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Tiemeier L, Nikolaidis PT, Chlíbková D, Wilhelm M, Thuany M, Weiss K, Knechtle B. Ultra-Cycling- Past, Present, Future: A Narrative Review. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2024; 10:48. [PMID: 38679655 PMCID: PMC11056358 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-024-00715-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultra-endurance events are gaining popularity in multiple exercise disciplines, including cycling. With increasing numbers of ultra-cycling events, aspects influencing participation and performance are of interest to the cycling community. MAIN BODY The aim of this narrative review was, therefore, to assess the types of races offered, the characteristics of the cyclists, the fluid and energy balance during the race, the body mass changes after the race, and the parameters that may enhance performance based on existing literature. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using the search terms 'ultracycling', 'ultra cycling', 'ultra-cycling', 'ultra-endurance biking', 'ultra-bikers' and 'prolonged cycling'. The search yielded 948 results, of which 111 were relevant for this review. The studies were classified according to their research focus and the results were summarized. The results demonstrated changes in physiological parameters, immunological and oxidative processes, as well as in fluid and energy balance. While the individual race with the most published studies was the Race Across America, most races were conducted in Europe, and a trend for an increase in European participants in international races was observed. Performance seems to be affected by characteristics such as age and sex but not by anthropometric parameters such as skin fold thickness. The optimum age for the top performance was around 40 years. Most participants in ultra-cycling events were male, but the number of female athletes has been increasing over the past years. Female athletes are understudied due to their later entry and less prominent participation in ultra-cycling races. A post-race energy deficit after ultra-cycling events was observed. CONCLUSION Future studies need to investigate the causes for the observed optimum race age around 40 years of age as well as the optimum nutritional supply to close the observed energy gap under consideration of the individual race lengths and conditions. Another research gap to be filled by future studies is the development of strategies to tackle inflammatory processes during the race that may persist in the post-race period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Tiemeier
- Centre for Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Daniela Chlíbková
- Centre of Sports Activities, Brno University of Technology, 61669, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Matthias Wilhelm
- Centre for Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Katja Weiss
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Knechtle
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, Vadianstrasse 26, 9001, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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Armstrong LE. Rehydration during Endurance Exercise: Challenges, Research, Options, Methods. Nutrients 2021; 13:887. [PMID: 33803421 PMCID: PMC8001428 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
During endurance exercise, two problems arise from disturbed fluid-electrolyte balance: dehydration and overhydration. The former involves water and sodium losses in sweat and urine that are incompletely replaced, whereas the latter involves excessive consumption and retention of dilute fluids. When experienced at low levels, both dehydration and overhydration have minor or no performance effects and symptoms of illness, but when experienced at moderate-to-severe levels they degrade exercise performance and/or may lead to hydration-related illnesses including hyponatremia (low serum sodium concentration). Therefore, the present review article presents (a) relevant research observations and consensus statements of professional organizations, (b) 5 rehydration methods in which pre-race planning ranges from no advanced action to determination of sweat rate during a field simulation, and (c) 9 rehydration recommendations that are relevant to endurance activities. With this information, each athlete can select the rehydration method that best allows her/him to achieve a hydration middle ground between dehydration and overhydration, to optimize physical performance, and reduce the risk of illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence E Armstrong
- Human Performance Laboratory and Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1110, USA
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Muñoz CX, Johnson EC, Kunces LJ, McKenzie AL, Wininger M, Butts CL, Caldwell A, Seal A, McDermott BP, Vingren J, Colburn AT, Wright SS, Lopez III V, Armstrong LE, Lee EC. Impact of Nutrient Intake on Hydration Biomarkers Following Exercise and Rehydration Using a Clustering-Based Approach. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12051276. [PMID: 32365848 PMCID: PMC7282025 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the impact of nutrient intake on hydration biomarkers in cyclists before and after a 161 km ride, including one hour after a 650 mL water bolus consumed post-ride. To control for multicollinearity, we chose a clustering-based, machine learning statistical approach. Five hydration biomarkers (urine color, urine specific gravity, plasma osmolality, plasma copeptin, and body mass change) were configured as raw- and percent change. Linear regressions were used to test for associations between hydration markers and eight predictor terms derived from 19 nutrients merged into a reduced-dimensionality dataset through serial k-means clustering. Most predictor groups showed significant association with at least one hydration biomarker: (1) Glycemic Load + Carbohydrates + Sodium, (2) Protein + Fat + Zinc, (3) Magnesium + Calcium, (4) Pinitol, (5) Caffeine, (6) Fiber + Betaine, and (7) Water; potassium + three polyols, and mannitol + sorbitol showed no significant associations with any hydration biomarker. All five hydration biomarkers were associated with at least one nutrient predictor in at least one configuration. We conclude that in a real-life scenario, some nutrients may serve as mediators of body water, and urine-specific hydration biomarkers may be more responsive to nutrient intake than measures derived from plasma or body mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen X. Muñoz
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Evan C. Johnson
- Division of Kinesiology & Health, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA;
| | | | | | - Michael Wininger
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA;
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Cory L. Butts
- Department of Health Promotion & Human Performance Weber State University, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA; (C.L.B.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (B.P.M.)
