Work-time profile,blood lactate concentration and rating of perceived exertion in the 1998 Greco-Roman Wrestling World Championship

The aim of this study was to examine work-time profiles, blood lactate concentrations and perceived exertion among Greco-Roman wrestlers in the 1998 World Championship. Forty-two senior wrestlers from nine nations were studied in 94 matches. Each match was recorded with a video camera (Panasonic AG 455, film rate: 25 Hz) and analysed for duration of work (wrestling) and rest (interrupt) periods. Blood lactate concentration was determined with an electrochemical device (Analox P-LM5) and a rating of perceived exertion scale (Borg) was used to estimate general exertion and exertion in the extremity and trunk muscles. The mean duration of the matches was 427 s (range 324-535 s), with mean durations of work and rest of 317 and 110 s, respectively. The mean periods of work and rest were 37.2 and 13.8 s, respectively. Mean blood lactate concentration was 14.8 mmol x 1(-1) (range 6.9-20.6). The difference in mean blood lactate concentration between the first- and final-round matches was not significant (P > 0.05). Blood lactate concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.04) in matches of long duration than in those of short duration. The mean general rating of perceived exertion for all matches was 13.8 according to the scale used. Most of the wrestlers (53.3%) perceived exertion to be highest in the flexors of the forearm, followed by the deltoids (17.4%) and the biceps brachii muscles (12.0%). In addition to a relatively high rating of perceived exertion in the arm muscles, this indicates a high specific load on the flexor muscles of the forearm.     

Sodium lactate infusion during a cycling time-trial does not increase lactate concentration or decrease performance

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine whether an exogenous sodium lactate infusion increases blood lactate concentration and decreases performance during a 20-km time-trial. Highly trained male cyclists performed a 20-km time-trial with a saline (control) or sodium lactate infusion. Sodium lactate was infused at rates previously observed to raise blood lactate concentration by 2 mmol·l^?1 in trained individuals cycling at 65% of maximum oxygen uptake. Blood lactate concentration increased (P≤0.0001) during both the control and sodium lactate trials compared with rest, with peak values of 9.6 and 10.6 mmol·l^?1, respectively. The increase in sodium lactate over time was not significantly different from the control (P=0.34). Time to complete the time-trial and average power for the time-trial were not significantly different between the control (25.72±0.80 min; 348.0±32.4 W) and sodium lactate trials (25.58±0.93 min; 352.6±39.3 W). In addition, rating of perceived exertion, heart rate, and respiratory parameters did not differ between trials. In conclusion, when exogenous lactate is infused during a 20-km cycling time-trial, an exercise bout performed above the maximal lactate steady state, blood lactate concentration did not increase. Furthermore, exogenous lactate infusion did not decrease exercise performance, increase perceived exertion, or change respiratory parameters. Because lactate per se did not change performance outcomes or measured perceived exertion, we suggest that alternative objective measures of exercise intensity and performance be explored.     

Effect of cold water immersion on repeat cycling performance and thermoregulation in the heat

To assess the effect of cold water immersion and active recovery on thermoregulation and repeat cycling performance in the heat, ten well-trained male cyclists completed five trials, each separated by one week. Each trial consisted of a 30-min exercise task, one of five 15-min recoveries (intermittent cold water immersion in 10 degrees C, 15 degrees C and 20 degrees C water, continuous cold water immersion in 20 degrees C water or active recovery), followed by 40 min passive recovery, before repeating the 30-min exercise task. Recovery strategy effectiveness was assessed via changes in total work in the second exercise task compared with that in the first. Following active recovery, a mean 4.1% (s = 1.8) less total work (P = 0.00) was completed in the second than in the first exercise task. However, no significant differences in total work were observed between any of the cold water immersion protocols. Core and skin temperature, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, rating of thermal sensation, and rating of perceived exertion were recorded. During both exercise tasks there were no significant differences in blood lactate concentration between interventions; however, following active recovery blood lactate concentration was significantly lower (P < 0.05; 2.0 +/- 0.8 mmol . l(-1)) compared with all cold water immersion protocols. All cold water immersion protocols were effective in reducing thermal strain and were more effective in maintaining subsequent high-intensity cycling performance than active recovery.     

