Effects of concurrent heat and hypoxic training on cycling anaerobic capacity in men.

Physical training in heat or hypoxia can improve physical performance. The purpose of this parallel group study was to investigate the concurrent effect of training performed simultaneously in heat (31 °C) and hypoxia (FIO2 = 14.4%) on anaerobic capacity in young men. For the study, 80 non-trained men were recruited and divided into 5 groups (16 participants per group): control, non-training (CTRL); training in normoxia and thermoneutral conditions (NT: 21 °C, FIO2 = 20.95%); training in normoxia and heat (H: 31 °C, FIO2 = 20.95%); training in hypoxia and thermoneutral conditions (IHT: 21 °C, FIO2 = 14.4%), and training in hypoxia and heat (IHT + H: 31 °C, FIO2 = 14.4%). Before and after physical training, the participants performed the Wingate Test, in which peak power and mean power were measured. Physical training lasted 4 weeks and the participants exercised 3 times a week for 60 min, performing interval training. Only the IHT and IHT + H groups showed significant increases in absolute peak power (p < 0.001, ES = 0.36 and p = 0.02, ES = 0.26, respectively). There were no significant changes (p = 0.18) after training in mean power. Hypoxia appeared to be an environmental factor that significantly improved peak power, but not mean power. Heat, added to hypoxia, did not increase cycling anaerobic power. Also, training only in heat did not significantly affect anaerobic power. The inclusion of heat and/or hypoxia in training did not induce negative effects, i.e., a reduction in peak and mean power as measured in the Wingate Test.

Body Oxygen Level Test (BOLT) is not associated with exercise performance in highly-trained individuals.

Introduction: The analysis of chemoreflex and baroreflex sensitivity may contribute to optimizing patient care and athletic performance. Breath-holding tests, such as the Body Oxygen Level Test (BOLT), have gained popularity as a feasible way to evaluate the reflex control over the cardiorespiratory system. According to its proponents, the BOLT score reflects the body's sensitivity to carbon dioxide and homeostasis disturbances, providing feedback on exercise tolerance. However, it has not yet been scientifically validated or linked with exercise performance in highly-trained individuals. Therefore, we investigated the association of BOLT scores with the results of standard performance tests in elite athletes. Methods: A group of 49 speedskaters performed BOLT, Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT), and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a cycle ergometer. Peak power, total work, and power drop were measured during WAnT. Time to exhaustion and maximum oxygen uptake were measured during CPET. Spearman's rank correlation and multiple linear regression were performed to analyze the association of BOLT scores with parameters obtained during the tests, age, somatic indices, and training experience. Results: No significant correlations between BOLT scores and parameters obtained during WAnT and CPET were found, r(47) = -0.172-0.013, p = 0.248-0.984. The parameters obtained during the tests, age, somatic indices, and training experience were not significant in multiple linear regression (p = 0.38-0.85). The preliminary regression model showed an R 2 of 0.08 and RMSE of 9.78 sec. Conclusions: Our findings did not demonstrate a significant relationship between BOLT scores and exercise performance. Age, somatic indices, and training experience were not significant in our analysis. It is recommended to interpret BOLT concerning exercise performance in highly-trained populations with a great degree of caution.

The contribution of energy systems during 15-second sprint exercise in athletes of different sports specializations.

Background: Long-term adaptations and ongoing training seem to modify the energy system contribution in highly trained individuals. We aimed to compare the energy metabolism profile during sprint exercise in athletes of different specialties. Methods: Endurance (n = 17, 20.3 ± 6.0 yrs), speed-power (n = 14, 20.3 ± 2.5 yrs), and mixed (n = 19, 23.4 ± 4.8 yrs) athletes performed adapted 15-second all-out test before and after a general preparation training period. The contribution of phosphagen, glycolytic, and aerobic systems was calculated using the three-component PCr-LA-O2 method. Results: Between-group differences were observed in the contribution of energy systems in the first and second examinations. The proportions were 47:41:12 in endurance, 35:57:8 in team sports, and 45:48:7 in speed-power athletes. Endurance athletes differed in the phosphagen (p < 0.001) and glycolytic systems (p = 0.006) from team sports and in the aerobic system from speed-power athletes (p = 0.003). No substantial shifts were observed after the general preparatory phase, except a decrease in aerobic energy contribution in team sports athletes (p = 0.048). Conclusion: Sports specialization and metabolic profile influence energy system contribution during sprint exercise. Highly trained athletes show a stable energy profile during the general preparation phase, indicative of long-term adaptation, rather than immediate training effects.

