Running multiple marathons is not a risk factor for premature subclinical vascular impairment.

Background In contrast to the well-accepted benefits of moderate exercise, recent research has suggested potential deleterious effects of repeated marathon running on the cardiovascular system. We thus performed a comprehensive analysis of markers of subclinical vascular damage in a cohort of runners having finished multiple marathon races successfully. Design This was a prospective, observational study.

Changes of intima-media thickness in marathon runners: A mid-term follow-up.

Objective Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is used to assess cardiovascular risk and progression of atherosclerosis. It is known that regular physical activity of moderate intensity has beneficial effects on the vasculature. However, it is still discussed controversially whether prolonged exercise, including participation in exhaustive competitive sports such as long-distance races, has also beneficial effects or might even be harmful regarding the cardiovascular system.

Exercise training improves exercise capacity and quality of life after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A randomized pilot trial.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is increasingly applied for aortic stenosis in elderly patients with impaired mobility and reduced quality of life. These patients may particularly benefit from postinterventional exercise programs, but no randomized study has evaluated the safety and efficacy of exercise in this population.

Methods: In a prospective pilot study, 30 patients after TAVI (mean age, 81±6 years, 44% female, 83±34 days postintervention) were randomly allocated 1:1 to a training group (TG) performing 8 weeks of supervised combined endurance and resistance exercise or to usual care.

Rutoside and Hydrolytic Enzymes Do Not Attenuate Marathon-Induced Inflammation.

Introduction: Vigorous and prolonged exercise such as marathon running increases inflammatory markers and the risk of upper respiratory illness (URI) in athletes. Nutritional supplements are being tested as countermeasures of exercise-induced inflammation and immune dysfunction.

Methods: In this prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I trial, healthy male runners (N = 138, age 42 ± 11 yr) were supplemented with rutoside (600-1200 mg·d) and hydrolytic enzymes (540-1080 mg·d bromelain, 288-576 mg·d trypsin) (WOB) or placebo (PL) for 1 wk before and 2 wk after the Munich Marathon 2013.