Endurance running performance in athletes with asthma

Laboratory assessment was made during maximal and submaximal exercise on 16 endurance trained male runners with asthma (aged 35 +/- 9 years) (mean +/- S.D.). Eleven of these asthmatic athletes had recent performance times over a half-marathon, which were examined in light of the results from the laboratory tests. The maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) of the group was 61.8 +/- 6.3 ml kg-1 min-1 and the maximum ventilation (VEmax) was 138.7 +/- 24.7 l min-1. These maximum cardio-respiratory responses to exercise were positively correlated to the degree of airflow obstruction, defined as the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (expressed as a percentage of predicted normal). The half-marathon performance times of 11 of the athletes ranged from those of recreational to elite runners (82.4 +/- 8.8 min, range 69-94). Race pace was correlated with VO2max (r = 0.863, P less than 0.01) but the highest correlation was with the running velocity at a blood lactate concentration of 2 mmol l-1 (r = 0.971, P less than 0.01). The asthmatic athletes utilized 82 +/- 4% VO2max during the half-marathon, which was correlated with the %VO2max at 2 mmol l-1 blood lactate (r = 0.817, P less than 0.01). The results of this study suggest that athletes with mild to moderate asthma can possess high VO2max values and can develop a high degree of endurance fitness, as defined by their ability to sustain a high percentage of VO2max over an endurance race. In athletes with more severe airflow obstruction, the maximum ventilation rate may be reduced and so VO2max may be impaired. The athletes in the present study have adapted to this limitation by being able to sustain a higher %VO2max before the accumulation of blood lactate, which is an advantage during an endurance race. Therefore, with appropriate training and medication, asthmatics can successfully participate in endurance running at a competitive level.     

Effects of endurance training on transient oxygen uptake responses in cyclists

The aim of this study was to determine the alterations in oxygen uptake kinetics following endurance training in previously trained athletes. Sixteen competitive cyclists completed 8 weeks of supervised endurance cycle training. Ventilatory threshold, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), oxygen uptake kinetics and simulated 40-km time-trial tests were performed three times over a 4-week period before training, and then after 4 and 8 weeks of training. The protocol for measuring oxygen uptake kinetics consisted of three square-wave increments from unloaded cycling to a power output of 78 W followed by a single increment from 78 to 156 W. No significant differences in any variables were observed over the pre-training period. The ventilatory threshold and VO2max increased, and the time for 40 km decreased (P < 0.05) with training. Shorter VO2 time constants and lower heart rates were observed during the protocol for measuring oxygen uptake kinetics (same absolute power output) post-training. These results indicate that oxygen uptake kinetics may be improved with endurance training in previously trained athletes.     

3周1550 m亚高原训练对优秀青年男子越野滑雪运动员生理机能和身体成分影响研究

目的:探究3周海拔1550 m亚高原训练对优秀青年男子越野滑雪运动员生理机能和身体成分的影响,并且提出针对性的备战训练建议。方法:国家越野滑雪集训队10名优秀青年男子越野滑雪运动员[年龄(18.7±1.5)岁,身高(78.5±5.8)cm,体质量(66.6±4.7)kg]在亚高原(海拔1550 m)进行3周训练,并在亚高原训练前后对运动员的生理机能和身体成分进行系列测试。使用重复方差分析对运动员数据进行自身比较。结果:运动员由平原初上亚高原时,乳酸阈测试血乳酸浓度显著提升(P<0.05),最大摄氧量和红细胞浓度显著降低(P<0.05)。经过3周训练后,运动员的乳酸阈测试血乳酸浓度和最大摄氧量显著下降(P<0.05),全身总质量、上肢肌肉质量和下肢脂肪质量显著提升(P<0.05)。结论:由平原初上亚高原时,运动员乳酸阈能力和最大摄氧能力显著降低。3周亚高原训练后,运动员的乳酸阈能力和上肢肌肉水平显著提升,最大摄氧能力下降幅度明显。建议:在进行亚高原训练时,我国优秀青年越野滑雪运动员应当注重对心肺摄氧能力的训练,并且注意提升周平均高强度训练(high intensity training,HIT)训练总时间,以维持和提升最大摄氧能力。     

