The effects of skin and core tissue cooling on oxygenation of the vastus lateralis muscle during walking and running

Skin and core tissue cooling modulates skeletal muscle oxygenation at rest. Whether tissue cooling also influences the skeletal muscle deoxygenation response during exercise is unclear. We evaluated the effects of skin and core tissue cooling on skeletal muscle blood volume and deoxygenation during sustained walking and running. Eleven male participants walked or ran six times on a treadmill for 60 min in ambient temperatures of 22°C (Neutral), 0°C for skin cooling (Cold 1), and at 0°C following a core and skin cooling protocol (Cold 2). Difference between oxy/deoxygenated haemoglobin ([diffHb]: deoxygenation index) and total haemoglobin content ([tHb]: total blood volume) in the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle was measured continuously. During walking, lower [tHb] was observed at 1 min in Cold 1 and Cold 2 vs. Neutral (P?0.05). Lower [diffHb] was seen at 1 and 10 min in Cold 2 vs. Neutral by 13.5 ± 1.2 µM and 15.3 ± 1.4 µM and Cold 1 by 10.4 ± 3.1 µM and 11.1 ± 4.1 µM, respectively (P?0.05). During running, [tHb] was lower in Cold 2 vs. Neutral at 10 min only (P = 0.004). [diffHb] was lower at 1 min in Cold 2 by 11.3 ± 3.1 µM compared to Neutral and by 13.5 ± 2.8 µM compared to Cold 1 (P?0.001). Core tissue cooling, prior to exercise, induced greater deoxygenation of the VL muscle during the early stages of exercise, irrespective of changes in blood volume. Skin cooling alone, however, did not influence deoxygenation of the VL during exercise.     

Effects of aerobic versus resistance training on glycaemic control in men with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of aerobic training and resistance training on glycaemic control factors in men with type 2 diabetes. We performed a randomized clinical trial in which 26 men (age 57±8 years) with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to an aerobic training group or a resistance training group. The participants exercised three times a week for 12 weeks. Metabolic factors (haemoglobin A_1C; fasting glucose and C-peptide; total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol; triglycerides), blood pressure, body composition, maximum oxygen uptake, and muscular strength were measured before and after the intervention. Both training groups experienced significant improvements in haemoglobin A_1C: the aerobic training group saw a decrease in absolute values from 7.10±0.97% to 6.55±0.74% (P=0.001) and the resistance training group from 7.21±1.8% to 6.85±0.66% (P=0.024). Both training groups had significant improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P<0.05) and in several of the measured body composition variables (P<0.05). In conclusion, the aerobic and resistance training groups saw similar improvements in glycaemic control. This suggests that both aerobic training and resistance training have beneficial effects for men with type 2 diabetes.     

Influence of gender on ventilatory efficiency during exercise in young children

Abstract

In this study, we assessed the ventilatory response in 84 children (46 males: age 8.1 ± 1.0 years, body mass 34.2 ± 7.9 kg, height 1.32 ± 0.16 m; 38 females: age 8.0 ± 0.8 years, body mass 31.7 ± 8.7 kg, height 1.31 ± 0.08 m) during a cycle ergometer test to determine if there was an influence of gender on ventilatory efficiency. The test commenced at 25 W and increased by 10 W every minute. Expired air was collected through a face mask and analysed breath by breath. The ventilatory anaerobic threshold was determined according to gas exchange methods and we focused our attention on the analysis of carbon dioxide production ([Vdot]CO₂), ventilation ([Vdot] _E), the ratio [Vdot] _E/[Vdot]CO₂ and its slope. Differences between the sexes at maximal power output were strongly significant for [Vdot] _E and [Vdot]CO₂ (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0004 respectively) and moderately significant for the [Vdot] _E/[Vdot]CO₂ ratio (P = 0.05). The slope of [Vdot] _E versus [Vdot]CO₂ was 30.8 ± 4.2 for males and 29.4 ± 3.2 for females, with no difference between the sexes (P = 0.1). In conclusion, although the peak values of [Vdot] _E and [Vdot]CO₂ were significantly different between the sexes, there were no such differences in ventilatory efficiency during a maximal incremental test expressed as the slope of [Vdot] _E/[Vdot]CO₂, at least in young children.     

