 3 and 5. Visits 1, 3 and 5 consisted of a two-part graded exercise test [ 46 , 47 ] including: (1) a submaximal incremental protocol, with a 10 min recovery period; and (2) a maximal test to volitional exhaustion ( Figure 1 ).…”

“…The speed for the submaximal protocol was selected at a pre-defined level and increased by 1 km∙h −1 every 4 min, with 3 min of running at a constant speed [ 46 , 47 ] followed by a 1 min break for capilliarized fingertip blood sample collection. The gradient was maintained at 1% [ 48 ] with rating of perceived exertion (RPE; 0−10 scale) and HR assessed in the final 30 s of each running stage.…”