Respiratory Health of the Ultra-Endurance Cyclists and Runners–A Perspective

Abstract

High intensity sustained aerobic physical activities like ultra-endurance running and cycling may induce higher intensities of inflammatory and oxidative stress in the body and may cause disturbances in the general immunity and more specifically respiratory immunity temporarily and may also cause some health implications. Also, the chronic high intensity training of these athletes is another aspect that needs much attention. Respiratory tract gets affected severely during these high intensity sustained aerobic activities and may lead to the compromise in the bronchial epithelial integrity, leading to respiratory tract infections, which in turn could induce palpable reductions in the performances of these endurance athletes. Hence, health and performance are the two important factors that are to be considered during the training and competition of these ultra-endurance athletes. The training protocols of these athletes should consider the methods of tackling these inflammatory and oxidative stress both during practice and during competitions. A major recovery method for these athletes may be the proper nutrition program that can provide these ultra-endurance runners and cyclists with proper micronutrients. Special diets consisting of ample anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients would certainly help these athletes in this regard. Enough quality protein and energy substrates may also help in the proper synthesis of the cell signaling cytokines and hormones that may protect the immune function of the body. Proper rest periods and proper consolidation of the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative capacities through sufficiently long duration training before taking part in such high intensity aerobic activities is highly recommended.