The effects of carbohydrate supplementation on immune responses to a soccer-specific exercise protocol

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of carbohydrate (CHO) versus placebo (PLA) beverage consumption on the immune and plasma cortisol responses to a soccer-specific exercise protocol in 8 university team soccer players. In a randomized, counterbalanced design, the players received carbohydrate or placebo beverages before, during and after two 90 min soccer-specific exercise bouts (3 days apart) designed to mimic the activities performed and the distance covered in a typical soccer match. Blood and saliva samples were collected before, during and after the exercise protocol. Plasma lactate concentration increased to approximately 4 mmol x l(-1) at 45 and 90 min of exercise in both treatments (P<0.01). Plasma glucose concentration was significantly lower after 90 min of exercise with ingestion of the placebo than the carbohydrate (PLA: 4.57+/-0.12 mmol x l(-1); CHO: 5.49+/-0.11 mmol x l(-1); P<0.01). The pattern of change in plasma cortisol, circulating lymphocyte count and saliva immunoglobulin A secretion did not differ between the carbohydrate and placebo trials. Blood neutrophil counts were 14% higher 1 h after the placebo trial than the carbohydrate trial (PLA: 4.8+/-0.5x10(9) cells x l(-1); CHO: 4.2+/-0.5x10(9) cells x l(-1); P = 0.06), but the treatment had no effect on the degranulation response of blood neutrophils stimulated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide. We conclude that, although previous studies have shown that carbohydrate feeding is effective in attenuating immune responses to prolonged continuous strenuous exercise, the same cannot be said for a soccer-specific intermittent exercise protocol. When overall exercise intensity is moderate, and changes in plasma glucose, cortisol and immune variables are relatively small, it would appear that carbohydrate ingestion has only a minimal influence on the immune response to exercise.     

Influence of caffeine on perception of effort,metabolism and exercise performance following a high-fat meal

Abstract

This study examined the effects of caffeine, co-ingested with a high fat meal, on perceptual and metabolic responses during incremental (Experiment 1) and endurance (Experiment 2) exercise performance. Trained participants performed three constant-load cycling tests at approximately 73% of maximal oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O_2max) for 30 min at 20°C (Experiment 1, n = 8) and to the limit of tolerance at 10°C (Experiment 2, n = 10). The 30 min constant-load exercise in Experiment 1 was followed by incremental exercise (15 W · min^?1) to fatigue. Four hours before the first test, the participants consumed a 90% carbohydrate meal (control trial); in the remaining two tests, the participants consumed a 90% fat meal with (fat + caffeine trial) and without (fat-only trial) caffeine. Caffeine and placebo were randomly assigned and ingested 1 h before exercise. In both experiments, ratings of perceived leg exertion were significantly lower during the fat + caffeine than fat-only trial (Experiment 1: P < 0.001; Experiment 2: P < 0.01). Ratings of perceived breathlessness were significantly lower in Experiment 1 (P < 0.01) and heart rate higher in Experiment 2 (P < 0.001) on the fat + caffeine than fat-only trial. In the two experiments, oxygen uptake, ventilation, blood [glucose], [lactate] and plasma [glycerol] were significantly higher on the fat + caffeine than fat-only trial. In Experiment 2, plasma [free fatty acids], blood [pyruvate] and the [lactate]:[pyruvate] ratio were significantly higher on the fat + caffeine than fat-only trial. Time to exhaustion during incremental exercise (Experiment 1: control: 4.9, s = 1.8 min; fat-only: 5.0, s = 2.2 min; fat + caffeine: 5.0, s = 2.2 min; P > 0.05) and constant-load exercise (Experiment 2: control: 116 (88 – 145) min; fat-only: 122 (96 – 144) min; fat + caffeine: 127 (107 – 176) min; P > 0.05) was not different between the fat-only and fat + caffeine trials. In conclusion, while a number of metabolic responses were increased during exercise after caffeine ingestion, perception of effort was reduced and this may be attributed to the direct stimulatory effect of caffeine on the central nervous system. However, this caffeine-induced reduction in effort perception did not improve exercise performance.     

