Off- and On-Bike Resistance Training in Cyclists: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of off- and on-bike resistance training (RT) on endurance cycling performance as well as muscle strength, power and structure. METHODS: Well-trained male cyclists were randomly assigned to incorporate two sessions/week of off- (full squats, n = 12) or on-bike (all-out efforts performed against very high resistances and thus at very low cadences, n = 12) RT during 10 weeks, with all RT-related variables [number of sessions, sets, and repetitions, duration of recovery periods, and relative loads (70% of one-repetition maximum)] matched between the two groups. A third, control group (n = 13) did not receive any RT stimulus but all groups completed a cycling training regime of the same volume and intensity. Outcomes included maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), off-bike muscle strength (full squat) and on-bike ('pedaling') muscle strength and peak power capacity (Wingate test), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-determined body composition (muscle/fat mass), and muscle structure (cross-sectional area, pennation angle). RESULTS: No significant within/between-group effect was found for V̇O2max. Both the off- (mean Δ = 2.6-5.8%) and on-bike (4.5-7.3%) RT groups increased squat and pedaling-specific strength parameters after the intervention compared to the control group (-5.8--3.9%) (p < 0.05) with no significant differences between them. The two RT groups also increased Wingate performance (4.1% and 4.3%, respectively, vs. -4.9% in the control group, p ≤ 0.018), with similar results for muscle cross-sectional area (2.5% and 2.2%, vs. -2.3% in the control group, p ≤ 0.008). No significant within/between-group effect was found for body composition. ConclusionsThe new proposed on-bike RT could be an effective alternative to conventional off-bike RT training for improving overall and pedaling-specific muscle strength, power, and muscle mass.

Intensity Matters: Effect of Different Work-Matched Efforts on Subsequent Performance in Cyclists.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of 2 work-matched efforts of different intensities on subsequent performance in well-trained cyclists. METHODS: The present study followed a randomized controlled crossover design. Twelve competitive junior cyclists volunteered to participate (age, 17 [1] y; maximum oxygen uptake, 71.0 [4.7] mL·kg-1·min-1). The power-duration relationship was assessed through 2-minute, 5-minute, and 12-minute field tests under fresh conditions (control). On subsequent days and following a randomized order, participants repeated the aforementioned tests after 2 training sessions matched for mechanical work (∼15 kJ/kg) of different intensities (ie, a moderate-intensity continuous-training [60%-70% of critical power; CP] session or a session including high-intensity intervals [3-min repetition bouts at 110%-120% of the CP interspersed by 3-min rest periods]). RESULTS: A significantly lower power output was found in the 2-minute test after the high-intensity training session compared not only with the control condition (-8%, P < .001) but also with the moderate-intensity continuous-training session (-7%, P = .003), with no significant differences between the latter conditions. No significant differences between conditions were found for the remaining tests. As a consequence, the high-intensity training session resulted in significantly lower W' values compared to both the control condition (-27%, P = .001) and the moderate-intensity continuous-training session (-26%, P = .012), with no differences between the 2 latter conditions and with no differences for CP. CONCLUSION: A session including high-intensity intermittent efforts induces a greater fatigue, particularly in short-duration efforts and W', than a work-matched continuous-training session of moderate intensity.

Relative pedaling forces are low during cycling.

We quantified and compared the mechanical force demands relative to the maximum dynamic force (MDF) of 11 cyclists when pedaling at different intensities (ventilatory threshold, maximum lactate steady state, respiratory compensation point, and maximal aerobic power), cadences (free, 40, 60 and 80 rpm), and all-out resisted sprints. Relative force demands (expressed as %MDF) progressively increased with higher intensities (p < 0.001) and lower cadences (p < 0.001). Notwithstanding, relative force demands were low (<54 % MDF) for all conditions, even during the so-called 'torque training'. These results might be useful when programming on-bike resistance training to improve torque production capacity.

