Influence of regression model and incremental test protocol on the relationship between lactate threshold using the maximal-deviation method and performance in female runners

This study examined the influence of the regression model and initial intensity of an incremental test on the relationship between the lactate threshold estimated by the maximal-deviation method and the endurance performance. Sixteen non-competitive, recreational female runners performed a discontinuous incremental treadmill test. The initial speed was set at 7 km · h?1, and increased every 3 min by 1 km · h?1 with a 30-s rest between the stages used for earlobe capillary blood sample collection. Lactate-speed data were fitted by an exponential-plus-constant and a third-order polynomial equation. The lactate threshold was determined for both regression equations, using all the coordinates, excluding the first and excluding the first and second initial points. Mean speed of a 10-km road race was the performance index (3.04 ± 0.22 m · s?1). The exponentially-derived lactate threshold had a higher correlation (0.98 ≤ r ≤ 0.99) and smaller standard error of estimate (SEE) (0.04 ≤ SEE ≤ 0.05 m · s?1) with performance than the polynomially-derived equivalent (0.83 ≤ r ≤ 0.89; 0.10 ≤ SEE ≤ 0.13 m · s?1). The exponential lactate threshold was greater than the polynomial equivalent (P < 0.05). The results suggest that the exponential lactate threshold is a valid performance index that is independent of the initial intensity of the incremental test and better than the polynomial equivalent.     

Changes in blood lactate and pyruvate concentrations and the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio during the lactate minimum speed test

The aim of this study was to assess the responses of blood lactate and pyruvate during the lactate minimum speed test. Ten participants (5 males, 5 females; mean +/- s: age 27.1 +/- 6.7 years, VO 2max 52.0 +/- 7.9 ml kg -1 min -1 ) completed: (1) the lactate minimum speed test, which involved supramaximal sprint exercise to invoke a metabolic acidosis before the completion of an incremental treadmill test (this results in a ‘U-shaped’ blood lactate profile with the lactate minimum speed being defined as the minimum point on the curve); (2) a standard incremental exercise test without prior sprint exercise for determination of the lactate threshold; and (3) the sprint exercise followed by a passive recovery. The lactate minimum speed (12.0 +/- 1.4 km h -1 ) was significantly slower than running speed at the lactate threshold (12.4 +/- 1.7 km h -1 ) (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in VO 2 , heart rate or blood lactate concentration between the lactate minimum speed and running speed at the lactate threshold. During the standard incremental test, blood lactate and the lactate-topyruvate ratio increased above baseline values at the same time, with pyruvate increasing above baseline at a higher running speed. The rate of lactate, but not pyruvate, disappearance was increased during exercising recovery (early stages of the lactate minimum speed incremental test) compared with passive recovery. This caused the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio to fall during the early stages of the lactate minimum speed test, to reach a minimum point at a running speed that coincided with the lactate minimum speed and that was similar to the point at which the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio increased above baseline in the standard incremental test. Although these results suggest that the mechanism for blood lactate accumulation at the lactate minimum speed and the lactate threshold may be the same, disruption to normal submaximal exercise metabolism as a result of the preceding sprint exercise, including a three- to five-fold elevation of plasma pyruvate concentration, makes it difficult to interpret the blood lactate response to the lactate minimum speed test. Caution should be exercised in the use of this test for the assessment of endurance capacity.     

Changes in blood lactate and pyruvate concentrations and the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio during the lactate minimum speed test

The aim of this study was to assess the responses of blood lactate and pyruvate during the lactate minimum speed test. Ten participants (5 males, 5 females; mean +/- s: age 27.1+/-6.7 years, VO2max 52.0+/-7.9 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) completed: (1) the lactate minimum speed test, which involved supramaximal sprint exercise to invoke a metabolic acidosis before the completion of an incremental treadmill test (this results in a 'U-shaped' blood lactate profile with the lactate minimum speed being defined as the minimum point on the curve); (2) a standard incremental exercise test without prior sprint exercise for determination of the lactate threshold; and (3) the sprint exercise followed by a passive recovery. The lactate minimum speed (12.0+/-1.4 km x h(-1)) was significantly slower than running speed at the lactate threshold (12.4+/-1.7 km x h(-1)) (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in VO2, heart rate or blood lactate concentration between the lactate minimum speed and running speed at the lactate threshold. During the standard incremental test, blood lactate and the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio increased above baseline values at the same time, with pyruvate increasing above baseline at a higher running speed. The rate of lactate, but not pyruvate, disappearance was increased during exercising recovery (early stages of the lactate minimum speed incremental test) compared with passive recovery. This caused the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio to fall during the early stages of the lactate minimum speed test, to reach a minimum point at a running speed that coincided with the lactate minimum speed and that was similar to the point at which the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio increased above baseline in the standard incremental test. Although these results suggest that the mechanism for blood lactate accumulation at the lactate minimum speed and the lactate threshold may be the same, disruption to normal submaximal exercise metabolism as a result of the preceding sprint exercise, including a three- to five-fold elevation of plasma pyruvate concentration, makes it difficult to interpret the blood lactate response to the lactate minimum speed test. Caution should be exercised in the use of this test for the assessment of endurance capacity.     