Effects of low-volume court-based sprint interval training on anaerobic capacity and sport-specific performance in competitive tennis players.

Sprint interval training (SIT) is a potent exercise strategy to enhance athletes' anaerobic capacity in a time-efficient manner. This study aimed to investigate the impact of low-volume, court-based SIT on the anaerobic capacity and sport-specific performance in competitive tennis players. Twenty-four competitive collegiate tennis players were randomly assigned to either the SIT group (n = 12; three sessions per week of court-based repeated-sprint training) or the traditional endurance training (ET) group (n = 12; three sessions per week of 45-min continuous treadmill running, n = 12) for a 6-weeks intervention. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included the Wingate Anaerobic Test, elimination rate of blood lactate (BLAer), tennis-specific repeated sprint ability (RSA), and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 (YoYo-IR2). The results showed that SIT group demonstrated significant improvements in peak and average power during the Wingate test (p = 0.07; p < 0.001), along with a notable increase in YoYo-IR2 performance (7.8% increase, p = 0.04). Significant decreases were observed in both mean (5.1% decrease, p = 0.02) and sum RSA time (5.2% decrease, p = 0.02) in the tennis-specific RSA assessments. Additionally, the SIT group showed significantly higher effective training time and TRIMP in the 90-100% HRmax zone compared to the ET group (p < 0.01). This study underscores the potential benefits of low-volume, court-based SIT in enhancing anaerobic capacity and sport-specific performance in competitive tennis players, in comparison to traditional ET.

The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Cognitive and Physical Skills in Basketball and Soccer Players.

As athletes pursue excellence, training techniques continue to advance, making structured physical activity an essential tool for enhancing performance. To optimize athletic performance in modern competitive sports, the balance of physical performance and mental clarity is required. This study seeks to examine the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on cognitive and physical skills in basketball and soccer players. A 3-week HIIT protocol was incorporated based on the Wingate technique. This study included 10 soccer players and 10 basketball players with an average age of 22.79 ± 1.90 years. Participants performed pre- and post-intervention assessments. Physical proficiency was assessed using 20 m sprint, change-of-direction (COD) and dribbling tests, while cognitive skills were assessed using motion object tracking (MOT), working memory, perceptual load (PL), and attention window (AW) tests. The HIIT intervention significantly improved cognitive performance in particular; noteworthy observations were a 15% improvement in motion object tracking test scores and a 16% increase in working memory test scores for basketball players. The attention window test scores showed a 32% increase, and perceptual load test scores were 31% decreased for soccer players post-intervention. There were significant improvements in physical skills; for example, sprint times were decreased by 6%, and change-of-direction and dribbling times were reduced by 8% and 7%, respectively, indicating improved agility, speed, and ball control abilities. In conclusion, both groups performed significantly better on cognitive and physical skill tests post-HIIT intervention.

Acute effects of multi-ingredient pre-workout dietary supplement on anaerobic performance in untrained men: a randomized, crossover, single blind study.

BACKGROUND: Multi-ingredient pre-workout dietary supplements (MIPS), which are combinations of different ingredients acting on different physiological mechanisms, can have a synergistic effect and improve performance. The aim of the study was to determine the acute effects of a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement containing: beta-alanine, taurine, caffeine, L-tyrosine, and cayenne pepper (capsaicin) on anaerobic performance. METHODS: A randomized, crossover, single-blind study was designed. Twelve young, healthy, untrained men aged 22.4 ± 1.44 years participated in the study. The participants performed a supramaximal all-out test (20 s Wingate test) twice, day by day, in random order: test after placebo or MIPS consumption. In both trials, the following variables were measured in the exercise test: total work performed, peak power, mean power, time to reach peak power, and power decrease. RESULTS: MIPS was found to be effective in improving peak power (p = 0.009, ES = 0.77) and mean power (p = 0.04, ES = 0.62) in the Wingate test. However, the supplement consumption did not affect the amount of total work done (p = 0.10, ES = 0.48) in the test or power decrease (p = 0.07, ES = 0.53). The data indicate, that the improvement in anaerobic power was due to a significant improvement in pedaling speed, which was manifested in a significant improvement (i.e. shortening) in time to peak power (p = 0.003, ES = 0.88). CONCLUSION: A multi-ingredient pre-workout dietary supplement was found to be effective in improving Wingate (anaerobic) performance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06363669, retrospectively registered on 11.04.2024 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Interval training has more negative effects on sleep in adolescent speed skaters: a randomized cross controlled trial.

