Untargeted Metabolomics Profiling of an 80.5 km Simulated Treadmill Ultramarathon

Metabolomic profiling of nine trained ultramarathon runners completing an 80.5 km self-paced treadmill-based time trial was carried out. Plasma samples were obtained from venous whole blood, collected at rest and on completion of the distance (post-80.5 km). The samples were analyzed by using high-resolution mass spectrometry in combination with both hydrophilic interaction (HILIC) and reversed phase (RP) chromatography. The extracted putatively identified features were modeled using Simca P 14.1 software (Umetrics, Umea, Sweden). A large number of amino acids decreased post-80.5 km and fatty acid metabolism was affected with an increase in the formation of medium-chain unsaturated and partially oxidized fatty acids and conjugates of fatty acids with carnitines. A possible explanation for the complex pattern of medium-chain and oxidized fatty acids formed is that the prolonged exercise provoked the proliferation of peroxisomes. The peroxisomes may provide a readily utilizable form of energy through formation of acetyl carnitine and other acyl carnitines for export to mitochondria in the muscles; and secondly may serve to regulate the levels of oxidized metabolites of long-chain fatty acids. This is the first study to provide evidence of the metabolic profile in response to prolonged ultramarathon running using an untargeted approach. The findings provide an insight to the effects of ultramarathon running on the metabolic specificities and alterations that may demonstrate cardio-protective effects

Energy and macronutrient intake during 28 days continuous ultra-running covering 1261.7 km

To date there is very little data on the nutritional requirements for multi-day ultra-endurance running (MDUER). It has previously been reported that during 78 consecutive days of MDUER, total daily energy and macronutrient intakes met consensus guidelines for ultra-endurance exercise and were sufficient to avoid substantial reductions in body mass (BM) when nutrition support was provided (Dempster et al., 2013. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab). Purpose: To investigate the nutritional intake and changes in body composition of a well-trained male ultra-endurance runner completing a MDUER challenge covering 45.06km·day-1 for 28 consecutive days (total distance 1261.7km) in order to assess whether current guidelines were able to be met. Method: Dietary intake before, during and after running were recorded daily and analysed through nutritional analysis software. BM and percentage body fat (%BF) were measured pre and post-event via air displacement plesthymography. Morning, pre-run, post-run and pre-sleep BM were measured using portable electronic scales throughout the event. Results: Total daily mean energy intake (EI) of the 28 days was 16.6±3.1MJ·d-1 and macronutrient intake was 551±105g·d-1 (6.83±1.36g·kg-1·d-1) carbohydrate (CHO) and 144±45g·d-1 (1.79±0.56 g·kg-1·d-1) protein (PRO). Mean CHO and PRO intakes during running were 109±37g·h-1 and 27±14g·h-1 respectively. Within one hour post-running CHO and PRO intakes were 5.1±3.8g·kgBM-1 and 1.4±0.8g·kgBM-1 respectively. Exercise-induced BM loss was 2.1±0.89kg (P<0.001) which equated to a percentage loss of 2.6±1.1%. Throughout the 28 days total pre to post-challenge BM loss was 3.3.kg and %BF decreased from 21.4% pre-challenge to 17.7% post-challenge. Conclusion: Total daily EI was not sufficient to maintain BM over the 28 days and was below previously reported values for MDUER (23±3.2MJ·day-1). CHO intake during running was greater than current guidelines (60-90g·h-1) for ultra-endurance events; however total daily CHO intake was below consensus guidelines (8-12g-kg-1·d-1) for extreme exercise commitment. Total daily protein intake was greater than recommended for ultra-endurance athletes (≥1.2-1.4g·kg-1·d-1). This highlights the potential need for planned nutritional strategies and guidance for individuals participating in MDUER

Impact of an exergame intervention on habitual physical activity and diet in active young adults

Active video games or “exergames” (EG) may provide an effective method by which to increase physical activity (PA) levels of sedentary individuals although the energy cost is less than the real version of the sport or activities. However, if already active individuals increased their usage of EG, a resultant displacement of time spent engaged in real PA may reduce total PA derived energy expenditure. Of additional concern is the reported increase in energy intake (EI) associated with more frequent use of video games (Chaput et al., 2011. Am J Clin Nutr 93: 1196–1203). To date, no study has examined the impact of an EG intervention in already active young adults. To determine the effects of a short-term EG intervention on habitual PA and EI in active young adults. Twenty active young adults (10 males; age 21 ± 4 yrs; body mass 65.2 ± 5.9 kg) who did not regularly use EG each underwent two 5 day monitoring periods conducted in a randomised cross-over design. In one period each participant was required to complete 60 min∙day-1 of structured EG activity using a Microsoft X-box 360 Kinect and in the other they were instructed to maintain their normal PA level and diet (control). EI and PA were assessed daily during both monitoring periods using a food diary and an Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer respectively. Time spent in each PA intensity classification was established using device software and habitual PA during the EG period was calculated by removing time spent in the EG session from the data set. Mean daily EI, PA, and habitual PA were compared between conditions using a paired t-test. EI was not different between control and EG conditions (2234 ± 278 kcal∙day-1 vs. 2193 ± 323 kcal∙day-1 respectively; P=0.22). Less time was spent engaged in sedentary behaviour during the EG period compared to the control period (391 ± 126 min∙day-1 vs. 463 ± 125 min∙day-1 respectively; P<0.001) and more time was spent engaged in moderate-vigorous PA (132 ± 36 min∙day-1 vs. 92 ± 30 min∙day-1 respectively; P<0.001). Habitual moderate-vigorous PA during the EG period (100 ± 34 min∙day-1) was not different to the control period (P=0.26). Daily use of EG augmented moderate-vigorous PA and reduced sedentary behaviour with no impact on EI in active young adults. EG therefore remains a viable option to increase PA in this population