Comparison of physiological responses to morning and evening submaximal running

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of time of day on physiological responses to running at the speed at the lactate threshold. After determination of the lactate threshold, using a standard incremental protocol, nine male runners (age 26.3 +/- 5.7 years, height 1.77 +/- 0.07 m, mass 73.1 +/- 6.5 kg, lactate threshold speed 13.6 +/- 1.6 km x h(-1); mean +/- s) completed a standardized 30 min run at lactate threshold speed, twice within 24 h (07:00-09:00 h and 18:00-21:00 h). Core body temperature, heart rate, minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide expired, respiratory exchange ratio and capillary blood lactate were measured at rest, after a warm-up and at 10, 20 and 30 min during the run. In addition, the rating of perceived exertion was reported every 10 min during the run. Significant diurnal variation was observed only for body temperature (36.9 +/- 0.9 degrees C vs 37.3 +/- 0.3 degrees C) and respiratory exchange ratio at rest (0.86 +/- 0.01 vs 0.89 +/- 0.07) (P < 0.05). Diurnal variation persisted for body temperature throughout the warm-up (37.1 +/- 0.2 degrees C vs 37.5 +/- 0.3 degrees C) and during exercise (36.2 +/- 0.6 degrees C vs 38.6 +/- 0.4 degrees C), but only during the warm-up for the respiratory exchange ratio (0.85 +/- 0.05 vs 0.87 +/- 0.02) (P < 0.05). The rating of perceived exertion was significantly elevated during the morning trial (12.7 +/- 0.9 vs 11.9 +/- 1.2) (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that, despite the diurnal variation in body temperature, other physiological responses to running at lactate threshold speed are largely unaffected. However, a longer warm-up may be required in morning trials because of a slower increase in body temperature, which could have an impact on ventilation responses and ratings of perceived exertion.     

Renal lactate elimination is maintained during moderate exercise in humans

Reduced hepatic lactate elimination initiates blood lactate accumulation during incremental exercise. In this study, we wished to determine whether renal lactate elimination contributes to the initiation of blood lactate accumulation. The renal arterial-to-venous (a-v) lactate difference was determined in nine men during sodium lactate infusion to enhance the evaluation (0.5 mol x L(-1) at 16 ± 1 mL x min(-1); mean ± s) both at rest and during cycling exercise (heart rate 139 ± 5 beats x min(-1)). The renal release of erythropoietin was used to detect kidney tissue ischaemia. At rest, the a-v O(2) (CaO(2)-CvO(2)) and lactate concentration differences were 0.8 ± 0.2 and 0.02 ± 0.02 mmol x L(-1), respectively. During exercise, arterial lactate and CaO(2)-CvO(2) increased to 7.1 ± 1.1 and 2.6 ± 0.8 mmol x L(-1), respectively (P < 0.05), indicating a -70% reduction of renal blood flow with no significant change in the renal venous erythropoietin concentration (0.8 ± 1.4 U x L(-1)). The a-v lactate concentration difference increased to 0.5 ± 0.8 mmol x L(-1), indicating similar lactate elimination as at rest. In conclusion, a -70% reduction in renal blood flow does not provoke critical renal ischaemia, and renal lactate elimination is maintained. Thus, kidney lactate elimination is unlikely to contribute to the initial blood lactate accumulation during progressive exercise.     