High-intensity intermittent running and field hockey skill performance in the heat

Nine well-trained, unacclimatized female hockey players performed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) interspersed with three field hockey skill tests in hot (30°C, 38% relative humidity) and moderate (19°C, 51% relative humidity) environmental conditions. Field hockey skill performance declined in both the hot and moderate conditions following 30 and 60?min of the LIST compared with pre-LIST values (P <?0.01). This decrement in performance was compounded in the hot environment with a 6% poorer performance in the heat recorded for the second skill test at 30?min (P <?0.05, hot 101.7?±?3.6 vs moderate 95.7?±?2.9?s; mean ±?s _x). However, no difference was found in the decision-making element of the skill test. Fifteen-metre sprint times were slower in the hot condition (P <?0.01). In the hot environment, rectal temperature (P?<?0.01), perceived exertion (P?<?0.05), perceived thirst (P?<?0.01), blood glucose concentration (P?<?0.05) and serum aldosterone concentration (P?<?0.01) were higher. Estimated mean (?±?s _x) sweat rate was higher in the hot trial (1.27?±?0.10?l?·?h^?1) than in the moderate trial (1.05?±?0.12?l?·?h^?1) (P?<?0.05). Body mass was well maintained in both trials. No differences in serum cortisol, blood lactate, plasma volume or plasma ammonia concentrations were found. These results demonstrate that field hockey skill performance is decreased following intermittent high-intensity shuttle running and that this decrease is greater in hot environmental conditions. The exact mechanism for this decrement in performance remains to be elucidated, but is unlikely to be due to low glycogen concentration or dehydration.     

One session of interval work does not alter VO2max,peak power or plasma volume

Abstract

We examined the effect of one high-intensity cycling workout on aerobic capacity (VO_2max), peak cycling power, and estimated change in plasma volume on subsequent days. Eight healthy males (age=29.5±5.3 years, height=1.81±0.09 m, mass=81.5±7.5 kg) visited the laboratory on three occasions. The first visit (D1) included baseline measures of cycling VO_2max, haematocrit, and haemoglobin. Following a brief rest, the participants performed a high-intensity cycling workout of six 30-s cycling intervals (modelled on the Wingate cycle test) with each repetition separated by 3 min rest. The final two visits (D2 and D3) included identical measures as the first visit and occurred 48 and 96 h after the interval workout. No significant differences were found for VO_2max (53.4±5.3, 53.7±6.7, and 53.7±6.2 ml · kg^?1 · min^?1), peak power (386±35, 384±35, and 389±35 W) or estimated change in plasma volume [?0.8±8.5% (D1–D2), 1.5±11.5% (D2–D3), and ?1.6±9.6% (D1–D3)] between any of the three test days. Our results show that one short-term high-intensity cycling workout does not alter VO_2max, peak power or estimated change in plasma volume on subsequent days, and is therefore unlikely to benefit or hinder performance.     

A novel method for the performance of isometric exercise in the home

There is a paucity of research on devices suitable for home-based isometric exercise. Our aim was to compare cardiovascular responses to isometric exercise using novel and established methods. Ten individuals (age 34.0?±?8.5 years, mass 68.2?±?10.4?kg, height 1.72?±?0.09?m; mean?±?s) performed three different isometric exercise protocols with 48?h between each. Each protocol involved four repeated exercise bouts of 2?min at 30% maximum voluntary contraction force using alternate legs (transducer), alternate arms (transducer), or alternate arms (novel device). Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were measured every 30?s. The highest (peak) values during each 2?min bout of exercise were recorded (peak systolic blood pressure, peak diastolic blood pressure, peak mean arterial blood pressure and peak heart rate). At the end of each 2?min exercise bout, the participants rated their perceived discomfort using Borg's CR-10 scale. There was a statistically significant difference in peak systolic blood pressure between isometric arm flexion using the force transducer and the novel device [158.1?±?10.8 vs. 149.1?±?13.9?mmHg (mean?±?s); P = 0.02]. Further analysis showed that peak systolic blood pressure was on average 9?mmHg higher using the force transducer with limits of agreement of –?15.97 to 33.97?mmHg. Analysis of the peak diastolic blood pressure, peak mean arterial blood pressure, peak heart rate and CR-10 data revealed no statistically significant differences between the three protocols. These results suggest that this novel, home-based method elicited similar cardiovascular responses during isometric exercise to those of established laboratory-based methods. However, the lower peak systolic blood pressure using the modified scales warrants further investigation before this method is used widely in the home.     

