A 246-km continuous running race causes significant changes in bone metabolism

Abstract Background Regular physical exercise exerts a favorable effect on the skeleton. However, excessive physical exercise may have detrimental effects. A low bone mineral density (BMD) has been registered in highly trained runners. The aim of the present study was to evaluate potential effects o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bone (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2009-12, Vol.45 (6), p.1079-1083
Main Authors: Kerschan-Schindl, Katharina, Thalmann, Markus, Sodeck, Gottfried H, Skenderi, Katerina, Matalas, Antonia L, Grampp, Stephan, Ebner, Christof, Pietschmann, Peter
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Biomarkers - blood
Bone and Bones - metabolism
Bone turnover
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Male
Orthopedics
Osteoprotegerin (OPG)
Receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)
Running - physiology
Skeleton and joints
Spartathlon
Time Factors
Ultradistance running
Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
Vertebrates: osteoarticular system, musculoskeletal system
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Summary:Abstract Background Regular physical exercise exerts a favorable effect on the skeleton. However, excessive physical exercise may have detrimental effects. A low bone mineral density (BMD) has been registered in highly trained runners. The aim of the present study was to evaluate potential effects of the Spartathlon, an annual ultramarathon race of 246 km, on bone metabolism. Methods Venous blood samples were taken before and within 15 min after the end of the race as well as three days after the start of the race. The following variables of bone metabolism were studied: osteocalcin (Oc), cross-linked-C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and its ligand, receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL). Results Blood samples were taken from 18 runners (16 men and 2 women) at the three time points. The median time taken by the runners to complete the race was 32 h and 52 min. Serum levels of CTX were significantly increased immediately after the race as well as three days after the start of the race compared with the time prior to the race. Oc was transiently suppressed after the race. Serum levels of RANKL and OPG were increased three days after the start of the race compared to the time before the start of the race. Conclusions This study showed that an ultra-distance run of nearly 250 km induced changes in RANK/RANKL/OPG interaction, which suggests a transient uncoupling of bone metabolism, increased bone resorption, and suppressed bone formation.
ISSN:8756-3282
1873-2763
DOI:10.1016/j.bone.2009.07.088