Comparison of physiological responses to morning and evening submaximal running

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of time of day on physiological responses to running at the speed at the lactate threshold. After determination of the lactate threshold, using a standard incremental protocol, nine male runners (age 26.3 - 5.7 years, height 1.77 - 0.07 m, mass 73.1 - 6.5 kg, lactate threshold speed 13.6 - 1.6 km· h -1 ; mean - s ) completed a standardized 30 min run at lactate threshold speed, twice within 24 h (07:00- 09:00 h and 18:00-21:00 h). Core body temperature, heart rate, minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide expired, respiratory exchange ratio and capillary blood lactate were measured at rest, after a warm-up and at 10, 20 and 30 min during the run. In addition, the rating of perceived exertion was reported every 10 min during the run. Significant diurnal variation was observed only for body temperature (36.9 - 0.9°C vs 37.3 - 0.3°C) and respiratory exchange ratio at rest (0.86 - 0.01 vs 0.89 - 0.07) ( P ? 0.05). Diurnal variation persisted for body temperature throughout the warm-up (37.1 - 0.2°C vs 37.5 - 0.3°C) and during exercise (36.2 - 0.6°C vs 38.6 - 0.4°C), but only during the warm-up for the respiratory exchange ratio (0.85 - 0.05 vs 0.87 - 0.02) ( P ? 0.05). The rating of perceived exertion was significantly elevated during the morning trial (12.7 - 0.9 vs 11.9 - 1.2) ( P ? 0.05). These findings suggest that, despite the diurnal variation in body temperature, other physiological responses to running at lactate threshold speed are largely unaffected. However, a longer warm-up may be required in morning trials because of a slower increase in body temperature, which could have an impact on ventilation responses and ratings of perceived exertion.     

冠心病人康复训练后有氧工作能力和心肌供氧的变化

目的：探讨康复训练后冠心病人进行定量负荷运动时有氧工作能力和心肌供氧的变化，以此为康复效果的评估提供依据。方法：25名男性冠心病人参加了12周有氧多样化运动康复训练，训练前、后对他们在递增负荷运动中的生理和临床指标进行了测定。结果：1）反映冠脉血流和心肌耗氧量的指标RPP，康复训练前在跑台的V级负荷时已超过200，康复训练后增加幅度则有显著下降（P〈0．01）；2）康复训练前受试者的血乳酸浓度（BL）在Ⅳ级运动负荷之后出现了突增（达到4．6mmol／L），而康复训练后他们运动中的BL增加平缓，始终保持较低水平；3）康复训练前在V级运动负荷时受试者的ST下降达到-0．9mm水平，这已接近心肌缺血的阈值，训练后心肌供血出现了明显的改善。结论：康复训练前冠心病人运动中反映运动系统缺氧的BL突增领先于心肌缺血阈值的到达；与康复训练前相比，康复训练后冠心病人在进行相同负荷运动时显示出有氧工作能力有所增强，心肌供氧状况有所改善。     

Knee joint neuromuscular activation performance during muscle damage and superimposed fatigue

This study examined the concurrent effects of exercise-induced muscle damage and superimposed acute fatigue on the neuromuscular activation performance of the knee flexors of nine males (age: 26.7 ± 6.1 years; height 1.81 ± 0.05 m; body mass 81.2 ± 11.7 kg [mean±s]). Measures were obtained during three experimental conditions: (i) 'fatigue-muscle damage', involving acute fatiguing exercise performed on each assessment occasion plus a single episode of eccentric exercise performed on the first occasion and after the fatigue trial; (ii) 'fatigue', involving the fatiguing exercise only; and (iii) 'control' consisting of no exercise. Assessments were performed prior to (pre) and at 1 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 168 h relative to the muscle damaging eccentric exercise. Repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) showed that muscle damage elicited reductions of up to 38%, 24% and 65% in volitional peak force, electromechanical delay and rate of force development compared to baseline and controls, respectively (F ([10, 80]) = 2.3 to 4.6; P < 0.05) with further impairments (6.2% to 30.7%) following acute fatigue (F ([2, 16]) = 4.3 to 9.1; P < 0.05). By contrast, magnetically-evoked electromechanical delay was not influenced by muscle damage and was improved during the superimposed acute fatigue (～14%; F ([2, 16]) = 3.9; P < 0.05). The safeguarding of evoked muscle activation capability despite compromised volitional performance might reveal aspects of capabilities for emergency and protective responses during episodes of fatigue and antecedent muscle damaging exercise.     

