What limits [V(·)]O(2max)? A symposium held at the BASES Conference, 6 September 2010

Three modern views about the factors limiting oxygen uptake in healthy humans are set against the original (early 1920s) concept of A. V. Hill and colleagues. The majority view for most of the intervening time has been that cardiac output is the essential limiting function. Among recent research in support of this contention is that, in quadrupeds, pericardiectomy, which allows greater diastolic filling, elevates maximum oxygen uptake; however, the relevance to bipedal exercise can be questioned. In any case, algebraic analyses of model systems indicate that all identifiable stages on the oxygen transport pathway, from pulmonary diffusion to oxidative phosphorylation in skeletal muscle mitochondria, materially influence maximum uptake. Thus, if a high cardiac output is to be of benefit, all the other steps must function better too. Nevertheless, these two viewpoints concur that the limit to maximum oxygen uptake is somatic. In contrast, there are strong indications that at altitudes where oxygen availability is about half that at sea level, cerebral oxygenation is a limiting factor, and some recent experiments raise the possibility that it might be a substantial influence at sea level also. Clearly, consensus cannot yet be reached on the question posed in the title.     

Mechanisms underlying reductions in stroke volume at rest and during exercise at high altitude

High-altitude exposure challenges the cardiovascular system to maintain oxygen delivery to the mitochondria under conditions of hypoxic stress. Following acclimatisation (3–5 days), stroke volume (SV) falls to below sea-level values but heart rate remains elevated, such that cardiac output is maintained compared to sea level. The decrease in SV has been a topic of research for over 40 years, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Impaired systolic contractile function secondary to reduced coronary arterial oxygen tension has been investigated as a potential cause for the decrease in SV. However, despite in vitro evidence of impaired cardiac contractile force in severe hypoxia, the majority of studies to date have reported enhanced in vivo ventricular systolic function at rest and during exercise in humans up to and above 5000?m. However, the elevated function observed at rest has recently been suggested to reduce the functional reserve available during exercise. While in vivo systolic function appears enhanced at high altitude, a decrease in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV) and altered filling patterns of both ventricles has been observed. The reduction in ventricular filling will undoubtedly affect SV, and four potential mechanisms have been proposed to explain the reduction in left ventricular filling. In this article, both historical and recent reports of systolic function at high altitude will be reviewed, and evidence supporting and refuting each of the four mechanisms underpinning reduced left ventricular filling will be discussed.     

The influence of wearing compression stockings on performance indicators and physiological responses following a prolonged trail running exercise

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of wearing compression socks (CS) on performance indicators and physiological responses during prolonged trail running. Eleven trained runners completed a 15.6 km trail run at a competition intensity whilst wearing or not wearing CS. Counter movement jump, maximal voluntary contraction and the oxygenation profile of vastus lateralis muscle using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) method were measured before and following exercise. Run time, heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration and ratings of perceived exertion were evaluated during the CS and non-CS sessions. No significant difference in any dependent variables was observed during the run sessions. Run times were 5681.1±503.5 and 5696.7±530.7 s for the non-CS and CS conditions, respectively. The relative intensity during CS and non-CS runs corresponded to a range of 90.5–91.5% HR_max. Although NIRS measurements such as muscle oxygen uptake and muscle blood flow significantly increased following exercise (+57.7% and + 42.6%,+59.2% and + 32.4%, respectively for the CS and non-CS sessions, P<0.05), there was no difference between the run conditions. The findings suggest that competitive runners do not gain any practical or physiological benefits from wearing CS during prolonged off-road running.     

Quadriceps muscle blood flow and oxygen availability during repetitive bouts of isometric exercise in simulated sailing