| | - Aaron Caldwell
- Department of Health Promotion & Human Performance Weber State University, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA; (C.L.B.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (B.P.M.)
| | - Adam Seal
- Department of Health Promotion & Human Performance Weber State University, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA; (C.L.B.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (B.P.M.)
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
| | - Brendon P. McDermott
- Department of Health Promotion & Human Performance Weber State University, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA; (C.L.B.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (B.P.M.)
| | - Jakob Vingren
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA;
| | - Abigail T. Colburn
- Department of Kinesiology, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (A.T.C.); (S.S.W.); (L.E.A.); (E.C.L.)
| | - Skylar S. Wright
- Department of Kinesiology, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (A.T.C.); (S.S.W.); (L.E.A.); (E.C.L.)
| | - Virgilio Lopez III
- Department of Kinesiology, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (A.T.C.); (S.S.W.); (L.E.A.); (E.C.L.)
| | - Lawrence E. Armstrong
- Department of Kinesiology, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (A.T.C.); (S.S.W.); (L.E.A.); (E.C.L.)
| | - Elaine C. Lee
- Department of Kinesiology, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (A.T.C.); (S.S.W.); (L.E.A.); (E.C.L.)
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Armstrong LE, Muñoz CX, Armstrong EM. Distinguishing Low and High Water Consumers-A Paradigm of Disease Risk. Nutrients 2020; 12:E858. [PMID: 32210168 PMCID: PMC7146321 DOI: 10.3390/nu12030858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A long-standing body of clinical observations associates low 24-h total water intake (TWI = water + beverages + food moisture) with acute renal disorders such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections. These findings prompted observational studies and experimental interventions comparing habitual low volume (LOW) and high volume (HIGH) drinkers. Investigators have learned that the TWI of LOW and HIGH differ by 1-2 L·d-1, their hematological values (e.g., plasma osmolality, plasma sodium) are similar and lie within the laboratory reference ranges of healthy adults and both groups appear to successfully maintain water-electrolyte homeostasis. However, LOW differs from HIGH in urinary biomarkers (e.g., reduced urine volume and increased osmolality or specific gravity), as well as higher plasma concentrations of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and cortisol. Further, evidence suggests that both a low daily TWI and/or elevated plasma AVP influence the development and progression of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Based on these studies, we propose a theory of increased disease risk in LOW that involves chronic release of fluid-electrolyte (i.e., AVP) and stress (i.e., cortisol) hormones. This narrative review describes small but important differences between LOW and HIGH, advises future investigations and provides practical dietary recommendations for LOW that are intended to decrease their risk of chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence E. Armstrong
- Professor Emeritus, Human Performance Laboratory and Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Colleen X. Muñoz
- Assistant Professor, Department of Health Sciences, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA;
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Guex K, Serain E, Gremion G, Besson C, Faiss R, Majo J, Degache F. Participating In The Race Across AMerica In A Team Of Eight Cyclists: Do Not Neglect Crew Preparation. Open Access J Sports Med 2019; 10:161-169. [PMID: 31807092 PMCID: PMC6839592 DOI: 10.2147/oajsm.s219124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Race Across AMerica (RAAM) is considered as one of the longest, and most difficult cycling races in the world. It can be performed in solo or in relay of two, four or eight persons. Purpose/method The aim of the present study was to investigate several physiological, perceptual and psychological responses before, during and after RAAM in a team of eight amateur cyclists. Because logistics of all team is demanding and complex, crew members have followed the same testing procedure. Results The main result is that parameters were globally not altered to a greater extent in cyclists than in crew members over the course of the RAAM, and that all variables returned to pre-race levels 1 week after the end of the race in both groups. In crew, body fat was decreased (p < 0.05) at mid-race (Mid) vs 1 week before the RAAM (Pre) (−1.5%) and total body water was increased (p < 0.05) at Mid vs Pre (+2.5%). In pre-relay quadriceps strength in cyclists was significantly lower (p < 0.05) at Mid vs Pre (41.6 ± 9.1 vs 45.0 ± 11.2 N, d = 0.36). Therefore, performing the race with eight well-prepared amateur cyclists seems to decrease potential risks on health. In crew, quadriceps strength remained stable at each assessment time but general fatigue increased all along the race. Anger was increased (p < 0.05) at Mid vs Pre in crew. Conclusion The most important message of this study is that crew members for a team of eight require adequate and sufficient preparation and training. Roles and responsibilities need to be thoroughly defined; individuals need to know each other beforehand and they must be prepared for sleep deprivation. The results of this study show the importance of the preparation of two teams: crew members, as well as cyclists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Guex