The effects of combined glucose-electrolyte and sodium bicarbonate ingestion on prolonged intermittent exercise performance

This study examined the effects of combined glucose and sodium bicarbonate ingestion prior to intermittent exercise. Ninemales (mean ± s age 25.4 ± 6.6 years, body mass 78.8 ± 12.0 kg, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max)) 47.0 ± 7 ml · kg · min(-1)) undertook 4 × 45 min intermittent cycling trials including 15 × 10 s sprints one hour after ingesting placebo (PLA), glucose (CHO), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or a combined CHO and NaHCO3 solution (COMB). Post ingestion blood pH (7.45 ± 0.03, 7.46 ± 0.03, 7.32 ± 0.05, 7.32 ± 0.01) and bicarbonate (30.3 ± 2.1, 30.7 ± 1.8, 24.2 ± 1.2, 24.0 ± 1.8 mmol · l(-1)) were greater for NaHCO3 and COMB when compared to PLA and CHO, remaining elevated throughout exercise (main effect for trial; P < 0.05). Blood lactate concentration was greatest throughout exercise for NaHCO3 and COMB (main effect for trial; P < 0.05). Blood glucose concentration was greatest 15 min post-ingestion for CHO followed by COMB, NaHCO3 and PLA (7.13 ± 0.60, 5.58 ± 0.75, 4.51 ± 0.56, 4.46 ± 0.59 mmol · l(-1), respectively; P < 0.05). Gastrointestinal distress was lower during COMB compared to NaHCO3 at 15 min post-ingestion (P < 0.05). No differences were observed for sprint performance between trials (P = 1.00). The results of this study suggest that a combined CHO and NaHCO3 beverage reduced gastrointestinal distress and CHO availability but did not improve performance. Although there was no effect on performance an investigation of the effects in more highly trained individuals may be warranted.     

采用Conconi场地测试法评估优秀竞走运动员专项能力的可行性研究

目的:通过两种测试方法的比较,建立优秀竞走运动员专项有氧能力的场地评价方法。研究对象为国家竞走队运动员8人;方法:采用实验室递增负荷测试和conconi场地测试。结果:实验室递增负荷测试,优秀竞走运动员的最大血乳酸值为11.50±1.51mmol/L,10min乳酸清除率为0.37±0.15,乳酸阈走速为12.44±0.59km/h,心率阈走速为13.30±0.91km/h。通过conconi测试获得的优秀竞走运动员的心率阈值为168.8±3.2次/min,个体无氧阈走速为13.40±0.27km/h;两种测试方法比较,心率阈值不存在显著性差异,个体无氧阈走速也不存在显著性的差异,两组值存在高度正相关。结论:从获取竞走运动员心率阈和个体无氧阈走速方面看,场地conconi测试可以取代实验室递增负荷测试,且更接近运动实际。     

Active recovery effects on local oxygenation level during intensive cycling bouts

We hypothesised that the oxygen supply to the fatigued muscles is improved after the recovery with exercise caused by aerobic metabolism in the slow twitch fibres during the recovery period. Ten males performed a 30 s maximum cycling (1st Exercise), followed by a 20 min rest interval (Interval Rest) in which participants were either sitting (No Exercise) or low intensive cycling (Active). Then they again underwent a 30 s bout of maximum cycling (2nd Exercise). The total work of the 2nd Exercise was higher in Active compared to No Exercise (297 ± 14 vs 276 ± 23 J · kg(-1), P < 0.01). After Interval Rest, the muscle oxygenation level (P < 0.05) and blood lactate concentration (P < 0.05) were lower in Active compared to No Exercise. In Active, the total work was higher in the 2nd Exercise than the 1st Exercise (297 ± 14 vs 277 ± 23 J · kg(-1), P < 0.01), and muscle oxygenation levels during the 2nd Exercise were also higher at 10 (P < 0.05) and 15 (P < 0.01) s after the beginning of the exercise. It was suggested that active recovery exercise would manage to increase the muscle oxygenation level, and improve the performance during the 2nd Exercise accompanied with blood lactate control.     

