These projects, driven by Penyagolosa Trails and the Universitat Jaume I, aim to deepen the understanding of health and performance in long-distance runners. Through rigorous scientific research, various factors influencing athletes’ performance and recovery are analyzed, such as:

• Training Habits: Analyzing training routines, session intensity and frequency, as well as diet and rest.
• Fitness and Health Status: Physical fitness is assessed using medical tests and blood analyses to identify potential health risks and optimize performance.
• Psychological Factors: Aspects like motivation, stress management, and resilience are studied, as they play a fundamental role in sports success.
• Terrain Impact: Evaluating how ascents and descents affect performance and identifying key factors for effective recovery.

Main Objectives

1. Identify Differences: Determining if there are significant differences in effort responses between men and women.
2. Improve Health: Using research findings to develop more personalized and effective training and recovery programs to enhance athletes’ health.
3. Promote Research: Establishing a research line in Spain to generate high-quality data aimed at improving the health and performance of long-distance runners.

Methodology

The projects involve a comprehensive monitoring of a group of volunteers participating in long-distance races, such as the CSP. Participants undergo various tests and evaluations throughout the process, providing substantial data for analysis.

Project Stages

1. Initial Evaluation
   • Physical Tests: Strength, endurance, flexibility, and body composition are assessed.
   • Clinical Analyses: Blood tests to identify biochemical markers related to health and performance.
   • Psychological Evaluation: Questionnaires and interviews to assess motivation, stress, effort perception, and body image.
   • Habit Tracking: Participants record training, dietary, and sleep habits over a specified period.
   
   
2. During the Race
   • Physiological Monitoring: Wearable devices measure heart rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature.
   • Sample Collection: Blood and urine samples are taken at different stages of the race to analyze biochemical changes.
   
   
3. Post-Race Evaluation
   • Repeating physical and clinical tests conducted before the race to evaluate changes.
   • Questionnaires to assess perceived effort, muscle soreness, and recovery.
   
   
4. Data Analysis
   • Statistical methods identify patterns, relationships, and differences among study groups.

Key Methodology Features

• Multidisciplinary: Involves experts in physiology, psychology, nutrition, and sports medicine.
• Longitudinal: Tracks participants over time to assess long-term changes and establish cause-effect relationships.
• Personalized: Each participant receives individualized monitoring to tailor recommendations to their specific needs.
• Ethical: Strict adherence to ethical principles ensures participant safety and well-being.