Skeletal muscle glycogen concentration and metabolic responses following a high glycaemic carbohydrate breakfast

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a carbohydrate-rich meal on post-prandial metabolic responses and skeletal muscle glycogen concentration. After an overnight fast, eight male recreational/club endurance runners ingested a carbohydrate (CHO) meal (2.5 g CHO?·?kg^?1 body mass) and biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle before and 3 h after the meal. Ingestion of the meal resulted in a 10.6?±?2.5% (P?<?0.05) increase in muscle glycogen concentration (pre-meal vs post-meal: 314.0?±?33.9 vs 347.3?±?31.3 mmol?·?kg^?1 dry weight). Three hours after ingestion, mean serum insulin concentrations had not returned to pre-feeding values (0 min vs 180 min: 45?±?4 vs 143?±?21 pmol?·?l^?1). On a separate occasion, six similar individuals ingested the meal or fasted for a further 3 h during which time expired air samples were collected to estimate the amount of carbohydrate oxidized over the 3 h post-prandial period. It was estimated that about 20% of the carbohydrate consumed was converted into muscle glycogen, and about 12 % was oxidized. We conclude that a meal providing 2.5 g CHO?·?kg^?1 body mass can increase muscle glycogen stores 3 h after ingestion. However, an estimated 67% of the carbohydrate ingested was unaccounted for and this may have been stored as liver glycogen and/or still be in the gastrointestinal tract.     

The effect of menstrual cycle on 2000-m rowing ergometry performance

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of menstrual cycle phase on 2000-m rowing ergometry performance. Since high concentrations of oestrogen, indicative of the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, tend to decrease glycogen utilization and reduce blood lactate concentration, it was predicted that time taken to complete a 2000-m rowing trial would be shorter in the mid-luteal phase. Ten eumenorrhoeic, recreationally trained, female volunteers (mean age 33.0 years, s=7.1) completed 2000-m time trials on a Concept 2 rowing ergometer, in both the mid-follicular and mid-luteal phases of their menstrual cycle. In each phase, a 3-min incremental rowing protocol was used to determine a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol · l^?1 (T _lac-4mM) and maximum oxygen consumption (VO_2max); a five-stroke maximal test was used to establish maximal power. Order of testing was randomized for menstrual cycle phase. Variables (T _lac-4mM, VO_2max, maximal power) were correlated with speed in the 2000-m time trials, and the effect of menstrual cycle phase on these variables was examined. A blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol · l^?1 occurred at a significantly higher mean exercise intensity (mid-luteal vs. mid-follicular: 169.1 W, s=39.1 vs. 159.0 W, s=38.3; P=0.033), heart rate (179 beats · min^?1, s=9 vs. 173 beats · min^?1, s=11; P=0.0047), and oxygen consumption (2.64 litres · min^?1, s=0.66 vs. 2.42 litres · min^?1, s=0.62; P=0.04) in the mid-luteal phase than in the mid-follicular phase. There was no significant difference (P=0.11) in 2000-m time trial speed according to menstrual cycle phase. In conclusion, although T _lac-4mM differed due to menstrual cycle phase, 2000-m rowing performance was unaffected. Further research into the effects of menstrual cycle on rowing performance of a longer duration, among a more homogenous group of females, is recommended.     

