Comparison of V̇o2peak and V̇o2max at Different Sampling Intervals in Collegiate Wrestlers.

ABSTRACT: Sell, KM, Ghigiarelli, JJ, Prendergast, JM, Ciani, GJ, Martin, J, and Gonzalez, AM. Comparison of V̇o2peak and V̇o2max at different sampling intervals in collegiate wrestlers. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2915-2917, 2021-The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in the highest oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak) achieved during a maximal effort graded exercise test (GXT) in 20 NCAA Division I male wrestlers using breath-by-breath (BbB) values to the maximal uptake averaged across different time- and breath-based oxygen consumption sampling intervals (V̇o2max). Given the need for aerobic fitness and anaerobic power in wrestling, the accurate determination of V̇o2max is imperative if it is to be used to identify current aerobic fitness and consequently guide sport-specific training programs to address weaknesses in this area. Each subject completed a cycle ergometer GXT during which BbB data were collected via indirect calorimetry and V̇o2peak determined as the highest value. V̇o2max was considered as the average value of 3-s, 5-s, 10-s, 20-s, and 30-s sampling, and 3-b, 7-b, and 11-b sampling during the GXT. Results show that the BbB V̇o2peak was significantly higher than the 5-s, 10-s, 20-s, 30-s, and 11-b (p < 0.05). The 3-b V̇o2max was significantly higher than the 20-s and 30-s V̇o2max values (p < 0.05). The underestimation of V̇o2peak for each time-based interval sampling approach compared with BbB V̇o2peak is consistent with previous research, but the comparison of BbB data to breath-based interval sampling has not been widely addressed in prior research. The use of a 7-b sampling interval for the determination of V̇o2max may be a promising approach to minimize the systematic errors associated with BbB or less frequent sampling intervals, but future research is needed to further support its application with elite athletic populations such as those in the current study.

Comparison of Physical Fitness Parameters for Starters vs. Nonstarters in an NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse Team.

Sell, KM, Prendergast, JM, Ghigiarelli, JJ, Gonzalez, AM, Biscardi, LM, Jajtner, AR, and Rothstein, AS. Comparison of physical fitness parameters for starters vs. nonstarters in an NCAA Division I men's lacrosse team. J Strength Cond Res 32(11): 3160-3168, 2018-The purpose of this study was to present a fitness profile of Division I male lacrosse players and compare the fitness attributes across different positions and starting status. Forty-one Division I men's lacrosse players (19.6 ± 1.6 years, 82.5 ± 9.5 kg, 182.0 ± 5.4 cm) volunteered to participate in the study. Fitness attributes assessed included aerobic fitness (1.5-mile run), muscular strength (1 repetition maximum bench press, squat, and hang clean), grip strength (hand dynamometer), explosive power (vertical jump), agility (3-cone drill, pro-agility), body composition (7-site skinfold), and speed (20- and 40-yard sprint). All testing was conducted by a certified strength and conditioning coach and occurred at the conclusion of pre-season training. The only significant difference across positions was for body mass, whereby defensemen were significantly heavier than attacking players (p < 0.05). Starters were significantly faster on the 3-cone drill, 20- and 40-yard sprint, and jumped significantly higher on the vertical jump compared with nonstarters (p < 0.05). Attributes pertaining to anaerobic fitness (speed, agility, and explosive power) may be better predictors of starting status than aerobic fitness in men's NCAA Division I lacrosse players. This differs from previous research on men's club lacrosse players where a difference in aerobic fitness and body composition was shown between starters and nonstarters. The normative data presented in this study may assist strength and conditioning coaches in the development of sport-specific training programs and motivate athletes toward achieving sport-specific fitness goals by helping identify areas of weakness before the start of the season.