Four weeks of high cadence training alter brain cortical activity in cyclists

ABSTRACT

Exercise at different cadences might serve as potential stimulus for functional adaptations of the brain, because cortical activation is sensitive to frequency of movement. Therefore, we investigated the effects of high (HCT) and low cadence training (LCT) on brain cortical activity during exercise as well as endurance performance.

Cyclists were randomly assigned to low and high cadence training. Over the 4-week training period, participants performed 4 h of basic endurance training as well as four additional cadence-specific exercise sessions, 60 min weekly. At baseline and after 4 weeks, participants completed an incremental exercise test with spirometry and exercise at constant load with registration of electroencephalogram (EEG).

Compared with LCT, a greater increase of frontal alpha/beta ratio was confirmed in HCT. This was based on a lower level of beta activity during exercise. Both groups showed similar improvements in maximal oxygen consumption and power at the individual anaerobic threshold.

Whereas HCT and LCT elicit similar benefits on aerobic performance, cycling at high pedalling frequencies enables participants to perform an exercise bout with less cortical activation.     

The effects of carbohydrate supplementation during repeated bouts of prolonged exercise on saliva flow rate and immunoglobulin A

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of carbohydrate (CHO) feeding during different periods of two 90-min cycling bouts (the first bout began at 09:00?h and the second bout began at 13:30?h) at 60% maximal oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O_2max) on saliva flow rate and saliva immunoglobulin A (sIgA) responses to the second exercise bout. The study consisted of three investigations: carbohydrate supplementation during (1) the first hour of the recovery interval (CHO-REC), (2) during the first bout of exercise and (3) during the second bout of exercise. Each investigation included two trials completed in a counterbalanced order and separated by at least 4 days. Participants consumed a lemon-flavoured 10% w/v carbohydrate beverage or placebo (22?ml?·?kg^?1 body mass) in the first hour of the recovery interval (n = 8) and 500?ml just before exercise, followed by 250?ml every 20?min during exercise in the first (n = 9) and second exercise bouts (n = 9). Timed unstimulated saliva samples were collected at 10?min before exercise, after 48?–?50?min of exercise and during the last 2?min of exercise, at 1?h post exercise, 2?h post exercise (first exercise bout only), and 18?h post exercise (second exercise bout only). Venous blood samples were taken 5?min before exercise and immediately after exercise for both exercise bouts in all trials. The main findings of the present study were as follows. First, carbohydrate ingestion during both exercise bouts, but not during the recovery interval, better maintained plasma glucose concentrations and attenuated the increase in plasma adrenaline and cortisol concentrations after the second exercise bout compared with placebo. Second, carbohydrate feeding had no effect on saliva flow rate and sIgA secretion rate compared with placebo. Third, saliva flow rate and sIgA concentration returned to pre-exercise bout 1 values within 2?h in all trials. Fourth, there was no delayed effect of exercise on oral immunity. These findings suggest that carbohydrate ingestion during the first or second bout of exercise, but not during the recovery interval, is likely to better maintain plasma glucose concentrations and attenuate the responses of plasma stress hormones to a second exercise bout than ingestion of fluid alone. Two bouts of 90?min cycling at 60% [Vdot]O_2max on the same day appears to inhibit saliva flow rate during the second exercise bout but does not alter sIgA transcytosis. Our results show that carbohydrate ingestion during any period of two prolonged exercise bouts does not induce different effects on oral immunity compared with placebo.     

A short bout of high-intensity intermittent exercise before moderate-intensity prolonged exercise as a mean to potentiate fat oxidation ?

ABSTRACT

Moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) improves fat oxidation. High-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) is thought to have a greater potential for fat oxidation but it might be too demanding in the long term for patients. We hypothesized that an initial bout of HIIE could maximize fat oxidation during MICE and the following passive recovery. Eighteen healthy participants performed two acute isocaloric exercise sessions at random. MICE consisted of 45-min cycling at 50% of maximal aerobic power (Pmax). COMB began with five 1-min bouts of HIIE at Pmax (interspaced with 1-min recovery periods) followed by 35-min MICE. Gas exchange allowed substrate oxidation rate assessment.

Expressed as a % of energy expenditure, fat oxidation (%) increased during in the passive recovery following COMB (Recovery: 36.0 ± 19.4 vs 23.0 ± 20.3%; ES: 0.66; p < 0.0001). An initial bout of HIIE preceding a prolonged moderate-intensity exercise may potentiate fat oxidation during the following recovery. This might be relevant for health management of overweight/obese persons.     

