Ultra running impairs attention: Associations with affective symptoms and carb intake
Date
2026
Authors
Young, Nevan
Boere, Katherine
Krigolson, Olave E.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Victoria
Abstract
Ultramarathon (ultra) running places substantial physiological and psychological demands on athletes, yet its effects on cognition remain poorly understood. Existing research has relied predominantly on behavioural measures and has yielded inconsistent findings, leaving the neurophysiological impact of ultra running largely uncharacterized. We examined whether a 50-km ultramarathon impairs attention and working memory, and whether in-race carbohydrate (CHO) intake and pre-race psychological distress are associated with the magnitude of these effects. Seventy-six runners completed pre- and post-race portable electroencephalography (EEG) assessments across six races in lower British Columbia. The P300 Event Related Potential (ERP) indexed attention and working memory while reaction time indexed processing speed. Participants self-reported in-race CHO intake and completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) seven to fourteen days before the race. Post-race P300 amplitude was significantly reduced and reaction times were shorter but more variable, both indicative of attentional impairment. P300 amplitude changes did not correlate with CHO intake, but were negatively correlated with DASS-21 cumulative scores, suggesting that higher psychological distress is associated with greater cognitive impairment following ultra running.
Description
Keywords
EEG, P300, attention, ultramarathon, carb intake, DASS-21, Theoretical and Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)