Sodium bicarbonate ingestion and its effects on anaerobic exercise of various durations.

Four groups of male subjects participated in anaerobic testing on a Repco EX10 cycle ergometer to determine the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate (0.3 g kg-1 body mass) as an ergogenic aid during exercise of 10, 30, 120 and 240 s duration. Blood was collected 90 min prior to ingestion of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), after ingestion of NaHCO3 and immediately post-exercise from a heated (43-46 degrees C) fingertip and analysed immediately post-collection for pH, base excess, bicarbonate and lactate. The total work undertaken (kJ) and peak power achieved during the tests were also obtained via a Repco Work Monitor Unit. Blood bicarbonate levels were again increased above the control and placebo conditions (P < 0.001) and blood lactate levels were also increased following the bicarbonate trials. The pH levels fell significantly (P < 0.05) below the control and placebo conditions in all trials. The results indicate that NaHCO3 at this dosage has no ergogenic benefit for work of either 10 or 30 s duration, even though blood bicarbonate levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05) following ingestion of NaHCO3. For work periods of 120 and 240 s, performance was significantly increased (P < 0.05) above the control and placebo conditions following NaHCO3 ingestion.     

The effects of sodium bicarbonate and pyridoxine-alpha-ketoglutarate on short-term maximal exercise capacity.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the simultaneous use of pyridoxine-alpha-ketoglutarate (PAK) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on short-term maximal exercise capacity in eight well-trained male cyclists. The study consisted of the determination of maximal power output and the administration of various combinations of placebos, PAK and NaHCO3, followed by a short-term maximal exercise test. To determine maximal power output (power(max)), the subjects performed a continuous, incremental test on a Monark bicycle ergometer to symptom limited maximum (test 1). To determine the effects of NaHCO3 and PAK on short-term maximal exercise performance, the subjects were administered either placebo (PLA), PAK and sodium bicarbonate (P/B), PAK and placebo (PAK), or sodium bicarbonate and placebo (BIC) prior to performing short-term maximal exercise (test 2). Oral tablets of NaHCO3 and PAK were given in doses of 200 mg kg-1 and 50 mg kg-1 respectively. The subjects pedalled at the power output corresponding to 100% of their VO2 max at 70 rev min-1 until voluntary cessation or until they were unable to maintain pedal revolution rate. Venous blood samples were drawn at rest (RES), cessation of exercise (CES) and after 2 min of recovery (REC) and analysed for lactate, pH and bicarbonate ion concentration. The subjects attained an average maximum power output of 377 +/- 20 W during the graded maximal pre-test (test 1). There were no significant differences between treatments in the ability to sustain power(max) during test 2. During test 2, the subjects were able to sustain power(max) for 7.6 +/- 4.3 min with P/B, 6.7 +/- 2.9 min with PAK, 7.3 +/- 4.9 min with BIC and 6.9 +/- 2.7 min with placebo (mean +/- S.E.). Blood lactate (BLa) was significantly elevated at cessation of exercise and remained elevated during recovery, but there were no significant differences between treatments. Bicarbonate fell significantly during exercise and recovery in each treatment. At rest, bicarbonate levels were significantly higher in both the P/B and BIC than in the PAK or PLA treatments. Pooled data from the P/B and BIC treatments demonstrated a significant increase in pH at rest and end of exercise when compared to PLA treatment. These data suggest that sodium bicarbonate rather than PAK was responsible for this increase. In summary, our data suggest that in the dosages used in this study, administration of sodium bicarbonate or PAK, alone or in combination, is ineffective in increasing short-term maximal exercise capacity.     

