Effects of Gender upon the Cardiovascular Function in Ultra-Marathon

Runners
Yolby Joseph, Steven Hammer Ph.D., and Jim Agnew M.D. Ph.D.
Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate cardiovascular changes in runners at the fall 2013 and
spring 2014 Wild Sebastian 100 ultra-marathon runners based on gender versus distance. Thirtytwo individuals were included in this study, 23 males and 9 females. Variables were assessed with
regard to blood pressure, supine systolic and diastolic, standing systolic and diastolic with
corresponding heart rates. Anthropometric variables were also assessed including height, weight
and body temperature. In addition, 12 lead EKGs were performed and included the following
variables: p-wave duration, p-wave amplitude, QRS duration, p-wave axis, QRS axis, t-wave axis
and QTc interval. All of the preceding measures were conducted pre and post-race. One-way
ANOVAs were performed with the data split by gender and the factor as distance completed (25,
50, 75 or 100 miles respectively). Overall comparison between gender was also performed with
the following significant differences (set at p<0.05): height, mass, p-wave duration, p-wave axis,
QRS axis, and temperature. Using distance as a factor between gender comparisons, significant
measures were noted. Pre-race, height, mass, standing diastolic pressure, QRS duration, p-wave
axis and QTc interval were significantly different by gender. Runners completing 25 miles showed
significant differences only in supine systolic pressure. In the 50 and 75 mile groups, height was
the only significant difference in all variables measured. The 100 mile group did not have enough
finishers with data sets to calculate significant differences. Some interesting trends were noted
that warrant further research, with a greater sample size to determine if significant differences
exist between genders and if the total distance ran can significantly change these values
compared to pre-race.