The effects of carbohydrate supplementation on immune responses to a soccer-specific exercise protocol

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of carbohydrate (CHO) versus placebo (PLA) beverage consumption on the immune and plasma cortisol responses to a soccer-specific exercise protocol in 8 university team soccer players. In a randomized, counterbalanced design, the players received carbohydrate or placebo beverages before, during and after two 90min soccer-specific exercise bouts (3 days apart) designed to mimic the activities performed and the distance covered in a typical soccer match. Blood and saliva samples were collected before, during and after the exercise protocol. Plasma lactate concentration increased to ~4 mmol.l-1 at 45 and 90 min of exercise in both treatments (P? 0.01). Plasma glucose concentration was significantly lower after 90 min of exercise with ingestion of the placebo than the carbohydrate (PLA: 4.57 +/- 0.12 mmol.l-1; CHO: 5.49 +/- 0.11 mmol.l-1; P? 0.01). The pattern of change in plasma cortisol, circulating lymphocyte count and saliva immunoglobulin A secretion did not differ between the carbohydrate and placebo trials. Blood neutrophil counts were 14% higher 1 h after the placebo trial than the carbohydrate trial (PLA: 4.8 =/- 0.5 x 10 9 cells.l-1; CHO:4.2 +/- 0.5 x 10 9 cells.l-1; P=0.06),but the treatment had no effect on the degranulation response of blood neutrophils stimulated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide. We conclude that, although previous studies have shown that carbohydrate feeding is effective in attenuating immune responses to prolonged continuous strenuous exercise, the same cannot be said for a soccer-specific intermittent exercise protocol. When overall exercise intensity is moderate,and changes in plasma glucose, cortisol and immune variables are relatively small, it would appear that carbohydrate ingestion has only a minimal influence on the immune response to exercise.     

The effect of rowing to exhaustion on frontal plane angular changes in the lumbar spine of elite rowers

Abstract

Lumbar spine injury is common in rowers and examination of spinal kinematics may improve the understanding of this injury's prevalence. This study aimed to examine the range of frontal plane angular displacement (AD) in the lumbar spine at L3 during ergometer rowing and to investigate the effect of exhaustion on lumbar kinematics. Twelve elite male rowers completed an incremental test on a Concept 2 ergometer. Lumbar AD at L3 was measured continually throughout the rowing trial using a Spectrotilt Inclinometer and blood lactate was sampled at 3-minute intervals. AD of between 4.7° and 8.8° was recorded at L3. There was a significant increase in AD between the first and last stage of the test (mean increase = 4.1 ± 1.94°, 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 2.9 to 5.3°, t = 7.36, P = 0.000014). Incremental rise in AD was associated with an incremental rise in blood lactate but regression confirmed that only stroke rate was a significant predictor for increasing angle. Thus there is a statistically significant increase in frontal plane AD at L3 over the course of an incremental exercise test although it cannot be confirmed if this is as a result of exhaustion. The values of AD confirm that there is motion in the frontal plane in ergometer rowing.     

Differences in distal lower extremity tissue masses and mass ratios exist in athletes of sports involving repetitive impacts

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare changes in aerobic condition, strength, and muscular endurance following 8 weeks of endurance rowing alone or in combination with weight-training. Twenty-two elite rowers were assigned to (1) rowing (n = 10, 250–270 km · week^?1) or (2) rowing (n = 12, 190–210 km · week^?1) plus four weight-training sessions each week. Pre and post mean and standardized effect-size (ES) differences in aerobic condition (watts at 4 mmol · L^?1) and strength (isometric pull, N), prone bench-pull (6-repetition maximum, 6-RM), 5- and 30-repetition leg-press and 60-repetition seated-arm-pull (J, performed on a dynamometer) normalized by body mass and log-transformed were analysed, after adjusting for gender. The standardized differences between groups were trivial for aerobic condition (ES [±90% CI] = 0.15; ±0.28, P = 0.37) and prone bench-pull (ES = 0.27; ±0.33, P = 0.18), although a moderate positive benefit in favour of rowing only was observed for the seated-arm-pull (ES = 0.42; ±0.4, P = 0.08). Only the weight-training group improved isometric pull (12.4 ± 8.9%, P < 0.01), 5-repetition (4.0 ± 5.7%, P < 0.01) and 30-repetition (2.4 ± 5.4%, P < 0.01) leg-press. In conclusion, while gains in aerobic condition and upper-body strength were comparable to extensive endurance rowing, weight-training led to moderately greater lower-body muscular-endurance and strength gains.     

