Marathon race performance increases the amount of particulate matter deposited in the respiratory system of runners: an incentive for “clean air marathon runs”

Background In the last decades, marathon running has become a popular form of physical activity among people around the world. It should be noticed that the main marathon races are performed in large cities, where air quality varies considerably. It is well established that breathing polluted air results in a number of harmful effects to the human body. However, there have been no studies to show the impact of marathon run performance on the amount of the deposition of varied fractions of airborne particulate matter (PM) in the respiratory tract of runners. This is why the present study sought to determine the impact of marathon run performance in the air of varying quality on the deposition of the PM1, PM2.5, PM10 in the respiratory tract in humans. Methods The PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 deposition was determined in an “average runner” (with marathon performance time 4 h: 30 min) and in an “elite marathon runner” (with marathon performance time 2 h: 00 min) at rest, and during a marathon race, based on own measurements of the PM content in the air and the size-resolved DF(d) profile concept. Results We have shown that breathing air containing 50 µg m−3 PM10 (a borderline value according to the 2006 WHO standard - still valid) at minute ventilation (VE) equal to 8 L min−1 when at rest, resulted in PM10deposition rate of approximately 9 µg h−1, but a marathon run of an average marathon runner with the VE = 62 L min−1 increased the deposition rate up to 45 µg h−1. In the elite runner, marathon run with the VE= 115 L min−1 increased PM10 deposition rate to 83 µg h−1. Interestingly, breathing the air containing 50 µg m−3of PM10 at the VE = 115 L min−1by the elite marathon runner during the race resulted in the same PM10deposition rate as the breathing highly polluted air containing as much as 466 µg m−3 of PM10 when at rest. Furthermore, the total PM10 deposition in the respiratory tract during a marathon race in average runners is about 22% greater (203 / 166 = 1.22) than in elite runners. According to our calculations, the concentration of PM10in the air during a marathon race that would allow one not to exceed the PM10 deposition rate of 9 µg h−1should be lower than 10 µg m−3 in the case of an average runner, and it should be lower than 5.5 µg m−3 in the case of an elite runner. Conclusions We conclude that a marathon run drastically increases the rate of deposition of the airborne PM in the respiratory tract of the runners, as a consequence of the huge VE generated during the race. A decrease of the PM content in the air attenuates this rate. Based on our calculations, we postulate that the PM10 content in the air during a “clean air marathon run”, involving elite marathon runners, should be below 5.5 µg m−3.

Endoscopic Calcaneoplasty in an Elite Runner

Haglund’s syndrome is a triad of postero-superior calcaneal prominence, retro-calcaneal bursitis and insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Endoscopic treatment of patients with this triad allows for earlier weight bearing, direct visualization of the Achilles insertion and less soft tissue disruption. In addition, it allows excellent visualization of the pathology. We report a case of an elite runner that underwent Endoscopic Calcaneoplasty done in the prone position. Prospective analysis of his performance before and after the surgical intervention as well as post-operative rehabilitation is detailed. Prone positioning allows for easier accessto the Haglund’s deformity, a more logical view on the monitor and a more ergonomic hand position.

TRAINING LOADS DURING THE MARATHON PREPARATORY PHASE - A CASE STUDY OF THE POLISH MARATHON RECORD HOLDER

Introduction. For many years researchers and coaches have been struggling with a crucial experimental problem of examining the relations between sport result and the elements of training loads. The main question of the theory of endurance sports is the study of the influence of varied activities on human system, which will eventually transfer into results improvement. By enriching the scientific knowledge regarding organism adaptation to different stimuli in terms of physiology, biochemistry, biomechanics and physical therapy, coaches and scholars have been developing theoretical foundations of workout. Purpose of research. The main purpose of this study is to analyse the training loads of the competitive marathoner, the polish marathon record holder. The analysis is based on two mesocycles with a duration of 8 weeks of preparatory phase, guided by two different coaches. Moreover, another crucial issue included in the study is the comparison of the training framework and training loads in particular weeks. Material and method. The practical implementation of the theory is provided with the use of research material of Olympian, who is also the Polish marathon record holder, in a form of his workout logs. The content of the workout logs includes two marathon mesocycles, each with a duration of 8 weeks of preparatory phase. Results. The analysis of the volume of training loads in the eight-week mesocycle shows the diversity between the two studied marathon preparatory phases. Considering the efficacy based on the race result, it should be said that the workout plan of the first coach came out to be more beneficial for the marathoner. Conclusions. Hence, it should be said that it is the general running endurance which should be the main workout element of every elite runner. Increased number of kilometers definitely conduces to achieve satisfactory marathon results. Moreover, one should remember that most of the marathon work should be done in oxygen balance. Key words: marathon, training loads, runner, preparatory phase

An elite runner with cerebral palsy: cost of running determines athletic performance

Background: Running performance is widely understood interms of the Joyner model (VO2max, %VO2max at ventilatorythreshold (VT), running economy (often measured as cost ofrunning (CR) as VO2 in ml.kg‑1.km‑1).Objective: To test the Joyner model by evaluating a runner inwhom one element of the Joyner model is systematically abnormal.Methods: The case of a two-time Paralympian with cerebral palsy(CP), 2nd place in the Sydney 2000 Paralympic 1500 m (T37) isreported. Incremental and steady state treadmill runs as well assimulated competitions were completed. Incremental and steadystate (50% PPO) cycling with two legs (2L), the non-affected leg(NL), and the affected leg (AL) were also completed.Results: His silver medal (2000 Sydney OG) performance for1500 m was 269 s (4:29) (77.2% of velocity in contemporary ablebodiedworld record (WR). At the time of study, his VO2maxwas 64.2 ml.min‑1.kg‑1. His cost of running (CR) (1% grade) washigher, at 257 vs 228, 211 and 188 ml.kg‑1.km‑1 (for ACSM norms,elite Europeans, elite East Africans). During cycling, his VO2maxwith 2L, NL and AL was 3.74, 3.78 and 3.71 l.min‑1, and his grossefficiency (GE) was 18.4, 12.2 and 9.3%, respectively.Conclusions: In a former elite runner with CP, there is littleevidence of a central oxygen transport limitation. The higherCR (plausibly reflected by the reduced GE of his AL) appears toaccount for much of the difference in performance compared toable-bodied runners. The results provide both insight into thephysiological limitations of runners with CP and support for theJoyner model of competitive running performance.Keywords: biomechanics, athletic training, exercise performance,exercise physiology

Effects of a Mental Training Package on an Endurance Performance

This study aimed to examine the effects of a mental training package on the performance of a 1600-m run. Participants were 3 male triathletes and 1 male elite runner. A single-subject multiple baseline across individuals design was employed to evaluate the treatment package. Results demonstrated that the mental training package was effective in improving the running performance of the three participants who received intervention. Social validation results were favorable and indicated that participants enjoyed using the mental training package and were pleased with the results. Further, coaches felt that the results were important, especially those for the elite track athlete.