RSU in collaboration with RTU to launch world-class research into human body’s response to extreme physical exertion

Photo: Courtesy of RSU Laboratory of Sports and Nutrition Research

On 1 and 2 August, Latvia hosted the Gauja Trail by UTMB for the first time as part of the UTMB World Series for trail running, bringing together local and international ultra-endurance runners. At the same time, participants in the 50 km (53 km) and 100 km (91 km) races took part in a unique global scientific study. For the first time in the Baltics, researchers from Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), in collaboration with colleagues from Riga Technical University (RTU), analysed the metabolome of ultra-endurance runners to investigate what happens at the molecular level in the human body during extreme physical exertion and recovery.

Assoc. Prof. Dace Reihmane, Head of the RSU Laboratory of Sports and Nutrition Research, has studied ultra-endurance athletes on several occasions. ‘More and more people are becoming fascinated by the idea of taking part in ultra-endurance races, which offer an escape from everyday life and the chance to experience intense sensations. During these races, the body is subjected to enormous physical and mental strain, causing significant changes within the body.

This research will be unique on a global scale because, for the first time, women will also be represented in such large numbers, and it will seek to answer the question why the regulation of athletes’ blood glucose level changes after ultra-endurance races.’ 

The role of nutrition in the research

To understand why the level of blood glucose rises and when it returns to baseline, research participants will consume products from our partners - AS Rīgas piena kombināts and AS Dobeles dzirnavnieks - before the race and for several days afterwards. RSU researcher and nutrition specialist Laima Kampa confirms: ‘One Lakto Probio fermented milk drink with strawberries and mango and Herkuless oat flake porridge make a good light breakfast combination for athletes, as it contains an optimal balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, providing the energy needed for physical activity. Moreover, this meal is also suitable for those who do not consume lactose in their daily diet.’

Ilva Veidemane, Head of Marketing at AS Rīgas piena kombināts: ‘We support this research because its aim is in line with one of our company’s core values – caring for people’s health. Furthermore, Lakto’s history has been closely linked to Latvian science since the brand was launched in 1994. The recipe for this fermented milk product is based on a special combination of acidophilus and bifidobacteria developed by Latvian scientists. It is therefore only natural that also today, we continue to stand along Latvian science by supporting research that may provide new and internationally significant insights into the human body’s response to extremely high physical exertion and recovery afterwards.’

Maija Brikmane, Head of Marketing at AS Dobeles dzirnavnieks: ‘Oat flakes are one of the most important products in our range. We are delighted that our products are being used in this unique research. We believe that a science-based approach to nutrition is essential both in professional sport and in everyday life, which is why we are pleased to support initiatives that help better understand the role of nutrition in human health and recovery processes.’

Metabolome analysis to reveal the body’s response to physical exertion

Researchers will examine the body’s response to ultra-endurance exercise and standardised meals by analysing fluctuations in hundreds of different molecules, alongside continuous glucose monitoring using specially designed sensors for this purpose. A wide range of tests will be made in collaboration with E. Gulbis Laboratory, while the novelty of the study lies in the metabolome analysis carried out by RTU researchers – the totality of molecules found in blood, sweat, and urine. RTU early-career researcher and chemist Alise Bērziņa is also taking part in the Gauja Trail by UTMB race.

‘The metabolome is like a fingerprint – a unique set of molecules in varying concentrations for each individual, which characterises the body’s ability to adapt to physical exertion and provides insight into complex regulatory processes.’

Race organisers and participants also joint the study

The study would not be possible without the support of the Gauja Trail by UTMB organisers and study participants. Rimants Liepiņš, founder of Latvijas Stirnu Buks and director of the Gauja Trail by UTMB race, is one of Latvia’s most experienced ultra-endurance runners. ‘Hosting a UTMB World Series race is a mark of confidence in Latvia and, at the same time, a very specific responsibility. We want participants and supporters to take home memories of the Gauja River, Cēsis, Sigulda and Līgatne, of our nature and people, and of our ability to produce world-class science. If we organise the event with precision, safety, and respect for the environment, its significance will extend beyond sport and science to the region, tourism, and Latvia’s image.’

Lead researcher Dace Reihmane is delighted by the response from the participants. ‘220 long-distance runners expressed their interest, but we were able to confirm only 60 participants for the study, as the preparatory work includes time-consuming tests - assessment of maximum exercise capacity and analysing body composition.’

Kalvis Silgals, President of the AAK Surikati Club, was included in the study at the last minute. ‘I run and plan to keep doing so for a long time. That is why I have my health check-up once a year, even though it is quite expensive nowadays. I learned about the study through Bukmežs podcast and signed up without hesitation. The free tests were a major motivation. And, what’s more,
 

 I wanted to be part of making history of sports science.’ 

Meanwhile, paediatric surgeon Marija Kraule aims to understand the metabolic processes that occur during an ultramarathon and to contribute to science-based solutions for improving athletes’ health and performance. ‘My experience in these races provides an opportunity to gather valuable data both for me and for the research team.

In the future, this may help athletes and experts to better prepare for ultra-endurance races and recover afterwards.’