Ultramarathon is an outstanding model for the study of adaptive responses to extreme load and stress

Abstract

Ultramarathons comprise any sporting event involving running longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Studies on ultramarathon participants can investigate the acute consequences of ultra-endurance exercise on inflammation and cardiovascular or renal consequences, as well as endocrine/energetic aspects, and examine the tissue recovery process over several days of extreme physical load. In a study published in BMC Medicine, Schütz et al. followed 44 ultramarathon runners over 4,487 km from South Italy to North Cape, Norway (the Trans Europe Foot Race 2009) and recorded daily sets of data from magnetic resonance imaging, psychometric, body composition and biological measurements. The findings will allow us to better understand the timecourse of degeneration/regeneration of some lower leg tissues such as knee joint cartilage, to differentiate running-induced from age-induced pathologies (for example, retropatelar arthritis) and finally to assess the interindividual susceptibility to injuries. Moreover, it will also provide new information about the complex interplay between cerebral adaptations/alterations and hormonal influences resulting from endurance exercise and provide data on the dose-response relationship between exercise and brain structure/function. Overall, this study represents a unique attempt to investigate the limits of the adaptive response of human bodies.Please see related article: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/10/78

Combined effects of sleep deprivation and strenuous exercise on cognitive performances during The North Face® Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc® (UTMB®)

“…These ultra-endurance races are typically held over harsh terrain such as mountains, deserts, or other wilderness, and make severe demands on the physical and psychological capabilities of participants (Lahart et al, 2013;Lucas, Anson, Palmer, Hellemans, & Cotter, 2009). Despite metabolic and muscular limitations (Millet & Millet, 2012), it is well-established that runners accomplish these races with minimal sleep (Millet et al, 2011), but so far there has been a lack of objective data that relates actual sleep times. Even though endurance events can last several days (Saugy et al, 2013), sleeping or napping is often viewed as a weakness that jeopardises performance or even completion of a race in the allotted time.…”

Sleep Management Strategy and Performance in an Extreme Mountain Ultra-marathon

“…During these events, the adaptation of human physiology to extreme physical and mental demands is tested and ultra-endurance races therefore appeared particularly relevant to investigate the limits of the adaptive response of human bodies (Millet & Millet, 2012;Schütz et al, 2013). Respecting regular recovery and sleep needs has been shown to be an effective strategy to successfully achieve ultra-endurance challenges (Schumacher, Ahlgrim, Prettin, & Pottgiesser, 2011).…”

An Extreme Mountain Ultra-Marathon Decreases the Cost of Uphill Walking and Running

“…Thus, it is intriguing to explore the interaction between energy cost and kinematics in determining different uphill locomotion after a MUM, where the energy demand is likely to be at the extremes of human tolerance (Millet and Millet, 2012) and the fatiguing potential high (Millet et al, 2011; Saugy et al, 2013). …”