Abstract

In this study, we wished to determine whether the observed reduction in quadriceps muscle oxygen availability, reported during repetitive bouts of isometric exercise in simulated sailing efforts (i.e. hiking), is because of restricted muscle blood flow. Six national-squad Laser sailors initially performed three successive 3-min hiking bouts followed by three successive 3-min cycling tests sustained at constant intensities reproducing the cardiac output recorded during each of the three hiking bouts. The blood flow index (BFI) was determined from assessment of the vastus lateralis using near-infrared spectroscopy in association with the light-absorbing tracer indocyanine green dye, while cardiac output was determined from impedance cardiography. At equivalent cardiac outputs (ranging from 10.3±0.5 to 14.8±0.86 L · min^?1), the increase from baseline in vastus lateralis BFI across the three hiking bouts (from 1.1±0.2 to 3.1±0.6 nM · s^?1) was lower (P = 0.036) than that seen during the three cycling bouts (from 1.1±0.2 to 7.2±1.4 nM · s^?1) (Cohen's d: 3.80 nM · s^?1), whereas the increase from baseline in deoxygenated haemoglobin (by ～17.0±2.9 μM) (an index of tissue oxygen extraction) was greater (P = 0.006) during hiking than cycling (by ～5.3±2.7 μM) (Cohen's d: 4.17 μM). The results suggest that reduced vastus lateralis muscle oxygen availability during hiking arises from restricted muscle blood flow in the isometrically acting quadriceps muscles.     

The relationship between cardiac autonomic function and maximal oxygen uptake response to high-intensity intermittent-exercise training

Abstract

Major individual differences in the maximal oxygen uptake response to aerobic training have been documented. Vagal influence on the heart has been shown to contribute to changes in aerobic fitness. Whether vagal influence on the heart also predicts maximal oxygen uptake response to interval-sprinting training, however, is undetermined. Thus, the relationship between baseline vagal activity and the maximal oxygen uptake response to interval-sprinting training was examined. Exercisers (n?=?16) exercised three times a week for 12 weeks, whereas controls did no exercise (n?=?16). Interval-sprinting consisted of 20 min of intermittent sprinting on a cycle ergometer (8 s sprint, 12 s recovery). Maximal oxygen uptake was assessed using open-circuit spirometry. Vagal influence was assessed through frequency analysis of heart rate variability. Participants were aged 22 ± 4.5 years and had a body mass of 72.7 ± 18.9 kg, a body mass index of 26.9 ± 3.9 kg · m^?2, and a maximal oxygen uptake of 28 ± 7.4 ml · kg^?1 · min^?1. Overall increase in maximal oxygen uptake after the training programme, despite being anaerobic in nature, was 19 ± 1.2%. Change in maximal oxygen uptake was correlated with initial baseline heart rate variability high-frequency power in normalised units (r?=?0.58; P < 0.05). Thus, cardiac vagal modulation of heart rate was associated with the aerobic training response after 12 weeks of high-intensity intermittent-exercise. The mechanisms underlying the relationship between the aerobic training response and resting heart rate variability need to be established before practical implications can be identified.     

Relationship between peak oxygen uptake and regional body composition in Japanese subjects

PurposeTo investigate the link between peak oxygen uptake and regional body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in Japanese subjects.MethodsA total of 93 men (42.2 ± 12.3 years old) and 106 women (43.5 ± 12.3 years old) were enrolled in this cross-sectional investigation study. Peak oxygen uptake was measured by the breath-by-breath method. Regional body composition i.e., body fat mass, lean body mass, and body fat percentage was evaluated using DEXA. In addition, metabolic risk parameters were also evaluated.ResultsPeak oxygen uptake was 37.6 ± 8.7 mL/kg/min in men and 31.1 ± 6.4 mL/kg/min in women, and decreased with age in both genders. Peak oxygen uptake was significantly correlated with total body fat percentage (men: r = −0.684, p < 0.0001; women: r = −0.681, p < 0.0001). These associations remained even after adjusting for age and total lean body mass. However, peak work rate was positively and significantly correlated with leg lean body mass.ConclusionPeak oxygen uptake was closely correlated with total body fat percentage in both genders. Aerobic exercise as well as leg resistance training might be useful for improving peak oxygen uptake in Japanese subjects.     