The ingestion of combined carbohydrates does not alter metabolic responses or performance capacity during soccer-specific exercise in the heat compared to ingestion of a single carbohydrate

This study was designed to investigate the effect of ingesting a glucose plus fructose solution on the metabolic responses to soccer-specific exercise in the heat and the impact on subsequent exercise capacity. Eleven male soccer players performed a 90 min soccer-specific protocol on three occasions. Either 3 ml · kg(-1) body mass of a solution containing glucose (1 g · min(-1) glucose) (GLU), or glucose (0.66 g · min(-1)) plus fructose (0.33 g · min(-1)) (MIX) or placebo (PLA) was consumed every 15 minutes. Respiratory measures were undertaken at 15-min intervals, blood samples were drawn at rest, half-time and on completion of the protocol, and muscle glycogen concentration was assessed pre- and post-exercise. Following the soccer-specific protocol the Cunningham and Faulkner test was performed. No significant differences in post-exercise muscle glycogen concentration (PLA, 62.99 ± 8.39 mmol · kg wet weight(-1); GLU 68.62 ± 2.70; mmol · kg wet weight(-1) and MIX 76.63 ± 6.92 mmol · kg wet weight(-1)) or exercise capacity (PLA, 73.62 ± 8.61 s; GLU, 77.11 ± 7.17 s; MIX, 83.04 ± 9.65 s) were observed between treatments (P > 0.05). However, total carbohydrate oxidation was significantly increased during MIX compared with PLA (P < 0.05). These results suggest that when ingested in moderate amounts, the type of carbohydrate does not influence metabolism during soccer-specific intermittent exercise or affect performance capacity after exercise in the heat.     

Effects of hyperoxia during recovery from 5×30-s bouts of maximal-intensity exercise

We test the hypothesis that breathing oxygen-enriched air (F(I)O(2) = 100%) maintains exercise performance and reduces fatigue during intervals of maximal-intensity cycling. Ten well-trained male cyclists (age 25 ± 3 years; peak oxygen uptake 64.8 ± 6.2 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1); mean ± s) were exposed to either hyperoxic or normoxic air during the 6-min intervals between five 30-s sessions of cycling at maximal intensity. The concentrations of lactate and hydrogen ions [H(+)], pH, base excess, oxygen partial pressure, and oxygen saturation in the blood were assessed before and after these sprints. The peak (P = 0.62) and mean power outputs (P = 0.83) with hyperoxic and normoxic air did not differ. The partial pressure of oxygen was 4.2-fold higher after inhaling hyperoxic air, whereas lactate concentration, pH, [H(+)], and base excess (P ≥ 0.17) were not influenced. Perceived exertion towards the end of the 6-min periods after the fourth and fifth sprints (P < 0.05) was lower with hyperoxia than normoxia (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that the peak and mean power outputs of athletes performing intervals of maximal-intensity cycling are not improved by inhalation of oxygen-enriched air during recovery.     

Influence of caffeine on perception of effort, metabolism and exercise performance following a high-fat meal

This study examined the effects of caffeine, co-ingested with a high fat meal, on perceptual and metabolic responses during incremental (Experiment 1) and endurance (Experiment 2) exercise performance. Trained participants performed three constant-load cycling tests at approximately 73% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) for 30 min at 20 degrees C (Experiment 1, n = 8) and to the limit of tolerance at 10 degrees C (Experiment 2, n = 10). The 30 min constant-load exercise in Experiment 1 was followed by incremental exercise (15 W . min-1) to fatigue. Four hours before the first test, the participants consumed a 90% carbohydrate meal (control trial); in the remaining two tests, the participants consumed a 90% fat meal with (fat + caffeine trial) and without (fat-only trial) caffeine. Caffeine and placebo were randomly assigned and ingested 1 h before exercise. In both experiments, ratings of perceived leg exertion were significantly lower during the fat + caffeine than fat-only trial (Experiment 1: P < 0.001; Experiment 2: P < 0.01). Ratings of perceived breathlessness were significantly lower in Experiment 1 (P < 0.01) and heart rate higher in Experiment 2 (P < 0.001) on the fat + caffeine than fat-only trial. In the two experiments, oxygen uptake, ventilation, blood [glucose], [lactate] and plasma [glycerol] were significantly higher on the fat + caffeine than fat-only trial. In Experiment 2, plasma [free fatty acids], blood [pyruvate] and the [lactate]:[pyruvate] ratio were significantly higher on the fat + caffeine than fat-only trial. Time to exhaustion during incremental exercise (Experiment 1: control: 4.9, s = 1.8 min; fat-only: 5.0, s = 2.2 min; fat + caffeine: 5.0, s = 2.2 min; P > 0.05) and constant-load exercise (Experiment 2: control: 116 (88 - 145) min; fat-only: 122 (96 - 144) min; fat + caffeine: 127 (107 - 176) min; P > 0.05) was not different between the fat-only and fat + caffeine trials. In conclusion, while a number of metabolic responses were increased during exercise after caffeine ingestion, perception of effort was reduced and this may be attributed to the direct stimulatory effect of caffeine on the central nervous system. However, this caffeine-induced reduction in effort perception did not improve exercise performance.     