Maximal work production following two levels of artificially induced metabolic alkalosis

In order to determine the influence of two artificially induced alkalotic states on the ability to perform maximal exercise, six male subjects (mean age, 22.0 years; mean height, 176.8 cm; mean weight, 69.1 kg; mean VO2 max, 3.83 l min-1) were studied during three experimental trials. The subjects performed six 60-s cycling bouts, at a work rate corresponding to 125% VO2 max, with 60 s recovery between work bouts; these regimens were performed 1 h after the ingestion of a solution containing either; I, placebo; II, NaHCO3 in a dosage of 0.15 g per kg body weight; or III, NaHCO3 0.30 g per kg body weight. The sixth work bout was continued until the pedal velocity dropped below 50 rev min-1. Total work done for the entire work period was calculated. Blood samples were taken from a forearm vein prior to the exercise bouts for analysis of pH and HCO3. The results showed a significant pre-exercise difference in pH and HCO3 for all conditions (P less than 0.01). In conditions where artificial alkalosis had been achieved prior to exercise there was significant increase in the work produced: I, 121.6 kJ; II, 133.1 kJ; III, 133.5 kJ (P less than 0.05). The time to fatigue in the six bout was also significantly increased; I, 74.7 s; II, 111.0 s; III, 106.0 p (P less than 0.05). There were no significant differences between conditions II and III. Thus augmentation of the bicarbonate reserves has a significant positive effect on the energy metabolism in interval-type exercise, leading to an increase in the work done and in the time to fatigue.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Anaerobic work and power output during cycle ergometer exercise: effects of bicarbonate loading

Eight trained male cyclists who competed regularly in track races, were studied under control, alkalotic (NaHCO3) and placebo (CaCO3) conditions in a laboratory setting to study the effect of orally induced metabolic alkalosis on 60 s anaerobic work and power output on a bicycle ergometer. Basal, pre- and post-exercise blood samples in the three conditions were analysed for pH, pCO2, pO2, bicarbonate, base excess and lactate. All blood gas measurements were within normal limits at basal levels. There were significant differences in the amount of work produced, and in the maximal power output produced by the cyclists in the experimental condition when compared to the control and placebo conditions (P less than 0.01). The post-exercise pH decreased in all three conditions (P less than 0.05) and post-exercise pCO2 increased significantly in the alkalosis trial (P less than 0.01). In the alkalotic condition, the pre-exercise base excess and HCO3- levels were both higher (P less than 0.05) than the basal levels, suggesting that the bicarbonate ingestion had a significant increase in the buffering ability of the blood. Post-exercise lactate levels were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) after the alkalotic trial when compared to the other two conditions, immediately post-exercise and for the next 3 min. Post-exercise lactate levels were higher than basal or pre-exercise levels (P less than 0.001). This was true immediately post-exercise and for the next 5 min. The results of this study suggest that NaHCO3 is an effective ergogenic aid when used for typically anaerobic exercise as used in this experiment. We feel that this ergogenic property is probably due to the accelerated efflux of H+ ions from the muscle tissue due to increased extracellular bicarbonate buffering.     

Sodium bicarbonate ingestion and its effects on anaerobic exercise of various durations

Abstract

Four groups of male subjects participated in anaerobic testing on a Repco EX 10 cycle ergometer to determine the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate (0.3 g kg^‐1 body mass) as an ergogenic aid during exercise of 10, 30, 120 and 240 s duration. Blood was collected 90 min prior to ingestion of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), after ingestion of NaHCO₃ and immediately post‐exercise from a heated (43–46°C) fingertip and analysed immediately post‐collection for pH, base excess, bicarbonate and lactate. The total work undertaken (kj) and peak power achieved during the tests were also obtained via a Repco Work Monitor Unit. Blood bicarbonate levels were again increased above the control and placebo conditions (P< 0.001) and blood lactate levels were also increased following the bicarbonate trials. The pH levels fell significantly (P<0.05) below the control and placebo conditions in all trials. The results indicate that NaHCO₃ at this dosage has no ergogenic benefit for work of either 10 or 30 s duration, even though blood bicarbonate levels were significantly increased (P<0.05) following ingestion of NaHCO₃. For work periods of 120 and 240 s, performance was significantly increased (P<0.05) above the control and placebo conditions following NaHCO₃ ingestion.     