Post-exercise ingestion of a unique, high molecular weight glucose polymer solution improves performance during a subsequent bout of cycling exercise

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of post-exercise ingestion of a unique, high molecular weight glucose polymer solution, known to augment gastric emptying and post-exercise muscle glycogen re-synthesis, on performance during a subsequent bout of intense exercise. On three randomized visits, eight healthy men cycled to exhaustion at 73.0% (s = 1.3) maximal oxygen uptake (90 min, s = 15). Immediately after this, participants consumed a one-litre solution containing sugar-free flavoured water (control), 100 g of a low molecular weight glucose polymer or 100 g of a very high molecular weight glucose polymer, and rested on a bed for 2 h. After recovery, a 15-min time-trial was performed on a cycle ergometer, during which work output was determined. Post-exercise ingestion of the very high molecular weight glucose polymer solution resulted in faster and greater increases in blood glucose (P < 0.001) and serum insulin (P < 0.01) concentrations than the low molecular weight glucose polymer solution, and greater work output during the 15-min time-trial (164.1 kJ, s = 21.1) than both the sugar-free flavoured water (137.5 kJ, s = 24.2; P < 0.05) and the low molecular weight glucose polymer (149.4 kJ, s = 21.8; P < 0.05) solutions. These findings could be of practical importance for athletes wishing to optimize performance by facilitating rapid re-synthesis of the muscle glycogen store during recovery following prolonged sub-maximal exercise.     

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.     

The influence of serial feeding of drinks at different temperatures on thermoregulatory responses during cycling

Abstract

In this study, we examined thermoregulatory responses to ingestion of separate aliquots of drinks at different temperatures during low-intensity exercise in conditions of moderate heat stress. Eight men cycled at 50% (s = 3) of their peak oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O_2peak) for 90 min (dry bulb temperature: 25.3°C, s = 0.5; relative humidity: 60%, s = 5). Four 400-ml aliquots of flavoured water at 10°C (cold), 37°C (warm) or 50°C (hot) were ingested after 30, 45, 60, and 75 min of exercise. Immediately after the 90 min of exercise, participants cycled at 95%[Vdot]O_2peak to exhaustion to assess exercise capacity. There were no differences between trials in rectal temperature at the end of the 90 min of exercise (cold: 38.11°C, s = 0.30; warm: 38.10°C, s = 0.33; hot: 38.21°C, s = 0.30; P = 0.765). Mean skin temperature between 30 and 90 min tended to be influenced by drink temperature (cold: 34.49°C, s = 0.64; warm: 34.53°C, s = 0.69; hot: 34.71°C, s = 0.48; P = 0.091). Mean heart rate from 30 to 90 min was higher in the hot trial (129 beats · min^?1, s = 7; P < 0.05) than on the cold (124 beats · min^?1, s = 9) and warm trials (126 beats · min^?1, s = 8). Ratings of thermal sensation were higher on the hot trial than on the cold trial at 35 and 50 min (P < 0.05). Exercise capacity was similar between trials (P = 0.963). The heat load and debt induced by periodic drinking resulted in similar body temperatures during low-intensity exercise in conditions of moderate heat stress due to appropriate thermoregulatory reflexes.     

Correlations between serum and salivary hormonal concentrations in response to resistance exercise

Abstract

The aim of present study was to examine the relationships between serum and salivary values of free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and cortisol before and after a session of resistance exercise. Twenty-eight healthy men (mean age 40 years, s = 4) participated in the present study. Serum and salivary samples were collected at rest and after a multiple-sets resistance exercise protocol, of approximately 25 minutes duration. Concentrations of free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and cortisol were measured using radioimmunoassay kits. No significant correlation was observed between serum free testosterone and salivary testosterone (r = 0.22 to 0.26, P > 0.05). Serum cortisol was significantly correlated with salivary cortisol before (r = 0.52, P = 0.005) and after (r = 0.62, P = 0.001) the exercise protocol. Serum and salivary concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone were significantly correlated before (r = 0.68, P < 0.001) and after (r = 0.7, P < 0.001) exercise. The results of the present study suggest that even under exercise conditions, the salivary values of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone can reflect the behaviour of these hormones in blood. However, further studies are necessary to verify if salivary testosterone reflects the behaviour of serum free testosterone during resistance exercise.     

