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Published on: July 17, 2020
Determinants of Physiological Resilience Among Recreational-To-Competitive Endurance Runners
Timi Malinen1, Pekka Matomäki1,2, Arja Uusitalo3,4
1Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
Physiological resilience in runners is linked to aerobic fitness and muscle strength. Higher maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) correlate with better resilience, suggesting multiple physiological systems contribute to endurance performance.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Running Performance
Background:
- Understanding physiological resilience is crucial for optimizing endurance performance in runners.
- Differentiating between recreational and competitive runners can reveal specific adaptations related to resilience.
- Previous research has explored various physiological markers of endurance but their direct link to resilience requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between endurance performance factors and physiological resilience in runners.
- To compare physiological resilience between recreational and competitive running groups.
- To identify specific physiological determinants of enhanced resilience in endurance athletes.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-three runners (15 competitive, 18 recreational) underwent testing over three days.
- Evaluated parameters included peak fat oxidation, maximal blood lactate (La_max), maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), maximal speed (sPeak), ventilatory thresholds (sVTs), and running economy (RE).
- Physiological resilience was assessed by the deterioration of VO2max, sPeak, VTs, and RE during and after a ~2.5-hour moderate-intensity run.
Main Results:
- Recreational runners showed greater VT1 deterioration but less RE deterioration compared to competitive runners.
- Lower decline in sPeak was associated with higher VO2max and lower La_max.
- Lower decline in RE was linked to poorer running economy and higher MVC; lower VO2max decline correlated with poorer RE.
Conclusions:
- Physiological resilience in runners appears to be multifactorial, involving various physiological systems.
- High aerobic fitness (VO2max) and leg extensor strength (MVC) may contribute to better physiological resilience.
- Lower maximal blood lactate concentration after maximal anaerobic running tests could also be a marker of enhanced resilience.
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