Stiffness and thickness of the upper trapezius muscle increase after repeated climbing bouts in male climbers.

Background: Indoor climbing involves overloading the shoulder girdle, including the rotator cuff and upper trapezius muscles. This on the field study aimed to investigate the effects of repeated climbing bouts on morphological and mechanical measures of the upper trapezius muscle. Materials and Methods: Fifteen experienced male climbers participated in the study. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate concentration ([La-]b), and stiffness and thickness over four points of the upper trapezius were assessed before and after a repeated climbing exercise. The procedure for the climbing exercise consisted of five climbs for a total time of 5-minutes per climb, followed by a 5-minute rest. Results: The analysis showed an increase from baseline to after the 3rd climb (p ≤ 0.01) for RPE and after the 5th climb for [La-]b (p ≤ 0.001). Muscle stiffness and thickness increased at all points (1-2-3-4) after the 5th climb (p ≤ 0.01). We found spatial heterogeneity in muscle stiffness and thickness; muscle stiffness was the highest at Point 4 (p ≤ 0.01), while muscle thickness reached the highest values at points 1-2 (both p ≤ 0.01). Moreover, the analysis between the dominant and non-dominant shoulder showed greater stiffness after the 1st climb at Point 1 (p = 0.004) and after the 5th climb at Point 4 (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: For muscle thickness, the analysis showed significant changes in time and location between the dominant and the non-dominant shoulder. Bilateral increases in upper trapezius muscle stiffness and thickness, with simultaneous increases in RPE and blood lactate in response to consecutive climbs eliciting fatigue.

Effects of Dominance and Sprint Interval Exercise on Testosterone and Cortisol Levels in Strength-, Endurance-, and Non-Training Men.

The aim of the study was to investigate the response of testosterone and cortisol to sprint interval exercises (SIEs) and to determine the role of dominance. The experiment was conducted in a group of 96 men, divided into endurance-training, strength-training, and non-training groups. Participants performed SIEs consisting of 5 × 10-s all-out bouts with a 50-s active recovery. Using the passive drool method, testosterone and cortisol concentrations were measured in saliva samples at rest at 10 min pre and 12 min post exercise. Participants' heart rate (HR) was measured during the whole exercise. Dominance was assessed by the participants before the study; the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was measured immediately after each bout. The study showed that those who trained in endurance and strength sports had significantly lower mean HRs after five acute 10-s interval bouts than those in the non-training group (p = 0.006 and p = 0.041, respectively). Dominance has an inverse relation to changes in HR; however, it has no relation to hormone response. No significant differences were observed in testosterone and cortisol changes in the endurance-training, strength-training, and non-training groups after SIE (p > 0.05), which may indicate that the exercise volume was too low.

Warm-Up With Added Respiratory Dead Space Volume Mask Improves the Performance of the Cycling Sprint Interval Exercise: Cross-Over Study.

Special breathing exercises performed during warm-up lead to hypercapnia and stimulation of mechanisms leading to increased exercise performance, but the effect of a device that increases the respiratory dead space volume (ARDSv) during warm-up has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 10 min warm-up with ARDSv on performance, physiological and biochemical responses during sprint interval cycling exercise (SIE). During four laboratory visits at least 72 h apart, they completed: (1) an incremental exercise test (IET) on a cycloergometer, (2) a familiarization session, and cross-over SIE sessions conducted in random order on visits (3) and (4). During one of them, 1200 mL of ARDSv was used for breathing over a 10-min warm-up. SIE consisted of 6 × 10-s all-out bouts with 4-min active recovery. Work capacity, cardiopulmonary parameters, body temperature, respiratory muscle strength, blood acid-base balance, lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were analyzed. After warm-up with ARDSv, P ET CO2 was 45.0 ± 3.7 vs. 41.6 ± 2.5 (mm Hg) (p < 0.001). Body temperature was 0.6 (°C) higher after this form of warm-up (p < 0.05), bicarbonate concentration increased by 1.8 (mmol⋅L-1) (p < 0.01). As a result, work performed was 2.9% greater (p < 0.01) compared to the control condition. Respiratory muscle strength did not decreased. Warming up with added respiratory dead space volume mask prior to cycling SIE produces an ergogenic effect by increasing body temperature and buffering capacity.

Predicting Changes in Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Response to Polarized Training (Sprint Interval Training, High-Intensity Interval Training, and Endurance Training) in Mountain Bike Cyclists.