The effect of two different interval-training programmes on physiological and performance indices

The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of an increasing-distance, interval-training programme and a decreasing-distance, interval-training programme, matched for total distance, on aerobic and anaerobic physiological indices. Forty physical education students were randomly assigned to either the increasing- or decreasing-distance, interval-training group (ITG and DTG), and completed two similar relevant sets of tests before and after six weeks of training. One training programme consisted of increasing-distance interval-training (100–200–300–400–500?m) and the other decreasing-distance interval training (500–400–300–200–100?m). While both training programmes led to a significant improvement in VO₂ max (ES?=?0.83–1.25), the improvement in the DTG was significantly greater than in the ITG (14.5?±?3.6 vs. 7.8?±?3.2%, p?<?.05). In addition, while both training programmes led to a significant improvement in all anaerobic indices (ES?=?0.83–1.63), the improvements in peak power (15.7?±?7.8 vs. 8.9?±?4.7), mean power (10.6?±?5.4 vs. 6.8?±?4.4), and fatigue index (18.2?±?10.9 vs. 7.0?±?14.2) were significantly greater in the DTG compared to the ITG (p?<?.05). The main finding of the present study was that beyond the significant positive effects of both training programmes on aerobic and anaerobic fitness, the DTG showed significant superiority over the ITG in improving aerobic and anaerobic performance capabilities. Coaches and athletes should therefore be aware that, in spite of identical total work, an interval-training programme might induce different physiological impacts if the order of intervals is not identical.     

Effect of bovine colostrum on anaerobic exercise performance and plasma insulin-like growth factor I

In this study, we examined the effects of bovine colostrum on peak vertical jump power (VJpeak), peak cycle power (CPpeak), alactic anaerobic work capacity, resistance exercise one-repetition maxima (1-RM) and plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) concentrations. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design, 51 males completed 8 weeks of resistance and plyometric training while consuming 60 g x day(-1) of bovine colostrum (n = 26) or concentrated whey protein powder (n = 25). Peak vertical jump power, peak cycle power, alactic anaerobic work capacity, 1-RM and plasma IGF-I were not different between groups at baseline (P > 0.33). Peak vertical jump power and peak cycle power were still not significantly different between groups by week 4 (VJpeak: bovine colostrum, 7231 +/- 488 W; whey protein, 7214 +/- 530 W; P = 0.99; CPpeak: bovine colostrum, 1272 +/- 202 W; whey protein, 1232 +/- 208 W; P = 0.99). By week 8, however, peak vertical jump power (bovine colostrum, 7370 +/- 503 W; whey powder, 7237 +/- 481 W; 95% confidence intervals, 54 to 170 W; P < 0.01) and peak cycle power (bovine colostrum, 1400 +/- 215 W; whey protein, 1311 +/- 192 W; 95% confidence intervals, 20 to 61 W; P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the bovine colostrum condition. Alactic anaerobic work capacity and 1-RM increased (P < 0.001), but the increases were not different between groups (P > 0.08). Plasma IGF-I did not change in either group (P = 0.55). We conclude that bovine colostrum supplementation during training significantly increased peak anaerobic power, but had no effect on alactic anaerobic work capacity, 1-RM or plasma IGF-I.     

Repeated bouts of sprint running after induced alkalosis.