3周1550 m亚高原训练对优秀青年男子越野滑雪运动员生理机能和身体成分影响研究

目的:探究3周海拔1550 m亚高原训练对优秀青年男子越野滑雪运动员生理机能和身体成分的影响,并且提出针对性的备战训练建议。方法:国家越野滑雪集训队10名优秀青年男子越野滑雪运动员[年龄(18.7±1.5)岁,身高(78.5±5.8)cm,体质量(66.6±4.7)kg]在亚高原(海拔1550 m)进行3周训练,并在亚高原训练前后对运动员的生理机能和身体成分进行系列测试。使用重复方差分析对运动员数据进行自身比较。结果:运动员由平原初上亚高原时,乳酸阈测试血乳酸浓度显著提升(P<0.05),最大摄氧量和红细胞浓度显著降低(P<0.05)。经过3周训练后,运动员的乳酸阈测试血乳酸浓度和最大摄氧量显著下降(P<0.05),全身总质量、上肢肌肉质量和下肢脂肪质量显著提升(P<0.05)。结论:由平原初上亚高原时,运动员乳酸阈能力和最大摄氧能力显著降低。3周亚高原训练后,运动员的乳酸阈能力和上肢肌肉水平显著提升,最大摄氧能力下降幅度明显。建议:在进行亚高原训练时,我国优秀青年越野滑雪运动员应当注重对心肺摄氧能力的训练,并且注意提升周平均高强度训练(high intensity training,HIT)训练总时间,以维持和提升最大摄氧能力。     

Maximal oxygen uptake and work capacity after inspiratory muscle training: a controlled study

The effect of inspiratory muscle training for 10 min twice a day for 27.5 days was evaluated in 20 human subjects, of whom 10 formed a training group and 10 a sham training group. The maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), maximal ventilation, breathing frequency during maximal exercise and the distance run in 12 min on a track were determined in addition to resting peak expiratory flow, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), with alveolar oxygen tension (pAO2) during maximal exercise being calculated. Inspiratory muscle training increased maximal inspiratory pressure from 93 (range 38-118) to 110 (65-165) mmHg in the training group (P less than 0.0005), but did not affect VO2 max, ventilation during maximal exercise, peak expiratory flow, FEV1 or FVC. However, breathing frequency during maximal exercise decreased slightly from 56 (44-87) to 53 (38-84) breaths min-1 (P less than 0.05) in the training group only; but the calculated pAO2 did not increase from the pre-training value of 126 (116-132) mmHg. The maximal distance run during 12 min increased similarly in the training and sham training groups by 8% (3-12%) and 6% (2-12%), respectively (P less than 0.01). The results of this study show that inspiratory muscle training resulting in a 32% (0-85%) increase in maximal inspiratory pressure does not change FEV1, FVC, peak expiratory flow, VO2 max or work capacity.     