High-dose short-term creatine supplementation without beneficial effects in professional cyclists: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence supports the ergogenic effects of creatine supplementation on muscle power/strength, but its effects on endurance performance remain unclear. We assessed the effects of high-dose short-term creatine supplementation in professional cyclists during a training camp. METHODS: The study followed a double-blind, randomized parallel design. Twenty-three professional U23 cyclists (19 ± 1 years, maximum oxygen uptake: 73.0 ± 4.6 mL/kg/min) participated in a 6-day training camp. Participants were randomized to consume daily either a recovery drink (containing carbohydrates and protein) with a 20-g creatine supplement (creatine group, n = 11) or just the recovery drink (placebo group, n = 12). Training loads and dietary intake were monitored, and indicators of fatigue/recovery (Hooper index, countermovement jump height), body composition, and performance (10-second sprint, 3-, 6-, and 12-minute time trials, respectively, as well as critical power and W') were assessed as study outcomes. RESULTS: The training camp resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) increase of training loads (+50% for total training time and + 61% for training stress score, compared with the preceding month) that in turn induced an increase in fatigue indicators (significant time effect [p < 0.001] for delayed-onset muscle soreness, fatigue, and total Hooper index) and a decrease in performance (significant time effect [p = 0.020] for critical power, which decreased by -3.8%). However, no significant group-by-time interaction effect was found for any of the study outcomes (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High-dose short-term creatine supplementation seems to exert no consistent beneficial effects on recovery, body composition or performance indicators during a strenuous training period in professional cyclists.

Torque-Cadence Profile and Maximal Dynamic Force in Cyclists: A Novel Approach.

We aimed to determine the feasibility, test-retest reliability and long-term stability of a novel method for assessing the force (torque)-velocity (cadence) profile and maximal dynamic force (MDF) during leg-pedaling using a friction-loaded isoinertial cycle ergometer and a high-precision power-meter device. Fifty-two trained male cyclists completed a progressive loading test up to the one-repetition maximum (1RM) on a cycle ergometer. The MDF was defined as the force attained at the cycle performed with the 1RM-load. To examine the test-retest reliability and long-term stability of torque-cadence values, the progressive test was repeated after 72 h and also after 10 weeks of aerobic and strength training. The participants' MDF averaged 13.4 ± 1.3 N·kg-1, which was attained with an average pedal cadence of 21 ± 3 rpm. Participants' highest power output value was attained with a cadence of 110 ± 16 rpm (52 ± 5% MDF). The relationship between the MDF and cadence proved to be very strong (R2 = 0.978) and independent of the cyclists' MDF (p = 0.66). Cadence values derived from this relationship revealed a very high test-retest repeatability (mean SEM = 4 rpm, 3.3%) and long-term stability (SEM = 3 rpm, 2.3%); despite increases in the MDF following the 10-week period. Our findings support the validity, reliability and long-term stability of this method for the assessment of the torque-cadence profile and MDF in cyclists.

Acute ketone supplementation in the absence of muscle glycogen utilization: Insights from McArdle disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Ketone supplementation is gaining popularity. Yet, its effects on exercise performance when muscle glycogen cannot be used remain to be determined. McArdle disease can provide insight into this question, as these patients are unable to obtain energy from muscle glycogen, presenting a severely impaired physical capacity. We therefore aimed to assess the effects of acute ketone supplementation in the absence of muscle glycogen utilization (McArdle disease). METHODS: In a randomized cross-over design, patients with an inherited block in muscle glycogen breakdown (i.e., McArdle disease, n = 8) and healthy controls (n = 7) underwent a submaximal (constant-load) test that was followed by a maximal ramp test, after the ingestion of a placebo or an exogenous ketone ester supplement (30 g of D-beta hydroxybutyrate/D 1,3 butanediol monoester). Patients were also assessed after carbohydrate (75 g) ingestion, which is currently considered best clinical practice in McArdle disease. RESULTS: Ketone supplementation induced ketosis in all participants (blood [ketones] = 3.7 ± 0.9 mM) and modified some gas-exchange responses (notably increasing respiratory exchange ratio, especially in patients). Patients showed an impaired exercise capacity (-65 % peak power output (PPO) compared to controls, p < 0.001) and ketone supplementation resulted in a further impairment (-11.6 % vs. placebo, p = 0.001), with no effects in controls (p = 0.268). In patients, carbohydrate supplementation resulted in a higher PPO compared to ketones (+21.5 %, p = 0.001) and a similar response was observed vs. placebo (+12.6 %, p = 0.057). CONCLUSIONS: In individuals who cannot utilize muscle glycogen but have a preserved ability to oxidize blood-borne glucose and fat (McArdle disease), acute ketone supplementation impairs exercise capacity, whereas carbohydrate ingestion exerts the opposite, beneficial effect.

Time-course Changes of Field- and Laboratory-based Performance Indicators in Junior Cyclists Through a Season.

