Caffeine, but Not Creatine, Improves Anaerobic Power Without Altering Anaerobic Capacity in Healthy Men During a Wingate Anaerobic Test.

There is a lack of evidence on the additional benefits of combining caffeine (CAF) and creatine (CRE) supplementation on anaerobic power and capacity. Thus, the aim of the present study was to test the effects of combined and isolated supplementation of CAF and CRE on anaerobic power and capacity. Twenty-four healthy men performed a baseline Wingate anaerobic test and were then allocated into a CRE (n = 12) or placebo (PLA; n = 12) group. The CRE group ingested 20 g/day of CRE for 8 days, while the PLA group ingested 20 g/day of maltodextrin for the same period. On the sixth and eighth days of the loading period, both groups performed a Wingate anaerobic test 1 hr after either CAF (5 mg/kg of body mass; CRE + CAF and PLA + CAF conditions) or PLA (5 mg/kg of body mass of cellulose; CRE + PLA and PLA + PLA conditions) ingestion. After the loading period, changes in body mass were greater (p < .05) in the CRE (+0.87 ± 0.23 kg) than in the PLA group (+0.13 ± 0.27 kg). In both groups, peak power was higher (p = .01) in the CAF (1,033.4 ± 209.3 W) than in the PLA trial (1,003.3 ± 204.4 W), but mean power was not different between PLA and CAF trials (p > .05). In conclusion, CAF, but not CRE ingestion, increases anaerobic power. Conversely, neither CRE nor CAF has an effect on anaerobic capacity.

Is caffeine mouth rinsing an effective strategy to improve physical and cognitive performance? A systematic review.

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review on the effects of caffeine mouth rinsing on physical and cognitive performance. Following a search through 4 databases, 18 studies were found meeting the inclusion criteria (15 for physical performance and 3 for cognitive performance). All selected studies found an improvement in cognitive performance with caffeine mouth rinse. Four studies found positive effects of caffeine mouthwash on physical performance when repeated during exercise, while one study detected a positive effect with a single mouthwash before exercise, but only in a fasted state. Among these studies that showed positive effects, however, three (2 for physical performance and 1 for cognitive performance) presented fair methodological quality. There was also a variety of methodological approaches in the studies that showed no improvement in physical performance with caffeine mouth rinse, which may have influenced the potential to detect the ergogenic effect of caffeine mouth rinse. Thus, the effects of caffeine mouth rinse on physical performance are mixed, but a potential ergogenic effect might be present in a fasted state and when mouthwash is repeated during exercise. Concerning cognitive performance, caffeine mouth rinse seems to be a beneficial strategy.

Effects of caffeine ingestion on cardiopulmonary responses during a maximal graded exercise test: a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression.

While the effects of caffeine ingestion on endurance performance are well known, its effects on cardiopulmonary responses during a maximal graded exercise test have been less explored. This study systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed studies investigating the effects of caffeine ingestion on cardiopulmonary responses during a maximal graded exercise test. A search was performed in four databases, and study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Data reported by the selected studies were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis, with selected moderator effects assessed via meta-regression. Twenty-one studies with good and excellent methodological quality were included in this review. Compared to placebo, caffeine increased peak minute ventilation (SMD = 0.33; p = 0.01) and time to exhaustion (SMD = 0.41; p = 0.01). However, meta-regression showed no moderating effects of dosage and timing of caffeine ingestion, stage length, or total length of GXT (all p > 0.05). Caffeine ingestion did not affect peak oxygen uptake (SMD = 0.13; p = 0.42), peak heart rate (SMD = 0.27; p = 0.07), peak blood lactate concentration (SMD = 0.60; p = 0.09), peak tidal volume (SMD = 0.10; p = 0.69), peak breathing frequency (SMD =0.20; p = 0.23), or peak power output (SMD = 0.22; p = 0.28). The results of this systematic review with meta-analysis suggest that caffeine increases time to exhaustion and peak minute ventilation among the cardiopulmonary variables assessed during GXT.

Distinct pacing profiles result in similar perceptual responses and neuromuscular fatigue development: Why different "roads" finish at the same line?