The weighted walking test as an alternative method of assessing aerobic power

The aim of the present study was to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) directly during uphill walking exercise and to compare these values with those achieved during running and cycling exercise. Forty untrained students (20 males and 20 females) took part in three exercise tests. The running test was performed on a horizontal treadmill and the speed was gradually increased by 0.3 m . s(-1) every 3 min. The walking test was conducted on a treadmill inclined at 12% (speed of 1.8 m . s(-1)). The load was further increased every 3 min by the addition of a mass of one-twentieth of the body mass of the participant (plastic containers filled with water and added to a backpack carried by the participant). During the bicycle ergometry test, the workload was increased by 20 W every 2 min. All tests were performed until volitional exhaustion. During all tests, oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, tidal volume, respiratory frequency, heart rate, hydrogen ion concentration, base excess, and blood lactate concentration were analysed. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the weighted walking test and the commonly applied running and bicycle ergometry tests indicate a strong association with the new test in evaluating maximal oxygen uptake. The negligible differences in VO2max between the three tests for the male participants (running: 61.0 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1); walking: 60.4 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1); cycling: 60.2 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1)), and the fact that the females achieved better results on the walking test than the cycle ergometer test (running: 45.0 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1); walking: 42.6 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1); cycling: 40.1 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1)), confirm the suitability of the new method for evaluating aerobic power. The weighted walking test could be useful in the assessment of aerobic power in individuals for whom running is not advised or is difficult. In addition, the new test allows for determination of VO2max on small treadmills with a limited speed regulator, such as those found in specialist physiotherapy and fitness centres.     

力量训练提升马拉松跑者耐力运动表现的研究进展及训练策略

有氧能力的高低是马拉松跑者能否取得优异成绩的关键。最大摄氧量、乳酸阈和跑步经济性是衡量运动员有氧能力和耐力运动表现的关键指标,也是长跑训练效果的核心考量。由于力量和耐力训练对机体产生不同的训练刺激,教练员和运动员很少将力量训练作为提升耐力运动表现的手段,以防止有氧能力受到负面影响。通过对大量文献梳理发现,力量训练可以在不影响机体最大摄氧量和乳酸阈值的前提下,通过改善神经肌肉功能、转换肌纤维类型以及增强肌肉肌腱刚度和利用弹性势能的能力,提高跑步经济性和无氧能力,改善运动员耐力运动表现。本文基于对力量、耐力训练的生理学适应的探讨,总结不同形式力量训练对耐力运动表现的影响与作用机制,并为马拉松选手科学安排力量训练提出建议,从而优化其耐力运动表现。     

Antioxidant diet supplementation enhances aerobic performance in amateur sportsmen

The effects of antioxidant diet supplements on blood lactate concentration and on the aerobic and anaerobic thresholds and their adaptations to training were analysed. Fifteen amateur male athletes were randomly assigned to either a placebo group or an antioxidant-supplemented group (90 days supplementation with 500 mg x day(-1) of vitamin E and 30 mg x day(-1) of beta-carotene, and the last 15 days also with 1 g x day(-1) of vitamin C). Before and after the antioxidant supplements, the sportsmen performed a maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer and maximal and submaximal physiological parameters were assessed together with blood lactate concentration. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)), maximal blood lactate concentration, and the maximal workload attained rose significantly in both groups after the 3 months of training. At the end of the study, maximal blood lactate concentration was lower in the group that took supplements than in the placebo group. The percentage of VO(2max) attained at the anaerobic threshold rose significantly in both groups after 3 months of training, although the final value in the supplemented group was higher than that in the placebo group. Antioxidant diet supplements induced lower increases in blood lactate concentration after a maximal exercise test and could improve the efficiency in which aerobic energy is obtained.     

The effect of training on aerobic power characteristics of young cross-country skiers

The influences of growth, training and various training methods were investigated by analysing long-term training effects in young cross-country and biathlon skiers (n = 129). Some athletes (n = 49) were studied six times in three years and some at least once a year during a four year period (n = 48). During three summer training periods skiers emphasized either intensive training or distance training or continued to train normally. The results indicated that maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and heart volume increased between 15 and 20 years of age and the most significant changes in heart volume were observed between 16 and 18 years of age. International level skiers were able to increase their VO2 max and heart volume even after 20 years of age. Anaerobic threshold (AT, ml kg-1 min-1) increased like VO2 max but when expressed as a percentage of VO2 max, the AT was similar in every age group over 16 years of age. Intensive training at the intensity of anaerobic threshold or higher was observed to be most effective in producing improvements in VO2 max. Low-intensity distance training was more effective in producing improvements in anaerobic threshold.     

