Downhill Running to Enhance Operational Performance in Mountain Terrains.
Abstract
Military special forces personnel perform missions in a variety of environments, including downhill exercise in the mountains. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a downhill running program (involving eccentric muscle contractions) would reduce damage to musculoskeletal tissue and prevent possible strength loss in preparation for future terrestrial missions. Eight U.S. Navy and Marine Corps males (29 f 1 yr, 81 f 2 kg, 179 i 2 cm1 10 i 1 % body fat, and 57 i 3 ml.kg-1.min-1) ran on a treadmill (-10% grade, -60% VO2p.peak) for 30 min once per week for eight weeks. Plasma levels of creatine kinase (CK), hydroxyproline (HYP), and hydroxypyridinoline (HP; an extracellular collagen crosslink), and peak isokinetic concentric and eccentric torque during knee extension, were measured pre and 24h post exercise. Muscle soreness and muscle damage (measured by plasma levels of CK) were attenuated by the third bout of downhill running. At the same time, this protocol did not reduce maximal eccentric isokinetic leg strength or increase the breakdown of connective tissue (measured by plasma HYP and HP). Eccentric exercise training (consisting of two downhill running bouts, one week apart) can prepare individuals for future missions or events involving downhill exercise by reducing muscle soreness and muscle damage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA294492
Entities
People
- H. W. Goforth Jr.
- P. G. Law
- T. S. Smith
- W. K. Prusaczky
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center