Differences in Rate of Recovery Between Young and Middle-aged Men After Downhill Running

The aim of this study is to evaluate differences in rate of recovery between young and middle-aged men after prolonged (downhill) running. Thirty healthy young (n=15, 18-30 y) and middle-aged (n=15, 35-50y) men will be recruited for this study. Participants will perform 60 minutes of downhill run at 65% of their maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Recovery parameters will be evaluated during 48 hours following the downhill protocol, and will include changes in performance tests, inflammatory markers, muscle integrity and heart-rate variability. Questioners will be used to evaluate muscle soreness and fatigue. We hypothesized that middle-aged males will have longer rate of recovery following the downhill running protocol, as compared to younger age males.