This study aimed to assess the seasonal evolution of field-based and laboratory-based performance indicators in cyclists. Thirteen Junior male road cyclists (age 17.4±0.5 years) were followed up during a season, which was divided in three phases: early season (involving mainly training sessions), mid-season (including the first competitions), and late season (including the major competitions of the season). During each phase, field-based power output data were registered for the assessment of maximum mean power values, and laboratory-based endurance (ramp test and simulated 8-minute time trial), muscle strength/power (squat, lunge, hip thrust) and body composition indicators (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were also assessed. A progressive (p<0.01) increase in maximum mean power values (e.g., 3.8±0.3 and 4.5±0.4 watts/kg in early and late season, respectively, for 60-minute efforts) and on 8-minute time trial performance (i.e., 5.3±0.3 and 5.6±0.4 watts/kg, respectively) was observed through the season. Yet, more "traditional" endurance indicators (i.e., ventilatory threshold, respiratory compensation point, or maximum oxygen uptake) seemed to show a ceiling effect beyond the mid-season. In addition, neither peak power output, body composition, nor muscle strength indicators followed a similar pattern to the aforementioned field-based indicators. In summary, in Junior cyclists field-based indicators seem more sensitive to monitor endurance cyclists' changes in actual fitness and performance capacity than more "traditional" laboratory-based markers in Junior cyclists.

Dose-response effect of pre-exercise carbohydrates under muscle glycogen unavailability: Insights from McArdle disease.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the effect of different carbohydrate (CHO) doses on exercise capacity in patients with McArdle disease-the paradigm of "exercise intolerance", characterized by complete muscle glycogen unavailability-and to determine whether higher exogenous glucose levels affect metabolic responses at the McArdle muscle cell (in vitro) level. METHODS: Patients with McArdle disease (n = 8) and healthy controls (n = 9) underwent a 12-min submaximal cycling constant-load bout followed by a maximal ramp test 15 min after ingesting a non-caloric placebo. In a randomized, double-blinded, cross-over design, patients repeated the tests after consuming either 75 g or 150 g of CHO (glucose:fructose = 2:1). Cardiorespiratory, biochemical, perceptual, and electromyographic (EMG) variables were assessed. Additionally, glucose uptake and lactate appearance were studied in vitro in wild-type and McArdle mouse myotubes cultured with increasing glucose concentrations (0.35, 1.00, 4.50, and 10.00 g/L). RESULTS: Compared with controls, patients showed the "classical" second-wind phenomenon (after prior disproportionate tachycardia, myalgia, and excess electromyographic activity during submaximal exercise, all p < 0.05) and an impaired endurance exercise capacity (-51% ventilatory threshold and -55% peak power output, both p < 0.001). Regardless of the CHO dose (p < 0.05 for both doses compared with the placebo), CHO intake increased blood glucose and lactate levels, decreased fat oxidation rates, and attenuated the second wind in the patients. However, only the higher dose increased ventilatory threshold (+27%, p = 0.010) and peak power output (+18%, p = 0.007). In vitro analyses revealed no differences in lactate levels across glucose concentrations in wild-type myotubes, whereas a dose-response effect was observed in McArdle myotubes. CONCLUSION: CHO intake exerts beneficial effects on exercise capacity in McArdle disease, a condition associated with total muscle glycogen unavailability. Some of these benefits were dose dependent.

Laboratory-based determinants of simulated time trial performance in cyclists.

Different laboratory-based variables are individually associated with cycling performance, but scarce evidence exists on which of them, when all assessed in combination, could best explain cycling performance. The present study aimed to examine the combined association between laboratory-based endurance, strength/power and body composition indicators with time trial performance in high-level cyclists. Ninety-four male cyclists were recruited (age: 20 ± 3.5 years, maximum oxygen uptake [V̇O2max]: 77.7 ± 5.4 ml · kg-1 · min-1). Participants performed a maximal incremental cycling test for the assessment of endurance indicators (peak power output [PPO], V̇O2max, ventilatory threshold [VT] and respiratory compensation point [RCP]), and an incremental loading test to assess muscle strength and power-related outcomes (1-repetition maximum, mean maximal power) in the squat, lunge and hip-thrust exercises. Body composition was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. On a separate visit, participants performed a simulated 8-minute time trial to assess cycling performance (determined as the mean power output attained). Strong-to-very-strong correlations were found between all endurance indicators and time trial performance (most r-values ranging between 0.68-0.92), whereas weaker correlations were found for strength/power (r-values < 0.5) or body composition (r-values < 0.7) indicators. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that VT, RCP and PPO explained together 92% of the variance in time trial performance (p < 0.001), with no significant contribution of the remaining variables. Although different endurance, strength/power and body composition individually correlate with simulated time trial performance in high-level cyclists, the former (and particularly VT, RCP and PPO) show the strongest association when all studied in combination. These findings underscore the importance of endurance capabilities (above strength/power or body composition) for maximizing time trial performance.