Objective: Sleep is an essential component of athletic performance and recovery. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of high-intensity exercise on sleep parameters in adolescent speed skaters. Methods: Eighteen male adolescent speed skaters underwent aerobic capacity testing, Wingate testing, and interval training in a randomized crossover design to assess strength output, heart rate, and blood lactate levels during exercise. Sleep quality after each type of exercise was evaluated using the Firstbeat Bodyguard 3 monitor. Results: The results showed that Wingate testing and interval training led to decreased sleep duration, increased duration of stress, decreased RMSSD, and increased LF/HF ratio (p < 0.01). Conversely, aerobic capacity testing did not significantly affect sleep (p > 0.05). The impact of interval training on sleep parameters was more significant compared to aerobic capacity testing (p < 0.01) and Wingate testing (p < 0.01). Conclusion: High-intensity anaerobic exercise has a profound impact on athletes' sleep, primarily resulting in decreased sleep duration, increased stress duration, decreased RMSSD, and increased LF/HF ratio.

A single all-out bout of 30-s sprint-cycle performed on 5 consecutive days per week over 6 weeks does not enhance cardiovascular fitness, maximal strength, and clinical health markers in physically active young adults.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the effects of a single all-out bout of 30-s sprint-cycle performed daily for 5 consecutive days per week for 6 weeks, on aerobic fitness, muscle strength and metabolic-health markers in physically active young males and females. METHODS: Healthy, physically active 20-28 year olds, were randomly assigned to either experimental (EXP, N = 11) or non-training control (CON, N = 8) group. With supervision, the EXP group performed one bout of 30-s sprint-cycle daily, Mondays to Fridays over 6 weeks, while CON group continued with their usual lifestyle. The followings were measured at pre- and post-intervention: maximal aerobic power, peak torque of knee extensors and flexors at velocities 30° s-1 and 300° s-1, resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, body fat percentage, fasting lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and fasting insulin levels. RESULTS: There were no significant improvements in the EXP group for all the measured variables (all P > 0.05); except for significant interaction effects in peak torque of knee extensors at 30° s-1 (P = 0.044) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P = 0.046). Post hoc test indicate that CON group showed decline in their low-density lipo-proteins levels (P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Six weeks of one all-out bout of 30-s sprint-cycle per day, for 5 consecutive days per week, was ineffective in improving cardiovascular fitness, maximal strength, and most health markers in physically active young adults. The present results when combined with the previous literature suggest that there is a possibility of a minimum threshold for a number of sprint-cycle bouts needed to be performed before any form of cardio-metabolic-health benefit is accrued.

Physiological and molecular predictors of cycling sprint performance.

The study aimed to identify novel muscle phenotypic factors that could determine sprint performance using linear regression models including the lean mass of the lower extremities (LLM), myosin heavy chain composition (MHC), and proteins and enzymes implicated in glycolytic and aerobic energy generation (citrate synthase, OXPHOS proteins), oxygen transport and diffusion (myoglobin), ROS sensing (Nrf2/Keap1), antioxidant enzymes, and proteins implicated in calcium handling. For this purpose, body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and sprint performance (isokinetic 30-s Wingate test: peak and mean power output, Wpeak and Wmean ) were measured in young physically active adults (51 males and 10 females), from which a resting muscle biopsy was obtained from the musculus vastus lateralis. Although females had a higher percentage of MHC I, SERCA2, pSer16 /Thr17 -phospholamban, and Calsequestrin 2 protein expressions (all p < 0.05), and 18.4% lower phosphofructokinase 1 protein expression than males (p < 0.05), both sexes had similar sprint performance when it was normalized to body weight or LLM. Multiple regression analysis showed that Wpeak could be predicted from LLM, SDHB, Keap1, and MHC II % (R 2 = 0.62, p < 0.001), each variable contributing to explain 46.4%, 6.3%, 4.4%, and 4.3% of the variance in Wpeak , respectively. LLM and MHC II % explained 67.5% and 2.1% of the variance in Wmean , respectively (R 2 = 0.70, p < 0.001). The present investigation shows that SDHB and Keap1, in addition to MHC II %, are relevant determinants of peak power output during sprinting.