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Emilie Serain
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gerald Gremion
- Department of Sports Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cyril Besson
- Department of Sports Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Faiss
- Institute of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jocelyne Majo
- School of Management and Engineering Vaud (HEIG-VD), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Delémont, Switzerland
| | - Francis Degache
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Institute of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Therapeutic and Performance Sports Institute, MotionLab, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Armstrong LE, Johnson EC. Water Intake, Water Balance, and the Elusive Daily Water Requirement. Nutrients 2018; 10:E1928. [PMID: 30563134 PMCID: PMC6315424 DOI: 10.3390/nu10121928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Water is essential for metabolism, substrate transport across membranes, cellular homeostasis, temperature regulation, and circulatory function. Although nutritional and physiological research teams and professional organizations have described the daily total water intakes (TWI, L/24h) and Adequate Intakes (AI) of children, women, and men, there is no widespread consensus regarding the human water requirements of different demographic groups. These requirements remain undefined because of the dynamic complexity inherent in the human water regulatory network, which involves the central nervous system and several organ systems, as well as large inter-individual differences. The present review analyzes published evidence that is relevant to these issues and presents a novel approach to assessing the daily water requirements of individuals in all sex and life-stage groups, as an alternative to AI values based on survey data. This empirical method focuses on the intensity of a specific neuroendocrine response (e.g., plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentration) employed by the brain to regulate total body water volume and concentration. We consider this autonomically-controlled neuroendocrine response to be an inherent hydration biomarker and one means by which the brain maintains good health and optimal function. We also propose that this individualized method defines the elusive state of euhydration (i.e., water balance) and distinguishes it from hypohydration. Using plasma AVP concentration to analyze multiple published data sets that included both men and women, we determined that a mild neuroendocrine defense of body water commences when TWI is ˂1.8 L/24h, that 19⁻71% of adults in various countries consume less than this TWI each day, and consuming less than the 24-h water AI may influence the risk of dysfunctional metabolism and chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence E Armstrong
- University of Connecticut, Human Performance Laboratory and Department of Nutritional Sciences, Storrs CT 06269-1110, USA.
| | - Evan C Johnson
- University of Wyoming, Human Integrated Physiology Laboratory, Division of Kinesiology and Health, Laramie, WY 82071, USA.
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Saunders CJ, Posthumus M, O'Connell K, September AV, Collins M. A variant within the AQP1 3'-untranslated region is associated with running performance, but not weight changes, during an Ironman Triathlon. J Sports Sci 2014; 33:1342-8. [PMID: 25495276 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2014.989535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to test the association of the rs1049305 (G > C) variant within the 3'-untranslated region of the aquaporin 1 gene, AQP1, with changes in body weight, post-race serum sodium concentration and performance in Ironman triathletes. Five hundred and four male Ironman triathletes were genotyped for the rs1049305 variant within the AQP1 gene. Change in pre- and post-race body weight was calculated for 470 triathletes and used as a proxy for changes in body fluid during the race, as well as to divide triathletes into biologically relevant weight-loss groups (0-3%, 3-5% and >5%). There were no rs1049305 genotype effects on post-race serum sodium concentrations (P = 0.647), pre-race weight (P = 0.610) nor relative weight change during the Ironman Triathlons (P = 0.705). In addition, there were no significant differences in genotype (P = 0.640) nor allele (P = 0.643) distributions between the weight loss groups. However, triathletes who carry a C-allele were found to complete the 42.2-km run stage faster (mean 286, s = 49 min) than triathletes with a GG genotype (mean 296, s = 47 min; P = 0.032). The AQP1 rs1049305 variant is associated with running performance, but not relative body weight change, during the 2000, 2001 and 2006 South African Ironman Triathlons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen J Saunders
- a MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine of the Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Cape Town, South Africa and the South African Medical Research Council , Cape Town , South Africa
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