Key result
Ultra-marathon running is linked to a transient ~3.4 m/s reduction in arterial stiffness.
Why the study?
How does running an ultra-marathon affect arterial stiffness in male runners?
Observational (n=9)
How does running an ultra-marathon affect arterial stiffness in male runners?
Effect estimate: decrease of 3.4 ± 1.6 m/s at 45 km
p-value: p=0.006
Arterial stiffness transiently decreases during the earlier stages of an ultra-marathon but reverts toward baseline with prolonged running, suggesting a duration-dependent vascular response.
Transient arterial stiffness reduction in early ultra-marathon stages warrants no practice change; leaves open duration-dependent vascular responses in endurance athletes.
The purpose of this investigation was to characterize the arterial stiffness of male ultra-marathon runners (n = 9) using pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and radial tonometry over the course of an ultra-marathon and during recovery. Measures were collected at rest, immediately following 45 km/75 km of running, then following 60 and 90 min of recovery. No statistical difference was found between baseline cfPWV and normative values. The cfPWV of ultra-endurance runners decreased at 45 km (3.4 ± 1.6 m/s, p=0.006), followed by an increase (1.6 ± 1.8 m/s, p = 0.04) toward baseline levels at the 75 km mark. Radial tonometry measures also indicated small artery stiffness was transiently increased after 75 km. The amount of training time (r = 0.82, p = 0.007) and the duration of a typical training session (r = 0.73, p = 0.03) were correlated strongly with persisting decrements in large artery compliance at 60 min of recovery. The finding that arterial stiffness decreased at the 45 km distance and then reverted back toward baseline levels with prolonged running, may indicate a role of exercise duration or accumulated stress for affecting vascular compliance. At present, it is premature to suggest that athletes should alter training or racing practices to protect vascular health.
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Burr et al. (2014) conducted an observational in Ultra-marathon runners (n=9). Ultra-marathon running vs. Baseline (rest) was evaluated on Arterial stiffness measured by pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) (decrease of 3.4 ± 1.6 m/s at 45 km, p=0.006). Ultra-marathon running transiently decreased arterial stiffness at 45 km (decrease of 3.4 ± 1.6 m/s, p=0.006), which then reverted toward baseline levels at 75 km.