Author(s): ORESKÁ, L.1, SEDLIAK, M.1, BERISHA, G.1, STRELECKÝ, M.1, BUZGÓ, G.1, HAMAR, D.1, CVECKA, J.1, VAJDA, M.1, VARGA, L.2, KERN, H.3, Institution: FACULTY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS, COMENIUS UNIVERSITY, Country: SLOVAKIA, Abstract-ID: 2126

INTRODUCTION:
Advanced ageing is naturally associated with a decline in physical fitness. However, master athletes who stay physically active may slow down this decline. Yet, there are some differences in physical functioning between master and young athletes. The study aimed to assess physiological function and muscle morphology in lifelong master endurance runners against their young trained counterparts
METHODS:
In a cross-sectional design, groups of 8 young best endurance runners (YER: age: 27.38 ± 3.07 yrs, BW: 72.21 ± 7.06 kg) and 10 best master endurance runners (MER: age 70.22 ± 3.87 yrs, BW: 71.44 ± 9.99 kg;) who underwent assessments of body composition, aerobic capacity, muscle strength and muscle morphology. The inclusion criteria were the following: 1) above 300 mins per week of endurance running, 2) regular participation of YER (at least 3 years) and MER (at least 25 years) in running competitions (in 10 km, half, and full marathon), 3) to have their personal best time on 10 km run in last season under 35 mins in YER and under 55 mins in MER.
To compare the two groups, body composition (weight, muscle mass, body fat, BMI) was measured using bioimpedance, lower limb muscle strength was tested with knee extension on a dynamometer, and aerobic capacity was measured on a cycle ergometer (heart rate, maximum oxygen consumption, power output). Muscle biopsies were taken from the Vastus Lateralis to examine Immunohistochemically analysed muscle structure and myonuclear domain determination.
RESULTS:
In body composition, significant differences were observed in body fat (YER: 10.61 ± 3.35 %; MER: 19.07 ± 6.36 %, p ≤ .005) and muscle (p ≤ .005) in favour of young endurance runners, but not in BMI. According to maximal and relative voluntary contraction, in both, young endurance runners were significantly stronger, as well as in comparing dominant and nondominant legs separately. Testing aerobic capacity, young endurance runners also proved their VO2max is significantly higher compared to their master counterparts (YER: 64.60 ± 5.51 ml/kg.min-1; MER: 42.88 ± 5.88 ml/kg.min-1, p < .000). The significant difference was also observed in HRmax (YER: 174.75 ± 5.55 bpm, MER: 15.00 ± 14.76 bpm, p ≤ .001) and maximal (YER: 374.50 ± 49.13W, MER: 228.89 ± 33.33W, P < .001) as well as relative power-output (P < .001). The differences were also observed on the muscle morphological and myonuclear domain levels
CONCLUSION:
Finally, our findings demonstrate that lifelong Master endurance runners display superior aerobic capacity, body composition, and muscle fibre morphology, yet there is still a deterioration due to natural ageing in the parameters compared to young endurance runners. Therefore, regular lifelong endurance activity can offer significant protection against declining physiological health and function as individuals age.
The study was funded by the INTERREG V-A Slovakia—Austria (acronym CAA, ITMS2014 + 305041X157) and by the Slovak Research and Development Agency (Grant no. APVV-21-0164)