Open AccessExercise Is Medicine? The Cardiorespiratory Implications of Ultra-marathon
Author(s) -
Nicholas B. Tiller,
Glenn M. Stewart,
Camilla R Illidi,
Benjamin D. Levine
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
current sports medicine reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.424
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1537-8918
pISSN - 1537-890X
DOI - 10.1249/jsr.0000000000000738
Subject(s) - cardiorespiratory fitness , medicine , sports medicine , intensive care medicine , risk stratification , exercise intolerance , physical therapy , disease , diabetes mellitus , cardiology , heart failure , endocrinology
Regular physical activity decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, obesity, certain cancers, and all-cause mortality. Nevertheless, there is mounting evidence that extreme exercise behaviors may be detrimental to human health. This review collates several decades of literature on the physiology and pathophysiology of ultra-marathon running, with emphasis on the cardiorespiratory implications. Herein, we discuss the prevalence and clinical significance of postrace decreases in lung function and diffusing capacity, respiratory muscle fatigue, pulmonary edema, biomarkers of cardiac injury, left/right ventricular dysfunction, and chronic myocardial remodeling. The aim of this article is to inform risk stratification for ultra-marathon and to edify best practice for personnel overseeing the events (i.e., race directors and medics).