The current study analysed the effect of distinct pacing profiles (i.e. U, J, and inverted J) in the perceptual responses and neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) development following a 4-km cycling time trial (TT). Twenty-one cyclists with similar training status were allocated into three different groups based on their pacing profile spontaneously adopted during TT. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE), oxygen uptake (⩒O2) and heart rate (HR) were continuously recorded. NMF was assessed by using isometric maximal voluntary contractions (IMVC), while the central [i.e. voluntary activation (VA)] and peripheral fatigue of knee extensors [i.e. peak torque of potentiated twitches (TwPt)] were evaluated using electrically evoked contractions performed pre and 2 min after the TT. TT performance was not different amongst pacing profiles (U = 377 ± 20 s; J = 392 ± 23 s; J-i = 381 ± 20 s) (all P > 0.05). RPE, ⩒O2 and HR increased similarly throughout the TT regardless the pacing strategy (all P > 0.05). Similarly, IMVC (U = -9.9 ± 8.8; J = -9.6 ± 4.5%; J-i = -13.8 ± 11.3%), VA (U = -2.3 ± 1.7%; J = -5.4 ± 2.2%; J-i = -6.4 ± 4.5%) and TwPt (U = -32.5 ± 12.0%; J = -29.5 ± 8.0%; J-i = -33.6 ± 13.6%) were similar amongst pacing profiles (all P > 0.05). Therefore, endurance athletes with similar training status showed the same perceived responses and NMF development regardless the pacing profile spontaneously adopted. It was suggested that these responses occurred in order to preserve a similar rate of change in systemic responses (i.e. RPE, ⩒O2 and HR) and NMF development, ultimately resulting in same TT performance. HighlightsDifferent pacing profiles resulted in the same performance in a 4-km cycling time trial.The similar performance might be due to achievement of the same sensory tolerance limit.There was no difference for perceptual, metabolic and neuromuscular fatigue responses.

Training Protocols and Specific Performance in Judo Athletes: A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT: da Silva, LS, Neto, NRT, Lopes-Silva, JP, Leandro, CG, and Silva-Cavalcante, MD. Training protocols and specific performance in judo athletes: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2021-The aim of this systematic review was to describe different training protocols (e.g., resistance training, high-intensity interval training [HIIT], sprint IT, standard judo training [SJT], and aerobic training [AT]) used to improve neuromuscular adaptation and performance in specific tests with judo athletes. In addition, comparisons were made of the training protocols in the articles analyzed. The searches were conducted using the electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Cochrane. This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Search terms included martial arts, judo, physical endurance, physical conditioning, training, strength training, resistance training, IT, HIIT, adults, and young adult. A total of 9,230 articles were initially identified. Based on the inclusion criteria, 19 published studies were selected. Approximately 94.7% of studies analyzed used the traditional judo training method, and 57.9% of the articles analyzed introduced the high-intensity interval protocol, whereas 57.9% of the articles analyzed used strength training, and 31.5% of the articles analyzed used AT. Of the 19 studies analyzed, 3 contained female athletes in their samples, representing 15% of the studies, and 4.3% of the athletes who participated in the analyzed studies were women. In addition, some studies reported interventions with more than 1 training method used throughout the training program. It seems that the HIIT methods and SJT promoted greater effects on physiological and neuromuscular adaptations in judo athletes than other methods.

Effects of induced local ischemia during a 4-km cycling time trial on neuromuscular fatigue development.

The present study analyzed the effects of local ischemia during endurance exercise on neuromuscular fatigue (NMF). Nine cyclists performed, in a counterbalanced order, two separate 4-km cycling time trials (TT) with (ISCH) or without (CONTR) induced local ischemia. NMF was characterized by using isometric maximal voluntary contractions (IMVC), whereas central [voluntary activation (VA)] and peripheral fatigue [peak torque of potentiated twitch (TwPt)] of knee extensors were evaluated using electrically evoked contractions performed before (PRE) and 1 min after (POST) the TT. Electromyographic activity (EMG), power output (PO), oxygen uptake (V̇o2), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were also recorded. The decrease in IMVC (-15 ± 9% vs. -10 ± 8%, P = 0.66), VA (-4 ± 3% vs. -3 ± 3%, P = 0.46), and TwPt (-16 ± 7% vs. -19 ± 14%, P = 0.67) was similar in ISCH and CONTR. Endurance performance was drastically reduced in ISCH condition (512 ± 29 s) compared with CONTR (386 ± 17 s) (P < 0.001), which was accompanied by lower EMG, PO, and V̇o2 responses (all P < 0.05). RPE was greater in ISCH compared with CONTR (P < 0.05), but the rate of change was similar throughout the TT (8.19 ± 2.59 vs. 7.81 ± 2.01 RPE.% of total time-1, P > 0.05). These results indicate that similar end-exercise NMF levels were accompanied by impaired endurance performance in ISCH compared with CONTR. These novel findings suggest that the local reduced oxygen availability affected the afferent feedback signals to the central nervous system, ultimately increasing perceived effort and reducing muscle activity and exercise intensity to avoid surpassing a sensory tolerance limit before the finish line.