Seven healthy male subjects performed 10 maximal 6-s sprints, separated by 30-s recovery periods, on a non-motorized treadmill. On two occasions, separated by 3 days, the subjects ingested a solution of either sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3; alkaline) or sodium chloride (NaCl; placebo), 2.5 h prior to exercise. The doses were 0.3 g kg-1 body mass for the alkaline treatment and 1.5 g total for the placebo, dissolved in 500 ml of water. The order of testing was randomly assigned. Pre-exercise blood pH was 7.43 +/- 0.02 and 7.38 +/- 0.01 for the alkaline and placebo trials respectively (P less than 0.01). Performance indices (i.e. mean and peak power outputs and mean and peak running speeds) were significantly reduced as a result of the cumulative effects of successive sprints, but not significantly affected by the treatments. However, the total work done (i.e. mean power output) in the alkaline condition was 2% higher than that achieved in the placebo condition. Post-exercise blood lactate concentrations were higher for the alkaline treatment than for the placebo condition (15.3 +/- 3.7 vs 13.6 +/- 3.0 mM respectively; P less than 0.01), but blood pH was similar in both conditions (alkaline: 7.15 +/- 0.13; placebo: 7.09 +/- 0.11). In both conditions, a relationship was found between post-exercise blood lactate and mean power output (alkaline: r = 0.82, P less than 0.01; placebo: r = 0.79, P less than 0.01). No significant differences were found in VE, VO2 and VCO2 between the two experimental conditions. This study demonstrates that alkali ingestion results in significant shifts in the acid-base balance of the blood, but has no effect on the power output during repeated bouts of brief maximal exercise.     

Pre-season physiological characteristics of English first and second division soccer players.

This investigation was undertaken in an effort to establish physiological characteristics of soccer players and to relate them to positional roles. A total of 135 footballers (age 24.4 +/- 4.6 years) were assessed for body mass, % body fat, haemoglobin, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), leg power, anaerobic capacity and speed prior to an English league season. The sample included 13 goalkeepers, 22 full-backs, 24 centre-backs, 35 midfield players and 41 forwards. The goalkeepers were significantly heavier (86.1 +/- 5.5 kg; P < 0.01) than all groups except the centre-backs, had significantly higher estimated body fat percentages than centre-backs, forwards, midfield players (P < 0.01) or full-backs (P < 0.05), significantly lower estimated VO2 max values (56.4 +/- 3.9 ml kg-1 min-1; P < 0.01) and were slowest over 60 m (12.71 +/- 0.42 s). The midfield players had the highest predicted VO2 max values (61.4 +/- 3.4 ml kg-1 min-1), this being significantly greater (P < 0.05) than for the centre-backs. The forwards were the fastest group over 60 m (12.19 +/- 0.30 s), being significantly quicker than goalkeepers or centre-backs (P < 0.01) and full-backs (P < 0.05). Anaerobic power, as well as knee extensor torques (corrected for body mass) and extensor-flexor ratios, were similar between groups. No difference in estimated body fat percentage was observed between any of the outfield players, and haemoglobin concentrations were similar among players of all positions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Creatine co-ingestion with carbohydrate or cinnamon extract provides no added benefit to anaerobic performance

The insulin response following carbohydrate ingestion enhances creatine transport into muscle. Cinnamon extract is promoted to have insulin-like effects, therefore this study examined if creatine co-ingestion with carbohydrates or cinnamon extract improved anaerobic capacity, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. Active young males (n?=?25; 23.7?±?2.5?y) were stratified into 3 groups: (1) creatine only (CRE); (2) creatine+ 70?g carbohydrate (CHO); or (3) creatine+ 500?mg cinnamon extract (CIN), based on anaerobic capacity (peak power·kg^?1) and muscular strength at baseline. Three weeks of supplementation consisted of a 5?d loading phase (20?g/d) and a 16?d maintenance phase (5?g/d). Pre- and post-supplementation measures included a 30-s Wingate and a 30-s maximal running test (on a self-propelled treadmill) for anaerobic capacity. Muscular strength was measured as the one-repetition maximum 1-RM for chest, back, quadriceps, hamstrings, and leg press. Additional sets of the number of repetitions performed at 60% 1-RM until fatigue measured muscular endurance. All three groups significantly improved Wingate relative peak power (CRE: 15.4% P?=?.004; CHO: 14.6% P?=?.004; CIN: 15.7%, P?=?.003), and muscular strength for chest (CRE: 6.6% P?P?P?P?P?P?P?=?.013; CHO: 10.0% P?=?.007; CIN: 17.3% P?P?=?.021) and CIN (15.5%, P?相似文献   

Maximal work production following two levels of artificially induced metabolic alkalosis