BASES Position Statement on Guidelines for Resistance Exercise in Young People

Abstract

Despite the performance concerns of dehydration in other sports, there are currently no data on the effects of rapid weight-loss on the physical and cognitive performance of jockeys in a sport-specific context. In a randomised crossover design, eight Great Britain (GB) male licensed jockeys were assessed for chest strength, leg strength, simulated riding performance (assessed by maximum pushing frequency on a mechanical riding simulator during the final two furlongs of a simulated 2 mile race) and simple reaction time after performing 45 min of exercise, during which euhydration was maintained (Control trial) or induced 2% dehydration (Rapid Weight-Loss trial). Reductions in both chest (–13.8 ± 3.03% vs. 0.62 ± 1.04%) and leg strength (–4.8 ± 4.8% vs. –0.56 ± 2.5%) were greater in Rapid Weight-Loss compared with Control (P < 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively). Similarly, reductions in simulated riding performance were also greater (P = 0.05) in Rapid Weight-Loss (–2.8 ± 4.0%) compared with Control (–0.07 ± 1.5%), whereas there were no significant changes (P = 0.14) in simple reaction time. We conclude that a 2% reduction in body mass, as achieved by 45 min of moderate-intensity exercise undertaken in a sweatsuit (a common method of inducing acute dehydration by jockeys), significantly impairs maximum pushing frequency during a simulated race. In addition, the observed reductions in strength may also increase the occupational hazards associated with race riding.     

Fluid balance of elite Brazilian youth soccer players during consecutive days of training

Abstract

In this study we investigated pre-training hydration status, fluid intake, and sweat loss in 20 elite male Brazilian adolescent soccer players (mean ± s: age 17.2 ± 0.5 years; height 1.76 ± 0.05 m; body mass 69.9 ± 6.0 kg) on three consecutive days of typical training during the qualifying phase of the national soccer league. Urine specific gravity (USG) and body mass changes were evaluated before and after training sessions to estimate hydration status. Players began the days of training mildly hypohydrated (USG > 1.020) and fluid intake did not match fluid losses. It was warmer on Day 1 (33.1 ± 2.4°C and43.4 ± 3.2% relative humidity; P < 0.05) and total estimated sweat losses (2822 ± 530 mL) and fluid intake (1607 ± 460 mL) were significantly higher (P < 0.001) compared with Days 2 and 3. Data also indicate a significant correlation between the extent of sweat loss and the volume of fluid consumed (Day 1: r = 0.560, P = 0.010; Day 2: r = 0.445, P = 0.049; Day 3: r = 0.743, P = 0.0001). We conclude that young, native tropical soccer players arrive hypohydrated to training and that they exhibit voluntary dehydration; therefore, enhancing athletes' self-knowledge of sweat loss during training might help them to consume sufficient fluid to match the sweat losses.     

Body composition assessment of English Premier League soccer players: a comparative DXA analysis of first team,U21 and U18 squads

Professional soccer players from the first team (1st team, n = 27), under twenty-one (U21, n = 21) and under eighteen (U18, n = 35) squads of an English Premier League soccer team were assessed for whole body and regional estimates of body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Per cent body fat was lower in 1st team (10.0 ± 1.6) compared with both U21 (11.6 ± 2.5, P = 0.02) and U18 (11.4 ± 2.6, P = 0.01) players. However, this difference was not due to variations (P = 0.23) in fat mass between squads (7.8 ± 1.6 v 8.8 ± 2.1 v 8.2 ± 2.4 kg, respectively) but rather the presence of more lean mass in 1st team (66.9 ± 7.1 kg, P < 0.01) and U21 (64.6 ± 6.5 kg, P = 0.02) compared with U18 (60.6 ± 6.3 kg) players. Accordingly, fat mass index was not different (P = 0.138) between squads, whereas lean mass index was greater (P < 0.01) in 1st team players (20.0 ± 1.1 kg · m^?2) compared with U18 players (18.8 ± 1.4 kg · m^?2). Differences in lean mass were also reflective of higher lean tissue mass in all regions, for example, upper limbs/lower limbs and trunk. Data suggest that training and nutritional interventions for younger players should therefore be targeted to lean mass growth as opposed to body fat loss.     