Effect of Floss Band on Anaerobic Exercise and Muscle Tissue Oxygenation.

CONTEXT: Flossing is still a relatively new technique that has yielded varied results in the research literature; therefore, it requires further investigation. Previous research has shown that thigh tissue flossing might improve performance in countermovement jump, sprint time, maximum voluntary contraction, and rate of force development. DESIGN: The present study aims to investigate the effect of the floss band on performance during the Wingate test (30-WAT), muscle oxygen saturation (SpO2), and total hemoglobin in vastus lateralis. METHODS: Twenty-two students of physical education and sport (11 men and 11 women) were randomly selected to complete either the Wingate test with the application of a floss band in warm-up or the Wingate test without the use of a floss band, followed by the alternative 24 hours apart. RESULTS: Throughout the testing, the floss band did not affect performance values during the Wingate test (relative peak power, relative average power, and fatigue index). However, there was a medium to large effect difference during 1 minute prior to 30-WAT (PRE), during the 30-WAT, and 10-minute recovery (REC) in values of SpO2 and total hemoglobin. Use of floss band displayed a higher SpO2 during PRE, 30-WAT, and REC by ∼13.55%, d < 2; ∼19.06%, d = 0.89; and ∼8.55%, d = 0.59, respectively. CONCLUSION: Collectively, these findings indicate that the application of thigh flossing during warm-up has no effect on 30-WAT performance; however, SpO2 was significantly increased in all stages of testing. This could lead to potential improvement in repeated anaerobic exercise due to increased blood flow. Increased muscle oxygen saturation can also lead to improved tissue healing as oxygen supply is essential for tissue repair, wound healing, and pain management.

Analysis of Course of Changes in Blood Lactate Concentration in Response to Graded Exercise Test and Modified Wingate Test in Adolescent Road Cyclists.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the course of changes in the blood lactate (BL) concentration in response to the graded exercise test (GXT) and the modified Wingate test (MWT). METHODS: This study involved 23 male highly trained road cyclists (age: 16.2 ± 1.1 years; experience: 5.0 ± 2.1 years; VO2max 59.0 ± 3.5 mL × kg-1 × min-1). The analysis of BL concentration was conducted using an enzymatic-amperometric electrochemical technique. RESULTS: Our study provided the following information: (i) peak BL concentration in response to GXT (12.86 ± 2.32 mmol × L-1) and MWT (12.85 ± 1.47 mmol × L-1) is expected around the third minute after the completion of the trial; (ii) 60 min is not a sufficient period for BL concentration to return to resting values after GXT; (iii) post-GXT BL removal during the 60 min period is unsteady (3-20 min: -2.6 ± -0.6% × min-1; 20-60 min: -1.6 ± -0.3% × min-1; p-value for comparison < 0.01), whereas post-MWT BL removal during the 12 min period appears to be constant (3-6 min: -2.4 ± -5.6% × min-1, 6-9 min: -2.6 ± -1.8 % × min-1; 9-12 min: -3.1 ± -2.1 % × min-1; p-value for all comparisons < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: When aiming to obtain valuable data regarding the course of changes in BL concentration during the post-exertion period, it is essential to consider the number of measurements and the time points in sample collection for analysis.

Does ergogenic effect of caffeine supplementation depend on CYP1A2 genotypes? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The ergogenic effects of caffeine intake on exercise performance are well-established, even if differences exist among individuals in response to caffeine intake. The genetic variation of a specific gene, human cytochrome P450 enzyme 1A2 (CYP1A2) (rs762551), may be one reason for this difference. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the influence of CYP1A2 gene types on athletes' exercise performance after caffeine intake. METHODS: A literature search through 4 databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) was conducted until March 2023. The effect size was expressed as the weighted mean difference (WMD) by calculating fixed effects meta-analysis if heterogeneity was not significant (I2 ≤ 50% and p ≥ 0.1). Subgroup analyses were performed based on AA and AC/CC genotype of CYP1A2. RESULTS: The final number of studies meeting the inclusion criteria was 12 (n = 666 participants). The overall analysis showed that the cycling time trial significantly improved after caffeine intake (WMD = -0.48, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): -0.83 to -0.13, p = 0.007). In subgroup analyses, acute caffeine intake improved cycling time trial only in individuals with the A allele (WMD = -0.90, 95%CI: -1.48 to -0.33, p = 0.002), but not the C allele (WMD = -0.08, 95%CI: -0.32 to 0.17, p = 0.53). Caffeine supplementation did not influence the Wingate (WMD = 8.07, 95%CI: -22.04 to 38.18, p = 0.60) or countermovement jump test (CMJ) performance (WMD = 1.17, 95%CI: -0.02 to 2.36, p = 0.05), and these outcomes were not influenced by CYP1A2 genotype. CONCLUSION: Participants with the CYP1A2 genotype with A allele improved their cycling time trials after caffeine supplementation. However, compared to placebo, acute caffeine supplementation failed to increase the Wingate or CMJ performance, regardless of CYP1A2 genotype.