In order to determine the influence of two artificially induced alkalotic states on the ability to perform maximal exercise, six male subjects (mean age, 22.0 years; mean height, 176.8 cm; mean weight, 69.1 kg; mean VO₂ max, 3.83 1 min^‐1) were studied during three experimental trials. The subjects performed six 60‐s cycling bouts, at a work rate corresponding to 125% VO₂ max, with 60 s recovery between work bouts; these regimes were performed 1 h after the ingestion of a solution containing either: I, placebo; II, NaHCO₃ in a dosage of 0.15 g per kg body weight; or III, NaHCO₃ 0.30 g per kg body weight. The sixth work bout was continued until the pedal velocity dropped below 50 rev min^‐1. Total work done for the entire work period was calculated. Blood samples were taken from a forearm vein prior to the exercise bouts for analysis of pH and HCO₃. The results showed a significant pre‐exercise difference in pH and HCO₃ for all conditions (P<0.01). In conditions where artificial alkalosis had been achieved prior to exercise there was significant increase in the work produced: I, 121.6 kJ; II, 133.1 kJ; III, 133.5 kJ (P<0.05). The time to fatigue in the sixth bout was also significantly increased: I, 74.7 s; II, 111.0 s; III, 106.0 s (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between conditions II and III. Thus augmentation of the bicarbonate reserves has a significant positive effect on the energy metabolism in interval‐type exercise, leading to an increase in the work done and in the time to fatigue. However, an increasing level of alkalosis had no additional benefit, suggesting that maximum contribution to buffering capacity had been achieved at the lower dose.     

肌肽复合物、新剂型碳酸氢钠补充对人体无氧运动能力及代谢的影响

研究目的:探讨肌肽复合物和新剂型碳酸氢钠的补充对人体无氧运动能力和代谢的影响。研究方法:将驻京某部队27名男性士兵随机分为3组(对照组、肌肽复合物组、碳酸氢钠组),每组9人。所有受试者均完成一次基础测试(不服用任何产品)和1周后的实验测试。研究结果:(1)肌肽复合物组、碳酸氢钠组,平均功率明显高于对照组(p<0.05)。(2)肌肽复合物组、碳酸氢钠组运动后10min的血乳酸值明显高于对照组(p<0.05)。(3)运动后1h、2h的尿PH值,碳酸氢钠组明显高于对照组(p<0.05)。(4)运动后2h血清丙二醛(MDA)的水平与基础值比较,对照组与碳酸氢钠组均明显增高(p<0.05),而肌肽复合物组未出现明显变化。肌肽复合物组运动后血清谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)的水平明显高于对照组和碳酸氢钠组(p<0.05)。(5)运动后血尿酸的水平,肌肽复合物组明显低于对照组和碳酸氢钠组(p<0.05)。结论:补充肌肽复合物和碳酸氢钠可提高1min最大无氧运动能力、运动后10min的血乳酸值,此外肌肽复合物还具有抗氧化、降尿酸的功能。     

The effects of different doses of caffeine on endurance cycling time trial performance

This study investigated the effects of two different doses of caffeine on endurance cycle time trial performance in male athletes. Using a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study design, sixteen well-trained and familiarised male cyclists (Mean ± s: Age = 32.6 ± 8.3 years; Body mass = 78.5 ± 6.0 kg; Height = 180.9 ± 5.5 cm VO2(peak) = 60.4 ± 4.1 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) completed three experimental trials, following training and dietary standardisation. Participants ingested either a placebo, or 3 or 6 mg x kg(-1) body mass of caffeine 90 min prior to completing a set amount of work equivalent to 75% of peak sustainable power output for 60 min. Exercise performance was significantly (P < 0.05) improved with both caffeine treatments as compared to placebo (4.2% with 3 mg x kg(-1) body mass and 2.9% with 6 mg x kg(-1) body mass). The difference between the two caffeine doses was not statistically significant (P = 0.24). Caffeine ingestion at either dose resulted in significantly higher heart rate values than the placebo conditions (P < 0.05), but no statistically significant treatment effects in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were observed (P = 0.39). A caffeine dose of 3 mg x kg(-1) body mass appears to improve cycling performance in well-trained and familiarised athletes. Doubling the dose to 6 mg x kg(-1) body mass does not confer any additional improvements in performance.     