足球运动员高原及平原长距离匀速耐力跑时心率漂移现象的观察与分析

研究目的是观察平原及高原匀速耐力跑时足球运动员心车漂移现象及不同运动能力的运动员之间心率漂移的差异，分析不同耐力水平运动员心率漂移的变化对运动能力的影响。研究结果表明足球运动员平原及高原匀速耐力跑时无论是在平原还是在高原所有受试者都不同程度地出现心率漂移现象。但高原各心半指标均高于平原。不同运动能力受试者所存在妁心率漂移现象差异在一定程度上反映了最大摄氧能力差异。但心率漂移现象作为评定呼吸和循环系统机能妁指杯还需有更多妁其他生理指标支持。     

Report and Recommendations of the National Committee on Aquatic Leadership

Abstract

Five subjects were tested three times in each of three static and three phasic work tests involving leg extensions in the semi-reclining position. Oxygen uptake, net oxygen consumption, ventilation rate, pulse rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were consistently higher in phasic work than in static effort with a comparable resistance. The patterns of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate response and recovery did not seem to differ in the two modes of work. While the ventilation rate—oxygen uptake relationship was similar in both forms of effort, the pulse rate—oxygen uptake relationship differed in that the static pulse exceeded the phasic rate at a comparable level of oxygen uptake.     

冬泳锻炼对老年人血脂、心功能的影响

采用人群对照和实际测试方法,观察冬泳运动对改善老年人血脂、心脏功能的作用及影响。研究表明:长期冬泳的老年人可改善体内血脂水平,其中提高HDL-C水平的作用显著(P<0.01);此外,长期冬泳锻炼可产生心脏结构的适应性变化,以心输出量、心室腔容积升高为显著(P<0.01),故可以改善心肌收缩力和心脏的供血功能。     

Evaluation of a specific test in cross-country skiing

Six Danish male cross-country skiers were studied during the end-of-summer and winter seasons. Their maximal oxygen uptake was measured while running on a treadmill and using a ski ergometer incorporating the double-poling technique. Maximal oxygen uptake during treadmill running and double-poling was correlated with performance, expressed as a ranking score during 10 ski races. The tests were undertaken in September, December and April. Upper body maximal oxygen uptake increased 5.8% from September to December, decreasing to 2.3% above the September level in April. Upper body work output (2 min at maximal intensity) increased 11.8% from September to December (P less than 0.05). The relationship between upper body and leg maximal oxygen uptake--the upper body/leg ratio--was 89.4% in September. In four skiers, both treadmill and upper body tests were undertaken on each test occasion. The upper body/leg ratio changed from 87.7% in September to 95.7% in December. In April, the ratio was 91.0%. The maximal oxygen uptake measured using the ski ergometer during double-poling was significantly correlated with performance (P less than 0.05). It is concluded that the upper body ski ergometer can be used in the evaluation of elite cross-country skiers.     

运动对无氧阈、最大吸氧量的影响与心功能的关系

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

肌氧含量的相对有效下降值与最大摄氧量的对比研究

采用近红外无损肌氧监测系统，对赛艇运动员在递增强度运动时骨骼肌组织中肌氧的变化进行监测，测定不同运动员的肌氧含量相对有效下降值（Deff），并测定最大摄氧量（VO2max）。将监测到的Deff与VO2max的变化作对比研究，以期探讨骨骼肌组织中肌氧含量的相对变化与VO2max的变化规律及相关关系。研究结果显示运动中肌氧含量的相对有效下降值与最大摄氧量存在相关性，这为用无损伤技术监测人体运动时氧化代谢能力提供了新的途径。     

Test–retest reliability of second lactate turnpoint using two different criteria in competitive cyclists

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the relative and absolute reliability of second lactate turnpoint using fixed and individual blood lactate method in competitive cyclists. Twenty-eight male, well-trained cyclists (30.2 ± 10.1 years, 72.0 ± 7.4 kg, 177.3 ± 4.7 cm) were recruited to participate in this study. Cyclists completed two incremental cycling tests to exhaustion over a period of 7 days to determine their peak power output, maximal oxygen uptake, maximal heart rate, maximal blood lactate concentration and two lactate turnpoint criteria. The fixed blood concentration criterion (3.5 mM) and an individual criterion were assessed by a lactate-power curve, considering power output, heart rate and oxygen uptake. The main finding of this study was that both lactate turnpoint criteria showed identical low within-subject variation for power output (2.8% coefficient of variation). High values for test–retest correlations ranging from r = 0.70 to r = 0.94 were found for all variables in both threshold criteria. In conclusion, the individual and fixed method to determine the second lactate turnpoint showed similar high absolute and relative reliability in competitive cyclists.     