What Does It Take to Become a Professional Cyclist? A Laboratory-Based Longitudinal Analysis in Competitive Young Riders.

PURPOSE: Laboratory-based indicators are commonly used for performance assessment in young cyclists. However, evidence supporting the use of these indicators mostly comes from cross-sectional research, and their validity as predictors of potential future performance remains unclear. We aimed to assess the role of laboratory variables for predicting transition from U23 (under 23 y) to professional category in young cyclists. METHODS: Sixty-five U23 male road cyclists (19.6 [1.5] y) were studied. Endurance (maximal graded test and simulated 8-min time trial [TT]), muscle strength/power (squat, lunge, and hip thrust), and body composition (assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) indicators were determined. Participants were subsequently followed and categorized attending to whether they had transitioned ("Pro") or not ("Non-Pro") to the professional category during the study period. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 3 years. Pro cyclists (n = 16) showed significantly higher values than Non-Pro riders (n = 49) for ventilatory thresholds, peak power output, peak oxygen uptake, and TT performance (all P < .05, effect size > 0.69) and lower levels of fat mass and bone mineral content/density (P < .05, effect size > 0.63). However, no significant differences were found for muscle strength/power indicators (P > .05, effect size < 49). The most accurate individual predictor was TT performance (overall predictive value = 76% for a cutoff value of 5.6 W·kg-1). However, some variables that did not reach statistical significance in univariate analyses contributed significantly to a multivariate model (R2 = .79, overall predictive value = 94%). CONCLUSIONS: Although different "classic" laboratory-based endurance indicators can predict the potential of reaching the professional category in U23 cyclists, a practical indicator such as 8-minute TT performance showed the highest prediction accuracy.

Pre-sleep protein supplementation in professional cyclists during a training camp: a three-arm randomized controlled trial.

Background: The effects of pre-sleep protein supplementation on endurance athletes remain unclear, particularly whether its potential benefits are due to the timing of protein intake or solely to an increased total protein intake. We assessed the effects of pre-sleep protein supplementation in professional cyclists during a training camp accounting for the influence of protein timing. Methods: Twenty-four professional U23 cyclists (19 ± 1 years, peak oxygen uptake: 79.8 ± 4.9 ml/kg/min) participated in a six-day training camp. Participants were randomized to consume a protein supplement (40 g of casein) before sleep (n = 8) or in the afternoon (n = 8), or an isoenergetic placebo (40 g of carbohydrates) before sleep (n = 8). Indicators of fatigue/recovery (Hooper index, Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes, countermovement jump), body composition, and performance (1-, 5-, and 20-minute time trials, as well as the estimated critical power) were assessed as study outcomes. Results: The training camp resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) increase in training loads (e.g. training stress score of 659 ± 122 per week during the preceding month versus 1207 ± 122 during the training camp), which induced an increase in fatigue indicators (e.g. time effect for Hooper index p < 0.001) and a decrease in performance (e.g. time effect for critical power p = 0.002). Protein intake was very high in all the participants (>2.5 g/kg on average), with significantly higher levels found in the two protein supplement groups compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001). No significant between-group differences were found for any of the analyzed outcomes (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Protein supplementation, whether administered before sleep or earlier in the day, exerts no beneficial effects during a short-term strenuous training period in professional cyclists, who naturally consume a high-protein diet.

Durability in Professional Cyclists: A Field Study.