Effects of short-term Rhodiola Rosea (Golden Root Extract) supplementation on anaerobic exercise performance

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of short-term Rhodiola Rosea (Golden Root Extract (GRE)) supplementation on repeated Wingate performance. Eleven physically active college aged females were recruited for this study. In a within groups counterbalanced study design, participants were supplemented with either 1,500 mg/day of GRE or placebo (gluten-free cornstarch) for 3 days. Participants also took an additional 500 mg dose of corresponding treatment 30 minutes prior to testing of each trial. During each exercise trial, participants completed 3 × 15-second Wingate Anaerobic Tests (WAnTs) separated by 2-minute active recovery periods. Each exercise trial was separated by a 7 day washout period. Over the 3 × 15-second WAnTs, mean watts (p = 0.017, ES = 0.55), mean anaerobic capacity (p = 0.025, ES = 0.96), mean anaerobic power (p = 0.03, ES = 1.07), mean peak watts (p = 0.029,ES = 0.46), and mean total work (p = 0.017, ES = 0.49) were higher in the GRE treatment trial versus placebo. However, mean fatigue index (p = 0.094, ES = 0.39) was unaffected regardless of treatment. Our results show that GRE supplementation enhanced anaerobic exercise performance as measured through repeated WAnTs. GRE may possess ergogenic benefits and findings hold important implications for boosting anaerobic performance in repeated anaerobic bouts of exercise.     

Modification and Revision of the Scale of Market Demand for Taekwondo Schools

Twenty-six male and female collegiate and semiprofessional/professional soccer players (age = 20.4 ± 2.0 years; height = 172.1 ± 8.2 cm; weight = 70.7 ± 10.8 kg) participated in this study to determine the reliability and validity of a field anaerobic shuttle test (FAST) and the Cunningham and Faulkner (1969) treadmill anaerobic speed test (AST). The relationship between the AST and FAST was also investigated. Intraclass reliability coefficients were acceptable for the FAST (.96) and AST (.97) with no significant difference between the means at T1 and T2 (FAST = 56.0 vs. 55.8 sec; AST = 41.9 vs. 41.4 sec). Poor reliability for the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAT), .83 (W), .70 (W · kg-1), necessitated correcting the validity coefficients for attenuation, FAST vs. WAT = -.89 (W) and -.71 (W · kg-1); AST vs. WAT = .82 (W) and .74 (W · kg-1). These coefficients provide preliminary evidence that the construct being measured is anaerobic work capacity. The results (FAST vs. AST = -.85) indicate that FAST and AST appear to be measuring the same construct. Further research is needed to substantiate the validity of AST and FAST scores as measures of anaerobic work capacity of collegiate and professional soccer players.     

Caffeine lowers perceptual response and increases power output during high-intensity cycling

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of caffeine ingestion on a 'preloaded' protocol that involved cycling for 2 min at a constant rate of 100% maximal power output immediately followed by a 1-min 'all-out' effort. Eleven male cyclists completed a ramp test to measure maximal power output. On two other occasions, the participants ingested caffeine (5 mg. kg(-1)) or placebo in a randomized, double-blind procedure. All tests were conducted on the participants' own bicycles using a Kingcycle test rig. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE; 6-20 Borg scale) were lower in the caffeine trial by approximately 1 RPE point at 30, 60 and 120 s during the constant rate phase of the preloaded test (P <0.05). The mean power output during the all-out effort was increased following caffeine ingestion compared with placebo (794+/-164 vs 750+/-163 W; P=0.05). Blood lactate concentration 4, 5 and 6 min after exercise was also significantly higher by approximately 1 mmol. l(-1) in the caffeine trial (P <0.05). These results suggest that high-intensity cycling performance can be increased following moderate caffeine ingestion and that this improvement may be related to a reduction in RPE and an elevation in blood lactate concentration.     