Incremental training intensities increases loads on the lower back of elite female rowers

Lumbar-pelvic kinematics change in response to increasing rowing stroke rates, but little is known about the effect of incremental stroke rates on changes in joint kinetics and their implications for injury. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of incremental rowing intensities on lower limb and lumbar-pelvic kinetics. Twelve female rowers performed an incremental test on a rowing ergometer. Kinematic data of rowers’ ankle, knee, hip and lumbar-pelvic joints, as well as external forces at the handle, seat and foot-stretchers of the rowing machine were recorded. Inter-segmental moments and forces were calculated using inverse dynamics and were compared across stroke rates using repeated measures ANOVA. Rowers exhibited increases in peak ankle and L5/S1 extensor moments, reductions in peak knee moments and no change in peak hip moments, with respect to stroke rate. Large shear and compressive forces were seen at L5/S1 and increased with stroke rate (P < 0.05). This coincided with increased levels of lumbar-pelvic flexion. High levels of lumbar-pelvic loading at higher stroke rates have implications with respect to injury and indicated that technique was declining, leading to increased lumbar-pelvic flexion. Such changes are not advantageous to performance and can potentially increase the risk of developing injuries.     

Salivary cortisol and testosterone responses to high-intensity cycling before and after an 11-day intensified training period

Abstract

This study examined salivary cortisol and testosterone responses to two, different high-intensity, ～30-min cycles separated by 2 h rest before and after an 11-day intensified training period. Twelve recreationally active, healthy males completed the study. Saliva samples were collected before, immediately after and 30 min after both bouts with salivary cortisol and testosterone concentrations assessed. Compared with pre-training blunted exercise-induced salivary cortisol, testosterone and cortisol/testosterone responses to both bouts post-training were observed (P < 0.05 for all). Comparing pre- with post-training the absolute exercise-induced salivary cortisol, testosterone and cortisol/testosterone decreased from 11.1 to 3.1 and 7.0 to 4.4 nmol · L^?1 (cortisol), from 407 to 258 and from 473 to 274 pmol · L^?1 (testosterone) and from 12 to 4 and 7 to 5 (cortisol/testosterone) for the first and second bouts, respectively (P < 0.05). No differences in the pre- and post-training rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) responses during the cycles or times to fatigue were found (P > 0.05). Fatigue and Burnout scores were higher post- compared with pre-training (P < 0.05).

These high-intensity exercise bouts can detect altered hormonal responses following intensified training. This test could assess an athlete's current hormonal status, reductions in salivary cortisol and testosterone responses suggestive of increased fatigue.     

The effect of rowing headgear on forced convective heat loss and radiant heat gain on a thermal manikin headform

Abstract

Both radiant and forced convective heat flow were measured for a prototype rowing headgear and white and black cotton caps. The measurements were performed on a thermal manikin headform at a wind speed of 4.0 m · s^?1 (s = 0.1) in a climate chamber at 22.0°C (s = 0.05), with and without radiant heat flow from a heat lamp, coming from either directly above (90°) or from above at an angle of 55°. The effects of hair were studied by repeating selected measurements with a wig. All headgear reduced the radiant heat gain compared with the nude headform: about 80% for the caps and 95% for the prototype rowing headgear (P < 0.01). Forced convective heat loss was reduced more by the caps (36%) than by the prototype rowing headgear (9%) (P < 0.01). The radiant heat gain contributed maximally 13% to the net heat transfer, with or without headgear, showing that forced convective heat loss is the dominant heat transfer parameter under the chosen conditions. The results of the headgear – wig combinations were qualitatively similar, with lower absolute heat transfer.     

