Effect of graded running on esophageal motility and gastroesophageal reflux in fed volunteers

The effects of different grades of running on esophageal motility and gastr oesophageal reflux in the fed state were evaluated. We studied healthy volu nteers (male: 12, age: 27+/-5 yr) using ambulatory esophageal manometry, pH catheter and portable digital data recorder. Each exercise was performed 3 0 min after meal, with 20 min of rest between exercises. Subjects exercised on a treadmill at 40% and 70% maximal heart rate. The number of gastroesop hageal reflux episodes, the duration of esophageal acid exposure and percen t time pH below 4 were significantly (p<0.01) increased during exercise at 70% maximal heart rate. The frequency of contraction (contraction/min) (p<0 .05), frequency of repetition (p<0.01), percent of simultaneous contraction (p<0.01), percent of above 100 mmHg amplitude (p<0.05), and frequency of 2 -peak contraction (p<0.01) were significantly increased during exercise at 70% maximal heart rate. However, median amplitude and median duration showe d no significant changes between each exercise session. Postprandial runnin g exercises induce gastroesophageal reflux, which correlates with exercise intensity. These effects are mediated by disorganized esophageal motility.