Ultra-endurance running may lead to long-term health problems, including right ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmias, and chronic kidney disease, with limited data available for female athletes.
Does ultra-endurance running cause long-term health problems in athletes?
Ultra-endurance running may be associated with long-term maladaptations in multiple organ systems, particularly cardiovascular and renal, highlighting the need for risk stratification.
It is well established that physical activity reduces all-cause mortality and can prolong life. Ultra-endurance running (UER) is an extreme sport that is becoming increasingly popular, and comprises running races above marathon distance, exceeding 6 h, and/or running fixed distances on multiple days. Serious acute adverse events are rare, but there is mounting evidence that UER may lead to long-term health problems. The purpose of this review is to present the current state of knowledge regarding the potential long-term health problems derived from UER, specifically potential maladaptation in key organ systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, renal, immunological, gastrointestinal, neurological, and integumentary systems. Special consideration is given to youth, masters, and female athletes, all of whom may be more susceptible to certain long-term health issues. We present directions for future research into the pathophysiological mechanisms that underpin athlete susceptibility to long-term issues. Although all body systems can be affected by UER, one of the clearest effects of endurance exercise is on the cardiovascular system, including right ventricular dysfunction and potential increased risk of arrhythmias and hypertension. There is also evidence that rare cases of acute renal injury in UER could lead to progressive renal scarring and chronic kidney disease. There are limited data specific to female athletes, who may be at greater risk of certain UER-related health issues due to interactions between energy availability and sex-hormone concentrations. Indeed, failure to consider sex differences in the design of female-specific UER training programs may have a negative impact on athlete longevity. It is hoped that this review will inform risk stratification and stimulate further research about UER and the implications for long-term health.
Scheer et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Ultra-endurance running. Ultra-endurance running was evaluated on Long-term health problems. Ultra-endurance running may lead to long-term health problems, including right ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmias, and chronic kidney disease, with limited data available for female athletes.