Changes in lung function during an extreme mountain ultramarathon. Issue 4 (28th September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vernillo, G.; Rinaldo, N.; Giorgi, A.; Esposito, F.; Trabucchi, P.; Millet, G. P.; Schena, F.
• Is Part Of: Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports. Volume 25:Issue 4(2015)
• Page Start: e374
• Page End: e380
• Publication Date: 2014-09-28
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1111/sms.12325
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-7188

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>This study aimed to assess the effects of an extreme mountain ultramarathon (MUM, 330 km, 24 000 D+) on lung function. Twenty‐nine experienced male ultramarathon runners performed longitudinally [before (pre), during (mid), and immediately after (post) a MUM] a battery of pulmonary function tests. The tests included measurements of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak flow, inspiratory capacity, and maximum voluntary ventilation in 12 s (MVV<sub>12</sub>). A significant reduction in the running speed was observed (−43.0% between pre‐mid and mid‐post; <italic>P</italic> < 0.001). Expiratory function declined significantly at mid (<italic>P</italic> < 0.05) and at post (<italic>P</italic> < 0.05). A similar trend was observed for inspiratory function (<italic>P</italic> < 0.05). MVV<sub>12</sub> declined at mid (<italic>P</italic> < 0.05) and further decreased at post (<italic>P</italic> < 0.05). Furthermore, there are significant negative correlations between performance time and MVV<sub>12</sub> pre‐race (<italic>R</italic> = −0.54, <italic>P</italic> = 0.02) as well as changes in MVV<sub>12</sub> between pre‐ and post‐race (<italic>R</italic> = −0.53, <italic>P</italic> = 0.009). It is concluded that during an extreme MUM, a continuous decline in pulmonary function was observed, likely attributable to the high levels of ventilation required during this MUM in a harsh mountainous environment.</p> </abstract>