Salivary and plasma cortisol and testosterone responses to interval and tempo runs and a bodyweight-only circuit session in endurance-trained men

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the acute response to plasma and salivary cortisol and testosterone to three training protocols. Ten trained endurance athletes participated in three experimental trials, such as interval training (INT), tempo run (TEMP) and bodyweight-only circuit training (CIR), on separate days. Blood and saliva samples were collected pre- and 0, 15, 30 and 60 min post-exercise. Peak post-exercise salivary cortisol was higher than pre-exercise in all trials (P < 0.01). After INT, salivary cortisol remained elevated above pre-exercise than 60 min post-exercise. Salivary testosterone also increased post-exercise in all trials (P < 0.05). Plasma and salivary cortisol were correlated between individuals (r = 0.81, 0.73–0.88) and within individuals (r = 0.81, 0.73–0.87) (P < 0.01). Plasma and salivary testosterone was also correlated between (r = 0.57, 0.43–0.69) and within individuals (r = 0.60, 0.45–0.72), (P < 0.01). Peak cortisol and testosterone levels occurred simultaneously in plasma and saliva, but timing of post-exercise hormone peaks differed between trials and individuals. Further investigation is required to identify the mechanisms eliciting an increase in hormones in response to CIR. Furthermore, saliva is a valid alternative sampling technique for measurement of cortisol, although the complex, individual and situation dependent nature of the hormone response to acute exercise should be considered.     

A comparison of electromyography and stroke kinematics during ergometer and on-water rowing

Abstract

This study assessed muscle recruitment patterns and stroke kinematics during ergometer and on-water rowing to validate the accuracy of rowing ergometry. Male rowers (n = 10; age 21 ± 2 years, height 1.90 ± 0.05 m and body mass 83.3 ± 4.8 kg) performed 3 × 3 min exercise bouts, at heart and stroke rates equivalent to 75, 85 and 95% V?O₂peak, on both dynamic and stationary rowing ergometers, and on water. During exercise, synchronised data for surface electromyography (EMG) and 2D kinematics were recorded. Overall muscle activity was quantified by the integration of rmsEMG and averaged for each 10% interval of the stroke cycle. Muscle activity significantly increased in rectus femoris (RF) and vastus medialis (VM) (P <0.01), as exercise intensity increased. Comparing EMG data across conditions revealed significantly (P <0.05) greater RF and VM activity during on-water rowing at discrete 10% intervals of stroke cycle. In addition, the drive/recovery ratio was significantly lower during dynamic ergometry compared to on-water (40 ± 1 vs. 44 ± 1% at 95%, P <0.01). Results suggest that significant differences exist while comparing recruitment and kinematic patterns between on-water and ergometer rowing. These differences may be due to altered acceleration and deceleration of moving masses on-ergometer not perfectly simulating the on-water scenario.     

Individual differences in the interleukin-6 response to maximal and submaximal exercise tasks

Abstract

The inflammatory responsive cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) helps regulate immune responses to exercise. Evidence suggests that increases in IL-6 are related to exercise duration and intensity. However, the moderating effect of sex and underlying mediators have received limited attention. We compared plasma IL-6 responses to two cycling tasks with a resting control in young male (n = 12) and female (n = 12) recreationally active adults. Both 45 min tasks comprised an incremental test, either maximal or submaximal, followed by steady-state exercise at 55% peak power output. Interleukin-6 was elevated above baseline immediately after the maximal but not the submaximal task. Compared with the control condition, IL-6 was increased at 30 and 60 min after both exercise tasks. The IL-6 response was greater in women than men at 60 min after maximal exercise. Cortisol increased in both tasks compared with the control condition, the increase being greater after maximal than submaximal exercise. No associations were found between IL-6 responses and cortisol, heart rate, fitness or body mass index. The results show that 45 min of moderate-intensity exercise can increase IL-6 and suggest that the inclusion of maximal effort may accelerate this response. The finding that women showed a greater IL-6 response to maximal exercise may reflect a gender dimorphism in the immune response to stress.     