The influence of a 6.5% carbohydrate-electrolyte solution on performance of prolonged intermittent high-intensity running at 30°C

Nine male student games players consumed either flavoured water (0.1 g carbohydrate, Na⁺ 6 mmol · l^?1), a solution containing 6.5% carbohydrate-electrolytes (6.5 g carbohydrate, Na⁺ 21 mmol · l^?1) or a taste placebo (Na⁺ 2 mmol · l^?1) during an intermittent shuttle test performed on three separate occasions at an ambient temperature of 30°C (dry bulb). The test involved five 15-min sets of repeated cycles of walking and variable speed running, each separated by a 4-min rest (part A of the test), followed by 60 s run/60 s rest until exhaustion (part B of the test). The participants drank 6.5 ml · kg^?1 of fluid as a bolus just before exercise and thereafter 4.5 ml · kg^?1 during every exercise set and rest period (19 min). There was a trial order effect. The total distance completed by the participants was greater in trial 3 (8441 ± 873 m) than in trial 1 (6839 ± 512, P < 0.05). This represented a 19% improvement in exercise capacity. However, the trials were performed in a random counterbalanced order and the participants completed 8634 ± 653 m, 7786 ± 741 m and 7099 ± 647 m in the flavoured water (FW), placebo (P) and carbohydrate-electrolyte (CE) trials, respectively (P = 0.08). Sprint performance was not different between the trials but was impaired over time (FW vs P vs CE: set 1, 2.41 ± 0.02 vs 2.39 ± 0.03 vs 2.39 ± 0.03 s; end set, 2.46 ± 0.03 vs 2.47 ± 0.03 vs 2.47 ± 0.02 s; main

effect time, P < 0.01). The rate of rise in rectal temperature was greater in the carbohydrate-electrolyte trial (rise in rectal temperature/duration of trial, °C · h^?1; FW vs CE, P < 0.05; P vs CE, N.S.). Blood glucose concentrations were higher in the carbohydrate-electrolyte than in the other two trials (FW vs P vs CE: rest, 4.4 ± 0.1 vs 4.3 ± 0.1 vs 4.2 ± 0.1 mmol · l^?1; end of exercise, 5.4 ± 0.3 vs 6.4 ± 0.6 vs 7.2 ± 0.5 mmol · l^?1; main effect trial, P < 0.05; main effect time, P < 0.01). Plasma free fatty acid concentrations at the end of exercise were lower in the carbohydrate-electrolyte trial than in the other two trials (FW vs P vs CE: 0.57 ± 0.08 vs 0.53 ± 0.11 vs 0.29 ± 0.04 mmol · l^?1; interaction, P < 0.01). The correlation between the rate of rise in rectal temperature (°C · h^?1) and the distance completed was ?0.91, ?0.92 and ?0.96 in the flavoured water, placebo and carbohydrate-electrolyte conditions, respectively (P < 0.01). Heart rate, blood pressure, plasma ammonia, blood lactate, plasma volume and rate of perceived exertion were not different between the three fluid trials. Although drinking the carbohydrate-electrolyte solution induced greater metabolic changes than the flavoured water and placebo solutions, it is unlikely that in these unacclimated males carbohydrate availability was a limiting factor in the performance of intermittent running in hot environmental conditions.     

Changes in serum haptoglobin as an acute response to a marathon road race

In order to assess the possible occurrence of acute haemolysis with prolonged exertion, serum haptoglobin levels were determined from venous blood samples collected from eight male runners immediately preceding (PreRH), immediately following (PRH1), and 6 h following (PRH2) completion of a marathon road race. The subjects’ mean age, percentage of body fat, and maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max) were 46 ± 9 years, 12.1 ± 3.4% and 54.9 ± 8.4 ml kg^‐1 min^‐1, respectively. The mean race finish time for the subjects was 3:35 ± O: 18 h:min. The PreRH, PRH1 and PRH2 averaged 129 ± 18, 97 ± 48 and 86 ± 35 mg dl^‐1 respectively. Significant differences of –32.5 mg dl^‐1 between PreRH versus PRH1 and –42.5 mg dl^‐1 between PreRH versus PRH2 were found. The difference between PRH1 and PRH2 of –10.6 mg dl^‐1 was not significant. No significant correlations were found between the decreases in serum haptoglobin and VO₂max or race finish time. The data suggest the occurrence of an acute haemolysis with performance of the marathon road race.     

