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Brain, Metabolic, and RPE Responses during a Free-Pace Marathon: A Preliminary Study

Author

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  • Florent Palacin

    (EA 4445—Movement, Balance, Performance, and Health Laboratory, Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, 65000 Tarbes, France
    Billatraining SAS, 91840 Soisy-sur-École, France)

  • Luc Poinsard

    (EA 4445—Movement, Balance, Performance, and Health Laboratory, Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, 65000 Tarbes, France
    Billatraining SAS, 91840 Soisy-sur-École, France)

  • Julien Mattei

    (Physip, 6 Rue Gobert, 75011 Paris, France)

  • Christian Berthomier

    (Physip, 6 Rue Gobert, 75011 Paris, France)

  • Véronique Billat

    (EA 4445—Movement, Balance, Performance, and Health Laboratory, Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, 65000 Tarbes, France
    Faculty of Sport Science, Université Évry Paris-Saclay, 23 Bd François Mitterrand, 91000 Évry-Courcouronnes, France)

Abstract

The concept of the “central governor” in exercise physiology suggests the brain plays a key role in regulating exercise performance by continuously monitoring physiological and psychological factors. In this case report, we monitored, for the first time, a marathon runner using a metabolic portable system and an EEG wireless device during an entire marathon to understand the influence of brain activity on performance, particularly the phenomenon known as “hitting the wall”. The results showed significant early modification in brain activity between the 10th and 15th kilometers, while the RPE remained low and cardiorespiratory responses were in a steady state. Thereafter, EEG responses decreased after kilometer 15, increased briefly between kilometers 20 and 25, then continued at a slower pace. After kilometer 30, both speed and respiration values dropped, along with the respiratory exchange ratio, indicating a shift from carbohydrate to fat metabolism, reflecting glycogen depletion. The runner concluded the race with a lower speed, higher RPE (above 15/20 on the Borg RPE scale), and reduced brain activity, suggesting mental exhaustion. The findings suggest that training strategies focused on recognizing and responding to brain signals could allow runners to optimize performance and pacing strategies, preventing premature exhaustion and improving overall race outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Florent Palacin & Luc Poinsard & Julien Mattei & Christian Berthomier & Véronique Billat, 2024. "Brain, Metabolic, and RPE Responses during a Free-Pace Marathon: A Preliminary Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(8), pages 1-12, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:8:p:1024-:d:1449210
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jean-Renaud Pycke & Véronique Billat, 2022. "Marathon Performance Depends on Pacing Oscillations between Non Symmetric Extreme Values," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-19, February.
    2. Véronique Billat & Luc Poinsard & Florent Palacin & Jean Renaud Pycke & Michael Maron, 2022. "Oxygen Uptake Measurements and Rate of Perceived Exertion during a Marathon," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-19, May.
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    2. Véronique Billat & Luc Poinsard & Florent Palacin & Jean Renaud Pycke & Michael Maron, 2022. "Oxygen Uptake Measurements and Rate of Perceived Exertion during a Marathon," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-19, May.

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