PURPOSE: To assess durability in professional cyclists, as well as potential associated indicators. METHODS: Twelve male professional cyclists participated in the study (age: 26 [5] y, VO2max: 83.0 [3.6] mL·kg-1·min-1). They performed a 20-minute time trial (TT) on 2 different sessions separated by a 48-hour period: (1) with no previous fatigue (TTFresh) and (2) immediately after a long submaximal ride (approximately 4 h, 40 kJ/kg) (TTFatigue). We then assessed the decay (in percentage) in mean power output (PO) from TTFresh to TTFatigue and its association with different laboratory-based endurance indicators (ventilatory threshold, peak PO, and VO2max) determined through a previous maximal incremental cycling test, as well as with training loads during the 4 weeks preceding the TTs. RESULTS: While no differences were noted in the average heart rate (177 [7] vs 176 [6] beats·min-1, P = .118), there was a significant decay in PO between TTFresh and TTFatigue (386 [29] W vs 375 [28] W [-2.9%], respectively; P = .007), albeit with signs of interindividual variability (range = -8.5% to 1.1%; coefficient of variation = 105%). No significant associations were found between the PO decay and any of the analyzed indicators (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Performance is significantly impaired after a certain amount of work completed (approximately 40 kJ·kg-1) in professional cyclists, and the magnitude of this impairment seems to be not related to "traditional" laboratory-based endurance indicators or to markers of training load. These findings might support the need for specifically assessing durability in cyclists and confirming potential determinants of this parameter.

Comparative analysis of endurance, strength and body composition indicators in professional, under-23 and junior cyclists.

Purpose: To compare endurance, strength and body composition indicators between cyclists of three different competition age categories. Methods: Fifty-one male road cyclists classified as either junior (n = 13, age 16.4 ± 0.5 years), under-23 [(U23), n = 24, 19.2 ± 1.3 years] or professional (n = 14, 26.1 ± 4.8 years) were studied. Endurance (assessed through a maximal incremental test and an 8-minute time-trial), strength/power (assessed through incremental loading tests for the squat, lunge and hip thrust exercises) and body composition (assessed through dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) were determined on three different testing sessions. Results: U23 and, particularly professional, cyclists attained significantly (p < 0.05) higher values than juniors for most of the analyzed endurance indicators [time-trial performance, maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), peak power output (PPO), respiratory compensation point (RCP), and ventilatory threshold (VT)]. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between U23 and professionals were also found for time-trial performance, PPO and VT, but not for other markers such as VO2max or RCP. Professional cyclists also showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower relative fat mass and higher muscle mass levels than U23 and, particularly, juniors. No consistent differences between age categories were found for muscle strength/power indicators. Conclusion: Endurance (particularly time-trial performance, PPO and VT) and body composition (fat and muscle mass) appear as factors that best differentiate between cyclists of different age categories, whereas no consistent differences are found for muscle strength/power. These findings might help in performance prediction and/or talent identification and may aid in guiding coaches in the design of training programs focused on improving those variables that appear more determinant.

Are Unilateral Devices Valid for Power Output Determination in Cycling? Insights From the Favero Assioma Power Meter.

PURPOSE: Some power meters are available in both bilateral and unilateral versions. However, despite the popularity of the latter, their validity remains unknown. We aimed to analyze the validity of a unilateral pedal power meter for estimating actual ("bilateral") power output (PO). METHODS: Thirty-three male cyclists were assessed at different POs (steady cycling at 100-500 W, as well as all-out sprints), pedaling cadences (70, 85, and 100 repetitions·min-1), and cycling positions (seated and standing). The PO estimated by a left-only power meter (Favero Assioma Uno) was compared with the actual PO computed by a bilateral power meter (Favero Assioma Duo), and the level of bilateral asymmetry (most- vs least-powerful leg) with the latter system was also computed. RESULTS: Nonsignificant differences, high intraclass correlation coefficients (≥.90), and low coefficients of variation (consistently ≤5% except for low PO levels, ie, 5%-7% at 100 W) were found between Favero Assioma Uno and Favero Assioma Duo. However, although a strong intraclass correlation coefficient (.995) was found between both legs, asymmetry values of 4% to 6% were found for all conditions except when pedaling at the lowest PO (100 W), in which asymmetry increased up to 10% to 13%. CONCLUSIONS: Although cyclists tend to present some level of bilateral asymmetry during cycling (particularly at low PO), Favero Assioma Uno provides overall valid estimates of actual PO and is, therefore, an economical alternative to bilateral power meters. Caution is needed, however, when interpreting data at the individual level in cyclists with high levels of asymmetry.

Remotely Supervised Exercise during the COVID-19 Pandemic versus in-Person-Supervised Exercise in Achieving Long-Term Adherence to a Healthy Lifestyle.