大强度的无氧间歇练习、有氧耐力练习及其组合练习的次序对恢复期心脏自主神经功能的影响

目的：评估大强度的无氧间歇练习、有氧耐力练习及其组合练习的次序对恢复期心脏自主神经功能的影响。方法：采用随机交互设计,15名健康男性受试者分别完成4次运动：600 m间歇跑练习、30 min大强度持续跑练习、600 m间歇跑加30 min大强度持续跑练习,30 min大强度持续跑加600 m间歇跑练习,分别在运动前（0~10 min）、整个运动期间和运动后恢复期（0~20 min）记录RR间期,并进行相应HRV分析以及在运动前和运动后即刻进行血乳酸测试。结果：与安静状态相比,运动中HR、EPOC和TRIMP均显著增加,但组合练习次序间不存在显著差异;恢复期20 min内,HR随恢复时间增加逐渐降低,但同一恢复阶段不同运动方案之间无显著差异;RMSSD、SDNN、SDNN/HR、HF和LF变化相似,在整个恢复阶段均显著低于安静值,但HF和LF在恢复期（15~20 min）显著增加;而LF/HF随着恢复时间延长显著增加。结论：大强度的无氧间歇练习、持续有氧练习及其组合练习,在运动后早期恢复阶段（0~20 min）HRV变化趋于一致,提示耐力运动后心脏自主神经功能的调整可能不具有运动形式依赖性。此外,大强度无氧间歇和有氧耐力练习的组合练习次序不影响运动后恢复期心脏自主功能的调节,恢复期20 min内,交感活性仍处于较高水平。     

Creatine Kinase Activity Weakly Correlates to Volume Completed Following Upper Body Resistance Exercise

In the current study, we examined the relationship between serum creatine kinase (CK) activity following upper body resistance exercise with a 1- or 3-min rest between sets. Twenty men performed two sessions, each consisting of four sets with a 10-repetition maximum load. The results demonstrated significantly greater volume for the 3-min condition (M = 4,156 kg, SD = 867, for 3 min; vs. M = 3,503 kg, SD = 759, for 1 min; p < .001), with no significant differences in delta CK activity between conditions (p = .574). Nevertheless, there was a weak correlation between the delta CK activity and total volume of exercise completed (r = .55 with a 1-min rest, and r =.45 with a 3-min rest). Therefore, the volume following upper body resistance exercise correlates weakly with serum CK levels, irrespective of rest interval length between sets.     

Acute exercise-induced irisin release in healthy adults: Associations with training status and exercise mode

There is a growing interest in exploring irisin response to acute exercise; however, the associations of acute exercise-induced irisin release with training status and exercise mode are not fully understood. This study was primarily designed to evaluate these associations. Sixteen healthy adults (8 trained versus 8 untrained) underwent a bout of cycling at 80% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) for 50?min, with blood drawn pre-, 10-, and 180-min post-exercise. Another 17 healthy adults performed 2 bouts of graded exercise (cycling and running) until exhaustion on separate days using a randomized cross-over design, with blood taken pre-, 0-, 10-, and 60-min post-exercise. Circulating irisin, creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and myoglobin (Mb) were measured, and their respective areas under the curves (AUCs) were calculated. Irisin increased 10-min after 50?min of cycling at 80% of VO_2max, while its changes from baseline to post-exercise and the amount of exercise-induced irisin release (presented as AUC) were comparable between trained and untrained adults (all P?>?.05). Irisin remained elevated 10-min post-exhausting running but decreased towards baseline 10-min post-exhausting cycling. Exhausting running induced an increase in irisin release for the whole course of exercise and recovery periods, but cycling did not. Acute exercise-induced irisin changes seemed not related to changes of CK, aspartate AST, and Mb in general. In conclusion, acute exercise-induced irisin release is not associated with training status but might be affected by training mode. Future studies are required to investigate which exercise mode might be most efficient in altering irisin.     

