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Comparative Analysis of Lower Limb Kinematics between the Initial and Terminal Phase of 5km Treadmill Running
Published on: July 17, 2020
A 246-km continuous running race causes significant changes in bone metabolism
Katharina Kerschan-Schindl1, Markus Thalmann, Gottfried H Sodeck
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Austria. Katharina.Kerschan-Schindl@meduniwien.ac.at
Bone
|August 12, 2009
Summary
Ultra-distance running, like the 246 km Spartathlon, significantly impacts bone metabolism. This study found increased bone resorption and suppressed bone formation markers following the race.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Bone Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Regular physical exercise benefits bone health.
- Excessive exercise, such as in highly trained runners, may negatively impact bone mineral density (BMD).
- The Spartathlon is an annual 246 km ultramarathon race.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of the Spartathlon ultramarathon on bone metabolism.
- To investigate changes in specific bone turnover markers after extreme endurance running.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 18 runners (16 men, 2 women) before, immediately after, and three days after the 246 km race.
- Serum levels of osteocalcin (Oc), C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and RANKL were measured.
Main Results:
- Serum CTX levels significantly increased post-race and at three days, indicating heightened bone resorption.
- Osteocalcin (Oc) levels were transiently suppressed after the race, suggesting reduced bone formation.
- Serum levels of RANKL and OPG increased three days post-race, suggesting alterations in the RANK/RANKL/OPG system.
Conclusions:
- An ultra-distance run of nearly 250 km transiently uncouples bone metabolism.
- The Spartathlon race leads to increased bone resorption and suppressed bone formation.
- Changes in the RANK/RANKL/OPG interaction were observed, impacting bone turnover.
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