Fatigue development and perceived response during self-paced endurance exercise: state-of-the-art review.

Performance in self-paced endurance exercises results from continuous fatigue symptom management. While it is suggested that perceived responses and neuromuscular fatigue development may determine variations in exercise intensity, it is uncertain how these fatigue components interact throughout the task. To address the fatigue development in self-paced endurance exercises, the following topics were addressed in the present review: (1) fatigue development during constant-load vs. self-paced endurance exercises; (2) central and peripheral fatigue and perceived exertion interconnections throughout the self-paced endurance exercises; and (3) future directions and recommendations. Based on the available literature, it is suggested (1) the work rate variations during a self-paced endurance exercise result in transitions between exercise intensity domains, directly impacting the end-exercise central and peripheral fatigue level when compared to constant-load exercise mode; (2) central and peripheral fatigue, as well as perceived exertion response contribute to exercise intensity regulation at the different stages of the trial. It seems that while neuromuscular fatigue development might be relevant at beginning of the trial, the perceived exertion might interfere in the remaining parts to achieve maximal values only at the finish line; (3) future studies should focus on the mechanisms underpinning fatigue components interactions throughout the task and its influence on exercise intensity variations.

Characterization of performance fatigability during a self-paced exercise.

Pacing during a high-intensity cycling time trial (TT) appears to prevent premature task failure, but the performance fatigability during a self-paced exercise is currently unknown. Therefore, the current study characterized the time course of performance fatigability during a 4-km TT. Eleven male cyclists performed three separated TTs in a crossover, counterbalanced design. The TTs lasted until the end of the fast-start (FS; 600 ± 205 m), even-pace (EP; 3,600 ± 190 m), and end-spurt (ES; 4,000 m) phases. Performance fatigability was characterized by using isometric maximal voluntary contractions (IMVCs), whereas the muscle activation [i.e., voluntary activation (VA)] and contractile function of knee extensors [e.g., peak torque of potentiated twitches (TwPt)] were evaluated using electrically evoked contractions performed before and 1 min after each specific part of the trial. Gas exchange, power output (PO), and electromyographic activity (EMG) were also recorded. EMG/PO showed an abrupt increase followed by a continuous decrease toward the end of FS, resulting in a drop in IMVC (-12%), VA (-8%), and TwPt (-23%). EMG/PO was stable during EP, with no additional drop on IMVC, VA, or TwPt (-12%, -6%, and -22%, respectively). EMG/PO increased abruptly during the ES, but there was no change in IMVCs, VA, or TwPt (-13%, -8%, and -26%, respectively). These findings demonstrate that the performance fatigability during a self-paced exercise is characterized by a large drop in contractile function and muscle activation at the beginning of the trial (i.e., FS), without additional change during the middle and end phases (i.e., EP and ES).NEW & NOTEWORTHY The time course of performance fatigability throughout a self-paced exercise is currently unknown. The results showed that a large amount of muscle activation and contractile function impairments are attained early on a self-paced exercise (first ∼15% of the total time trial distance) and maintained throughout the test. This novel finding characterizes the performance fatigability from a contractile function and muscle activation perspective, which brings new insights for future studies focused on real-world exercise training and competition.

Mental fatigue does not alter performance or neuromuscular fatigue development during self-paced exercise in recreationally trained cyclists.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of mental fatigue, characterized by a subjective feeling of tiredness, on the development of neuromuscular fatigue during a 4-km cycling time trial (4-km TT). METHODS: Eight recreationally trained male cyclists performed a 4-km TT after either performing a prolonged cognitive task (mental fatigue) or after viewing emotionally neutral documentaries (control). The neuromuscular function of the knee extensors was assessed using electrical nerve stimulation at baseline, before (pre-TT), and after (post-TT) the 4-km TT. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and physiological variables were periodically measured during 4-km TT. RESULTS: Subjective ratings of fatigue increased significantly only after a prolonged cognitive task (P = 0.022). Neuromuscular function at baseline was similar between conditions and remained unchanged at pre-TT. Time to complete the 4-km TT was similar between control (376 ± 27 s) and mental fatigue (376 ± 26 s). There was no significant difference between conditions for RPE, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and HR throughout the exercise. The 4-km TT-induced similar decrease (from baseline to post-TT) in maximal voluntary contraction (mental fatigue - 11 ± 10%, control - 16 ± 12%), twitch force (mental fatigue - 26 ± 16%, control - 24 ± 17%), and voluntary activation (mental fatigue - 5 ± 7%, control - 3 ± 2%) for both conditions. CONCLUSION: Mental fatigue induced by prolonged cognitive task does not impair performance nor alter the degree of central and peripheral fatigue development during self-paced exercise in recreationally trained cyclists.

