The Physiology and Biomechanics of the Master Runner

Background: As individuals age, they experience physiological and biomechanical changes that can significantly impact their running performance. While lifelong participation in running may mitigate some age-related declines in aerobic capacity and muscular strength, the inevitable effects of aging still lead to reduced performance levels. Factors such as decreased cardiovascular function, reduced muscle mass, altered biomechanics, and increased susceptibility to injuries contribute to this decline. Understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective training and rehabilitation strategies tailored to master athletes. Methods: This review study synthesizes current research on the physiological and biomechanical changes experienced by master runners, analyzing various studies from ۲۰۰۹ to ۲۰۲۱ that examine how aging affects running performance, focusing on aspects such as maximum running speed, joint mechanics, and injury risk. The authors conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify key physiological parameters—such as VO۲ max—and biomechanical characteristics, including step length and frequency, that are influenced by age. Additionally, this review discusses practical strategies for maximizing running participation among master athletes and emphasizes the importance of training regimens that address the unique challenges faced by this population. Results: The findings indicate that master runners show a persistent decline in running performance after the age of ۵۰, attributed to several interconnected factors. Physiological assessments reveal a gradual decrease in cardiovascular efficiency and muscular strength, essential for maintaining speed and endurance. Biomechanically, older runners exhibit altered movement patterns characterized by reduced stride length and increased ground contact time. These changes can lead to an elevated risk of injury due to improper loading mechanics during running. Despite these challenges, the review suggests that many master athletes can maintain relatively high performance through ongoing training and adaptive strategies. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding individual variability in response to aging, proposing that personalized training approaches may help mitigate performance decline. Conclusion: In conclusion, the physiology and biomechanics of master runners are significantly affected by aging, leading to reduced performance and increased injury risk. However, with appropriate training interventions and a focus on maintaining cardiovascular health and muscular strength, master athletes can successfully participate in endurance activities. Future research should aim to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying these age-related changes and develop targeted strategies to enhance performance and safety for this growing population of athletes.

کلیدواژه ها:

Master runners ، Aging ، Running performance ، Biomechanic ، Physiological changes ، Injury susceptibility