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 Presented by
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The Western States Endurance Run Foundation sponsors research projects in ultrarunning. Each year, we ask for volunteers for these projects. Participants help us gain knowledge for all long distance runners. This knowledge can help us better understand the processes in the body, performance factors, and injury that result from participation in these events. This research is completely voluntary. As an entrant of the race you are not required to participate in any research study. Our goal is to learn information that can help all runners in our sport. This year there are two studies. If you would like to participate in either or both of the studies, please reply to [email protected].
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Metabolomics
Have you ever wondered what metabolic factors are related to top performances in ultra races? Our medical director, Dr Bob Weiss, is a leader of
m
etabolomics
research
, in which all small molecule metabolites in the bloodstream are measured and their significance explored
. Our
m
etabolomics study last year identified a number of factors that were significantly increased in blood samples of top Western States finishers in 2016
, but the study is as yet incomplete. To continue and ideally complete this study, this
year we would like to gather more information on these factors, this time both before and after the race. This information will help determine how these factors might be used to predict performance and what processes in the body might be affected.
If you participate in this study, we will take a tiny blood sample (about 1cc) before the race at registration and two small samples at the finish immediately after you have completed the race. All participants will receive the results of their blood samples
, and our best interpretation of what the results mean to your performance,
after we have completed our analysis.
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Hip Joint Ultrasound
Our second study is a simple ultrasound study of the hip joint. An ultrasound is a painless diagnostic tool that uses low power sound waves to see different structures in the body. Ultrasound has no known side effects or radiation exposure. It is the same tool used to look at a baby in pregnant women, but can also be used to see joints, tendons, and muscles.
The purpose of this study is to look with an ultrasound at the cartilage ring the follows the outside rim of the socket, known as the "labrum" in ultrarunners. Tears of this cartilage ring often occur in athletes. These do not usually cause symptoms and only occasionally need treatment for either pain or catching in a hip joint.
If you participate in this study, we will take 5-7 minutes to look at each of your hips with an ultrasound the day prior to the race at the time of registration. We will send you a short questionnaire by email within a month after the race, at 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years to ask if you develop any symptoms in your hip at a later time. You will receive the results of your ultrasound within a month after the race.
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Neither study this year will take a significant amount of your time or require anything during the race. Again, if you would like to participate or need more information please contact me at
[email protected]. We appreciate your support!
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PO Box 99
Auburn, CA 95604
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