Efficacy of Downhill Running to Prepare for Mountain Hiking with Pack Weight

摘要

Unaccustomed eccentric exercise can result in severe muscle soreness (MS),strength loss, and muscle damage. However, personnel may be able to prepare the muscles in advance by performing a similar but less time consuming eccentric activity. This study determined if downhill running could reduce adverse symptoms that may be associated with a subsequent novel mountain hiking exercise. Special operation volunteers were assigned to either a treatment group (DHR) or a control group (CRL). DHR performed two 3 mile downhill runs, while CRL followed their normal training schedule. Two weeks after the second downhill run, both groups completed two 6 mile mountain hikes while carrying 30% of their body weight. MS, isometric leg endurance, and plasma creatine kinase (CK) were measured before and after the downhill runs and the hikes. Subjects in DHR exhibited neither significantly greater reductions in MS, CK, or in strength loss after either hike, nor a significant improvement in hiking performance compared to CRL. Therefore, downhill running does not appear to provide significant protection against MS, muscle damage (CK), or short term strength losses that accompany unaccustomed mountain hiking.