O platô do VO2max não está associado à capacidade anaeróbia em indivíduos fisicamente ativos / The VO2max plateau is not associated with the anaerobic capacity in physically active subjects

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar se a incidência do platô está relacionada com a capacidade anaeróbia. Para tanto, nove indivíduos fisicamente ativos (idade: 23 ± 4 anos; massa corporal: 72,4 ± 8,2 kg; estatura: 176,4 ± 6,8 cm; VO2max: 41,3 ± 5,7 ml.kg-1.min-1) participaram do presente estudo. Eles foram submetidos aos seguintes testes, realizados em cicloergômetro: a) um teste incremental máximo para a determinação do VO2max; b) seis testes submáximos para determinar a demanda supramáxima de O2; c) um teste supramáximo para a determinação do déficit máximo acumulado de oxigênio (MAOD). O platô foi caracterizado quando a diferença do VO2 entre os dois últimos estágios do teste incremental foi ≤ 2,1 ml.kg-1.min-1. Foi observada uma correlação inversa, porém não significante, entre e o MAOD e o platô do VO2 (r = -0,61; > 0,05). Dessa forma, parece que a capacidade anaeróbia não é fator decisivo para determinar a incidência de platô no VO2 em indivíduos fisicamente ativos.(AU)

Abstract The present study aimed to verify if the incidence of plateau is associated with anaerobic capacity. Therefore, nine physically active male (age: 23 ± 4 yr; body mass: 72.4 ± 8.2 kg; height: 176.4 ± 6.8 cm; VO2max: 41.3 ± 5.7 ml.kg-1.min-1) participated in the present study. The subjects in a cycle ergometer the following tests: a) maximum incremental test to determination of VO2max; b) six submaximal tests for determination of supra maximum demand of O2; c) supra maximum test for maximum accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) determination. The plateau was identified when the difference in the VO2 in the last two stages of incremental test was ≤ 2.1 ml.kg-1.min-1. It was observed an inverse correlation, although no significant, between MAOD and VO2 plateau (r = -0,61; > 0,05). Thus, it appears that anaerobic capacity is not a decisive factor for determining the incidence of VO2 plateau in physically active individuals.(AU)

Effects of caffeine ingestion on endurance performance in mentally fatigued individuals.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of caffeine ingestion on physiological and perceptual responses in mentally fatigued individuals. METHODS: Eight male physically active subjects completed four cycling constant-workload tests in four experimental conditions at 80 % of maximal power output: control (C), mental fatigue (MF), mental fatigue plus caffeine ingestion (5 mg/kg) (MF-CAF), and mental fatigue plus placebo (MF-PLA). The mental fatigue was induced by a continuous performance task A-X version (AX-CPT). Before and after the AX-CPT, the profile of mood state (POMS) and blood samples for lactate measurement were collected. Oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and electromyography (EMG) activity were measured during the cycling test. RESULTS: The time to exhaustion in C, MF, MF-PLA, and MF-CAF were 251 ± 30, 222 ± 23, 248 ± 28, and 285 ± 42 s, respectively. Delta values (corrected by C condition) were higher in MF-CAF than MF (P = 0.031). MF-CAF reported higher Vigor scores when compared with C (P = 0.046) and MF (P = 0.020). RPE at the first minute was significantly higher in MF-PLA than in C (P = 0.050); at the second minute, RPE was higher in MF-PLA than in C (P = 0.049) and MF-CAF (P = 0.048). EMG activity was not different between the conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Caffeine ingestion increased approximately 14 % endurance performance after the induction of mental fatigue. This effect was accompanied by a tendency to improvement in mood state (i.e., vigor). Therefore, caffeine ingestion can promote a beneficial effect on endurance performance in mentally fatigued individuals.

