Postural Control, Dual Task Performance and Executive Function Following an Ultramarathon

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Neuroscience
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Research on ultramarathon running's effects on posture and cognition is limited.
• Understanding fatigue-related changes in postural control and executive function is crucial for athlete safety and performance.
• Previous studies have not comprehensively examined these effects in the context of extreme endurance events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of ultramarathon running on postural control, dual-task postural control, and executive function.
• To determine if fatigue from ultramarathon running leads to measurable deterioration in these functions.
• To explore potential neuroprotective mechanisms underlying adaptations to extreme fatigue.

Main Methods:

• A pre- and post-test design was employed with 14 ultramarathon runners.
• Postural stability was assessed on flat and foam surfaces, with eyes open and closed.
• Dual-task postural control and executive function (modified flanker task) were evaluated before and after the race.

Main Results:

• Post-race, increased anterior-posterior (AP) sway path length and root mean square (RMS) were observed.
• Mediolateral (ML) RMS and ML median frequency showed reductions post-race, indicating plane-specific postural adaptations.
• Dual-task postural control showed altered ML RMS pre-race, but not post-race. Reaction times and executive function scores did not significantly change.

Conclusions:

• Ultramarathon running induces specific, plane-dependent adaptations in postural sway, potentially as a neuroprotective response to extreme fatigue.
• While postural control is affected, executive function and basic reaction times appear resilient to the demands of ultramarathon running.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind these observed postural adaptations in fatigued athletes.