The addition of whey protein to a carbohydrate–electrolyte drink does not influence post-exercise rehydration

The addition of whey protein to a carbohydrate–electrolyte drink has been shown to enhance post-exercise rehydration when a volume below that recommended for full fluid balance restoration is provided. We investigated if this held true when volumes sufficient to restore fluid balance were consumed and if differences might be explained by changes in plasma albumin content. Sixteen participants lost ~1.9% of their pre-exercise body mass by cycling in the heat and rehydrated with 150% of body mass lost with either a 60 g · L^?1 carbohydrate drink (CHO) or a 60 g · L^?1 carbohydrate, 20 g · L^?1 whey protein isolate drink (CHO-P). Urine and blood samples were collected pre-exercise, post-exercise, post-rehydration and every hour for 4 h post-rehydration. There was no difference between trials for total urine production (CHO 1057 ± 319 mL; CHO-P 970 ± 334 mL; P = 0.209), drink retention (CHO 51 ± 12%; CHO-P 55 ± 15%; P = 0.195) or net fluid balance (CHO ?393 ± 272 mL; CHO-P ?307 ± 331 mL; P = 0.284). Plasma albumin content relative to pre-exercise was increased from 2 to 4 h during CHO-P only. These results demonstrate that the addition of whey protein isolate to a carbohydrate–electrolyte drink neither enhances nor inhibits rehydration. Therefore, where post-exercise protein ingestion might benefit recovery, this can be consumed without effecting rehydration.     

The effect of a supported exercise programme in patients with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes: A pilot study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of either a standard care programme (n?=?9) or a 12-week supported exercise programme (n?=?10) on glycaemic control, β-cell responsiveness, insulin resistance, and lipid profiles in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes patients. The standard care programme consisted of advice to exercise at moderate to high intensity for 30?min five times a week; the supported exercise programme consisted of three 60-min supported plus two unsupported exercise sessions per week. Between-group analyses demonstrated a difference for changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol only (standard care programme 0.01 mmol?·?L^?1, supported exercise programme –0.6 mmol?·?L^?1; P?=?0.04). Following the standard care programme, within-group analyses demonstrated a significant reduction in waist circumference, whereas following the supported exercise programme there were reductions in glycosylated haemoglobin (6.4 vs. 6.0%; P?=?0.007), waist circumference (101.4 vs. 97.2?cm; P?=?0.021), body mass (91.7 vs. 87.9?kg; P?=?0.007), body mass index (30.0 vs. 28.7?kg?·?m^?2; P?=?0.006), total cholesterol (5.3 vs. 4.6 mmol?·?L^?1; P?=?0.046), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.2 vs. 2.6 mmol?·?L^?1; P?=?0.028), fasting β-cell responsiveness (11.5?×?10^?9 vs. 7.0?×?10^?9 pmol?·?kg^?1?·?min^?1; P?=?0.009), and insulin resistance (3.0 vs. 2.1; P?=?0.049). The supported exercise programme improved glycaemic control through enhanced β-cell function associated with decreased insulin resistance and improved lipid profile. This research highlights the need for research into unsupported and supported exercise programmes to establish more comprehensive lifestyle advice for Type 2 diabetes patients.     

Agreement between bioelectrical impedance and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in assessing fat,lean and bone mass changes in adults after a lifestyle intervention

We aimed to assess the agreement of a commercially available bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device in measuring changes in fat, lean and bone mass over a 10-week lifestyle intervention, with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as reference. A sample of 136 volunteers (18–66 years) underwent a physical activity intervention to enhance lean mass and reduce fat mass. BIA (Tanita BC545) and DXA (Hologic Explorer) measures of whole-body composition were taken at baseline and at the end of the intervention. After an average of 74 ± 18 days intervention, DXA showed significant changes in 2 of 3 outcome variables: reduced fat mass of 0.802 ± 1.092 kg (P < 0.001), increased lean mass of 0.477 ± 0.966 kg (P < 0.001); minor non-significant increase of 0.007 ± 0.041 kg of bone mass (P = 0.052). The respective changes in BIA measures were a significant reduction of 0.486 ± 1.539 kg fat (P < 0.001), but non-significant increases of 0.084 ± 1.201 kg lean mass (P = 0.425), and 0.014 ± 0.091 kg bone (P = 0.074). Significant, but moderately weak, correlations were seen in absolute mass changes between DXA and BIA: 0.511 (fat), 0.362 (lean) and 0.172 (bone). Compared to DXA, BIA demonstrated mediocre agreement to changes in fat mass, but poor agreement to lean mass changes. BIA significantly underestimated the magnitude of changes in fat and lean mass compared to DXA.     