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

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

Comparison of physiological responses to morning and evening submaximal running

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

Comparison of physiological responses to morning and evening submaximal running

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

The physiological cost of velocity coupling during tennis groundstrokes

Velocity coupling denotes a perceptual motor behaviour known to occur during coincidence timing tasks. Individuals have been shown to increase their effector limb speed with increases in stimulus speed during interceptive tasks. However, little is known about the physiological effects of velocity coupling. The aim of this study was to determine the physiological cost of velocity coupling during tennis groundstrokes. Eight male and eight female competitive tennis players volunteered to perform three 4-min bouts of continuous groundstrokes against balls projected from a tennis ball machine at speeds of 18, 22, and 27 m x s(-1) (65, 79, and 97 km x h(-1)) and a frequency of 14 balls per minute, the order of which was counterbalanced. Breath-by-breath pulmonary gas exchange, heart rate, locomotion time, and limb acceleration were measured throughout each of the 4-min bouts. Capillary blood samples (for blood lactate analysis), rating of perceived exertion, and difficulty rating were taken at the end of each bout. Increasing ball speed did not influence the locomotion time between groundstrokes but did result in a bilateral increase in both the mean upper- and lower-limb acceleration (all P < 0.05). Velocity coupling behaviour increased oxygen uptake, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and perceived task difficulty (all P < 0.05). It would appear, therefore, that velocity coupling influenced tennis groundstroke behaviour and indirectly modified the concurrent cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses.     

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

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

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

Abstract

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

Exercise-induced hypoalgesia: Pain tolerance,preference and tolerance for exercise intensity,and physiological correlates following dynamic circuit resistance exercise

Previous research has demonstrated significant decreases in pain perception in healthy individuals following both aerobic and upper body resistance exercise, but research on circuit training has been limited. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of a strenuous bout of dynamic circuit resistance exercise on pain threshold and pain tolerance in conjunction with changes in blood lactate levels, heart rate (HR), and perceived exertion. A sample of 24 college-age students participated in 2 sessions: (1) a maximal strength testing session and (2) a circuit training bout of exercise that consisted of 3 sets of 12 repetitions with a 1:1 work to rest ratio at 60% one-repetition maximum (1-RM) predicted from a three-repetition maximum (3-RM) for 9 exercises. Participants exhibited increases in pain tolerance, blood lactate levels, HR and perceived exertion following resistance exercise. Preference for exercise intensity was positively correlated with lactate post exercise and tolerance for exercise intensity was positively correlated with pain tolerance and lactate post exercise. In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate increases in pain tolerance following a dynamic circuit resistance exercise protocol and disposition for exercise intensity may influence lactate and pain responses to circuit resistance exercise.     

Performance in a simulated cricket batting innings (BATEX): reliability and discrimination between playing standards

The reliability (test-retest) of running-between-the-wickets times and skill performance was assessed during a batting exercise (BATEX) simulation of 2 h 20 min duration that requires intermittent shuttle running. In addition, performance and physiological responses (heart rate, sweat rate, rating of perceived exertion, blood lactate concentration) were compared between high- and low-grade district club batsmen (n = 22, mean ± s: age 20 ± 2 years, mass 73.4 ± 8.5 kg). Running-between-the-wickets performance was assessed with an infra-red timing system (Swift, Australia) by sampling a 5-m time for the middle section of the straight-line sprints (singles) and the time to complete 5 m in and out of the turn (5-0-5-m turn time). Skill performance was rated as a percentage for good bat-ball contacts. Coefficients of variation for running-between-the-wickets performance and percentage of good bat-ball contacts were both <5%. Percentage of good bat-ball contacts was greater in the high- than low-grade batsmen (70 ± 8 vs. 58 ± 9%, P = 0.01). All other variables were similar between grades. Running-between-the-wickets and skill-performance measures during the BATEX simulation were reliable, thus it can be used in future research.     

Effect of cold water immersion on repeat cycling performance and thermoregulation in the heat

Abstract

To assess the effect of cold water immersion and active recovery on thermoregulation and repeat cycling performance in the heat, ten well-trained male cyclists completed five trials, each separated by one week. Each trial consisted of a 30-min exercise task, one of five 15-min recoveries (intermittent cold water immersion in 10°C, 15°C and 20°C water, continuous cold water immersion in 20°C water or active recovery), followed by 40 min passive recovery, before repeating the 30-min exercise task. Recovery strategy effectiveness was assessed via changes in total work in the second exercise task compared with that in the first. Following active recovery, a mean 4.1% (s = 1.8) less total work (P = 0.00) was completed in the second than in the first exercise task. However, no significant differences in total work were observed between any of the cold water immersion protocols. Core and skin temperature, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, rating of thermal sensation, and rating of perceived exertion were recorded. During both exercise tasks there were no significant differences in blood lactate concentration between interventions; however, following active recovery blood lactate concentration was significantly lower (P < 0.05; 2.0 ± 0.8 mmol · l^?1) compared with all cold water immersion protocols. All cold water immersion protocols were effective in reducing thermal strain and were more effective in maintaining subsequent high-intensity cycling performance than active recovery.     

