Purpose: This study investigated how blood glucose and ketone regulation relate to performance outcome and physiological and immune responses during a demanding ultra-endurance race.
Method: 19 of the athletes (7 women, 12 men) who participated in the 250 kilometer swim and running race called One Water Race were monitored using continuous glucose monitors (CGM), continuous ketone monitors (CKM), Oura™ ring, and pre- and post-race blood samples. The data from each variable were compared along with data from finishers versus non-finishers (DNF).
Results: On average finishers spent more time in the hyperglycemic range (>7.8 mmol/L) and ketosis (>0.5 mmol/L) (p>0.05). A significant inverse correlation was found between hyperglycemia and time in ketosis (p<0.05). A more prominent immune response was evident among finishers, which exhibited greater neutrophil increases and lymphocyte decreases (p<0.05). Higher glucose variability and time spent outside of the target blood glucose range (3.9-7.8mmol/L) were associated with lower monocyte and basophil counts (p<0.05). Pre-race nighttime temperature deviation was significantly lower among finishers (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The results indicate that a better glycemic control, higher fat metabolism, and a more prominent immune response is associated with finishing a demanding ultra-endurance race such as the OWR. Continuous metabolic monitoring offers novel insights into the physiological responses when athletes are pushing themselves towards their limit.
Masteruppsats utförd som en vetenskaplig artikel.