Low-intensity electrical muscle stimulation induces significant increases in muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of low-intensity exercise training using belt electrode skeletal muscle electrical stimulation on muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy subjects. Nineteen healthy subjects were allocated into control or intervention groups; in both groups the participants kept regular physical activity while the intervention group underwent 30 min B-SES training at 3–4 METs for four weeks. Knee extensor muscle strength and cardiorespiratory endurance during incremental exercise test were measured at baseline and after four weeks for all participants. The relative change of knee extensor muscle strength in the intervention group was significantly higher than control group (p?p?相似文献   

不同压力下肢紧身服对跑步运动中摄氧量及运动后血乳酸恢复的影响

研究目的:研究穿着不同压力下肢紧身服对跑步过程中摄氧量以及运动后血乳酸恢复的影响。研究方法:选择北京体育大学12名健康男性长跑爱好者作为研究对象。受试者进行3次递增负荷最大摄氧量测试,在测试期间随机穿戴不同压力的下肢紧身服和普通运动长裤进行测试。最大摄氧量测试采用METAMAX 3B心肺功能测试系统进行测试,根据Bruce测试方案每3 min递增负荷,直至受试者运动至力竭。分别在安静时、运动后1 min、4 min、7 min和10 min 5个时刻测量血乳酸指标。采用Simi Aktisys 3D实验设备进行肌肉震动测试。采用一般线性模型的重复测量统计学方法比较3种情况下各项指标的差异。研究结果:运动过程中,高压力下肢紧身服在第二负荷上的耗氧量显著减小(P=0.047),但在其他负荷的耗氧量以及最大摄氧量没有出现显著性的差异。不同压力下肢紧身服对乳酸最大值以及乳酸消除速率没有产生显著性的影响。不同压力下肢紧身服均能够显著减小股四头肌、股二头肌和腓肠肌的肌肉震动(P=0.017、P=0.012、P=0.028),并且压力较大的下肢紧身服对肌肉的固定效果更好。研究结论:不同压力下肢紧身服对一次性高强度跑步运动过程中的最大摄氧量没有显著性的影响,但有可能在一定运动强度范围内减少运动过程中氧气的消耗。下肢紧身服对一次性高强度跑步运动后乳酸恢复没有显著性的影响。下肢紧身服能够降低肌肉的额外震动,并且压力越大,效果越好。     

高原或低氧训练提高平原运动能力非血液学机制的思考

研究揭示在低氧或高原训练后,平原运动能力提高的主要机制是红细胞数和质量的增加引起的最大摄氧量提高。但低氧训练提高运动成绩除了血液学机制外,还可能经由非血液学机制获得:可能是由HIF-1在分子水平上所驱动的各种反应,也可能包括训练效率的提高,涉及到肌细胞内生物能和能量置换过程的偶联,从而引起线粒体效率提高以及肌肉pH调节和缓冲能力的增强等;还可能与骨骼肌内UCP3含量的变化有关,UCP3含量变化可影响跨线粒体膜的质子漏和氧化效率。综述了低氧训练引起运动成绩提高的非血液学机制,以期为丰富低氧训练方法和相关科学实验提供新的思路和参考。     

Reliability and validity of a new double poling ergometer for cross-country skiers

Abstract

Thirty-eight competitive cross-country skiers were divided into three groups to assess the reliability and validity of a new double poling ergometer. Group A (n = 22) performed two maximal 60-s tests, Group B (n = 8) repeated peak oxygen uptake tests on the double poling ergometer, and Group C (n = 8) performed a maximal 6-min test on the double poling ergometer and a double poling time-trial on snow. The correlation between the power calculated at the flywheel and the power applied at the base of the poles was r = 0.99 (P < 0.05). The power at the poles was 50 – 70% higher than that at the flywheel. There was a high test – retest reliability in the two 60-s power output tests (coefficient of variation = 3.0%) and no significant difference in peak oxygen uptake in the two 6-min all-out tests (coefficient of variation = 2.4%). There was a strong correlation between the absolute (W) and relative power (W · kg^?1) output in the 6-min double poling ergometer test and the double poling performance on snow (r = 0.86 and 0.89 respectively; both P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results show that the double poling ergometer has both high reliability and validity. However, the power calculated at the flywheel underestimated the total power produced and needs to be corrected for in ergonomic estimations.     