The effect of caffeine ingestion on 8 km run performance in a field setting

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of caffeine ingestion on 8 km run performance using an ecologically valid test protocol. A randomized double-blind crossover study was conducted involving eight male distance runners. The participants ran an 8 km race 1 h after ingesting a placebo capsule, a caffeine capsule (3 mg x kg(-1) body mass) or no supplement. Heart rate was recorded at 5 s intervals throughout the race. Blood lactate concentration and ratings of perceived exertion were recorded after exercise. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified a significant treatment effect for 8 km performance time (P < 0.05); caffeine resulted in a mean improvement of 23.8 s (95% confidence interval [CI] = 13.1 to 34.5 s) in 8 km performance time (1.2% improvement, 95% CI = 0.7 to 1.8%). In addition, a two-way (time x condition) repeated-measures ANOVA identified a significantly higher blood lactate concentration 3 min after exercise during the caffeine trial (P < 0.05). We conclude that ingestion of 3 mg . kg(-1) body mass of caffeine can improve absolute 8 km run performance in an ecologically valid race setting.     

The physiological cost of velocity coupling during tennis groundstrokes

Abstract

Velocity coupling denotes a perceptual motor behaviour known to occur during coincidence timing tasks. Individuals have been shown to increase their effector limb speed with increases in stimulus speed during interceptive tasks. However, little is known about the physiological effects of velocity coupling. The aim of this study was to determine the physiological cost of velocity coupling during tennis groundstrokes. Eight male and eight female competitive tennis players volunteered to perform three 4-min bouts of continuous groundstrokes against balls projected from a tennis ball machine at speeds of 18, 22, and 27 m · s^?1 (65, 79, and 97 km · h^?1) and a frequency of 14 balls per minute, the order of which was counterbalanced. Breath-by-breath pulmonary gas exchange, heart rate, locomotion time, and limb acceleration were measured throughout each of the 4-min bouts. Capillary blood samples (for blood lactate analysis), rating of perceived exertion, and difficulty rating were taken at the end of each bout. Increasing ball speed did not influence the locomotion time between groundstrokes but did result in a bilateral increase in both the mean upper- and lower-limb acceleration (all P < 0.05). Velocity coupling behaviour increased oxygen uptake, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and perceived task difficulty (all P < 0.05). It would appear, therefore, that velocity coupling influenced tennis groundstroke behaviour and indirectly modified the concurrent cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses.     

Physiological,movement and technical demands of centre-wicket Battlezone,traditional net-based training and one-day cricket matches: a comparative study of sub-elite cricket players

Abstract

This study compared physiological, physical and technical demands of Battlezone, traditional cricket training and one-day matches. Data were initially collected from 11 amateur, male cricket players (age: 22.2 ± 3.3 year, height: 1.82 ± 0.06 m body mass: 80.4 ± 9.8 kg) during four Battlezone and four traditional cricket training sessions encompassing different playing positions. Heart rate, blood lactate concentration, rating of perceived exertion and movement patterns of players were measured. Retrospective video analysis was performed to code for technical outcomes. Similar data were collected from 42 amateur, male cricket players (23.5 ± 4.7 year, 1.81 ± 0.07 m, 81.4 ± 11.4 kg) during one-day matches. Significant differences were found between Battlezone, traditional cricket training and one-day matches within each playing position. Specifically, Battlezone invoked the greatest physiological and physical demands from batsmen in comparison to traditional cricket training and one-day matches. However, the greatest technical demand for batsmen was observed during traditional cricket training. In regards to the other playing positions, a greater physiological, physical and technical demand was observed during Battlezone and traditional training than during one-day matches. These results suggest that the use of Battlezone and traditional cricket training provides players with a suitable training stimulus for replicating the physiological, physical and technical demands of one-day cricket.     

The effect of crank inertial load on the physiological and biomechanical responses of trained cyclists

The existing literature suggests that crank inertial load has little effect on the responses of untrained cyclists. However, it would be useful to be aware of any possible effect in the trained population, particularly considering the many laboratory-based studies that are conducted using relatively low-inertia ergometers. Ten competitive cyclists (mean VO(2max) = 62.7 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), s = 6.1) attended the human performance laboratories at the University of Wolverhampton. Each cyclist completed two 7-min trials, at two separate inertial loads, in a counterbalanced order. The inertial loads used were 94.2 kg x m(2) (high-inertia trial) and 2.4 kg x m(2) (low-inertia trial). Several physiological and biomechanical measures were undertaken. There were no differences between inertial loads for mean peak torque, mean minimum torque, oxygen uptake, blood lactate concentration or perceived exertion. Several measures showed intra-individual variability with blood lactate concentration and mean minimum torque, demonstrating coefficients of variation > 10%. However, the results presented here are mostly consistent with previous work in suggesting that crank inertial load has little direct effect on either physiology or propulsion biomechanics during steady-state cycling, at least when cadence is controlled.     

