Key result
Completing a 330-km extreme mountain ultramarathon resulted in increased delta and theta power in central brain regions and decreased alpha power in parieto-occipital regions.
Why the study?
This study aimed to investigate the impact of an extreme mountain ultramarathon on spontaneous electrical brain activity in finishers.
Does an extreme mountain ultramarathon alter spontaneous electrical brain activity in race finishers?
Observational (n=16)
No
Does an extreme mountain ultramarathon alter spontaneous electrical brain activity in race finishers?
p-value: p=<0.0001
Extreme mountain ultramarathons induce specific alterations in resting-state brain electrical activity, including increased delta/theta power and decreased parieto-occipital alpha power, which contrasts with findings from short bouts of endurance exercise.
Central delta power increase post-MUM signals fatigue-related brain changes; leaves open mechanisms and clinical relevance.
This study aimed to investigate the impact of an extreme mountain ultramarathon (MUM) on spontaneous electrical brain activity in a group of 16 finishers. By using 4-minute high-density electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings with eyes closed before and after a 330-km race (mean duration: 125 ± 17 h; sleep duration: 7.7 ± 2.9 h), spectral power, source localization and microstate analyses were conducted. After the race, power analyses revealed a centrally localized increase in power in the delta (0.5-3.5 Hz) and theta (4.0-7.5 Hz) frequency bands and a decrease in alpha (8.0-12.0 Hz) power at the parieto-occipital sites. Higher brain activation in the alpha frequency band was observed within the left posterior cingulate cortex, left angular gyrus and visual association areas. Microstate analyses indicated a significant decrease in map C predominance and an increase in the global field power (GFP) for map D at the end of the race. These changes in power patterns and microstate parameters contrast with previously reported findings following short bouts of endurance exercises. We discuss the potential factors that explain lower alpha activity within the parieto-occipital regions and microstate changes after MUMs. In conclusion, high-density EEG resting-state analyses can be recommended to investigate brain adaptations in extreme sporting activities.
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Spring et al. (2022) conducted an observational in Healthy ultra-endurance athletes (n=16). Extreme mountain ultramarathon (MUM) vs. Pre-race baseline (within-subject) was evaluated on Alterations in spontaneous electrical brain activity (spectral power, source localization, and microstate analyses) (p=<0.0001). Completing a 330-km extreme mountain ultramarathon resulted in increased delta and theta power in central brain regions and decreased alpha power in parieto-occipital regions.
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