Normalization effect of sports training on blood pressure in hypertensives

Abstract

In this study, we assessed the extent to which 2000-m rowing ergometer performance predicted final rankings at the World Junior Rowing Championship in a sample of 398 junior rowers competing in 13 events. The rowers' ergometer performance times were examined using a questionnaire, and in all 13 events they correlated (P ≤ 0.039) with the final rankings at the Championship. The strongest correlations were observed for ergometer performance times in junior women's single sculls (r = 0.92; P < 0.001), followed by junior men's single sculls (r = 0.80; P < 0.001) and junior women's double sculls (r = 0.79; P < 0.001). The observed correlations were higher for smaller boats – singles, doubles, and pairs (r = 0.64–0.92; P ≤ 0.025) – than for larger boats – quads, fours, and eights (r = 0.31–0.70; P ≤ 0.039). Linear regression analyses were used to construct regression equations to predict final rankings based on 2000-m rowing ergometer performance times for each event. Although correlations in 10 of the 13 events were above r = 0.5, the large standard errors of the estimate impaired the prediction of rankings in all of the studied events. Using these equations, the most probable rowing ergometer performance times required for a particular ranking in a given rowing event might easily be calculated.     

Oral conjugated linoleic acid supplementation enhanced glycogen resynthesis in exercised human skeletal muscle

Present study examined the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation on glycogen resynthesis in exercised human skeletal muscle. Twelve male participants completed a cross-over trial with CLA (3.8 g/day for 8 week) or placebo supplements by separation of 8 weeks. CLA is a mixture of trans-10 cis-12 and cis-9 trans-11 isomers (50:50). On experiment day, all participants performed 60-min cycling exercise at 75% VO₂ max, then consumed a carbohydrate meal immediately after exercise and recovered for 3 h. Biopsied muscle samples from vastus lateralis were obtained immediately (0 h) and 3 h following exercise. Simultaneously, blood and gaseous samples were collected for every 30 min during 3-h recovery. Results showed significantly increased muscle glycogen content with CLA after a single bout of exercise (P < 0.05). Muscle glucose transporter type 4 expression was significantly elevated immediately after exercise, and this elevation was continued until 3 h after exercise in CLA trial. However, P-Akt/Akt ratio was not significantly altered, while glucose tolerance was impaired with CLA. Gaseous exchange data showed no beneficial effect of CLA on fat oxidation, instead lower non-esterified fatty acid and glycerol levels were found at 0 h. Our findings conclude that CLA supplementation can enhance the glycogen resynthesis rate in exercised human skeletal muscle.     

Carbohydrate ingestion and soccer skill performance during prolonged intermittent exercise

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ingesting a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution, during the 90-min Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test, on soccer skill performance. Seventeen male soccer players ingested either a 6.4% carbohydrate-electrolyte solution or placebo solution equivalent to 8 ml · kg^?1 body mass before exercise and 3 ml · kg^?1 body mass after every 15 min of exercise, in a double-blind randomized cross-over design, with the trials separated by 7 days. The evening before the main trial, the participants performed glycogen-reducing exercise on a cycle ergometer (80 min at 70%[Vdot]O_2max) and were then fed a low-carbohydrate meal. After a 12-h overnight fast, they performed The Loughborough Soccer Passing Test before and after every 15 min of exercise. Analysis of the combined skill test data showed a significant time effect (P = 0.001) with differences between 0–45 and 75–90 min (P < 0.05). There was a 3% reduction in skill performance from before to after exercise in the carbohydrate-electrolyte trial, whereas in the placebo trial the decrease was 14% (P = 0.07). In conclusion, skill performance during the simulated soccer activity appeared to deteriorate in the last 15–30 min of exercise. However, providing 52 g · h^?1 carbohydrate during exercise showed a tendency to better maintain soccer skill performance than a taste-matched placebo.