Acute effect of exercise intensity on circulating FGF-21, FSTL-1, cathepsin B, and BDNF in young men.

Background/objectives: Exercise intensity is potentially an important regulator of various exerkines secretion, but the optimal exercise intensity to increase and sustain exerkines levels, including FGF-21, FSTL-1, cathepsin B, and BDNF in humans, has not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to examine the circulating levels of FGF-21, FSTL-1, cathepsin B, and BDNF according to the exercise intensity. Methods: Nine young men (24.0 ± 0.4 years old) performed 4 different experimental sessions at 1-week intervals: 1) a control session (CTRL; no exercise); 2) moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE, 55% HRR); 3) vigorous-intensity continuous exercise (VICE, 85% HRR); and 4) high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE, 4 repetitions of a 30-s of "all out" cycling workout followed by a 4-min recovery). Blood samples were collected at 4 different time points (pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, 30 min post-exercise, and 90 min post-exercise). Results: Serum FGF-21, FSTL-1, cathepsin B, and BDNF were higher in HIIE than in CTRL immediately post-exercise, and FSTL-1, cathepsin B, and BDNF were higher in HIIE than in MICE immediately post-exercise (P < 0.05). The AUC for FGF-21, FSTL-1, and BDNF was higher in HIIE than in CTRL, and the AUC for FGF-21 and BDNF was higher in HIIE than in MICE (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the change in blood lactate was positively correlated with the changes in all exerkines. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that acute HIIE effectively increases serum FGF-21, FSTL-1, cathepsin B, and BDNF compared to MICE. Therefore, the secretion of exerkines, including FGF-21, FSTL-1, cathepsin B, and BDNF may be exercise intensity-dependent.

Thermographic Changes following Short-Term High-Intensity Anaerobic Exercise.

Current studies report thermographic changes following aerobic or resistance exercise but not short, vigorous anaerobic exercise. Therefore, we investigated body surface temperature changes using thermal imaging following a short session of anaerobic exercise. We studied three different regions of interest (ROIs): the legs, chest, and forehead. Thermal imaging for each participant was performed before and immediately after completing a Wingate anaerobic test and every minute during a 15 min recovery period. Immediately after the test, the maximum temperature was significantly higher in all ROIs (legs, p = 0.0323; chest, p = 0.0455; forehead, p = 0.0444) compared to pre-test values. During the recovery period, both legs showed a significant and continuous temperature increase (right leg, p = 0.0272; left leg, p = 0.0382), whereas a non-significant drop was noted in the chest and forehead temperatures. Additionally, participants with a lower anaerobic capacity exhibited a higher delta increase in surface leg temperature than participants with higher anaerobic capacities, with a minimal change in surface leg temperature. This is the first study to demonstrate body surface temperature changes following the Wingate anaerobic test. This temperature increase is attributed to the high anaerobic mechanical power outputs achieved by the leg muscles and the time taken for temperature reduction post-exercise.

Taurine supplementation enhances anaerobic power in elite speed skaters: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a semi-essential sulphur-containing amino acid abundant in skeletal muscle. Taurine supplementation is popular among athletes and has been purported to enhance exercise performance. This study aimed to investigate the ergogenic effects of taurine supplementation on anaerobic (Wingate; WanT) performance, blood lactate, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) in elite athletes. For this study, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover designs were used. Thirty young male speed skaters were randomly assigned to either taurine (TAU; single dose of 6 g) or placebo (PLAC; single dose of 6 g) 60 minutes before testing. Following a 72-hour washout, period participants completed the opposite condition. TAU improved peak (Δ% = 13.41, p < 0.001, d = 1.71), mean (Δ% = 3.95, p = 0.002, d = 1.04), and minimum power output (Δ% = 7.89, p = 0.034, d = 0.48) compared to placebo. Further, RPE (Δ% = -10.98, p = 0.002, d = 0.46) was significantly lower following the WanT in the TAU condition compared to placebo. There were no differences between conditions for the countermovement vertical jump. In conclusion, acute TAU supplementation augments anaerobic performance in elite speed skaters.

