Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026
08:25
Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly
Published on: March 11, 2022
3.3K
Eye function and physiology following a 161-km foot race
Tracy B Høeg1, G Kim Corrigan2, Martin D Hoffman1,3,4
1a Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation , University of California Davis Medical Center , Sacramento , CA , USA.
Research in Sports Medicine (Print)
|June 30, 2018
Summary
Ultramarathon running did not significantly impact eye function in asymptomatic participants. This study found no changes in visual acuity, intraocular pressure, or corneal thickness after a 161-km race.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Visual impairment, potentially linked to corneal edema, affects a small fraction of ultramarathon runners.
- The ocular effects of prolonged endurance exercise remain largely undocumented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of ultramarathon running on ocular physiology and visual function.
- To determine if prolonged exercise in ultramarathoners leads to changes in visual acuity, intraocular pressure, or corneal thickness.
Main Methods:
- Eight participants in the 161-km Western States Endurance Run were assessed.
- Measurements included pre- and post-race binocular and monocular visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and corneal thickness.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare pre- and post-race values.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant changes were observed in visual acuity (p=0.11-0.95).
- Intraocular pressure remained stable (p=0.11-0.43).
- Corneal thickness showed no significant alterations (p=0.30-0.99).
Conclusions:
- Ultramarathon running does not appear to acutely affect eye function or physiology in runners without symptoms.
- The study provides evidence against a direct link between ultramarathon running and acute visual impairment in asymptomatic individuals.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Physiology of Respiration I: Functions of the Respiratory System
4.7K
The respiratory system is crucial for exchanging oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) between the atmosphere and the bloodstream, maintaining the body's balance. Beyond gas exchange, it helps regulate acid-base balance, purify inhaled air, and enable vocalization.
Fundamental Processes in Respiration:
Fundamental Processes in Respiration:
4.7K
02:35RACE - Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends
7.3K
Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends, or RACE, is one of the most effective methods to obtain a full-length cDNA from an mRNA sequence between a known internal region to the unknown sequence at the 5’ or 3’ end. The unknown region is cloned in the cDNA by a gene-specific primer that binds the known end, and a hybrid primer that attaches a predefined anchor sequence to the unknown end of the cDNA. The sequence in between is amplified by PCR with an anchor primer and a gene-specific...
7.3K
01:28Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes
4.1K
The human leg comprises an intricate system of muscles that facilitate the movement of feet and toes. Within this system, the muscles are categorized into the anterior, lateral, and posterior compartments, each with a unique set of muscles carrying out specific functions.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles....
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles....
4.1K
01:25Physiological Barriers
5.3K
Physiological barriers are semi-permeable cellular structures restricting drug diffusion into intracellular compartments and tissues. There are six types of physiological barriers: blood endothelial, cell membrane, blood-brain, blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood-placenta, and blood-testis barriers.
The blood endothelial barrier is the most porous of these. It allows all small ionized, un-ionized, and lipophilic molecules to pass through the endothelial lining into the interstitial space...
The blood endothelial barrier is the most porous of these. It allows all small ionized, un-ionized, and lipophilic molecules to pass through the endothelial lining into the interstitial space...
5.3K
01:24The Physiology of Taste
7.8K
The perception of a salty flavor is facilitated by sodium ions within the oral salivary fluid. Upon consumption of a salty substance, salt crystals disassemble, leading to the liberation of its constituents—Na+ and Cl- ions. These ions subsequently dissolve into the salivary fluid present in the oral cavity. The external environment of the gustatory cells experiences an elevation in Na+ concentration, thereby establishing a potent concentration gradient. This gradient propels the...
7.8K
01:30Liver Physiology
3.8K
The liver, an essential organ in the human body, performs over 200 vital functions that can be broadly categorized into metabolic, hematological, endocrine regulation, and bile production.
Metabolic Regulation:
The liver is the central organ involved in regulating blood composition. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the range of 70–110 mg/dL. When these levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen reserves and releases glucose into the bloodstream. It can...
Metabolic Regulation:
The liver is the central organ involved in regulating blood composition. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the range of 70–110 mg/dL. When these levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen reserves and releases glucose into the bloodstream. It can...
3.8K