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Skeletal muscle elastic modulus in marathon distance runners
Brad J Winn1, Derek J Haight1, D S Blaise Williams1
1Nike Sport Research Lab, Nike, Inc., One Bowerman Drive, Beaverton, OR, 97005, USA.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|January 23, 2025
Summary
Marathon running increases skeletal muscle stiffness, indicating muscle damage and soreness. This change in muscle elastic modulus may reflect adaptation and recovery, offering insights for runners.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Physiology
Background:
- Skeletal muscle shear elastic modulus is a non-invasive indicator of muscle damage and soreness after strenuous exercise.
- Understanding how marathon running impacts muscle elasticity is crucial for athlete recovery and performance optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of marathon running on skeletal muscle shear elastic modulus.
- To explore the relationship between pre- and post-marathon muscle elasticity, running experience, and recovery.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound shear wave elastography was used to measure the shear modulus of the rectus femoris in 80 participants before and after a marathon.
- Participants' experience level, muscle soreness, and run readiness were surveyed.
- Statistical analyses were performed to correlate shear modulus with finish times, experience, and recovery.
Main Results:
- Marathon running significantly increased skeletal muscle shear modulus by approximately 23%.
- Pre-marathon shear modulus was lower in competitive runners and associated with faster finish times.
- The increase in shear modulus was blunted in runners using highly cushioned footwear with plates.
- Muscle soreness was strongly linked to run readiness, and longer recovery times correlated with greater increases in shear modulus.
Conclusions:
- Skeletal muscle elastic modulus changes reflect marathon-induced muscle damage and soreness.
- Muscle elastic modulus may serve as a biomarker for both short-term muscle adaptation and long-term recovery post-marathon.
- These findings suggest that muscle elastic modulus can be monitored to optimize runner outcomes and recovery strategies.
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