CONTRARRELÓGIO DE CICLISMO DE MÉDIA DISTÂNCIA: DETERMINAÇÃO E REPRODUTIBILIDADE DE PARÂMETROS DERIVADOS DA DISTRIBUIÇÃO DE POTÊNCIA / TIME TRIAL IN MIDDLE DISTANCE CYCLING: DETERMINATION AND REPRODUCIBILITY OF PARAMETERS DERIVED FROM THE POWER DISTRIBUTION

RESUMO A escolha do pacing é determinante para o sucesso esportivo, mas a análise de pequenas alterações no pacing necessita de mais estudos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar parâmetros na curva de desempenho em contrarrelógio de ciclismo para investigar variações dopacing e sua reprodutibilidade. A análise por trechos da prova também foi realizada. 19 ciclistas amadores realizaram dois testes de 4-km, no qual foram analisados parâmetros nas curvas de desempenho individuais e a potência média dos trechos da prova. O tempo e a potência média foram similares entre os testes. Não houve diferença entre os parâmetros observados na curva de desempenho comparando o teste 1 e 2, mas estes mostraram alto valor de erro típico da medida. A análise por trechos da prova foi mais consistente, sendo uma opção para analisar o pacing. Apesar de um desempenho consistente no contrarrelógio de 4-km, os parâmetros determinados apresentaram grande variação intraindividual.

ABSTRACT The selection of pacing is determinant for the sport success, but the analysis of modest variations in pacing requires further studies. The purpose of this study was to determine parameters in the performance curve on cycling time trial to investigate pacing variations and reproducibility. The test sections analysis was also performed. 19 amateur cyclists performed two tests of 4-km, in which parameters were analyzed in the individual performance curves and the average power of the test sections. The time and the average power were similar between tests. There was no difference between the parameters observed in the performance curve comparing the test 1 and 2, but these showed a high value of typical error. The test portions analysis was more consistent, with an alternative to analyze pacing. Despite consistent performance in time trial 4-km, the parameters determined varied widely between individuals.

Prior low- or high-intensity exercise alters pacing strategy, energy system contribution and performance during a 4-km cycling time trial.

We analyzed the influence of prior exercise designed to reduce predominantly muscle glycogen in either type I or II fibers on pacing and performance during a 4-km cycling time trial (TT). After preliminary and familiarization trials, in a randomized, repeated-measures crossover design, ten amateur cyclists performed: 1) an exercise designed to reduce glycogen of type I muscle fibers, followed by a 4-km TT (EX-FIB I); 2) an exercise designed to reduce glycogen of type II muscle fibers, followed by a 4-km TT (EX-FIB II) and; 3) a 4-km TT, without the prior exercise (CONT). The muscle-glycogen-reducing exercise in both EX-FIB I and EX-FIB II was performed in the evening, ∼12 h before the 4-km TT. Performance time was increased and power output (PO) was reduced in EX-FIB I (432.8±8.3 s and 204.9±10.9 W) and EX-FIB II (428.7±6.7 s and 207.5±9.1 W) compared to CONT (420.8±6.4 s and 218.4±9.3 W; P<0.01), without a difference between EX-FIB I and EX-FIB II (P>0.05). The PO was lower in EX-FIB I than in CONT at the beginning and middle of the trial (P<0.05). The mean aerobic contribution during EX-FIB I was also significantly lower than in CONT (P<0.05), but there was no difference between CONT and EX-FIB II or between EX-FIB I and EX-FIB II (P>0.05). The integrated electromyography was unchanged between conditions (P>0.05). Performance may have been impaired in EX-FIB I due a more conservative pacing at the beginning and middle, which was associated with a reduced aerobic contribution. In turn, the PO profile adopted in EX-FIB II was also reduced throughout the trial, but the impairment in performance may be attributed to a reduced glycolytic contribution (i.e. reduced lactate accumulation).

Relationship between attack and pause in world Taekwondo championship contests: effects of gender and weight category.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare between weight and gender categories the attack and pause times during the 2007 Taekwondo World Championship. METHODS: A total of 88 rounds (47 male and 41 female contests) were analyzed. RESULTS: There was no difference in attack/balancing times ratio between genders (0.13 ± 0.06 vs 0.13 ± 0.06, P > 0.05). The attack number was significantly higher in round 3 than in round 1 for all categories and genders. The balancing time was lower during the round 3 than round 1 for low-weight male and high-weight female categories. The delta of change from round 1 to 3 (round 3 - round 1) for attack time and attack/balancing times ratio were lower in male than female. CONCLUSIONS: Female seems to intensify more the combat in the last round than male, and this seems be related to the weight division.