Betaine supplementation improves CrossFit performance and increases testosterone levels, but has no influence on Wingate power: randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Because betaine (BET) supplementation may improve muscular strength and endurance, it seems plausible that BET will also influence CrossFit performance (CF). PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of three weeks of BET supplementation on body composition, CF performance, muscle power in the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), and the concentrations of selected hormones. The secondary aims were to analyze the effectiveness of two different BET doses (2.5 and 5.0 g/d) and their interaction with the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotype. METHODS: The study was designed in a double-blinded randomized cross-over fashion. Forty-three CF practitioners completed the entire study. CF performance was measured using the Fight Gone Bad (FGB) workout and muscle power was evaluated in a 30-second WAnT. Body composition was determined by air-displacement plethysmography. Blood was drawn to assess hormone concentrations. The C677T single nucleotide polymorphism (rs180113) in the MTHFR gene was analyzed. RESULTS: FGB total improved with BET by 8.7 ± 13.6% (p < 0.001), but no significant changes were observed with placebo (- 0.4 ± 10.0%, p = 0.128). No changes were also observed in WAnT and body composition. After BET supplementation testosterone concentration increased by 7.0 ± 15.4% with BET (p = 0.046) (no change with placebo: 1.5 ± 19.6%, p = 0.884) but had no effect on concentrations of insulin-like growth factor or cortisol. Finally, there were no significant interactions between MTHFR genotype and BET dose in any outcome. CONCLUSIONS: BET supplementation may improve CF performance and increase testosterone concentration. However, there was no evidence of a difference between dosages (2.5 and 5.0 g/d) and MTHFR genotypes. The trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03702205) on 10 October 2018.

Determination of optimal load in the Wingate Anaerobic Test is not depend on number of sprints included in mathematical models.

Determining the optimal load (OPTLOAD) in measuring mechanical peak power output (PPO) is important in assessment of anaerobic fitness. The main goals of this study were: 1) to examine estimated optimal load and PPO based on a force-velocity test and 2) to compare the PPO from the previous method with the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT). The study involved 15 academic male athletes, aged 22.4 ± 2.3 (years), height 178.9 ± 6.8 (cm), and body weight 77.9 ± 12.2 (kg). They performed the 30-s WAnT (7.5% of body weight) during the first visit to the laboratory. Second to fourth session included a force-velocity test (FVT) involving three, 10-s all-out sprints. A randomized load ranging from 3 to 11 kg was used in each session for FVT. The OPTLOAD and PPO were computed using quadratic relationships based on power-velocity (P-v) and power-percent of body weight (P-%BM) and including three, four, five and nine sprints from FVT. The results showed non-difference in OPTLOAD [13.8 ± 3.2 (%BM); 14.1 ± 3.5 (%BM); 13.5 ± 2.8 (%BM); 13.4 ± 2.6 (%BM)] executed at three, four, five, and nine sprints (F3,56 = 0.174, p = 0.91, η2 = 0.01). The two-way ANOVA revealed that PPO were similar between tested models (P-%BM vs. P-v) independently from the numbers of sprints (F3,112 = 0.08, p = 0.99, η2 = 0.000). Moreover, the PPO measured in the WAnT (870.6 ± 179.1 W) was significantly lower compared with in P-v model (1,102.9 ± 242.5-1,134.2 ± 285.4 W) (F4,70 = 3.044, p = 0.02, η2 = 0.148). In addition, the PPO derived from P-%BM model (1,105.2 ± 245.5-1,138.7 ± 285.3 W) was significantly higher compared with the WAnT (F4,70 = 2.976, p = 0.02, η2 = 0.145). The findings suggest the potential utility of FVT for assessment of anaerobic capacity.

Upper limb cranking asymmetry during a Wingate anaerobic test in wheelchair basketball players.