The World Health Organization's global action plan on workers' health establishes that occupational health services should carry out lifestyle interventions within the workplace, to prevent the development of non-communicable diseases. The objective of the study was to compare adherence to a healthy lifestyle six months after completion of a multi-component intervention with remotely supervised physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic versus a multi-component intervention with in-person supervised physical exercise before the COVID-19 pandemic in university employees with unhealthy habits and predisposed to change. A prospective cohort study following the "Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology" (STROBE) guidelines was conducted, with two arms. Each multi-component intervention lasted for 18 weeks, and consisted of education on healthy habits, Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet)-based workshops, and a physical exercise program. Twenty-one middle-aged sedentary university employees with poor adherence to the MedDiet completed the study. Six months after completion of the intervention, both groups increased physical activity levels, adherence to the MedDiet, eating habits, health-promoting lifestyle, health responsibility, and health-related quality of life. There were no differences between groups in any of the variables analyzed. Therefore, remotely supervised physical exercise could be adequate to achieve long-term adherence to a healthy lifestyle in the same way as conventional face-to-face intervention, at least in a population willing to change.

The Use of Instagram in the Sports Biomechanics Classroom.

Students in higher education habitually use mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, specifically using social networks on them for staying updated on current affairs, communication between one another, and entertainment. However, its use as a potential medium for learning especially in times of distance learning has not been studied in depth. Instagram is the fastest growing social network in the world and its graphical interface makes it a useful learning tool for a theoretical-practical subject such as biomechanics, where movement is analyzed. The main objective was to evaluate the change in perception of students in the use of Instagram as a learning medium for qualitative biomechanical analysis as a part of their undergraduate sports science program. 171 students filled out a questionnaire on the use of smartphones, social networks, and specifically Instagram, before and after doing an assignment of qualitative analysis that was carried. The results indicated a positive change in the perspective of the students when asked if class assignments can be done on mobile devices (p = 0.002) and social media (p < 0.001). The students also indicated a greater interest in doing assignments via social networks (p < 0.001), especially in the subject of biomechanics (p < 0.001). They also cited that Instagram is a useful source for information on sports biomechanics (p = 0.015) and could be used to make observations of sporting movements (p = 0.043). The results indicated that an introduction of familiar devices in undergraduate teaching could produce a positive change in perception of using such methodologies and facilitate learning. The students, who use smartphones very frequently in their daily lives, and specifically, many use them for browsing social networks, find the platform to be very useful in finding and sharing information related to sports and specifically in sports biomechanics. The visual aspect of social networks like Instagram can help engage them with learning strategies in a subject like biomechanics.

Adherence to a Lifestyle Exercise and Nutrition Intervention in University Employees during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Healthy lifestyles should be encouraged in the workplace through the occupational health teams of the companies. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the adherence to a lifestyle intervention carried out in university employees during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on health-related quality of life (HrQoL). A randomized controlled trial following the CONSORT guidelines was performed, consisting of three supervised interventions lasting for 18 weeks: an educational intervention on healthy habits, a nutritional intervention, and a telematic aerobic and strength exercise intervention. Lifestyle and HrQoL were analyzed six months post-intervention to assess adherence. Twenty-three middle-aged participants completed the study. The intervention group significantly improved their lifestyle according to the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II questionnaire, especially in the categories of Health Responsibility, Physical Activity, and Nutrition, with a large effect size. Sitting time was reduced by 2.5 h per day, with a moderate effect size. Regarding HrQoL, the intervention group showed a clinically significant improvement in the Physical Component Summary. Despite the lockdown and the mobility restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this intervention performed on university employees achieved adherence to a healthier lifestyle and improved their HrQoL, which is of great clinical relevance.

Relationship Between Critical Power and Different Lactate Threshold Markers in Recreational Cyclists.

