Investigation of Cardiac Function and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Marathon Runners- The Munich Marathon Study (MMS)

April 30, 2014 updated by: Technical University of Munich

Investigation of Myocardial Injury, Ventricular Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Different Groups of Marathon Runners

The purpose of this study is to determine the cardiovascular risk involved in the exertional exercise of marathon running. The researchers aim to investigate the beneficial effects of regular well-dosed exercise on health and compare these findings with the effects of the extreme strains of marathon running. Subclinical injuries to heart and arteries are being investigated in different groups of runners, including obese participants.

Study Overview

Detailed Description

Regular exercise leads to an improvement of cardiovascular risc factors in patients with coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis and metabolic disorders. Aerobic exercise has anti-inflammatory effects. In contrast, the exertional exercise of marathon running causes an acute pro-inflammatory impulse. This may lead to myocardial injury and, in case of preexisting plaques, may result in plaque rupture and acute myocardial infarction.

The researchers aim to define the critical role of inflammatory markers and cardiovascular risk factors as a predictor of an increased risk for myocardial and endothelial dysfunction in marathon runners.

The study groups are divided into average trained runners (40 km/week), average trained obese runners and highly trained runners (> 70km/week). Training programmes are supervised by professional coaches. Individual scientific marathon contests are organized for the assessments.

Diagnostic tools include measurements of pulse wave velocity and heart rate turbulence, echocardiography and, for the first time, MRI-scans pre- and post marathon running. Additionally, cardiovascular markers such as endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs)and adiponectin are measured. Inflammatory markers include c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukins and tumor necrosis factor.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Actual)

60

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

    • Bavaria
      • Connollystrasse 32, Munich, Bavaria, Germany, 80809
        • Department of Prevention and Sportsmedicine, Technical University of Munich

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

30 years to 60 years (Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Genders Eligible for Study

Male

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Healthy male marathon runners with no more than one treated cardiovascular risk factor aged 30-60 years. Participation of at least a 1/2 marathon in recent history.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Men aged 30-60 years
  • Obese subjects: BMI > 27 and waist circumference > 102cm

Exclusion Criteria:

  • manifested heart disease
  • insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
  • multiple drug therapy
  • GFR < 60 ml/min.
  • claustrophobia
  • metal implants

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Henner Hanssen, MD, Department of Prevention and Sportmedicine, Technical University Munich

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

July 1, 2007

Primary Completion (Actual)

March 1, 2008

Study Completion (Actual)

May 1, 2008

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

July 11, 2007

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 11, 2007

First Posted (Estimate)

July 13, 2007

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimate)

May 1, 2014

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 30, 2014

Last Verified

April 1, 2014

More Information

Terms related to this study

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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