Determinação dos metabolismos lático e alático da capacidade anaeróbia por meio do consumo de oxigênio / Determination of lactic and alactic metabolisms of the anaerobic capacity using oxygen uptake

Tem sido sugerido que a participação do metabolismo anaeróbio alático (MAA) pode ser estimada a partir do cálculo da fase rápida do excesso do consumo de oxigênio após o exercício (EPOC RÁPIDO). Considerando que o Déficit Máximo Acumulado de Oxigênio (MAOD) representa a quantidade total de energia transferida pelos metabolismos anaeróbios, o objetivo desse estudo foi analisar se o método de subtrair o EPOC RÁPIDO do MAOD (MAOD LA-1) proporciona uma estimativa satisfatória do metabolismo anaeróbio lático (MAL). Para esse fim, o MAOD LA-1 foi comparado ao método capaz de expressar em equivalente de oxigênio a energia oriunda do acúmulo de lactato no sangue (MAOD LA-2). Nove homens adultos ativos foram submetidos a quatro sessões experimentais: 1) um teste progressivo até a exaustão em um cicloergômetro para a mensuração do consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max) e da potência externa correspondente ao VO2max (WVO2max); 2 e 3) seis testes de cargas constantes (3 testes por sessão) com intensidades abaixo da WVO2max; 4) um teste de carga constante com a intensidade equivalente a 110% da WVO2max. O principal achado foi que os dois métodos (MAOD LA-1 e MAOD LA-2) empregados na estimativa da contribuição do MAL no MAOD geraram valores estatisticamente similares (p > 0,05). Além disso, os valores percentuais do MAOD LA-1 (representando o MAL) e do EPOC RÁPIDO (representando o MAA) foram de aproximadamente 78% e 22%, respectivamente. Logo, os procedimentos propostos na presente investigação podem auxiliar futuros trabalhos que porventura objetivem fragmentar as contribuições dos componentes anaeróbio do MAOD.

It has been suggested that the participation of alactic anaerobic metabolism (AAM) in physical activity can be estimated by calculating the fast component of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC FAST). Considering that maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) represents the total amount of energy transferred by anaerobic metabolisms, this study aimed to analyze whether subtracting EPOC FAST from MAOD (MAOD LA-1) provides a satisfactory estimate of lactic anaerobic metabolism (LAM). For this purpose, MAOD LA-1 was compared with the method by which the energy derived from blood lactate accumulation (MAOD LA-2) is expressed as oxygen equivalent. Nine active adult men were submitted to four experimental sessions: 1) a maximal incremental exercise test until exhaustion on a cycle ergometer to measure the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and the external power corresponding to VO2max (WVO2max); 2) and 3) six constant-workload tests (3 per session) at intensities below WVO2max; 4) one constant-workload test at an intensity corresponding to 110% of WVO2max. The main finding was that both methods (MAOD LA-1 e MAOD LA-2) that were used to estimate the contribution of LAM in MAOD resulted in similar statistical values (p > 0.05). In addition, percentage values of MAOD LA-1 (representing MAL) and EPOC FAST (representing AAM) were approximately 78 and 22%, respectively. Thus, the procedure proposed in this paper may be of interest to future studies on the.

Caffeine alters anaerobic distribution and pacing during a 4000-m cycling time trial.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of caffeine ingestion on pacing strategy and energy expenditure during a 4000-m cycling time-trial (TT). Eight recreationally-trained male cyclists volunteered and performed a maximal incremental test and a familiarization test on their first and second visits, respectively. On the third and fourth visits, the participants performed a 4000-m cycling TT after ingesting capsules containing either caffeine (5 mg.kg(-1) of body weight, CAF) or cellulose (PLA). The tests were applied in a double-blind, randomized, repeated-measures, cross-over design. When compared to PLA, CAF ingestion increased mean power output [219.1±18.6 vs. 232.8±21.4 W; effect size (ES)  = 0.60 (95% CI = 0.05 to 1.16), p = 0.034] and reduced the total time [419±13 vs. 409±12 s; ES = -0.71 (95% CI = -0.09 to -1.13), p = 0.026]. Furthermore, anaerobic contribution during the 2200-, 2400-, and 2600-m intervals was significantly greater in CAF than in PLA (p<0.05). However, the mean anaerobic [64.9±20.1 vs. 57.3±17.5 W] and aerobic [167.9±4.3 vs. 161.8±11.2 W] contributions were similar between conditions (p>0.05). Similarly, there were no significant differences between CAF and PLA for anaerobic work (26363±7361 vs. 23888±6795 J), aerobic work (68709±2118 vs. 67739±3912 J), or total work (95245±8593 vs. 91789±7709 J), respectively. There was no difference for integrated electromyography, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion between the conditions. These results suggest that caffeine increases the anaerobic contribution in the middle of the time trial, resulting in enhanced overall performance.

