Effects of a trail running competition on muscular performance and efficiency in well-trained young and master athletes

Abstract

To determine the acute effects of a trail running competition and the age-dependent differences between young and master athletes, 23 subjects [10 young (30.5 ± 7 years), 13 master (45.9 ± 5.9 years)] participated in a 55-km trail running competition. The study was conceived as an intervention study compromising pre, post 1, 24, 48 and 72 h measurements. Measurements consisted of blood tests, ergometer cycling and maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MVC). Parameters monitored included MVC, twitch- and M-wave properties, EMG (RMS) of the vastus lateralis, two locomotion efficiency calculations and muscle damage markers in the blood (CK, LDH). Results indicate post-race increases in CK and LDH, decreases in MVC values (-32 vs. -40% in young and master, P < 0.01), decreases in EMG, increases in contraction time and concomitant decreases in peak twitch values, and a decrease in locomotion efficiency (-4.6 vs. -6.3% in young and master, P < 0.05). Masters showed similar fatigue and muscle damage than young but recuperation was slowed in masters. This study shows that trail runs are detrimental to muscle function, and gives indication that training may not halt muscle deterioration through aging, but can help maintain performance level.

Age-related changes in cardio-respiratory responses and muscular performance following an Olympic triathlon in well-trained triathletes

“…connective and fatty tissues), combined with possible alterations in muscle typology (II type to I type fibers) (Kent-Braun et al 2000;Lexell 1995). The similar KE and KF maximal torque values recorded between the master and young athletes in the present study is also not in agreement with recent studies which have shown a reduction in maximal strength production for the quadriceps muscles in well-trained master ultra trail athletes (Easthope et al 2010). For example, Easthope et al (2010) have recently reported a 21.8 ± 4.6% difference in quadriceps strength between masters and young well-trained endurance ultra trail runners.…”

“…The similar KE and KF maximal torque values recorded between the master and young athletes in the present study is also not in agreement with recent studies which have shown a reduction in maximal strength production for the quadriceps muscles in well-trained master ultra trail athletes (Easthope et al 2010). For example, Easthope et al (2010) have recently reported a 21.8 ± 4.6% difference in quadriceps strength between masters and young well-trained endurance ultra trail runners. We hypothesize that the difference between the results of this and previous studies could be related to the specificity of triathlon in which performance is not associated with a high muscular strength (Bentley et al 1998) and strategies for improving performance in Olympic distance triathlon typically do not focus on strength training (Hausswirth and Brisswalter 2008).…”

“…This result indicates that for trained participants, the overall exercise intensity during an Olympic distance triathlon is independent of age Changes in muscular performance and cardiorespiratory parameters 24 h after completion of a distance Olympic triathlon No significant differences in maximal voluntary torque (KE and KF) were observed as the end of the triathlon, in both groups. After ultra endurance events, a decline in maximal voluntary torque is often observed and may be related to muscle fatigue development (Easthope et al 2010;Millet et al 2002Millet et al , 2003. For example, Millet et al 2002Millet et al , 2003 recorded a 30% decline in maximal voluntary torque of the knee extensors following a 65 km ultra marathon and a 24% decline after a 30 km running race.…”

“…The only few data available concerning the recovery in masters have been recorded during the ultra endurance events. For example, Easthope et al (2010) have shown that fatigue and muscle damage (assessed by changes in maximal isometric torque and plasmatic concentration of creatine kinase) recorded immediately (1 h) following an ultra-endurance running event was similar between master and young athletes, yet the rate of return to baseline values was slowed in masters. Furthermore, Fell et al (2008) have reported greater sensations of muscle pain or fatigue in well-trained elderly people within the days following exercise when compared with young subjects, signifying that muscle damage could be greater in masters and/or recovery mechanisms could be altered with ageing.…”

Age-related changes in conventional road versus off-road triathlon performance

“…For example, Easthope et al (2010) showed that performance of masters athletes (45 yrs of age) during a 55 km trail running race did not differ from those of young athletes (30 yrs of age), and that both group of athletes showed similar fatigue and muscle damage after the race even if recuperation seemed slower in masters athletes. Hoffman & Wegelin (2009) found that the finish times of a 161Km trail running race were about 40% longer for athletes of age 60-69 yrs compared to fastest athletes of age 30-40 yrs.…”