The relationship between heart rate reserve and oxygen uptake reserve in children and adolescents

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR) responses during rest and exercise in Chinese children and youth and to evaluate the relationships between maximal heart rate (%HRmax), heart rate reserve (%HRR), peak oxygen uptake (% VO2peak), and oxygen uptake reserve (% VO2R) in Chinese children and youth. Forty-nine Chinese children and youth were studied at rest and during a graded maximal exercise test on treadmill. Resting, submaximal and peak HR and VO2 were collected. Regression analyses were conducted to investigate the associations between the various forms of HR and VO2 measures. The equivalency between %HRR and % VO2R for adults was examined for children using data obtained in this study. Results indicated that all regression lines between HR measures and VO2 measures were significantly different from the line of identity (p < .05), except the regression line for %HRR versus %VO2 peak in boys. The equivalency between % VO2R and % HRR for adults was not demonstrated in children and adolescents in this study. In contrast, %HRR was more closely equivalent to % VO2 peak. Because a strong linear relationship was found between HR and VO2, HR measures, in terms of either %HRmax or %HRR, would still be a practical variable for prescribing appropriate exercise intensity for children and adolescents. Unlike results found for adults, a given % HRR in children and youth was not equivalent to its corresponding % VO2R.     

优秀青少年冰球运动员运动能力的YIRT监控

为了了解我国优秀青少年冰球运动员运动能力状况。对24名优秀青少年冰球运动员身体训练期的运动能力进行监控,测定其Yo-Yo间歇恢复测试（YIRT）指标及血乳酸、心率、最大摄氧量等运动能力指标,并探讨运用YIRT监控冰球运动员身体训练的可行性。结果表明：身体训练后青少年冰球运动员YIRT成绩和最大心率具有非常显著性提高（P〈0.01）,YIRT后的血乳酸具有显著性提高（P〈0.05）,最大摄氧量无差异（P〉0.05）。表明青少年运动员的速度和耐力能力有所提高,可以推断青少年冰球运动员身体训练供能是以糖酵解系统为主,有氧氧化系统为辅,磷酸原系统参与部分动作的模式。相关性检验结果显示YIRT与血乳酸具有一定相关性。建议应进行长期、阶段性的连续监控研究。     

男子800米跑运动员气体代谢机能的实验研究

通过对男子800米运动员递增负荷运动过程中气体代谢变化的实验研究,结果表明800米运动训练可以有效地提高机体的摄氧能力、通气量、氧脉搏及通气效率,在负荷运动中机体的适应性变化可作为评价运动效果的参考依据。     

Maximal oxygen uptake versus maximal power output in children

Maximal oxygen uptake VO(2max)) is considered the optimal method to assess aerobic fitness. The measurement of VO(2max), however, requires special equipment and training. Maximal exercise testing with determination of maximal power output offers a more simple approach. This study explores the relationship between [Vdot]O(2max) and maximal power output in 247 children (139 boys and 108 girls) aged 7.9-11.1 years. Maximal oxygen uptake was measured by indirect calorimetry during a maximal ergometer exercise test with an initial workload of 30 W and 15 W x min(-1) increments. Maximal power output was also measured. A sample (n = 124) was used to calculate reference equations, which were then validated using another sample (n = 123). The linear reference equation for both sexes combined was: VO(2max) (ml x min(-1)) = 96 + 10.6 x maximal power + 3.5 . body mass. Using this reference equation, estimated VO(2max) per unit of body mass (ml x min(-1) x kg(-1)) calculated from maximal power correlated closely with the direct measurement of VO(2max) (r = 0.91, P <0.001). Bland-Altman analysis gave a mean limits of agreement of 0.2+/-2.9 (ml x min(-1) x kg(-1)) (1 s). Our results suggest that maximal power output serves as a good surrogate measurement for VO(2max) in population studies of children aged 8-11 years.     