ABSTRACT: Hebisz, R, Hebisz, P, Danek, N, Michalik, K, and Zaton, M. Predicting changes in maximal oxygen uptake in response to polarized training (sprint interval training, high-intensity interval training, and endurance training) in mountain bike cyclists. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1726-1730, 2022-The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of change in maximal oxygen uptake (ΔV̇o2max) in response to a polarized training program. Twenty well-trained mountain bike cyclists completed an 8-week intervention of sprint interval training (SIT) (8-16 30-second maximal sprints), high-intensity interval training (4-6 bouts at 85-95% maximal aerobic power), and endurance training (2-3 hours cycling at 70-80% power at the ventilatory threshold). An incremental exercise test was performed to determine preintervention and postintervention maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) and maximal pulmonary ventilation (VEmax) normalized to lean body mass (LBM). The frequency and time domain of heart rate variability (HRV) was also determined during recovery after moderate warm-up in the first and last SIT. Training status was quantified as the total distance cycled in the previous year. V̇o2max, VEmax, and the root mean square of the successive differences of normal-to-normal time interval between heartbeats (RMSSD), which is the time domain of HRV all increased significantly. Multiple significant correlations were observed between ΔV̇o2max and training status and baseline measures of VEmax·LBM-1, RMSSD, and V̇o2max·LBM-1 and a regression equation was developed (r = 0.87, r2 = 0.76; p = 0.0001). The change in V̇o2max in response to polarized training can be predicted with high accuracy based on several measurable variables.

Comparison of the Ramp and Step Incremental Exercise Test Protocols in Assessing the Maximal Fat Oxidation Rate in Youth Cyclists.

The incremental exercise test is the most common method in assessing the maximal fat oxidation (MFO) rate. The main aim of the study was to determine whether the progressive linear RAMP test can be used to assess the maximal fat oxidation rate along with the intensities that trigger its maximal (FATmax) and its minimal (FATmin) values. Our study comprised 57 young road cyclists who were tested in random order. Each of them was submitted to two incremental exercise tests on an electro-magnetically braked cycle-ergometer - STEP (50 W·3 min-1) and RAMP (~0.278 W·s-1) at a 7-day interval. A stoichiometric equation was used to calculate the fat oxidation rate, while the metabolic thresholds were defined by analyzing ventilation gases. The Student's T-test, Bland-Altman plots and Pearson's linear correlations were resorted to in the process of statistical analysis. No statistically significant MFO variances occurred between the tests (p = 0.12) and its rate amounted to 0.57 ± 0.15 g·min-1 and 0.53 ± 0.17 g·min-1 in the STEP and RAMP, respectively. No statistically significant variances in the absolute and relative (to maximal) values of oxygen uptake and heart rate were discerned at the FATmax and FATmin intensities. The RAMP test displayed very strong oxygen uptake correlations between the aerobic threshold and FATmax (r = 0.93, R2 = 0.87, p < 0.001) as well as the anaerobic threshold and FATmin (r = 0.88, R2 = 0.78, p < 0.001). Our results corroborate our hypothesis that the incremental RAMP test as well as the STEP test are reliable tools in assessing MFO, FATmax and FATmin intensities.

Acute Effects of Using Added Respiratory Dead Space Volume in a Cycling Sprint Interval Exercise Protocol: A Cross-Over Study.

Background: The aim of the study was to compare acute physiological, biochemical, and perceptual responses during sprint interval exercise (SIE) with breathing through a device increasing added respiratory dead space volume (ARDSV) and without the device. Methods: The study involved 11 healthy, physically active men (mean maximal oxygen uptake: 52.6 ± 8.2 mL∙kg1∙min-1). During four visits to a laboratory with a minimum interval of 72 h, they participated in (1) an incremental test on a cycle ergometer; (2) a familiarization session; (3) and (4) cross-over SIE sessions. SIE consisted of 6 × 10-s all-out bouts with 4-min active recovery. During one of the sessions the participants breathed through a 1200-mL ARDSv (SIEARDS). Results: The work performed was significantly higher by 4.4% during SIEARDS, with no differences in the fatigue index. The mean respiratory ventilation was significantly higher by 13.2%, and the mean oxygen uptake was higher by 31.3% during SIEARDS. Respiratory muscle strength did not change after the two SIE sessions. In SIEARDS, the mean pH turned out significantly lower (7.26 vs. 7.29), and the mean HCO3- concentration was higher by 7.6%. Average La- and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) did not differ between the sessions. Conclusions: Using ARDSV during SIE provokes respiratory acidosis, causes stronger acute physiological responses, and does not increase RPE.

Influence of a Six-Week Swimming Training with Added Respiratory Dead Space on Respiratory Muscle Strength and Pulmonary Function in Recreational Swimmers.

The avoidance of respiratory muscle fatigue and its repercussions may play an important role in swimmers' health and physical performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether a six-week moderate-intensity swimming intervention with added respiratory dead space (ARDS) resulted in any differences in respiratory muscle variables and pulmonary function in recreational swimmers. A sample of 22 individuals (recreational swimmers) were divided into an experimental (E) and a control (C) group, observed for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). The intervention involved 50 min of front crawl swimming performed at 60% VO2max twice weekly for six weeks. Added respiratory dead space was induced via tube breathing (1000 mL) in group E during each intervention session. Respiratory muscle strength variables and pulmonary and respiratory variables were measured before and after the intervention. The training did not increase the inspiratory or expiratory muscle strength or improve spirometric parameters in any group. Only in group E, maximal tidal volume increased by 6.3% (p = 0.01). The ARDS volume of 1000 mL with the diameter of 2.5 cm applied in moderate-intensity swimming training constituted too weak a stimulus to develop respiratory muscles and lung function measured in the spirometry test.