INTRODUCTION: Interlimb asymmetry of strength and/or motor coordination could limit the performance of wheelchair athletes or increase their risk of injury. Studies of interlimb asymmetry in the lower limbs have shown high between-subject variability that does not depend on the side of dominance and that does not change with fatigue. Upper limb asymmetry is particularly large in manual wheelchair athletes with a lower degree of impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate interlimb asymmetry of forces developed during an upper limb Wingate anaerobic test, the effects of fatigue on force, and differences between high- and low-point players. METHOD: Twenty-five wheelchair basketball players (13 females and 12 males) of male and female national French teams performed a 30s anaerobic Wingate test on an arm ergometer. Participants were classified into two functional categories, high-point (classed from 3 to 4.5) and low-point (classed from 1 to 2.5), according to the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation classification. Left and right arm forces were measured during the pushing and pulling phases at peak power, 10s, and the end of the 30s test. RESULTS: Upper limb asymmetry changed with fatigue during each phase. Force asymmetry differed between peak power, 10s and 30s, with no consistent increase or decrease. Asymmetry did not differ significantly between low- and high-point players but tended to be greater in high-point players. Asymmetry tended to be greater in the females, with significant differences between the males and females in the push phase. CONCLUSION: Inter-subject variability was high, but forces were asymmetric for most participants, especially females. The Wingate anaerobic test could highlight problematic asymmetries that might impact daily life or sports performance.

Whole-body photobiomodulation improves post-exercise recovery but does not affect performance or physiological response during maximal anaerobic cycling.

This study aims to examine the effects of acute whole-body photobiomodulation (wbPBM), applied pre-exercise, on bouts of anaerobic cycling (Wingate) performances. Forty-eight healthy, active males and females participated in this single-blind, randomized, crossover study. Participants visited the laboratory three times to complete repeat (4 ×) Wingate testing, with one week between each visit. All participants completed baseline testing during their first visit and randomly received either the wbPBM or placebo condition before testing on the second visit, followed by the opposite condition on the third visit. There were no significant condition × time interactions for any variable (peak power, average power, power decrement, lactate, heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, heart rate variability (HRV), root-mean square of differences between R-R intervals (rMSSD), power in the high-frequency range (HF) average, power in the low-frequency range (LF) average, total power, LF/HF, or power in the very-low-frequency range average). A main condition effect was only noted for heart rate, where peak heart rate was significantly higher for wbPBM (145, 141-148 bpm) than placebo (143, 139-146 bpm; p = 0.006) and baseline testing (143, 140-146; p = 0.049) throughout the entire testing session (i.e., collapsed across all timepoints). Furthermore, HRV (rMSSD) the following morning after testing was significantly higher for the wbPBM session compared to placebo (p = 0.043). There were no differences in perceived recovery (p = 0.713) or stress (p = 0.978) scores between wbPBM and placebo. Implementing 20 min of wbPBM immediately prior to maximal bouts of anaerobic cycling did not improve performance (i.e., power output) or physiological responses (e.g., lactate). However, wbPBM elicited the ability to work at a higher heart rate throughout testing and seemed to enhance recovery through improved HRV the following morning.

Increasing circulating levels of Tenascin C in response to the Wingate anaerobic test.

AIM: Tenascin C (TNC) is a large extracellular matrix glycoprotein. It is involved in development and upregulated both during tissue repair and in several pathological conditions, including cardiovascular disease. Extracellular matrix proteins play a role in promoting exercise responses, leading to adaptation, regeneration, and repair. The main goal of this study was to investigate whether a short anaerobic effort leads to increased levels of TNC in serum. METHODS: Thirty-nine healthy men performed a Wingate test followed by a muscle biopsy. Myoblasts were isolated from the muscle biopsies and differentiated to myotubes ex vivo. TNC RNA was quantified in the biopsies, myotubes and myoblasts using RNA sequencing. Blood samples were drawn before and 5 min after the Wingate test. Serum TNC levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: After the Wingate test, serum TNC increased on average by 23% [15-33], median [interquartile range]; PWilcoxon < 0.0001. This increase is correlated with peak power output and power drop, but not with VO2max . TNC RNA expression is higher in myoblasts and myotubes compared to skeletal muscle tissue. CONCLUSION: TNC is secreted systemically as a response to the Wingate anaerobic test in healthy males. The response was positively correlated with peak power and power drop, but not with VO2max which implicates a relation to mechanical strain and/or blood flow. With higher expression in undifferentiated myoblast cells than muscle tissue, it is likely that TNC plays a role in muscle tissue remodelling in humans. Our findings open for research on how TNC contributes to exercise adaptation.