Training and testing physical capacities for elite soccer players

Elite soccer players spend a substantial amount of time trying to improve physical capacities, including aerobic endurance and strength and the strength derivatives of speed and power. The average oxygen uptake for international soccer teams ranges from 55 to 68 ml.kg-1.min-1 and the half-squat maximal strength from 120 to 180 kg. These values are similar to those found in other team sports. Recently, it has been shown that the heart's stroke volume is the element in the oxygen chain that mainly limits aerobic endurance for athletes. These findings have given rise to more intensive training interventions to secure high stroke volumes, which, in turn, have proved positive in changing both maximal oxygen consumption and soccer performance in terms of distance covered, contacts with the ball and number of sprints in a game. The training employed has consisted of 4x4-min "intervals" running uphill at 90-95% of maximal heart rate interspersed with 3 min jogging at 70% of maximal heart rate to facilitate removal of lactate. Research has revealed that a soccer-specific training routine with the ball might be as effective as plain running. Strength training to produce neural adaptations has been effective in changing not only strength in terms of "one-repetition maximum", but also sprinting velocity and jumping height, in elite soccer players without any change in body mass. The same training has also improved running economy and thus aerobic endurance performance. The training regimen used for a European Champions League team was 4x4 repetitions of half-squats with the emphasis on maximal mobilization of force in the concentric action.     

Maximal lactate steady state in trained adolescent runners

The aims of this study were: (1) to identify the exercise intensity that corresponds to the maximal lactate steady state in adolescent endurance-trained runners; (2) to identify any differences between the sexes; and (3) to compare the maximal lactate steady state with commonly cited fixed blood lactate reference parameters. Sixteen boys and nine girls volunteered to participate in the study. They were first tested using a stepwise incremental treadmill protocol to establish the blood lactate profile and peak oxygen uptake (VO2). Running speeds corresponding to fixed whole blood lactate concentrations of 2.0, 2.5 and 4.0 mmol x l(-1) were calculated using linear interpolation. The maximal lactate steady state was determined from four separate 20-min constant-speed treadmill runs. The maximal lactate steady state was defined as the fastest running speed, to the nearest 0.5 km x h(-1), where the change in blood lactate concentration between 10 and 20 min was < 0.5 mmol x l(-1). Although the boys had to run faster than the girls to elicit the maximal lactate steady state (15.7 vs 14.3 km x h(-1), P < 0.01), once the data were expressed relative to percent peak VO2 (85 and 85%, respectively) and percent peak heart rate (92 and 94%, respectively), there were no differences between the sexes (P > 0.05). The running speed and percent peak VO2 at the maximal lactate steady state were not different to those corresponding to the fixed blood lactate concentrations of 2.0 and 2.5 mmol x l(-1) (P > 0.05), but were both lower than those at the 4.0 mmol x l(-1) concentration (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the maximal lactate steady state corresponded to a similar relative exercise intensity as that reported in adult athletes. The running speed, percent peak VO2 and percent peak heart rate at the maximal lactate steady state are approximated by the fixed blood lactate concentration of 2.5 mmol x l(-1) measured during an incremental treadmill test in boys and girls.     

运动对无氧阈、最大吸氧量的影响与心功能的关系

两年游泳系统训练后,男女运动员ＶＯ２ｍａｘ绝对值和相对值都无显著性变化,无氧阈明显提高。表明,ＡＴ的显著改善并不需要ＶＯ２ｍａｘ明显提高。训练后,ＡＴ和心泵血功能都有显著性提高,并且ＣＯ与ＡＴ的相关比ＣＯ与ＶＯ２ｍａｘ相关更为密切,提示,ＡＴ提高与心泵血功能变化有关,心功能可能是影响ＡＴ的重要因素。训练使心脏舒张功能得以改善,这是心脏对运动的又一适应。     

Physiological and metabolic responses of men and women to a 5-km treadmill time trial.