No relationship between the digit ratios (2D:4D) and salivary testosterone change: Study on men under an acute exercise.

The digit ratio (2D:4D) is said to be a potential marker of exposure to prenatal sex steroids. Some studies suggest that the 2D:4D is also linked with the testosterone response to challenging situations due to organizational effect of prenatal hormonal milieu on adult endocrine functioning. However, up to date, there were only four studies (conducted on small samples) that examined the 2D:4D and the testosterone response to a challenging situation (i.e. physical exertion or aggressive context). Here, we examined the relationship between the 2D:4D and the testosterone change under an acute exercise among 97 men. We found that the digit ratios (the right 2D:4D, the left 2D:4D, and the right minus left 2D:4D) were neither predictors of pre-exercise testosterone, nor the change in testosterone level after a cycling task. Our results add a contradictory to previous studies evidence in a discussion on the links of the 2D:4D and the testosterone change.

Comparison of Acute Responses to Two Different Cycling Sprint Interval Exercise Protocols with Different Recovery Durations.

Background: Knowledge of acute responses to different sprint interval exercise (SIE) helps to implement new training programs. The aim of this study was to compare the acute physiological, metabolic and perceptual responses to two different SIE cycling protocols with different recovery durations. Methods: Twelve healthy, active male participants took part in this study and completed four testing sessions in the laboratory separated by a minimum of 72h. Two SIE protocols were applied in randomized order: SIE6×10"/4'-six "all-out" repeated 10-s bouts, interspersed with 4-min recovery; and SIESERIES-two series of three "all-out" repeated 10-s bouts, separated by 30-s recovery and 18-min recovery between series. Protocols were matched for the total work time (1 min) and recovery (20 min). Results: In SIESERIES, peak oxygen uptake and peak heart rate were significantly higher (p < 0.05), without differences in peak blood lactate concentration and mean rating of perceived exertion compared to SIE6×10"/4'. There were no differences in peak power output, peak oxygen uptake and peak heart rate between both series in SIESERIES. Conclusions: Two series composed of three 10-s "all-out" bouts in SIESERIES protocol evoked higher cardiorespiratory responses, which can provide higher stimulus to improve aerobic fitness in regular training.

Influence of Intensity RAMP Incremental Test on Peak Power, Post-Exercise Blood Lactate, and Heart Rate Recovery in Males: Cross-Over Study.

Background: The linearly increased loading (RAMP) incremental test is a method commonly used to evaluate physical performance in a laboratory, but the best-designed protocol remains unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the selected variables used in training control resulting from the two different intensities of RAMP incremental tests. Methods: Twenty healthy and physically active men took part in this experiment. The tests included two visits to a laboratory, during which anthropometric measurements, incremental test on a cycle ergometer, and examinations of heart rate and blood lactate concentration were made. The cross-over study design method was used. The subjects underwent a randomly selected RAMP test with incremental load: 0.278 W·s-1 or 0.556 W·s-1. They performed the second test a week later. Results: Peak power output was significantly higher by 51.69 W (p < 0.001; t = 13.10; ES = 1.13) in the 0.556 W·s-1 group. Total work done was significantly higher in the 0.278 W·s-1 group by 71.93 kJ (p < 0.001; t = 12.55; ES = 1.57). Maximal heart rate was significantly higher in the 0.278 W·s-1 group by 3.30 bpm (p < 0.01; t = 3.72; ES = 0.48). There were no statistically significant differences in heart rate recovery and peak blood lactate. Conclusions: We recommend use of the 0.556 W·s-1 RAMP protocol because it is of shorter duration compared with 0.278 W·s-1 and as such practically easier and of less effort for subjects.

Assessment of the physical fitness of road cyclists in the step and ramp protocols of the incremental test.

BACKGROUND: The incremental test in laboratory conditions is a method commonly used to evaluate the maximal oxygen uptake and peak power output, which are the good predictors of cycling performance. But the best-designed protocol remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the physiological and biochemical responses in the incremental ramp on cycle ergometer and to compare with the commonly used step in young road cyclists. METHODS: Fifty-seven road cyclists took part in the experiment. The tests included two visits to the laboratory during which the anthropometric measurements, incremental test on a cycle ergometer, and examination of acid-base balance and blood lactate concentration were made. A randomly selected half of the subjects made, as the first one, the STEP (50W·3min-1) Test and the RAMP Test (~0,27W·sec-1) a week later. The remaining cyclists made tests in the reverse order. RESULTS: The peak power output obtained in the RAMP was significantly higher than obtained in the STEP by 18.13W (P<0.05). The maximal oxygen uptake was higher by 1.5 (mL∙kg-1∙min-1) during the RAMP (P<0.05). The postexercise blood lactate concentration was significantly higher by 0.94 mmol∙L-1(P<0.05) in STEP. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the use of RAMP Test with linearly increasing workload to determine peak power output, maximal oxygen uptake and ventilatory threshold to precisely programming and control training of young road cyclists.