Caffeine increases anaerobic work and restores cycling performance following a protocol designed to lower endogenous carbohydrate availability.

The purpose this study was to examine the effects of caffeine ingestion on performance and energy expenditure (anaerobic and aerobic contribution) during a 4-km cycling time trial (TT) performed after a carbohydrate (CHO) availability-lowering exercise protocol. After preliminary and familiarization trials, seven amateur cyclists performed three 4-km cycling TT in a double-blind, randomized and crossover design. The trials were performed either after no previous exercise (CON), or after a CHO availability-lowering exercise protocol (DEP) performed in the previous evening, followed by either placebo (DEP-PLA) or 5 mg.kg(-1) of caffeine intake (DEP-CAF) 1 hour before the trial. Performance was reduced (-2.1%) in DEP-PLA vs CON (421.0±12.3 vs 412.4±9.7 s). However, performance was restored in DEP-CAF (404.6±17.1 s) compared with DEP-PLA, while no differences were found between DEP-CAF and CON. The anaerobic contribution was increased in DEP-CAF compared with both DEP-PLA and CON (67.4±14.91, 47. 3±14.6 and 55.3±14.0 W, respectively), and this was more pronounced in the first 3 km of the trial. Similarly, total anaerobic work was higher in DEP-CAF than in the other conditions. The integrated electromyographic activity, plasma lactate concentration, oxygen uptake, aerobic contribution and total aerobic work were not different between the conditions. The reduction in performance associated with low CHO availability is reversed with caffeine ingestion due to a higher anaerobic contribution, suggesting that caffeine could access an anaerobic "reserve" that is not used under normal conditions.

Estimativa das contribuições dos sistemas anaeróbio lático e alático durante exercícios de cargas constantes em intensidades abaixo do VO2max / Estimation of contributions of the anaerobic lactic and alactic systems during constant-load exercises at intensities below the VO2max

O objetivo do estudo foi estimar as contribuições do metabolismo anaeróbio lático (MAL) e alático (MAA) em intensidades abaixo do consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max). Dez homens (23 ± 4 anos, 176,4 ± 6,8 cm, 72,4 ± 8,2 kg, 12,0 ± 4,5 % de gordura corporal) realizaram um teste progressivo até a exaustão voluntária para identificação do VO2max, da potência correspondente ao VO2max (WVO2max) e do segundo limiar ventilatório (LV2). Na segunda e na terceira visita foram realizados seis testes de cargas constantes (três testes por sessão) com intensidades abaixo do VO2max. Houve uma predominância do MAL sobre o MAA durante os exercícios submáximos a partir da intensidade correspondente ao LV2, sendo significativamente maior em 90% VO2max (p < 0,05). Dessa forma, esses resultados podem auxiliar treinadores a aplicarem cargas de treinamento adequadas aos seus atletas, de acordo com a exigência metabólica da competição...

The purpose this study was that estimated contributions of the anaerobic lactic (MAL) and alactic (MAA) metabolism during constant load exercises at intensities below the maximal oxygen capacity uptake (VO2max). Ten males (23 ± 4 years, 176.4 ± 6.8 cm, 72.4 ± 8.2 kg, 12.0 ± 4.5 % of fat body) performed in the first visit a progressive test until exhaustion to identification of VO2max, power output corresponding to the VO2max (WVO2max) and second ventilatory threshold (LV2). On the second and third visit, the participants performed six constant workload tests (3 per session) with intensities below VO2max. There was a predominance of MAL about MAA during the exercises sub-maximal from intensity corresponding to the LV2, being significantly higher at 90% VO2max (p < 0.05). Thus, these results may help coaches to implement training loads appropriate to their athletes, according to the metabolic demand of the competition...