The effects of an increasing versus constant crank rate on peak physiological responses during incremental arm crank ergometry

We examined the effects of concomitant increases in crank rate and power output on incremental arm crank ergometry. Ten healthy males undertook three incremental upper body exercise tests to volitional exhaustion. The first test determined peak minute power. The subsequent tests involved arm cranking at an initial workload of 40% peak minute power with further increases of 10% peak minute power every 2 min. One involved a constant crank rate of 70 rev · min(-1), the other an initial crank rate of 50 rev · min(-1) increasing by 10 rev · min(-1) every 2 min. Fingertip capillary blood samples were analysed for blood lactate at rest and exhaustion. Local (working muscles) and cardiorespiratory ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded at the end of each exercise stage. Heart rate and expired gas were monitored continuously. No differences were observed in peak physiological responses or peak minute power achieved during either protocol. Blood lactate concentration tended to be greater for the constant crank rate protocol (P = 0.06). Test duration was shorter for the increasing than for the constant crank rate protocol. The relationship between local RPE and heart rate differed between tests. The results of this study show that increasing cadence during incremental arm crank ergometry provides a valid assessment of peak responses over a shorter duration but alters the heart rate-local RPE relationship.     

不同无氧阈评价方法的比较研究

通过不同的无氧阈检测方法检测无氧阈指标出现的时间顺序,并对出现无氧阈时各相关指标进行相关性分析,以探讨不同无氧阈之间的关系。让8名赛艇运动员在ConceptⅡ风轮式赛艇测功仪上进行递增负荷测试,每级负荷3 min,直至力竭,同时测试每级负荷后的血乳酸,全程记录肌电以及气体代谢量,并做相关分析。结果表明：1）肌电阈、通气阈和乳酸阈3种无氧阈指标出现的时间依次为8 min 58 s、9 min 22 s和9 min 48 s;2）肌电阈、通气阈和乳酸阈依次出现的时间差均不超过30 s,并且通气阈和乳酸阈之间无显著性差异（P〉0.05）。3种无氧阈依次出现的原因是快肌纤维的快速动员引起了乳酸急剧增加,进而在转运到血液中时首先引起酸碱缓冲对的中和,当强度进一步增加时,产生的乳酸大大超过了乳酸的清除能力,进而引起血乳酸急剧增加。     

Effect of combined carbohydrate-protein ingestion on markers of recovery after simulated rugby union match-play

In this study, we investigated the effect of ingesting carbohydrate alone or carbohydrate with protein on functional and metabolic markers of recovery from a rugby union-specific shuttle running protocol. On three occasions, at least one week apart in a counterbalanced order, nine experienced male rugby union forwards ingested placebo, carbohydrate (1.2 g · kg body mass(-1) · h(-1)) or carbohydrate with protein (0.4 g · kg body mass(-1) · h(-1)) before, during, and after a rugby union-specific protocol. Markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase: before, 258 ± 171 U · L(-1) vs. 24 h after, 574 ± 285 U · L(-1); myoglobin: pre, 50 ± 18 vs. immediately after, 210 ± 84 nmol · L(-1); P < 0.05) and muscle soreness (1, 2, and 3 [maximum soreness = 8] for before, immediately after, and 24 h after exercise, respectively) increased. Leg strength and repeated 6-s cycle sprint mean power were slightly reduced after exercise (93% and 95% of pre-exercise values, respectively; P < 0.05), but were almost fully recovered after 24 h (97% and 99% of pre-exercise values, respectively). There were no differences between trials for any measure. These results indicate that in experienced rugby players, the small degree of muscle damage and reduction in function induced by the exercise protocol were not attenuated by the ingestion of carbohydrate and protein.     