The effects of maximal and submaximal arm crank ergometry and cycle ergometry on postural sway

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether arm crank ergometry (ACE) disturbed postural sway to the same extent as cycle ergometry (CE). Nine healthy, none specifically trained adults undertook posturographic tests before and after five separate exercise trials consisting of: two incremental exercise tests to exhaustion for ACE and CE to examine postural sway responses to maximal exercise and to determine peak power output (W_max); two subsequent tests of 30 min duration for ACE and CE at a relative workload corresponding to 50% of the ergometer-specific W_max (ACE_rel; 53 ± 8 W and CE_rel; 109 ± 16 W). A final CE trial was performed at the same absolute power output (CE_abs) as the submaximal ACE trial to match absolute exercise intensity (i.e., 53 ± 8 W). The centre of pressure (COP) displacement was recorded using a force platform before, immediately after exercise and during a 30-min recovery period. ACE had no effects on postural sway (P > 0.05). An increase in mediolateral COP displacement was observed following maximal CE only (P = 0.001), while anteroposterior COP displacement and COP path length increased following maximal and submaximal CE (P < 0.05). These differences in postural sway according to exercise mode likely stem from the activity of postural muscles when considering that CE recruits lower limb muscles involved in balance. This study provides evidence of an exercise mode which does not elicit post-exercise balance impairments, therefore possesses applications to those at an increased risk of falling.     

The effects of carbohydrate supplementation during repeated bouts of prolonged exercise on saliva flow rate and immunoglobulin A

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of carbohydrate (CHO) feeding during different periods of two 90-min cycling bouts (the first bout began at 09:00?h and the second bout began at 13:30 h) at 60% maximal oxygen uptake(VO2max) on saliva flow rate and saliva immunoglobulin A (sIgA) responses to the second exercise bout. The study consisted of three investigations: carbohydrate supplementation during (1) the first hour of the recovery interval (CHO-REC), (2) during the first bout of exercise and (3) during the second bout of exercise. Each investigation included two trials completed in a counterbalanced order and separated by at least 4 days. Participants consumed a lemon-flavoured 10% w/v carbohydrate beverage or placebo (22 ml.kg-1 body mass) in the first hour of the recovery interval (n=8) and 500 ml just before exercise, followed by 250 ml every 20 min during exercise in the first (n=9) and second exercise bouts (n=9). Timed unstimulated saliva samples were collected at 10 min before exercise, after 48-50 min of exercise and during the last 2 min of exercise, at 1 h post exercise, 2 h post exercise (first exercise bout only), and 18 h post exercise (second exercise bout only). Venous blood samples were taken 5 min before exercise and immediately after exercise for both exercise bouts in all trials. The main findings of the present study were as follows. First, carbohydrate ingestion during both exercise bouts, but not during the recovery interval, better maintained plasma glucose concentrations and attenuated the increase in plasma adrenaline and cortisol concentrations after the second exercise bout compared with placebo. Second, carbohydrate feeding had no effect on saliva flow rate and sIgA secretion rate compared with placebo. Third, saliva flow rate and sIgA concentration returned to pre-exercise bout 1 values within 2 h in all trials. Fourth, there was no delayed effect of exercise on oral immunity. These findings suggest that carbohydrate ingestion during the first or second bout of exercise, but not during the recovery interval, is likely to better maintain plasma glucose concentrations and attenuate the responses of plasma stress hormones to a second exercise bout than ingestion of fluid alone. Two bouts of 90 min cycling at 60% VO2max on the same day appears to inhibit saliva flow rate during the second exercise bout but does not alter sIgA transcytosis. Our results show that carbohydrate ingestion during any period of two prolonged exercise bouts does not induce different effects on oral immunity compared with placebo.     

Exhaled nitric oxide in single and repetitive prolonged exercise

Abstract

This study was performed to determine the influence of single and repetitive exercise on nitric oxide (NO) concentration in the lung. Exhaled NO concentration (FE_NO) was measured during a constant-flow exhalation manoeuvre (170 ml · s^?1, against a 10 cmH₂O resistance) in healthy individuals (a) during and after a 100-min square-wave exercise of between 25 and 60% of maximal power output (n = 18) and (b) before and after five successive prolonged exercises (90 – 120 min, 75 – 85% of maximal heart rate) separated by 48 or 24 h (n = 8). The FE_NO0.170 was decreased during and after the 100-min exercise test (mean± s _[xbar] : 58.5 ± 3.7% and 76.7 ± 5.2% of resting value at 90 min of exercise and 15 min post-exercise, respectively; P < 0.05). The five successive exercise sessions induced a similar post-exercise FE_NO0.170 decrement (73.1 ± 2.9% of resting value 15 min post-exercise), while basal FE_NO0.170 values were not different between the five sessions (P > 0.05). These results suggest that prolonged exercise induces a reduction in NO concentration within the lung that lasts for several minutes after the end of exercise. However, repetitive exercises (at least every 24 h) allow complete NO recovery from one session to another. The implication of such a decrease in NO availability within the lung remains to be clarified.     

Effects of knowing the task duration on players’ pacing patterns during soccer small-sided games

The aim of this study was to identify the influence of prior knowledge of exercise duration on players’ pacing patterns during soccer small-sided games. Twenty semi-professional male soccer players participated in this study. In the first game scenario, players were not informed how long they would be required to play the small-sided game and the activity was terminated after 20 min (Unknown Condition). In the second game scenario, players were told that they would play the small-sided game for 10 min, but immediately after completing the 10-min game, they were asked to complete another 10 min (Partially Condition). In the third game scenario, players were instructed that they would play the small-sided game for 20 min and then they completed the 20-min game (Known Condition). The results presented a tendency of higher values in all performance variables in the [0′–10′] min compared with the [10′–20′] min. As the players’ previous knowledge about the tasks duration increased, the performance between two moments tended to be similar. Considering the entire 20-min game duration, the Partially Condition of the exercise was the most demanding condition. In conclusion, the knowledge of shorter durations of the exercise seems to lead to an increase of exercise duration demand, and longer exercise durations possibly tend to decrease differences between full knowledge and not knowing the exercise duration.     

Sympathoadrenal and parasympathetic responses to exercise

Exhaustive exercise is associated with a persistent sensation of weakness and sometimes nausea suggesting abdominal vagal activity. We measured plasma indices of sympathoadrenal (adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine) and vagal (pancreatic polypeptide) activity before, during and after submaximal and maximal exercise in healthy young subjects. Plasma adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine increased to 8.5 (range 7.4–40.5), 48.0 (32.3–100.5) and 1.8 (1.2–6.6) nmol l^–1 respectively (n = 5), during maximal exercise and decreased towards control values within 15 min of rest. Pancreatic polypeptide (n = 10) increased only during maximal exercise and reached its highest value, 48 (21–145) pmol l^–1, after exertion. The results conform to an increase in sympathetic activity during exercise and a persistent vagal activity after intense exercise which could contribute to the sensation of weakness.     

The influence of exercise intensity on frontal electroencephalographic asymmetry and self-reported affect

The "feel better" effect of exercise has been well established, but the optimal intensity needed to elicit a positive affective response is controversial. In addition, the mechanisms underlying such a response are unclear To clarify these issues, female undergraduate students were monitored for electroencephalographic (EEG) and self-reported affective responses during the recovery period following rest, low, moderate, and high intensities of treadmill running, each lasting 30 min. Frontal EEG asymmetry and self-reported vigor scores following exercise at all three intensities were significantly elevated compared to those observed following rest. The results suggest that steady-state aerobic exercise bouts executed at varying intensities induce a similar affective response during the recovery period when assessed at both the behavioral and psychophysiological levels.     

Hormonal responses to exercise after partial sleep deprivation and after a hypnotic drug-induced sleep

The aim of this study was to determine the hormonal responses, which are dependent on the sleep wake cycle, to strenuous physical exercise. Exercise was performed after different nocturnal regimens: (i) a baseline night preceded by a habituation night; (ii) two nights of partial sleep deprivation caused by a delayed bedtime or by an early awakening; and (iii) two nights of sleep after administration of either a hypnotic compound (10 mg zolpidem) or a placebo. Eight well-trained male endurance athletes with a maximal oxygen uptake of 63.5 +/- 3.8 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) (mean value +/- s(x)) were selected on the basis of their sleeping habits and their physical training. Polygraphic recordings of EEG showed that both nights with partial sleep loss led to a decrease (P< 0.01) in stage 2 and rapid eye movement sleep. A delayed bedtime also led to a decrease (P < 0.05) in stage 1 sleep. Zolpidem had no effect on the different stages of sleep. During the afternoon after an experimental night, exercise was performed on a cycle ergometer. After a 10-min warm-up, the participants performed 30 min steady-state cycling at 75% VO(2-max) followed by a progressively increased workload until exhaustion. The recovery period lasted 30 min. Plasma growth hormone, prolactin, cortisol, catecholamine and lactate concentrations were measured at rest, during exercise and after recovery. The concentration of plasma growth hormone and catecholamine were not affected by partial sleep deprivation, whereas that of plasma prolactin was higher (P < 0.05) during the trial after an early awakening. Plasma cortisol was lower (P < 0.05) during recovery after both sleep deprivation conditions. Blood lactate was higher (P < 0.05) during submaximal exercise performed after both a delayed bedtime and an early awakening. Zolpidem-induced sleep did not affect the hormonal and metabolic responses to subsequent exercise. Our results demonstrate only minor alterations in the hormonal responses to exercise after partial sleep deprivation.     

Response to “A Comparison of Reliability Estimation Using Trials-to-Criterion and Sequential Probability Ratio Testing”

The “feel better” effect of exercise has been well established, but the optimal intensity needed to elicit a positive affective response is controversial. In addition, the mechanisms underlying such a response are unclear. To clarify these issues, female undergraduate students were monitored for electroencephalographic (EEG) and self-reported affective responses during the recovery period following rest, low, moderate, and high intensities of treadmill running, each lasting 30 min. Frontal EEG asymmetry and self-reported vigor scores following exercise at all three intensities were significantly elevated compared to those observed following rest. The results suggest that steady-state aerobic exercise bouts executed at varying intensities induce a similar affective response during the recovery period when assessed at both the behavioral and psychophysiological levels.     

Exaggerated post exercise hypotension following concentric but not eccentric resistance exercise: Implications for metabolism

Abstract

Post exercise hypotension (PEH) is primarily attributed to post-exercise vasodilation via central and peripheral mechanisms. However, the specific contribution of metabolic cost during exercise, independent of force production, is less clear. This study aimed to use isolated concentric and eccentric exercise to examine the role of metabolic activity in eliciting PEH, independent of total work. Twelve participants (6 male) completed upper and lower body concentric (CONC), eccentric (ECC), and traditional (TRAD) exercise sessions matched for work (3?×?10 in TRAD and 3?×?20 in CONC and ECC; all at 65% 1RM). Blood pressure was collected at baseline and every 15?min after exercise for 120?min. Brachial blood flow and vascular conductance were also assessed at baseline, immediately after exercise, and every 30?min after exercise. ?O₂ was lower during ECC compared to CONC and TRAD (?2.7?mL/Kg/min?±?0.4 and ?2.2?mL/Kg/min?±?0.4, respectively p?<?0.001). CONC augmented the PEH response (Peak ΔMAP ?3.3?mmHg?±?0.9 [mean?±?SE], p?=?0.006) through 75?min of recovery and ECC elicited a post-exercise hypertensive response through 120?min of recovery (Peak ΔMAP +4.5?mmHg?±?0.8, p?<?0.001). CONC and TRAD elicited greater increases in brachial blood flow post exercise than ECC (Peak Δ brachial flow +190.4?mL/min?±?32.3, +202.3?mL/min?±?39.2, and 69.6?mL/min?±?19.8, respectively, p?≤?0.005), while conductance increased immediately post exercise in all conditions and then decreased throughout recovery following ECC (?32.9?mL/min/mmHg?±?9.3, p?=?0.005). These data suggest that more metabolically demanding concentric exercise augments PEH compared to work-matched eccentric exercise.     

The effects of 15 min and 30 min of exercise on affective responses both during and after exercise

Although much research has examined the relationship between exercise and affect, few studies have considered the effects of exercise bouts of different durations and few researchers have questioned the longer term effects that might be associated with acute exercise. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the standard health recommended exercise duration of 30?min with a shorter (15?min) bout of exercise upon individuals' affect scores both during and after exercise. Twenty-three (mean age 22.4 years) physically active participants engaged in two counterbalanced cycle ergometer exercise conditions for 15?min (short bout) and 30?min (moderate bout). The participants completed the Subjective Exercise Experience Scale before, during, 5?min, 30 mins, 1?h and 2?h after both exercise conditions. A series of 2 × 6 within-participant repeated-measures analyses of variance for positive well-being (P?<0.01), psychological distress (P?<0.01) and fatigue (P?<0.01) scores revealed significant time main effects, with improved scores over time. No significant differences were noted between the 15-min and 30-min exercise bouts. These results indicate that positive affective responses are experienced by exercisers after relatively short bouts of acute exercise and these effects can still be evident some time later.     

The brain in micro- and hypergravity: The effects of changing gravity on the brain electrocortical activity

Abstract

Understanding the effects of increased and decreased gravity on central nervous system is essential for developing proper physical and cognitive countermeasures to assure safe and effective space missions and human survival in space. This short review covers the available literature on the brain electrocortical activity effects of decreased and increased gravitational force comparing to the 1g Earth conditions. Among all neuroimaging methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron-emission tomography (PET), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), the electroencephalography (EEG) was found to be suitable method to monitor brain electrocortical activity in the extreme environments. Due to complexity and high cost of space flight missions, ground-based models have been employed to simulate microgravity effects on human body. Surprisingly, there is very limited number of publications reporting gravity-dependent EEG spectral changes. With increased gravity there are initially increased EEG activity in higher frequencies and at around 4g appears loss of consciousness with accompanying slowing of EEG due to hypoxia. In microgravity, the most prevalent changes in EEG are faster frequencies such as alpha and beta. The results from simulated microgravity (bed rest) are pointing to changes in theta and alpha, representing signs of cortical inhibition. The changes in EEG activity in space flight are attributed to a decreased sensorimotor input while in parabolic flights short and fast transitions from hyper to microgravity presumably reflect lower arousal levels and emotional processes in microgravity. Thus, based on limited research about gravity-related changes in EEG from different environments it is difficult to draw any unequivocal conclusions. Additional systematic studies about electrocortical activity in space and parabolic flights, as well as longer bed rest studies are needed in order to advance knowledge about brain functioning in extreme conditions such as space flights.     

Exercise Recovery,Lactate Removal,and Subsequent High Intensity Exercise Performance

Abstract

In order to examine the effects of different recoveries from high intensity short duration exercise on lactate removal and subsequent performance, 11 subjects completed 8 experimental sessions. Each subject completed an initial all-out pedaling task against 5.5 kg resistance (Monark bicycle ergometer) for 1 min followed by a randomly assigned recovery pattern and a repeat of the all-out exercise task. The main effects examined were active (1.0 kg, 60 rpm) vs passive recovery, inhalation of inhalation of oxygen vs room air during recovery, and 10- vs-20-min duration of recovery. Pedal revolutions were analyzed on a 6- by 6-sec and on a cumulative basis. Blood lactate concentrations were determined during rest, the 3rd–4th, 9th–10th, and 19th–20th min of recovery. Results revealed significant main effects for active vs passive recovery and for 10- vs 20-min recovery, with active and 20-min recovery resulting in significantly higher postrecovery pedal revolutions (p < .001) and enhanced rates of lactate removal during recovery (p < .001). Oxygen inhalation during recovery had no effect on postrecovery performance or lactate removal (p > .05). The correlation between blood lactate levels at the end of recovery and pedal revolutions on the postrecovery exercise task was only r = -.19, suggesting that factors other than lactate removal are critical for subsequent performance.     

Effects of exercise-induced muscle damage on resting metabolic rate,sub-maximal running and post-exercise oxygen consumption

Abstract

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), described as the acute weakness of the musculature after unaccustomed eccentric exercise, increases oxidative metabolism at rest and during endurance exercise. However, it is not known whether oxygen uptake during recovery from endurance exercise is increased when experiencing symptoms of EIMD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of EIMD on physiological and metabolic responses before, during and after sub-maximal running. After a 12 h fast, eight healthy male participants completed baseline measurements comprising resting metabolic rate (RMR), indirect markers of EIMD, 10 min of sub-maximal running and 30 min of recovery to ascertain excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). Measurements were then repeated at 24 and 48 h after 100 Smith-machine squats. Data analysis revealed significant (P<0.05) increases in muscle soreness and creatine kinase (CK) and decreases in peak knee extensor torque at 24 and 48 h after squatting exercise. Moreover, RMR, physiological, metabolic and perceptual responses during sub-maximal running and EPOC were increased in the two days after squatting exercise (P<0.05). It is suggested that the elevated RMR was a consequence of a raised energy requirement for the degradation and resynthesis of damaged muscle fibres. The increased oxygen demand during sub-maximal running after muscle damage was responsible for the increase in EPOC. Individuals engaging in unaccustomed resistance exercise that results in muscle damage should be mindful of the increases in resting energy expenditure and increased metabolic demand to exercise in the days that follow.     

Creatine kinase activity weakly correlates to volume completed following upper body resistance exercise

In the current study, we examined the relationship between serum creatine kinase (CK) activity following upper body resistance exercise with a 1- or 3-min rest between sets. Twenty men performed two sessions, each consisting of four sets with a 10-repetition maximum load. The results demonstrated significantly greater volume for the 3-min condition (M = 4156 kg, SD = 867, for 3 min; vs. M = 3503 kg SD = 759, for 1 min; p < .001), with no significant differences in delta CK activity between conditions (p = .574). Nevertheless, there was a weak correlation between the delta CK activity and total volume of exercise completed (r = .55 with a 1-min rest, and r = .45 with a 3-min rest). Therefore, the volume following upper body resistance exercise correlates weakly with serum CK levels, irrespective of rest interval length between sets.