Effects of a trail running competition on muscular performance and efficiency in well-trained young and master athletes

International audience; To determine the acute effects of a trail running competition and the age-dependent differences between young and master athletes, 23 subjects [10 young (30.5 ± 7 years), 13 master (45.9 ± 5.9 years)] participated in a 55-km trail running competition. The study was conceived as an intervention study compromising pre, post 1, 24, 48 and 72 h measurements. Measurements consisted of blood tests, ergometer cycling and maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MVC). Parameters monitored included MVC, twitch-and M-wave properties, EMG (RMS) of the vastus lateralis, two locomotion efficiency calculations and muscle damage markers in the blood (CK, LDH). Results indicate pos…