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.     

Criterion-related validity of the Borg ratings of perceived exertion scale in healthy individuals: a meta-analysis

The literature related to Borg's ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) scale has revealed inconsistencies about the strength of the relationship between ratings of perceived exertion and various physiological criterion measures, such as heart rate, blood lactate concentration, percent maximal oxygen uptake (%VO2max), oxygen uptake (VO2), ventilation and respiration rate. Using sex of participants, fitness, type of RPE scale used, type of exercise, exercise protocol, RPE mode and study quality, we undertook a meta-analysis to determine the strength of the relationship between RPE scores and the six aforementioned physiological measures. The weighted mean validity coefficients were 0.62 for heart rate, 0.57 for blood lactate, 0.64 for %VO2max 0.63 for VO2, 0.61 for ventilation and 0.72 for respiration rate. Analysis of moderator variables revealed that the following study features could account for the variation of results across studies: heart rate--fitness, type of exercise, protocol and RPE mode; blood lactate concentration--sex, RPE scale; VO2--sex, exercise type, RPE mode; ventilation--sex, RPE mode; respiration rate--exercise protocol, RPE mode. The highest correlations between ratings of perceived exertion and the various physiological criterion measures were found in the following conditions: when male participants (whose VO2 or ventilation was measured) were required to maximally exert themselves (measuring %VO2max or ventilation); when the exercise task was unusual [e.g. when participants were swimming, which is less common than walking or running (when heart rate, %VO2max and VO2 are measured)]; or when the 15-point RPE scale (measuring blood lactate concentration) was used. These findings suggest that although Borg's RPE scale has been shown to be a valid measure of exercise intensity, its validity may not be as high as previously thought (r = 0.80-0.90), except under certain conditions.     

Match activity and physiological load during a clay-court tennis tournament in elite female players

The aim of this study was to determine the match activity and physiological demands of women's tennis during a 3-day clay-court tennis tournament. The activity profile of eight players was determined by filming each competitive match with video cameras. Metabolic-perceptual measurements--blood samples and individual ratings of perceived exertion (RPE)--were taken while the players were sitting during permitted changeover breaks in play. The activity profile of the players was as follows: strokes per rally, 2.5 +/- 1.6; rally duration, 7.2 +/- 5.2 s; rest time between rallies, 15.5 +/- 7.3 s; effective playing time, 21.6 +/- 6.1%; work-to-rest ratio, 1:2.1. Blood lactate concentration [2.2 +/- 0.9 mmol x l(-1) (n = 50) vs. 2.2 +/- 0.7 mmol x l(-1) (n = 48)] and RPE values [12.2 +/- 2.4 (n = 57) vs. 12 +/- 2.3 (n = 57)] were not significantly different (P = 0.65-0.78) between service and return games. The results highlight the importance of taking these factors (i.e. activity patterns and physiological profile) into account when planning training strategies for competitive females players. As such, tennis training regimes should be adapted to the specific demands imposed by match-play in female players on a clay-court surface.     

Blood flow restriction reduces time to muscular failure

Abstract

Exercise to failure results in similar muscle protein synthesis responses, independent of intensity. However, low-intensity exercise likely requires more repetitions and individuals with injuries may be incapable of sustaining the mechanical stress to reach failure. The aim of this study was to determine if knee wraps provide a stimulus to decrease time to failure. Twenty healthy individuals participated in a randomized crossover study consisting of three trials. The first trial was used to determine one-repetition maximum (1-RM) on leg extension. Participants were then assigned to a blood flow restriction or control group. After trial 2, participants crossed over to the opposite trial. Knee wraps were placed around the upper thigh of each leg during blood flow restriction. Leg extensions were completed at 30% 1-RM until failure. A rating of perceived exertion was taken after exercise and whole blood samples were taken before, after, and 3 min after exercise for the determination of lactate. Repetitions until failure and total work were significantly lower with practical blood flow restriction compared with the control trial. Metabolic stress as measured by whole blood lactate was higher immediately after muscular failure in the control compared with the blood flow restriction trial, but not so 3 min after exercise. There were no differences in ratings of perceived exertion. In conclusion, knee wraps provide a stimulus for blood flow restriction allowing failure to occur sooner with similar metabolic stress after reperfusion. However, similar perceptual responses despite the lower workload with blood flow restriction may limit its application to the highly motivated.