Completion of 100 Miles: Sleep Quality, Neuromuscular Function, and Perceived Exertion in Ultramarathon Runners

Aaron Thompson^1, and Ava Fortin²

¹Human Performance and Movement Science, Clinical Assistant Professor, Keene State College, Keene, USA

²Exercise Science, Student Research Assistant, Keene State College, Keene, USA

Cite this paper:
Aaron Thompson and Ava Fortin. Completion of 100 Miles: Sleep Quality, Neuromuscular Function, and Perceived Exertion in Ultramarathon Runners. American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 2026; 14(1):6-12. doi: 10.12691/ajssm-14-1-2

Abstract

This study examined sleep quality, neuromuscular performance, and perceived exertion in ultramarathon runners participating in events requiring completion of 100 miles during a multi-day ultramarathon. Eighteen participants completed pre-race data collection, which included a self-reported measure of sleep quality and baseline neuromuscular testing. Neuromuscular performance was assessed using hand grip strength, vertical jump height, and a functional sit-to-stand test. Following race completion, participants completed post-race neuromuscular testing and reported perceived exertion. Semi-structured interviews were conducted before and after the race to provide additional context related to fatigue, sleep, and recovery experiences. Descriptive analyses were used to examine changes in neuromuscular performance and participant-reported outcomes. Pre-race sleep quality varied across participants, with several individuals reporting poor sleep prior to competition. Among runners who completed post-race testing, declines in neuromuscular performance were commonly observed following completion of 100 miles, particularly in measures of lower-body power and functional performance, although the magnitude of change differed between individuals. Post-race perceived exertion scores ranged widely and did not consistently reflect the degree of observed neuromuscular impairment. Interview findings indicated that many participants viewed fatigue and physical discomfort as expected aspects of ultra-endurance running. These results suggest that runners completing 100 miles often begin competition with varied sleep quality and experience individual differences in neuromuscular fatigue that may not be fully captured by perceived exertion alone. Integrating objective performance measures with athlete-reported experiences may improve understanding of fatigue and recovery following ultra-endurance competition.

Keywords:
ultramarathon running sleep quality neuromuscular performance perceived exertion functional fatigue

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

References:

[1]	Hoffman MD, Wegelin JA. The Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run: participation and performance trends. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2014; 46(12): 2191–2198.
[2]	Knechtle B, Nikolaidis PT. Physiology and pathophysiology in ultra-marathon running. Front Physiol. 2018; 9: 634.
[3]	Scheer V, Valero D, Millet GP. Neuromuscular fatigue during ultra-endurance exercise. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab.2016; 41(9): 971–978.
[4]	Millet GP, Lepers R. Alterations of neuromuscular function after prolonged running, cycling and skiing exercises. Sports Med. 2004; 34(2): 105–116.
[5]	Vernillo G, Savoldelli A, Zignoli A, et al. Influence of the world's most challenging mountain ultra-marathon on energy cost and running mechanics. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2014; 114(5): 929–939.
[6]	Temesi J, Arnal PJ, Rupp T, et al. Are females more resistant to extreme neuromuscular fatigue? Med Sci Sports Exerc.2015; 47(7): 1372–1382.
[7]	Saugy J, Place N, Millet GY, et al. Alterations of neuromuscular function after the world's most challenging mountain ultra-marathon. PLoS One. 2013; 8(6): e65596.
[8]	Khassetarash A, Vernillo G, Millet GP. Fatigue and recovery in ultra-endurance running. Sports Med. 2023; 53(2): 291–306.
[9]	Degache F, Van Zaen J, Oehen L, et al. Alterations in postural control after ultra-endurance running. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2014; 114(10): 2115–2124.
[10]	Roberts SSH, Teo WP, Warmington SA. Effects of total sleep deprivation on neuromuscular function. Eur J Appl Physiol.2019; 119(2): 319–332.
[11]	Lastella M, Lovell GP, Sargent C. Athletes’ precompetitive sleep behaviour and its relationship with subsequent performance. Eur J Sport Sci. 2014; 14(sup1): S123–S130.
[12]	Vitale JA, Banfi G. Sleep quality in high-level athletes: assessment and intervention. Sports Med. 2019; 49(4): 505–517.
[13]	Walsh NP, Halson SL, Sargent C, et al. Sleep and the athlete: narrative review and 2021 expert consensus recommendations. Br J Sports Med. 2021; 55(7): 356–368.
[14]	Buysse DJ, Reynolds CF, Monk TH, Berman SR, Kupfer DJ. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI): a new instrument for psychiatric research and practice. Psychiatry Res. 1989; 28(2): 193–213.