Prolonged Running Reduces Speed at the Moderate-to-Heavy Intensity Transition Without Additional Reductions Due to Increased Eccentric Load
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Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the impact of prolonged running on speed at the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition, and whether increased eccentric load modifies exercise-induced shifts in the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition. Methods: Twelve endurance-trained runners (4 females, 8 males, peak oxygen uptake 51.5 mL kg−1 min−1 in females and 56.1 mL kg−1 min−1 in males) participated. Following trials to assess speed at the first ventilatory threshold (VT1) on a 0% gradient and -10% gradient, participants completed two trials: (i) level trial (LVL): 120-min of running at 0% gradient and (ii) downhill trial (DH): 120-min of running with 90-min at 0% gradient and 6 × 5-min intervals at -10% gradient (DH). Running was conducted at 90% of VT1 speed for respective gradients. Speed at VT1 on 0% gradient, perceived leg muscle soreness, and maximal voluntary isometric knee extensor torque were assessed pre- and post-prolonged exercise. Results: An effect of time was observed for speed at VT1 (∆-6.2 ± 3.6% in LVL and ∆-7.6 ± 3.2% in DH, P < 0.001), with no effect of condition (LVL vs. DH, P = 0.382), or time × condition interaction (P = 0.295). Reduced metabolic energy expenditure (metabolic power) significantly contributed to the reduced speed at VT1 in both trials (P < 0.001), whereas changes in running economy (energetic efficiency) did not (P = 0.228). Conclusion: Prolonged moderate-intensity running reduced speed at the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition, but this was not exacerbated by increased eccentric load. Reduced speed at the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition following prolonged running was primarily attributed to decreased metabolic power.Description
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Durability, Eccentric, Endurance, Marathon, Running, Thresholds, 32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 42 Health Sciences, 3202 Clinical Sciences, 4207 Sports Science and Exercise, Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities, Clinical Research, 6.7 Physical, 1106 Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Sport Sciences, 3202 Clinical sciences, 3208 Medical physiology, 4207 Sports science and exercise
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European Journal of Applied Physiology, ISSN: 1439-6319 (Print); 1439-6327 (Online), Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 125(10), 2897-2910. doi: 10.1007/s00421-025-05792-4
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