Previous studies have reported strong correlations between 5-km performance times and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and also for running speeds equivalent to blood lactate concentrations of 4 mM. However, there is little information on the physiological responses of individuals during races over this distance. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to measure the physiological and metabolic responses of endurance trained male (n = 8) and female (n = 8) runners during a 5-km time trial using an instrumented treadmill. Performance times were 18.77 +/- 1.27 min for the men and 21.80 +/- 1.98 min for the women (P less than 0.01). The corresponding times on the athletics track were 17.68 +/- 0.39 min for the men (P less than 0.05) and 20.70 +/- 2.16 min for the women (N.S.). During the treadmill time trials, both the men and women were able to utilize approximately 90% VO2 max, 82% VE max, 98% HR max and produce similar concentrations of blood lactate. Although the physiological and metabolic responses of these endurance-trained men and women to 5-km treadmill running were similar, the faster running times recorded by the men in this study were the result of their higher VO2 max values.     

田径速度项目运动员身体素质训练结构特征的研究

运用文献资料法、特征解析法、访谈法和定基比增长系数计算等研究方法,对田径速度性项目世界优秀运动员的身体素质训练结构进行研究。研究揭示,速度素质的增长具有“早熟”特征,其训练结构体现出以提高最大速度为核心,以最大负荷强度和较少负荷量的短距离跑练习为主要手段等特征;力量素质的增长呈现出“两头慢、中间快”的发展特征,其训练手段主要是由单腿或双腿的连续跳跃、跨步跑(跳)、高抬腿跑和多次数的深蹲或半蹲练习构成;而专项耐力的训练方法则主要是由长翼项距离和比赛距离的重复跑和间歇跑等要素构成。     

Non-exercise estimation of VO(2)max using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire

Non-exercise equations developed from self-reported physical activity can estimate maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) as well as submaximal exercise testing. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) is the most widely used and validated self-report measure of physical activity. This study aimed to develop and test a VO(2)max estimation equation derived from the IPAQ-Short Form (IPAQ-S). College-aged males and females (n = 80) completed the IPAQ-S and performed a maximal exercise test. The estimation equation was created with multivariate regression in a gender-balanced subsample of participants, equally representing five levels of fitness (n = 50) and validated in the remaining participants (n = 30). The resulting equation explained 43% of the variance in measured VO(2)max (SEE = 5.45 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1)). Estimated VO(2)max for 87% of individuals fell within acceptable limits of error observed with submaximal exercise testing (20% error). The IPAQ-S can be used to successfully estimate VO(2)max as well as submaximal exercise tests. Development of other population-specific estimation equations is warranted.     

A comparison of two methods for the calculation of accumulated oxygen deficit

The aim of this study was to compare accumulated oxygen deficit data derived using two different exercise protocols with the aim of producing a less time-consuming test specifically for use with athletes. Six road and four track male endurance cyclists performed two series of cycle ergometer tests. The first series involved five 10 min sub-maximal cycle exercise bouts, a VO2peak test and a 115% VO2peak test. Data from these tests were used to estimate the accumulated oxygen deficit according to the calculations of Medb? et al. (1988). In the second series of tests, participants performed a 15 min incremental cycle ergometer test followed, 2 min later, by a 2 min variable resistance test in which they completed as much work as possible while pedalling at a constant rate. Analysis revealed that the accumulated oxygen deficit calculated from the first series of tests was higher (P < 0.02) than that calculated from the second series: 52.3 +/- 11.7 and 43.9 +/- 6.4 ml x kg(-1), respectively (mean +/- s). Other significant differences between the two protocols were observed for VO2peak, total work and maximal heart rate; all were higher during the modified protocol (P < 0.01 and P < 0.02, respectively). Oxygen kinetics were also significantly faster during the modified 2 min maximal test. We conclude that the difference in accumulated oxygen deficit between protocols was probably due to a reduced oxygen uptake, possibly caused by a slower oxygen on-response during the 115% VO2peak test in the first series, and VO2-power output regression differences caused by an elevated VO2 during the early stages of the second series.