The effects of work:rest duration on physiological and perceptual responses during intermittent exercise and performance

In this study, we examined the effects of different work:rest durations during 20 min intermittent treadmill running and subsequent performance. Nine males (mean age 25.8 years, s = 6.8; body mass 73.9 kg, s = 8.8; stature 1.75 m, s = 0.05; VO(2max) 55.5 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), s = 5.8) undertook repeated sprints at 120% of the speed at which VO(2max) was attained interspersed with passive recovery. The work:rest ratio was constant (1:1.5) with trials involving either short (6:9 s) or long (24:36 s) work:rest exercise protocols (total exercise time 8 min). Each trial was followed by a performance run to volitional exhaustion at the same running speed. Testing order was randomized and counterbalanced. Heart rate, oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, and blood glucose were similar between trials (P > 0.05). Blood lactate concentration was greater during the long than the short exercise protocol (P < 0.05), whereas blood pH was lower during the long than the short exercise protocol (7.28, s = 0.11 and 7.30, s = 0.03 at 20 min, respectively; P < 0.05). Perceptions of effort were greater throughout exercise for the long than the short exercise protocol (16.6, s = 1.4 and 15.1, s = 1.6 at 20 min, respectively; P < 0.05) and correlated with blood lactate (r = 0.43) and bicarbonate concentrations (r = 0.59; P < 0.05). Although blood lactate concentration at 20 min was related to performance time (r = - 0.56; P < 0.05), no differences were observed between trials for time to exhaustion (short exercise protocol: 95.8 s, s = 30.0; long exercise protocol: 92.0 s, s = 37.1) or physiological responses at exhaustion (P > 0.05). Our results demonstrate that 20 min of intermittent exercise involving a long work:rest duration elicits greater metabolic and perceptual strain than intermittent exercise undertaken with a short work:rest duration but does not affect subsequent run time to exhaustion.     

The effects of arm crank strategy on physiological responses and mechanical efficiency during submaximal exercise

The purpose of this study was to compare submaximal physiological responses and indices of mechanical efficiency between asynchronous and synchronous arm ergometry. Thirteen wheelchair-dependent trained athletes performed eight steady-state incremental bouts of exercise (0 to 140 W), each lasting 4 min, using synchronous and asynchronous arm-cranking strategies. Physiological measures included oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate, and blood lactate concentration. The power outputs corresponding to fixed whole blood lactate concentrations of 2.0 to 4.0 mmol x l(-1) were calculated using linear interpolation. Mechanical efficiency indices - gross efficiency, net efficiency, and work efficiency - were also calculated. An analysis of variance with repeated measures was applied to determine the effect of crank mode on the physiological parameters. Oxygen uptake was on average 10% lower (P < 0.01), and both net efficiency (P < 0.01) and gross efficiency (P < 0.01) were higher, during the asynchronous strategy at both 60 and 80 W (gross efficiency: 16.9 +/- 2.0% vs. 14.7 +/- 2.4% and 17.5 +/- 1.8% vs. 15.9 +/- 2.6% at 60 and 80 W respectively). There were no differences in heart rate, blood lactate concentration or power output at either of the blood lactate reference points between the asynchronous and synchronous strategies (P > 0.05). In conclusion, test specificity is an important consideration. If a synchronous strategy is to be adopted, it is likely to result in lower efficiency than an asynchronous strategy. The exercise testing scenario may help dictate which method is ultimately chosen.     

Anthropometric, physiological, performance, and nutritional profile of the Brazil National Canoe Polo Team

The purpose of this study was to determine the physiological, anthropometric, performance, and nutritional characteristics of the Brazil Canoe Polo National Team. Ten male canoe polo athletes (age 26.7 ± 4.1 years) performed a battery of tests including assessments of anthropometric parameters, upper-body anaerobic power (Wingate), muscular strength, aerobic power, and nutritional profile. In addition, we characterized heart rate and plasma lactate responses and the temporal pattern of the effort/recovery during a simulated canoe polo match. The main results are as follows: body fat, 12.3 ± 4.0%; upper-body peak and mean power, 6.8 ± 0.5 and 4.7 ± 0.4 W · kg(-1), respectively; 1-RM bench press, 99.1 ± 11.7 kg; peak oxygen uptake, 44.3 ± 5.8 mL · kg(-1) · min(-1); total energy intake, 42.8 ± 8.6 kcal · kg(-1); protein, carbohydrate, and fat intakes, 1.9 ± 0.1, 5.0 ± 1.5, and 1.7 ± 0.4 g · kg(-1), respectively; mean heart rate, 146 ± 11 beats · min(-1); plasma lactate, 5.7 ± 3.8 mmol · L(-1) at half-time and 4.6 ± 2.2 mmol · L(-1) at the end of the match; effort time (relative to total match time), 93.1 ± 3.0%; number of sprints, 9.6 ± 4.4. The results of this study will assist coaches, trainers, and nutritionists in developing more adequate training programmes and dietary interventions for canoe polo athletes.