Maximal Oxygen Uptake during Swimming of Young Competitive Swimmers 9 to 17 Years of Age

Abstract

Few studies of young competitive swimmers have measured the swimmer in the water, but many have utilized the treadmill or bicycle ergometer on land. The maximum oxygen uptake of 31 (17 male and 14 female) competitive swimmers, 9 to 17 years of age, was determined during an intermittent tethered swimming test which consisted of a series of 3-minute workloads followed by 3-minute rest intervals. Each new workload was increased by multiples of 1.1 kg, and the work was continued to voluntary exhaustion. The subjects were members of a competitive swim club that took part in vigorous swim training throughout the year. Testing was conducted at the peak of the competitive out-door season. Over a period of a year, the daily training distance of these swimmers averaged approximately 7,000 yards, or almost four times that reported by others. The mean maximum oxygen uptake was 48.8 ml·kg^?1·min^?1 for the females and 55.8 ml·kg^?1·min^?1 for the males. Although the values for the younger swimmers were comparable with other published studies, the older male and female swimmers exhibited consistently higher values. The natural decline in maximum oxygen uptake per unit weight (ml/kg) reported by others in pubescent females was reversed by the over-distance training in the present study.     

Decreased energy expenditure during prolonged sub-maximal exercise in a warm environment

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of a warm environment on thermoregulation and energy expenditure during sub-maximal prolonged exercise in humans. Six healthy male subjects cycled for 120?min at an intensity of 60% maximal oxygen uptake (Vo₂max) at three environmental temperatures (10°C, CT; 20°C, MT; and 30°C, WT). Although oxygen uptake at WT showed a significantly lower value compared to those at MT and CT, no significant differences of respiratory exchange ratio were observed among the three environmental trials. A remarkable decrease in total energy expenditure during the 120-min exercise at WT was observed in comparison with those at MT and CT (p<0.05). Changes in rectal temperature, mean skin temperature, and mean body temperature at WT were significantly higher than those at both MT and CT. Although increases in mean body temperature from rest every five minutes during exercise were not different among three environmental temperatures, mean energy expenditures every five minutes at WT were lower compared with those at MT and CT (p<0.05). These results suggest that the increase in energy expenditure for physical exertion is substantially reduced during prolonged sub-maximal exercise in a warm environment. This acute alteration in the energy metabolism may contribute to inhibition of excess heat production and enable prolonged exercise in a warm environment.     

Peak aerobic power and paddling efficiency in recreational and competitive junior male surfers

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to measure and compare peak oxygen uptake and paddling efficiency in recreational and competitive junior male surfers. Eight male recreational surfers (mean age 18 years, s=2; mass 66.8 kg, s=13.0; height 1.75 m, s=0.10) and eight male competitive surfers (mean age 18 years, s=1; mass 68.0 kg, s=11.7; height 1.72 m, s=0.10) performed an incremental paddling test consisting of four 3-min constant load work stages followed by a ramp increase in power output of 20 W · 30 s^?1 until exhaustion. The oxygen uptake–power output relationship of the four constant load work stages and peak values obtained during the incremental paddling test were used to calculate paddling efficiency. No differences (P>0.05) were observed between the recreational and competitive surfers for peak oxygen uptake (recreational: 2.52 litres · min^?1, s=0.5; competitive: 2.66 litres · min^?1, s=0.35) or efficiency (recreational: 24%, s=3; competitive: 21%, s=4). Blood lactate concentration was significantly greater in recreational (2.4 mmol · l^?1, s=0.9) than competitive surfers (1.6 mmol · l^?1, s=0.5) during submaximal paddling. There were no differences in peak oxygen uptake or paddling efficiency between recreational and competitive surfers suggesting that peak oxygen uptake and efficiency are not sensitive to differences in surfing ability. The increase in blood lactate concentration during submaximal paddling in recreational compared with competitive surfers suggests that other determinants of paddling endurance, such as blood lactate threshold, might be better at distinguishing surfers of differing ability.