In his “sweat science” column, Alex Hutchinson reported on some latest research that give an replace on the query of whether or not there are well being points related to extreme endurance coaching. I’ve mentioned this beforehand (right here, right here, and right here) it being a matter of some curiosity to me as I wish to endurance prepare loads. The primary examine is a latest one from Solar-Yat-Sen Univerity in China [1]. This confirms that though folks that do a excessive quantity of endurance train are inclined to have larger calcium scores of their coronary arteries (a sign of arterial plaque), it’s a benign situation as a result of the plaque tends to be steady. This newest examine exhibits that on long-term follow-up, the high-volume athletes haven’t any higher threat of opposed cardiac occasions.

A second examine [2] disputes the “J-curve” that has been beforehand reported for all-cause mortality vs. the quantity of train. It’s well-known that train reduces the danger of mortality, however some earlier research have proven that the danger of demise goes again up for excessive quantities of train. That is controversial as some research have discovered this impact however others haven’t. The brand new examine highlights a flaw within the methodology of the earlier research that detected a J-curve. Quite than observe the precise ongoing train habits of the individuals being adopted, the earlier outcomes estimated the quantity of bodily exercise simply based mostly on a questionnaire administered in the beginning of the examine. Within the current examine, the quantity of train was repeatedly tracked for over 30 years in a big (greater than 100,000) pattern of individuals. The “J-curve” was not discovered: train reduces the danger of all-cause mortality, together with excessive volumes of train.

I nonetheless wish to hedge my bets on this. I do a excessive quantity of train however a big proportion of it’s at comparatively low depth, extra like brisk strolling or equal. I do train at larger intensities, however at a decrease quantity. As I’ve mentioned beforehand (right here and right here) this can be a good mixture of train for efficient coaching, well being advantages, and leisure.

References

1. Gao J, Hao Q, Lu L, et al, “Associations of long-term bodily exercise trajectories with coronary artery calcium development and heart problems occasions: outcomes from the CARDIA examine”, British Journal of Sports activities Drugs 2022.
2. Hoong Lee, D, et al, “Lengthy-Time period Leisure-Time Bodily Exercise Depth and All-Trigger and Trigger-Particular Mortality: A Potential Cohort of US Adults”. Circulation. 2022.