Effect of water ingestion on endurance capacity during prolonged running

This study examined the influence of water ingestion on endurance capacity during submaximal treadmill running. Four men and four women with a mean (± S.E.) age of 21.4 ± 0.7 years, height of 169 + 2 cm, body mass of 63.1 ± 2.9 kg and VO ₂ max of 51.1 ± 1.8 ml kg^?1 min^?1, performed two randomly assigned treadmill runs at 70% VO ₂ max to exhaustion. No fluid was ingested during one trial (NF‐trial), whereas a single water bolus of 3.0 ml kg^?1 body mass was ingested immediately pre‐exercise and serial feedings of 2.0 ml kg^?1 body mass were ingested every 15 min during exercise in a fluid replacement trial (FR‐trial). Run time for the NF‐trial was 77.7 ± 7.7 min, compared to 103 ± 12.4 min for the FR‐trial (P<0.01). Body mass (corrected for water ingestion) decreased by 2.0 ± 0.2% in the NF‐trial and 2.7 ± 0.2% in the FR‐trial (P<0.01), while plasma volume decreased by 1.1 ± 1.1% and 3.5 ± 1.1% in the two trials respectively (N.S.). However, these apparent differences in circulatory volume were not associated with differences in rectal temperature. Respiratory exchange ratios indicated increased carbohydrate metabolism (73% vs 64% of total energy expenditure) and suppressed fat metabolism after 75 min of exercise in the NF‐trial compared with the FR‐trial (NF‐trial, 0.90 ± 0.01; FR‐trial, 0.86 ± 0.03; P<0.01). Blood glucose concentrations were similar in both trials, while blood lactate concentrations were higher in the NF‐trial at the end of exercise (4.83 ± 0.34 vs 4.18 ± 0.38 mM; P<0.05). In summary, water ingestion during prolonged running improved endurance capacity.     

The effects of carbohydrate ingestion on the badminton serve after fatiguing exercise

Abstract

The badminton serve requires great skill and may be affected by fatigue. The aim of the present study was to determine whether carbohydrate ingestion affects badminton performance. Nine male badminton players (age 25 ± 7 years, mass 80.6 ± 8.0 kg) attended the laboratory on three occasions. The first visit involved an incremental exercise test to exhaustion to determine peak heart rate. Participants were given 1 L of a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink or a matched placebo during the experimental trials. The accuracy of 10 long and 10 short serves was determined before and after exercise. The fatiguing exercise was 33 min in duration (83 ± 10% and 84 ± 8% peak heart rate for the placebo and carbohydrate trial respectively). Capillary blood samples (20 μL) were taken before and after exercise for determination of blood glucose and lactate. There was deterioration in long serve accuracy with fatigue (P = 0.002), which carbohydrate ingestion had a tendency to prevent (P = 0.077). There was no effect of fatigue (P = 0.402) or carbohydrate ingestion (P = 0.109) on short serve accuracy. There was no difference in blood glucose concentration between trials (P = 0.851). Blood lactate concentration was higher during the placebo trial (P = 0.016). These results suggest that only the long serve is influenced by fatigue and carbohydrate had a tendency to prevent the deterioration in performance.     

Similar results for face mask versus mouthpiece during incremental exercise to exhaustion

Investigations in the 1990s evaluated the influence of breathing assemblies on respiratory variables at rest and during exercise; however, research on new models of breathing assemblies is lacking. This study compared metabolic gas analysis data from a mouthpiece with a noseclip (MOUTH) and a face mask (MASK). Volunteers (7 males, 7 females; 25.1 ± 2.7 years) completed two maximal treadmill tests within 1 week, one MOUTH and one MASK, in random order. The difference in maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max) between MOUTH (52.7 ± 11.3 ml · kg^?1 · min^?1) and MASK (52.2 ± 11.7 ml · kg^?1 · min^?1) was not significant (P = 0.53). Likewise, the mean MOUTH–MASK differences in minute ventilation (V_E), fraction of expired oxygen (FEO₂) and carbon dioxide (FECO₂), respiration rate (RR), tidal volume (V_t), heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) at maximal and submaximal intensities were not significant (P > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no systematic bias in the error scores (r = ?0.13, P = 0.66), and 12 of the 14 participants had a VO_2max difference of ≤3 ml · kg^?1 · min^?1 between conditions. Finally, there was no clear participant preference for using the MOUTH or MASK. Selection of MOUTH or MASK will not affect the participant’s gas exchange or breathing patterns.     

