Eighteen female distance runners (18-26 years) were examined before and after a marathon run to provide data concerning physical fitness scores, nervous system, subjective symptoms, muscle soreness and cardio-respiratory recovery from the performance. Each measurement was administered 1-3 days before a marathon race, immediately after and 1, 3, 7 and 14 days following. Post-race changes in physical fitness score (ex. Leg strength, vertical jump and side-step dropped about 6-17%) indicated that the force-velocity relationship of knee extensor had decreased, possibly as results of elevated threshold of patellar reflex and muscle soreness. The frequency of subjective symptoms and muscle soreness were significantly increased 20% and 40% respectively after a race. These variables were returned to pre-marathon levels by 3-7 days.
　VE and VO₂ on submaximal running, 30 min. in duration were not significantly changed from the day following race to 2 weeks after, however, HR was higher above 1-24 bts/min. at the given speed for the same period. From these results, it was suggested that physiological and psychological functions were returned to pre-marathon levels by 7-14 days.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.5/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE