A single session of treadmill running has no effect on plasma total ghrelin concentrations

Abstract

Ghrelin is a hormone that stimulates hunger. Intense exercise has been shown to temporarily suppress hunger after exercise. In the present study, we investigated whether post-exercise hunger suppression is mediated by reduced plasma total ghrelin concentrations. Nine men and nine women participated in the study. Their mean physical characteristics were as follows: age 24.8 (s _x  = 0.9) years, body mass index 22.9 (s _x  = 0.6) kg · m^?2, maximal oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O_2max) 57.7 (s _x  = 2.2) ml · kg^?1 · min^?1. The participants completed two 3-h trials (exercise and control) on separate days in a randomized balanced design after overnight fasts. The exercise trial involved a 1-h treadmill run at 73.5% of [Vdot]O_2max followed by 2 h of rest. The control trial consisted of 3 h of rest. Blood samples were collected at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 h. Total ghrelin concentrations were determined from plasma. Hunger was assessed following blood sampling using a 15-point scale. The data were analysed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Hunger scores were lower in the exercise trial than in the control trial (trial, P = 0.009; time, P < 0.001; trial × time, P < 0.001). Plasma total ghrelin concentrations did not differ between trials. These findings indicate that treadmill running suppresses hunger but this effect is not mediated by changes in plasma total ghrelin concentration.     

Effects of treadmill running and fatigue on impact acceleration in distance running

The effects of treadmill running on impact acceleration were examined together with the interaction between running surface and runner's fatigue state. Twenty recreational runners (11 men and 9 women) ran overground and on a treadmill (at 4.0 m/s) before and after a fatigue protocol consisting of a 30-minute run at 85% of individual maximal aerobic speed. Impact accelerations were analysed using two lightweight capacitive uniaxial accelerometers. A two-way repeated-measure analysis of variance showed that, in the pre-fatigue condition, the treadmill running decreased head and tibial peak impact accelerations and impact rates (the rate of change of acceleration), but no significant difference was observed between the two surfaces in shock attenuation. There was no significant difference in acceleration parameters between the two surfaces in the post-fatigue condition. There was a significant interaction between surface (treadmill and overground) and fatigue state (pre-fatigue and post-fatigue). In particular, fatigue when running overground decreased impact acceleration severity, but it had no such effect when running on the treadmill. The effects of treadmill running and the interaction need to be taken into account when interpreting the results of studies that use a treadmill in their experimental protocols, and when prescribing physical exercise.     

The effect of interdian and diurnal variation on oxygen uptake kinetics during treadmill running

The aim of this study was to examine the variability of the oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetic response during moderate- and high-intensity treadmill exercise within the same day (at 06:00, 12:00 and 18:00 h) and across days (on five occasions). Nine participants (age 25 +/- 8 years, mass 70.2 +/- 4.7 kg, VO2max 4137 +/- 697 ml x min(-1); mean +/- s) took part in the study. Six of the participants performed replicate 'square-wave' rest-to-exercise transitions of 6 min duration at running speeds calculated to require 80% VO2 at the ventilatory threshold (moderate-intensity exercise) and 50% of the difference between VO2 at the ventilatory threshold and VO2max (50% delta; high-intensity exercise) on 5 different days. Although the amplitudes of the VO2 response were relatively constant (coefficient of variation approximately 6%) from day to day, the time-based parameters were more variable (coefficient of variation approximately 15 to 30%). All nine participants performed replicate square-waves for each time of day. There was no diurnal effect on the time-based parameters of VO2 kinetics during either moderate- or high-intensity exercise. However, for high-intensity exercise, the amplitude of the primary component was significantly lower during the 12:00 h trial (2859 +/- 142 ml x min(-1) vs 2955 +/- 135 ml x min(-1) at 06:00 h and 2937 +/- 137 ml x min(-1) at 18:00 h; P < 0.05), but this effect was eliminated when expressed relative to body mass. The results of this study indicate that the amplitudes of the VO2 kinetic responses to moderate- and high-intensity treadmill exercise are similar within and across test days. The time-based parameters, however, are more variable from day to day and multiple transitions are, therefore, recommended to increase confidence in the data.     

Metabolic cost of running is greater on a treadmill with a stiffer running platform

Exercise testing on motorised treadmills provides valuable information about running performance and metabolism; however, the impact of treadmill type on these tests has not been investigated. This study compared the energy demand of running on two laboratory treadmills: an HP Cosmos (C) and a Quinton (Q) model, with the latter having a 4.5 times stiffer running platform. Twelve experienced runners ran identical bouts on these treadmills at a range of four submaximal velocities (reported data is for the velocity that approximated 75–81% VO_2max). The stiffer treadmill elicited higher oxygen consumption (C: 46.7 ± 3.8; Q: 50.1 ± 4.3 ml·kg^?1 · min^?1), energy expenditure (C: 16.0 ± 2.5; Q: 17.7 ± 2.9 kcal · min^?1), carbohydrate oxidation (C: 9.6 ± 3.1; Q: 13.0 ± 3.9 kcal · min^?1), heart rate (C: 155 ± 16; Q: 163 ± 16 beats · min^?1) and rating of perceived exertion (C: 13.8 ± 1.2; Q: 14.7 ± 1.2), but lower fat oxidation (C: 6.4 ± 2.3; Q: 4.6 ± 2.5 kcal · min^?1) (all analysis of variance treadmill comparisons P < 0.01). This study confirms that caution is required when comparing performance and metabolic results between different treadmills and suggests that treadmills will vary in their comparability to over-ground running depending on the running platform stiffness.     

Acute and chronic effects of aquatic treadmill training on land treadmill running kinematics: A cross-over and single-subject design approach

The aim of this study was to determine if selected kinematic measures (foot strike index [SI], knee contact angle and overstride angle) were different between aquatic treadmill (ATM) and land treadmill (LTM) running, and to determine if these measures were altered during LTM running as a result of 6 weeks of ATM training. Acute effects were tested using 15 competitive distance runners who completed 1 session of running on each treadmill type at 5 different running speeds. Subsequently, three recreational runners completed 6 weeks of ATM training following a single-subject baseline, intervention and withdrawal experiment. Kinematic measures were quantified from digitisation of video. Regardless of speed, SI values during ATM running (61.3 ± 17%) were significantly greater (P = 0.002) than LTM running (42.7 ± 23%). Training on the ATM did not change (pre/post) the SI (26 ± 3.2/27 ± 3.1), knee contact angle (165 ± 0.3/164 ± 0.8) or overstride angle (89 ± 0.4/89 ± 0.1) during LTM running. Although SI values were different between acute ATM and LTM running, 6 weeks of ATM training did not appear to alter LTM running kinematics as evidenced by no change in kinematic values from baseline to post intervention assessments.     

Comparison of maximal anaerobic running tests on a treadmill and track

To develop a track version of the maximal anaerobic running test, 10 sprint runners and 12 distance runners performed the test on a treadmill and on a track. The treadmill test consisted of incremental 20-s runs with a 100-s recovery between the runs. On the track, 20-s runs were replaced by 150-m runs. To determine the blood lactate versus running velocity curve, fingertip blood samples were taken for analysis of blood lactate concentration at rest and after each run. For both the treadmill and track protocols, maximal running velocity (v max), the velocities associated with blood lactate concentrations of 10 mmol x l-1 (v10 mM) and 5 mmol x l(-1) (v5 mM), and the peak blood lactate concentration were determined. The results of both protocols were compared with the seasonal best 400-m runs for the sprint runners and seasonal best 1000-m time-trials for the distance runners. Maximal running velocity was significantly higher on the track (7.57 +/- 0.79 m x s(-1)) than on the treadmill (7.13 +/- 0.75 m x s(-1)), and sprint runners had significantly higher vmax, v10 mM, and peak blood lactate concentration than distance runners (P < 0.05). The Pearson product--moment correlation coefficients between the variables for the track and treadmill protocols were 0.96 (v max), 0.82 (v10 mM), 0.70 (v5 mM), and 0.78 (peak blood lactate concentration) (P < 0.05). In sprint runners, the velocity of the seasonal best 400-m run correlated positively with vmax in the treadmill (r = 0.90, P < 0.001) and track protocols (r = 0.92, P < 0.001). In distance runners, a positive correlation was observed between the velocity of the 1000-m time-trial and vmax in the treadmill (r = 0.70, P < 0.01) and track protocols (r = 0.63, P < 0.05). It is apparent that the results from the track protocol are related to, and in agreement with, the results of the treadmill protocol. In conclusion, the track version of the maximal anaerobic running test is a valid means of measuring different determinants of sprint running performance.     

Kinematics and metabolic cost of running on an irregular treadmill surface

The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinematic and metabolic effects of running on an irregular surface. We also examined how altering the frontal plane foot angle (inversion/eversion) at contact using real-time visual feedback would affect these other variables. Sixteen participants completed three running bouts lasting 5–7 minutes each on an irregular surface (IS) treadmill, a traditional smooth surface (SS) treadmill, and on SS while receiving visual feedback of the frontal plane foot angle at contact (SSF) with a goal of matching IS foot angle on SS. Frontal plane foot angle increased 40% from IS to SS (IS: 8.4 ± 4.09°, SS: 11.8 ± 4.52°, P < 0.0001, ES 1.40). Knee flexion angle at contact decreased 33% from IS to SS (IS: 9.2 ± 4.88°, SS: 6.2 ± 5.03°, P < 0.0001, ES 1.30). Rate of oxygen consumption decreased by 10% from IS to SS (IS: 37.9 ± 5.68 ml·kg^?1·min^?1, SS: 34.1 ± 5.07 ml·kg^?1·min^?1, P < 0.0001, ES 3.05). PSD of leg accelerations decreased by 38% (IS: 0.17 ± 0.07 g²/Hz, SS: 0.106 ± 0.05 g²/Hz, P < 0.000, ES 1.69). Frontal plane foot angle decreased by 14% from SS to SSF (SS: 11.8 ± 4.52°, SSF: 10.1 ± 4.42°, P = 0.027. ES 0.62) but did not result in significant changes in any other variables. There were no significant differences in shock attenuation between any conditions (IS: ?9.8 ± 2.26 dB, SS: ?9.5 ± 3.12 dB, SSF: ?9.9 ± 2.62 dB, P = 0.671). Running with greater eversion on the irregular surface may be an attempt by runners to reduce the perceived potential of an inversion ankle sprain. As a partial compensation for the decreased foot angle, runners increased knee flexion. This maintained shock attenuation but increased the rate of oxygen consumption. Altering the foot angle at contact using feedback on the SS caused the knee angle at contact to increase, but did not change shock attenuation or metabolic cost.     

Influence of test duration on oxygen uptake attained during treadmill running

Abstract

Previous investigations have revealed that in well-trained middle-distance runners, oxygen uptake (VO₂) does not attain maximal values (VO_2max) in exhaustive treadmill trials where the VO₂ demand exceeds VO_2max. To date, this shortfall in the VO₂ attained has been demonstrated in trials as short as 2 min in duration. In this study, we investigated whether a reduction in exhaustive test duration influences the VO₂ attained during running on a treadmill. Six middle-distance runners participated in the study, completing an exhaustive 400 m and 800 m trial. These trials, together with a progressive test to determine VO_2max, were completed in a counterbalanced order. Oxygen uptakes attained during the 400 m and 800 m trials were compared to examine the influence of exhaustive test duration. A plateau in VO₂ was observed in all participants for the progressive test, demonstrating the attainment of VO_2max. The mean speed, duration, and resulting distance in the constant-speed exhaustive trials were 25.8 km · h^?1 (s=1.2), 55.8 s (s=2.3), and 400.2 m (s=20.2) for the 400 m trial, and 24.3 km · h^?1 (s=0.8), 108.4 s (s=21.2), and 730.1 m (s=129.1) for the 800 m trial, respectively. A paired-samples t-test revealed a significantly different (P=0.018)%VO_2max was attained for the 400 m (85.7%, s=3.0) and 800 m (89.1%, s=5.0) trials. In conclusion, VO₂ did not reach VO_2max during the exhaustive constant-speed 400 m and 800 m trials, but the test duration does influence the%VO_2max achieved. Specifically, the VO₂ attained becomes progressively further below VO_2max as trial duration is reduced, such that 89% and 86% VO_2max is achieved in exhaustive 800 m and 400 m constant-speed trials, respectively.     

Comparison of maximal anaerobic running tests on a treadmill and track

Abstract

To develop a track version of the maximal anaerobic running test, 10 sprint runners and 12 distance runners performed the test on a treadmill and on a track. The treadmill test consisted of incremental 20-s runs with a 100-s recovery between the runs. On the track, 20-s runs were replaced by 150-m runs. To determine the blood lactate versus running velocity curve, fingertip blood samples were taken for analysis of blood lactate concentration at rest and after each run. For both the treadmill and track protocols, maximal running velocity (v _max), the velocities associated with blood lactate concentrations of 10 mmol · l^?1 ( v _10 mM) and 5 mmol · l^?1 ( v _5 mM), and the peak blood lactate concentration were determined. The results of both protocols were compared with the seasonal best 400-m runs for the sprint runners and seasonal best 1000-m time-trials for the distance runners. Maximal running velocity was significantly higher on the track (7.57 ± 0.79 m · s^?1) than on the treadmill (7.13 ± 0.75 m · s^?1), and sprint runners had significantly higher v _max, v _10 mM, and peak blood lactate concentration than distance runners (P<0.05). The Pearson product – moment correlation coefficients between the variables for the track and treadmill protocols were 0.96 (v _max), 0.82 (v _10 mM), 0.70 (v _5 mM), and 0.78 (peak blood lactate concentration) (P<0.05). In sprint runners, the velocity of the seasonal best 400-m run correlated positively with v _max in the treadmill (r = 0.90, P<0.001) and track protocols (r = 0.92, P<0.001). In distance runners, a positive correlation was observed between the velocity of the 1000-m time-trial and v _max in the treadmill (r = 0.70, P<0.01) and track protocols (r = 0.63, P<0.05). It is apparent that the results from the track protocol are related to, and in agreement with, the results of the treadmill protocol. In conclusion, the track version of the maximal anaerobic running test is a valid means of measuring different determinants of sprint running performance.     

The relative age effect has no influence on match outcome in youth soccer

PurposeIn age-restricted youth sport, the over-selection of athletes born in the first quarter of the year and under-selection of athletes born in the last quarter of the year has been called the relative age effect (RAE). Its existence in youth sports like soccer is well established. Why it occurs has not been identified, however, one thought is that older players, generally taller and heavier, are thought to improve the team's chances of winning. To test this assumption, birth dates and match outcome were correlated to see if teams with the oldest mean age had a systematic advantage against teams with younger mean ages.MethodsPlayer birth dates and team records (n = 5943 players on 371 teams; both genders; U11–U16) were obtained from the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association for the highest level of statewide youth competition.ResultsThe presence of an RAE was demonstrated with significant oversampling from players born in the 1st vs. the 4th quarter (overall: 29.6% vs. 20.9% respectively, p < 0.0001). Mean team age was regressed on match outcomes (winning %, points/match, points/goal, and goals for, against, and goal difference), but there was no evidence of any systematic influence of mean team age and match outcomes, except possibly in U11 males.ConclusionSelecting players based on physical maturity (and subsequently, on age) does not appear to have any systematic influence on match outcome or season record in youth soccer suggesting that the selection process should be focused on player ability and not on physical maturation.     

A new method for recording the temporal pattern of stride during treadmill running

The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of a new infrared light based method (IR₄₀) for recording temporal stride patterns during treadmill running. The IR₄₀ device, emitting a tight web of 40 infrared light beams 10 mm above the treadmill running surface, was compared to a previously validated electro-pneumatic contact shoe (CS) method while nine well-trained athletes ran at 2.8, 3.3, 3.9, 4.4, 5.0, and 5.6 m s⁻¹. Disconnection and reconnection of the IR beams marked the stance phase. The sampling rate was 500 Hz for both methods. The stance phase duration was on average 11.5 (±8.4) ms longer with the IR₄₀ than with the CS depending on earlier touch down (8.3 ± 6.2 ms) and delayed toe off (3.2 ± 5.3 ms) registrations. Significantly different stance phases were recorded between all velocities and for both methods. Thus, despite the fact that the IR₄₀ systematically measured a somewhat longer stance phase duration than CS, the IR₄₀ is nonetheless useful for temporal stride analysis during treadmill running.     

The validity of endurance running performance on the Curve 3TM non-motorised treadmill

This study aimed to test the validity of a non-motorised treadmill (NMT) for the measurement of self-paced overground endurance running performance. Ten male runners performed randomised 5-km running time trials on a NMT and an outdoor athletics track. A range of physiological and perceptual responses was measured, and foot strike was classified subjectively. Performance time was strongly correlated (r = 0.82, ICC = 0.86) between running modes, despite running time being significantly longer on the NMT (1264 ± 124 s vs. 1536 ± 130 s for overground and NMT, respectively; P < 0.001). End blood lactate concentration and rating of perceived exertion were significantly higher on the NMT compared to overground. Integrated electromyography was significantly lower on the NMT for three muscles (P < 0.05), and mean stride rate was also significantly lower on the NMT (P = 0.04). Cardiorespiratory responses of heart rate, oxygen uptake and expired air volume demonstrated strong correlations (r = 0.68–0.96, ICC = 0.75–0.97) and no statistical differences (P > 0.05). Runners were consistently slower on the NMT, and as such it should not be used to measure performance over a specific distance. However, the strong correlations suggest that superior overground performance was reflected in relative terms on the NMT, and therefore, it is a valid tool for the assessment of endurance running performance in the laboratory.     

A single session of resistance exercise does not reduce postprandial lipaemia

This study investigated the effect of a single session of resistance exercise on postprandial lipaemia. Eleven healthy normolipidaemic men with a mean age of 23 (standard error = 1.4) years performed two trials at least 1 week apart in a counterbalanced randomized design. In each trial, participants consumed a test meal (1.2 g fat, 1.1 g carbohydrate, 0.2 g protein and 68 kJ x kg(-1) body mass) between 08.00 and 09.00 h following a 12 h fast. The afternoon before one trial, the participants performed an 88 min bout of resistance exercise. Before the other trial, the participants were inactive (control trial). Resistance exercise was performed using free weights and included four sets of 10 repetitions of each of 11 exercises. Sets were performed at 80% of 10-repetition maximum with a 2 min work and rest interval. Venous blood samples were obtained in the fasted state and at intervals for 6 h postprandially. Fasting plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) concentration did not differ significantly between control (1.03 +/- 0.13 mmol x l(-1)) and exercise (0.94 +/- 0.09 mmol x l(-1)) trials (mean +/- standard error). Similarly, the 6 h total area under the plasma TAG concentration versus time curve did not differ significantly between the control (9.84 +/- 1.40 mmol l(-1) x 6 h(-1)) and exercise (9.38 +/- 1.12 mmol x l(-1) x 6 h(-1)) trials. These findings suggest that a single session of resistance exercise does not reduce postprandial lipaemia.     

A single session of resistance exercise does not reduce postprandial lipaemia

This study investigated the effect of a single session of resistance exercise on postprandial lipaemia. Eleven healthy normolipidaemic men with a mean age of 23 (standard error = 1.4) years performed two trials at least 1 week apart in a counterbalanced randomized design. In each trial, participants consumed a test meal (1.2?g fat, 1.1?g carbohydrate, 0.2?g protein and 68 kJ?·?kg^?1 body mass) between 08.00 and 09.00?h following a 12?h fast. The afternoon before one trial, the participants performed an 88?min bout of resistance exercise. Before the other trial, the participants were inactive (control trial). Resistance exercise was performed using free weights and included four sets of 10 repetitions of each of 11 exercises. Sets were performed at 80% of 10-repetition maximum with a 2?min work and rest interval. Venous blood samples were obtained in the fasted state and at intervals for 6?h postprandially. Fasting plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) concentration did not differ significantly between control (1.03?±?0.13?mmol?·?l^?1) and exercise (0.94?±?0.09?mmol?·?l^?1) trials (mean?± standard error). Similarly, the 6?h total area under the plasma TAG concentration versus time curve did not differ significantly between the control (9.84?±?1.40?mmol?·?l^?1?·?6?h^?1) and exercise (9.38?±?1.12?mmol?·?l^?1?·?6?h^?1) trials. These findings suggest that a single session of resistance exercise does not reduce postprandial lipaemia.     

A wireless accelerometer node for reliable and valid measurement of lumbar accelerations during treadmill running

This study investigated the reliability of a wireless accelerometer and its agreement with optical motion capture for the measurement of root mean square (RMS) acceleration during running. RMS acceleration provides a whole-body metric of movement mechanics and economy. Fifteen healthy college-age participants performed treadmill running for two 60-s trials at 2.22, 2.78, and 3.33 m/s and one trial of 150 s (five 30-s epochs) at 2.78 m/s. We assessed between-trial and within-trial reliability, and agreement in each axis between a trunk-mounted wireless accelerometer and a reflective marker on the accelerometer measured by optical motion capture. Intraclass correlations assessing between-trial repeatability were 0.89–0.97, depending on the axis, and intraclass correlations assessing within-trial repeatability were 0.99–1.00. Bland–Altman analyses assessing agreement indicated mean difference values between ?0.03 and 0.03 g, depending on the axis. Anterio-posterior acceleration had the greatest limits of agreement (LOA) (±0.12 g) and vertical acceleration had the smallest LOA (±0.03 g). For measuring RMS acceleration of the trunk, this wireless accelerometer node provides repeatable and valid measurement compared with the standard laboratory method of optical motion capture.     

Effect of resistance training regimens on treadmill running and neuromuscular performance in recreational endurance runners

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of heavy resistance, explosive resistance, and muscle endurance training on neuromuscular, endurance, and high-intensity running performance in recreational endurance runners. Twenty-seven male runners were divided into one of three groups: heavy resistance, explosive resistance or muscle endurance training. After 6 weeks of preparatory training, the groups underwent an 8-week resistance training programme as a supplement to endurance training. Before and after the 8-week training period, maximal strength (one-repetition maximum), electromyographic activity of the leg extensors, countermovement jump height, maximal speed in the maximal anaerobic running test, maximal endurance performance, maximal oxygen uptake ([V·]O(?max)), and running economy were assessed. Maximal strength improved in the heavy (P = 0.034, effect size ES = 0.38) and explosive resistance training groups (P = 0.003, ES = 0.67) with increases in leg muscle activation (heavy: P = 0.032, ES = 0.38; explosive: P = 0.002, ES = 0.77). Only the heavy resistance training group improved maximal running speed in the maximal anaerobic running test (P = 0.012, ES = 0.52) and jump height (P = 0.006, ES = 0.59). Maximal endurance running performance was improved in all groups (heavy: P = 0.005, ES = 0.56; explosive: P = 0.034, ES = 0.39; muscle endurance: P = 0.001, ES = 0.94), with small though not statistically significant improvements in [V·]O(?max) (heavy: ES = 0.08; explosive: ES = 0.29; muscle endurance: ES = 0.65) and running economy (ES in all groups < 0.08). All three modes of strength training used concurrently with endurance training were effective in improving treadmill running endurance performance. However, both heavy and explosive strength training were beneficial in improving neuromuscular characteristics, and heavy resistance training in particular contributed to improvements in high-intensity running characteristics. Thus, endurance runners should include heavy resistance training in their training programmes to enhance endurance performance, such as improving sprinting ability at the end of a race.     

Effect of resistance training regimens on treadmill running and neuromuscular performance in recreational endurance runners

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of heavy resistance, explosive resistance, and muscle endurance training on neuromuscular, endurance, and high-intensity running performance in recreational endurance runners. Twenty-seven male runners were divided into one of three groups: heavy resistance, explosive resistance or muscle endurance training. After 6 weeks of preparatory training, the groups underwent an 8-week resistance training programme as a supplement to endurance training. Before and after the 8-week training period, maximal strength (one-repetition maximum), electromyographic activity of the leg extensors, countermovement jump height, maximal speed in the maximal anaerobic running test, maximal endurance performance, maximal oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O_2max), and running economy were assessed. Maximal strength improved in the heavy (P = 0.034, effect size ES = 0.38) and explosive resistance training groups (P = 0.003, ES = 0.67) with increases in leg muscle activation (heavy: P = 0.032, ES = 0.38; explosive: P = 0.002, ES = 0.77). Only the heavy resistance training group improved maximal running speed in the maximal anaerobic running test (P = 0.012, ES = 0.52) and jump height (P = 0.006, ES = 0.59). Maximal endurance running performance was improved in all groups (heavy: P = 0.005, ES = 0.56; explosive: P = 0.034, ES = 0.39; muscle endurance: P = 0.001, ES = 0.94), with small though not statistically significant improvements in [Vdot]O_2max (heavy: ES = 0.08; explosive: ES = 0.29; muscle endurance: ES = 0.65) and running economy (ES in all groups < 0.08). All three modes of strength training used concurrently with endurance training were effective in improving treadmill running endurance performance. However, both heavy and explosive strength training were beneficial in improving neuromuscular characteristics, and heavy resistance training in particular contributed to improvements in high-intensity running characteristics. Thus, endurance runners should include heavy resistance training in their training programmes to enhance endurance performance, such as improving sprinting ability at the end of a race.     

健身跑对增进大学生身体健康的研究

如何增强学生体质,增进学生健康,如何采取行之有效、简便易行的健身方法,是本课题研究的主要内容.通过实验,健身跑对增进大学生身体健康有着积极影响.     

无痛苦跑对改善大学生跑步恐惧心理的影响

分析了高校传统耐力跑教学导致的学生厌学情绪和恐惧心理,进行了无痛苦跑的教学实验。指出:极点和痛苦并无健康价值,无痛苦跑不是惧怕和回避痛苦,而是另一种积极面对。结果表明,学生对无痛苦跑支持率为69%,学生恐惧心理和厌学情绪得到明显的改善。     

The effect of attentional focus on running economy

Abstract

In research on motor control, the detrimental effect of an internal focus of attention on movement execution of well-learned motor skills is a frequently replicated finding. This experimental study was designed to determine whether this effect is observed with physiological variables during endurance exercise. We examined whether the focus of attention can influence running economy (oxygen consumption at a set running speed). Trained runners had to focus their attention on three different aspects while running on a treadmill. For three consecutive 10-min periods, runners concentrated on the running movement, on their breathing, and on their surroundings. Results showed an increased running economy in the external focus condition. In line with research on motor control, endurance sport also shows that an external focus of attention is better than an internal focus in terms of the physiological performance measure of oxygen consumption.