Urea production during prolonged swimming

Male interscholastic swimmers (n = 8) completed a 4572 m training swim in 62 ±1.1 min (x ± s.e.) with terminal heart rate and blood lactate of 152 ± 6 beats min^‐1 and 6.9±0.89 mM, respectively. Sweat rate (0.48±0.0951. h^‐1) was lower than similar intensity cycling (1.5±0.13 1. h^‐1) or running (1.1 ± 0.14 l.h^‐1). Post‐swim serum urea N (11.6±0.71 mM) was elevated (P<0.05) vs pre‐swim (4.6±0.39 mM). Post‐swim urine volume (860±75 ml 24 h^‐1) was reduced (P<0.07) and resulted in an elevated (P<0.05), but delayed (24–84 h), post‐exercise urea N excretion. Although the reduced urine and sweat production during the swim undoubtedly contributed to the elevated serum urea, there must be another explanation because together they could only account for 38% of the observed increase. On the basis of the magnitude of serum urea increase, it appears that the swim caused an increase in urea production (amino acid oxidation). The failure to observe larger increases in urinary urea during recovery indicates that either urea excretion following exercise continues for prolonged periods of time (>48 h) or another significant mode of nitrogen excretion exists.     

Bilateral leg extension power and fat-free mass in young oarsmen

We evaluated the impact of bilateral leg extension power and fat-free mass on 2000?m rowing ergometer performance in 332 young oarsmen (age 21±2 years, height 1.76±0.05?m, body mass 62±6?kg; mean±s). The 2000?m rowing performance time was correlated with height (1.62–1.93?m; R ²?=?0.23, P?<0.001), body mass (53–95?kg; R ²?=?0.53, P?<0.001), fat-free mass (47–82?kg; R ²?=?0.58, P?<0.001) and bilateral leg extension power (1202–3302?W; R ²?=?0.38, P?<0.001). Multiple regression analysis selected fat-free mass and bilateral leg extension power as regressor variables. Fat-free mass explained 58% of the variability in rowing performance and the inclusion of bilateral leg extension power improved the power of prediction by 5%. The results suggest that rowing involves almost every muscle in the body and that bilateral leg extension power is very important during this activity.     

Thermoregulatory responses during prolonged upper body exercise in cool and warm conditions

The thermoregulatory responses of upper-body trained athletes were examined at rest, during prolonged arm crank exercise and recovery in cool (21.5 ± 0.9°C, 43.9 ± 10.1% relative humidity; mean ± s) and warm (31.5 &± 0.6°C, 48.9 - 8.4% relative humidity) conditions. Aural temperature increased from rest by 0.7 ± 0.7°C (P ? 0.05) during exercise in cool conditions and by 1.6 ± 0.7°C during exercise in warm conditions (P ? 0.05). During exercise in cool conditions, calf skin temperature decreased (1.5 ± 1.3°C), whereas an increase was observed during exercise in warm conditions (3.0 ± 1.7°C). Lower-body skin temperatures tended to increase by greater amounts than upper-body skin temperatures during exercise in warm conditions. No differences were observed in blood lactate, heart rate or respiratory exchange ratio responses between conditions. Perceived exertion at 45 min of exercise was greater than that reported at 5 min of exercise during the cool trial (P ? 0.05), whereas during exercise in the warm trial the rating of perceived exertion increased from initial values by 30 min (P ? 0.05). Heat storage, body mass losses and fluid consumption were greater during exercise in warm conditions (7.06 ± 2.25 J·g^-1 ·°C^-1, 1.3 ± 0.5 kg and 1038 ± 356 ml, respectively) than in cool conditions (1.35 ± 0.23 J·g^-1·°C^-1, 0.8 ± 0.2 kg and 530 ± 284 ml, respectively; P ? 0.05). The results of this study indicate that the increasing thermal strain with constant thermal stress in warm conditions is due to heat storage within the lower body. These results may aid in understanding thermoregulatory control mechanisms of populations with a thermoregulatory dysfunction, such as those with spinal cord injuries.