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.     

The effect of velocity-specific strength training on peak torque and anaerobic rowing power

This study investigated the effect of low- and high-velocity resistance training on isokinetic peak torque and anaerobic power output. Eighteen male varsity oarsmen were blocked on peak knee extension torque at 3.14 rad s-1 and assigned to a high-velocity resistance training group (HVR), a low-velocity resistance training group (LVR) or a control group. Subjects trained four times a week for 5 weeks. Each training session included three circuits of 12 stations using variable-resistance hydraulic equipment. The HVR training significantly improved peak torque (P less than 0.05) in knee extension and flexion at 2.61, 3.14, 3.66 and 4.19 rad s-1. The LVR training produced significant improvements (P less than 0.05) in peak torque for knee extension and flexion at 0.52, 1.05, 1.57 and 2.61 rad s-1. High positive correlations were found between peak torque and anaerobic power outputs for all groups. However, no significant changes occurred in 15 s power output, average 90 s power output or peak blood lactate in either training group. These results indicate that velocity-specific strength training does not necessarily improve anaerobic power output in a different exercise mode despite the high positive correlation between isokinetic strength and anaerobic power output.     

Directionally compensated mechanical work provided by the shoulder leads to similar racket velocities during open and square stance forehand groundstrokes in tennis*

Abstract

The differences between the racket-arm acceleration mechanisms during open and square stance forehand groundstrokes in tennis were examined by quantifying the mechanical work done on the racket arm. We studied 13 advanced tennis players as they performed these strokes at maximum effort and calculated the work using inverse dynamics. The racket head speed was similar between the open and square stances. In the open stance, the lack of weight shifting towards the hitting direction resulted in a lower velocity for the shoulder joint centre in the hitting direction than in the square stance, and less work was done by the shoulder joint force in the hitting direction in the open stance than in the square stance (0.30?±?0.11?J·kg-1 vs. 0.38?±?0.16?J·kg-1; p?=?0.005). However, in the open stance, the torso rotated more towards the hitting direction and had more upward acceleration, which resulted in more work done by the sideways and upward shoulder joint forces than in the square stance (sideways: 0.07?±?0.09?J·kg-1 vs. 0.05?±?0.09?J·kg-1, p?=?0.046; upward: 0.08?±?0.09?J·kg-1 vs. 0.04?±?0.07?J·kg-1, p?=?0.002). Thus, the greater work done by the sideways and upward shoulder joint forces compensated for the lesser work done by the shoulder joint force in the hitting direction in the open stance. In both stances, mainly the horizontal flexion torque and internal rotation torque at the shoulder increased the energy of the racket arm.     

Assessment of the power performance of racing cyclists

A 30-s 'all-out' power protocol was studied in four groups of racing cyclists including internationals (n = 8), Category 1 (n = 10), Category 2 (n = 15) and Category 3 (n = 11). Following warm-up each subject completed five trials interspersed by 3 min of low intensity exercise on an ergowheel racing cycle ergometry system at a power output of 15 W kg-1 body weight, generated at 130 rev min-1. Temporal indices of performance included delay time (DT) to achieve the power criterion, total time (TT) of the maintenance of the power criterion and the ratio of TT/DT. 'Explosive' leg strength was assessed from a vertical jump. The results indicated that international and Category 1 cyclists had lower DT (2.2 +/- 0.1 s and 2.1 +/- 0.0 s, respectively; P less than 0.05), higher TT (28.1 +/- 0.7 s and 27.0 +/- 0.7 s, respectively; P less than 0.05) and elevated TT/DT (12.8 and 12.9, respectively; P less than 0.01). 'Explosive' leg strength was also higher (P less than 0.05) in the internationals than in the other groups of cyclists. The protocol provides a sport-related method for the assessment of short term endurance performance ability in racing cyclists which may be of value in identifying the anaerobic capability of individual cyclists.