Key result
A 50-km ultramarathon is linked to a ~2% FMD reduction, unlike shorter or longer races.
Why the study?
Ultraendurance exercise is growing in popularity, but the effect of increasingly prolonged durations of exercise on the vascular endothelium is unknown.
Does running various ultramarathon distances alter vascular endothelial function in runners?
Population
Participants completing 25-km (7M:2F), 50-km (11M:10F), 80-km (9M:4F), or 160-km (9M:2F) trail races
Comparison
25-km vs 50-km vs 80-km vs 160-km trail races, evaluated before and after
Design
Observational cohort study
Authors
Loading...
50-km ultramarathons were associated with reduced endothelial function unlike other distances; leaves open clinical relevance for endurance athletes.
Observational (n=54)
Does running various ultramarathon distances alter vascular endothelial function in runners?
Effect estimate: Δ -1.9% ± 2.2% (50-km)
p-value: p=<0.01
A 50-km ultramarathon reduces endothelial function, likely representing an intersection of higher-intensity exercise over a prolonged duration, an effect not seen in shorter or longer distances.
King et al. (2020) conducted an observational in Ultramarathon runners (n=54). Ultramarathon running vs. Baseline (pre-race) and across distances was evaluated on Vascular endothelial function via flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the superficial femoral artery (Δ -1.9% ± 2.2% (50-km), p=<0.01). A 50-km ultramarathon reduced flow-mediated dilation (Δ -1.9% ± 2.2%, P < 0.01), whereas shorter (25-km) and longer (80-km, 160-km) races did not, suggesting an intersection of intensity and duration.