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Substrate and hormone responses to exercise following a marathon run
C M Maresh1, T G Allison, B J Noble
1Department of Physical Education, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15210.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Marathon running alters substrate and hormone responses for weeks post-race. Treadmill runs reveal elevated glucose and insulin, with reduced free fatty acids (FFA) and alanine, indicating a prolonged recovery period.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Marathon running induces significant physiological stress.
- Understanding the time course of recovery is crucial for athlete training and performance.
- Substrate and hormone responses to exercise are altered post-marathon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate substrate and hormone changes following treadmill runs at different intervals before and after a marathon.
- To determine the duration for physiological responses to return to pre-race levels after marathon completion.
Main Methods:
- Six experienced male runners completed 30-minute treadmill runs at 77.1% VO2max.
- Runs were performed 8-7 days pre-marathon and 2-3, 6-7, and 13-14 days post-marathon.
- Blood samples were analyzed for glucose, lactate, free fatty acids (FFA), alanine, insulin, and glucagon.
Main Results:
- Post-exercise glucose and lactate were elevated at 2-3 and 6-7 days post-marathon compared to pre-race.
- Free fatty acid (FFA) levels were lower post-marathon (2-14 days) compared to pre-race.
- Insulin and alanine levels were elevated post-marathon (2-14 days), while glucagon remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Physiological responses to submaximal exercise remain altered for at least 13-14 days post-marathon.
- Marathon recovery involves prolonged changes in glucose metabolism and hormonal regulation.
- These findings highlight the extended impact of marathon running on exercise physiology.