Purpose: To analyze the relationship between critical power (CP) and different lactate threshold (LT2) markers in cyclists. Methods: Seventeen male recreational cyclists [33 ± 5 years, peak power output (PO) = 4.5 ± 0.7 W/kg] were included in the study. The PO associated with four different fixed (onset of blood lactate accumulation) and individualized (Dmaxexp, Dmaxpol, and LTΔ1) LT2 markers was determined during a maximal incremental cycling test, and CP was calculated from three trials of 1-, 5-, and 20-min duration. The relationship and agreement between each LT2 marker and CP were then analyzed. Results: Strong correlations (r = 0.81-0.98 for all markers) and trivial-to-small non-significant differences (Hedges' g = 0.01-0.17, bias = 1-9 W, and p > 0.05) were found between all LT2 markers and CP with the exception of Dmaxexp, which showed the strongest correlation but was slightly higher than the CP (Hedges' g = 0.43, bias = 20 W, and p < 0.001). Wide limits of agreement (LoA) were, however, found for all LT2 markers compared with CP (from ±22 W for Dmaxexp to ±52 W for Dmaxpol), and unclear to most likely practically meaningful differences (PO differences between markers >1%, albeit <5%) were found between markers attending to magnitude-based inferences. Conclusion: LT2 markers show a strong association and overall trivial-to-small differences with CP. Nevertheless, given the wide LoA and the likelihood of potentially meaningful differences between these endurance-related markers, caution should be employed when using them interchangeably.

Exercise training effects on natural killer cells: a preliminary proteomics and systems biology approach.

BACKGROUND: Regular exercise, particularly moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), can improve immune function. Natural killer (NK) cells, a subset of lymphocytes that react to infections, are the most responsive innate immune cells to exercise, but the mechanisms underlying this are poorly understood. A type of exercise training that is gaining popularity in recent years is high-intensity interval training (HIIT), but how it affects NK cells is largely unknown. In fact, intense exercise has been traditionally viewed as a potential stressor to immune homeostasis. The purpose of this study was to determine in healthy, previously untrained adults (N=8 [3 male; 40±6 years]) the effects of an intervention consisting of 4-week MICT followed by 4-week HIIT on NK cells as compared with a pre-training (baseline) state. METHODS: Participants were studied at three time points: baseline, mid-intervention (after MICT), and post-intervention (after HIIT). Main assessments included cytotoxicity assays, flow-cytometry analysis of NK cell surface markers, and interrogation of the cellular proteome using a systems biology approach. RESULTS: A significant time effect was found for NK cell cytotoxicity (p<0.001), which was increased ~10-fold at both midand post-intervention versus baseline. No significant intervention effect was found for NK surface receptor expression, except for CXCR3 determined as mean fluorescence intensity (p=0.044, although with no significant differences in post hoc pairwise comparisons). The proteins showing a higher differential expression (Log2 fold-change > 10 and false discovery rate [FDR] q-value < 0.001) were COP9 signalosome subunit 3 (COPS3), DnaJ heat shock protein family member B11 (DNAJB11), histidyl-TRNA synthetase 1 (HARS), NIMA related kinase 9 (NEK9), nucleoporin 88 (NUP88), phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1), regulator of chromosome condensation 2 (RCC2), TAO kinase 3 (TAOK3), transducin beta like 2 (TBL2), and ring finger protein 40 (RNF40). All were upregulated at mid-intervention compared with baseline, with the exception of HARS, which was downregulated. Four enriched pathways (FDR p<25%) were found: two related to transmembrane transport and cellular composition (downregulated at mid-intervention vs baseline), and two related to oxidation- reduction reactions (regulated at post-intervention versus baseline). CONCLUSION: A progressive exercise intervention of MICT followed by HIIT induces a remarkable improvement in NK function compared with the untrained state, although at the mechanistic level the pathways involved seem to differ over time during the intervention.

Validity of the Favero Assioma Duo Power Pedal System for Measuring Power Output and Cadence.

Cycling power meters enable monitoring external loads and performance changes. We aimed to determine the concurrent validity of the novel Favero Assioma Duo (FAD) pedal power meter compared with the crank-based SRM system (considered as gold standard). Thirty-three well-trained male cyclists were assessed at different power output (PO) levels (100-500 W and all-out 15-s sprints), pedaling cadences (75-100 rpm) and cycling positions (seating and standing) to compare the FAD device vs. SRM. No significant differences were found between devices for cadence nor for PO during all-out efforts (p > 0.05), although significant but small differences were found for efforts at lower PO values (p < 0.05 for 100-500 W, mean bias 3-8 W). A strong agreement was observed between both devices for mean cadence (ICC > 0.87) and PO values (ICC > 0.81) recorded in essentially all conditions and for peak cadence (ICC > 0.98) and peak PO (ICC > 0.99) during all-out efforts. The coefficient of variation for PO values was consistently lower than 3%. In conclusion, the FAD pedal-based power meter can be considered an overall valid system to record PO and cadence during cycling, although it might present a small bias compared with power meters placed on other locations such as SRM.