Alterations in energy system contribution following upper body sprint interval training.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the influence of different work-to-rest ratios on relative energy system utilization during short-term upper-body sprint interval training (SIT) protocols. METHODS: Forty-two recreationally trained men were randomized into one of three training groups [10 s work bouts with 2 min of rest (10:2, n = 11) or 4 min of rest (10:4, n = 11), or 30 s work bouts with 4 min of rest (30:4, n = 10)] or a control group (CON, n = 10). Participants underwent six training sessions over 2 weeks with 4-6 'all-out' sprints. Participants completed an upper body Wingate test (30 s 'all-out' using 0.05 kg kg-1 of the participant's body mass) pre- and post-intervention from which oxygen consumption and blood lactate were used to estimate oxidative, glycolytic, and adenosine triphosphate-phosphocreatine (ATP-PCr) energy system provisions. An analysis of covariance was performed on all testing measurements collected at post with the associated pre-values used as covariates. RESULTS: Relative energy contribution (p = 0.026) and energy expenditure (p = 0.019) of the ATP-PCr energy system were greater in 10:4 (49.9%; 62.1 kJ) compared to CON (43.1%; 47.2 kJ) post training. No significant differences were found between groups in glycolytic or oxidative energy contribution over a 30 s upper body Wingate test. CONCLUSION: SIT protocols with smaller work-to-rest ratios may enhance ATP-PCr utilization in a 30 s upper body Wingate over a 2-week intervention.

Tensiomyographic Responses to Warm-Up Protocols in Collegiate Male Soccer Athletes.

The mechanical properties of knee flexors and extensors in 15 collegiate male soccer players following different warm-up protocols [small-sided games (SSG), dynamic (DYN), and plyometric (PLY)] were evaluated. Tensiomyography (TMG) was used to assess contraction time (Tc), delay time (Td) and maximal displacement (Dm) of the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) of both legs before and after each warm-up, while countermovement jump height variables, 20 m sprint, t-test and sit-and-reach were measured following the warm-ups. TMG was analyzed using a three-way [condition × time × leg] ANOVA, while performance variables were analyzed with a repeated measures ANOVA. Main effects of time were observed for BF-Tc (p = 0.035), RF-Td (p < 0.001), and BF-Td, (p = 0.008), and a main effect of condition was seen for RF-Tc (p = 0.038). Moreover, participants' 20 m sprint improved following SSG (p = 0.021) compared to DYN and PLY. Sit-and-reach was greater following PLY (p = 0.021). No significant interactions were noted for the measured TMG variables. Warm-up-specific improvements were demonstrated in sprint speed and flexibility following SSG and PLY, respectively. The present study revealed changes in certain TMG measures following the warm-ups that suggest enhanced response of lower leg muscles regardless of specific activities used.

Minimal Effects of Moderate Normobaric Hypoxia on the Upper Body Work-Time Relationship in Recreationally Active Women.

Background: Sex-based differences in metabolism and morphological characteristics may result in unique exercise responses during periods of limited oxygen availability. Purpose: To evaluate the effects of moderate normobaric hypoxia on the parameters of the work-time relationship during upper body exercise in women. Materials and Methods: Thirteen recreationally active women (age: 22.7 ± 2.6 years; height: 167 ± 8.6 cm; weight: 66.4 ± 9.7 kg; body fat: 27.6% ± 5% body fat) completed a maximal graded exercise test in both normobaric hypoxia (H; fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) = 0.14) and normoxia (N; FiO2 = 0.20) on an arm ergometer to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and peak power output (PPO). Each participant completed four constant, work rate, arm-cranking time-to-exhaustion tests at 90%-120% PPO in both environmental conditions. Linear regression was used to estimate critical power (CP) and anaerobic capacity (W') through the work-time relationship during the constant work rate tests. Paired sample t-tests compared mean differences between VO2peak, PPO, CP, and W' between conditions (normoxia vs. hypoxia). Two-way (condition × intensity) repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare total work (TW) and time to exhaustion. Results: Hypoxia significantly reduced VO2peak (N: 1.73 ± 0.31 L·minute-1 vs. H: 1.62 ± 0.27 L·minute-1, p = 0.008), but had no effects on PPO (N: 78.08 ± 14.51 W vs. H: 75.38 ± 13.46 W, p = 0.09), CP (N: 57.44 ± 18.89 W vs. H: 56.01 ± 12.36 W, p = 0.55), and W' (N: 4.81 ± 1.01 kJ vs. H: 4.56 ± 0.91 kJ, p = 0.51). No significant condition × intensity interactions were noted for TW or time to exhaustion (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Moderate normobaric hypoxia significantly reduced VO2peak, but had minimal effects on CP and W' using the work-time model in women.

The acute effects of thermogenic fitness drink formulas containing 140 mg and 100 mg of caffeine on energy expenditure and fat metabolism at rest and during exercise.

BACKGROUND: Thermogenic fitness drink formulas (TFD) have been shown to increase energy expenditure and markers of lipid metabolism. The purpose of the current study was to compare TFD formulas containing different caffeine concentrations versus a placebo drink on energy expenditure and lipid metabolism at rest and during exercise. METHODS: Thirty-two recreationally active participants (22.9 ± 0.7 y, 167.1 ± 1.4 cm, 68.8 ± 2.0 kg, 24.0 ± 1.2% fat) who were regular caffeine consumers, participated in this randomized, double-blind, crossover design study. Participants reported to the laboratory on three occasions, each of which required consumption of either a TFD containing 140 mg or 100 mg of caffeine or a placebo. Baseline measurements of resting energy expenditure (REE) and resting fat oxidation (RFO) were assessed using indirect calorimetry as well as measurements of serum glycerol concentration. Measurements were repeated at 30, 60, 90 min post-ingestion. Following resting measures, participants completed a graded exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and the exercise intensity that elicits MFO (Fatmax), and total energy expenditure (EE). RESULTS: A significant interaction was shown for REE (p < 0.01) and RFO (p < 0.01). Area under the curve analysis showed an increased REE for the 140 mg compared to the 100 mg formula (p = 0.02) and placebo (p < 0.01) and an increased REE for the 100 mg formula compared to placebo (p = 0.02). RFO significantly decreased for caffeinated formulas at 30 min post ingestion compared to placebo and baseline (p < 0.01) and significantly increased for the 140 mg formula at 60 min post-ingestion (p = 0.03). A main effect was shown for serum glycerol concentrations over time (p < 0.01). No significant differences were shown for V̇O2max (p = 0.12), Fatmax (p = 0.22), and MFO (p = 0.05), and EE (p = 0.08) across drinks. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that TFD formulas containing 100 and 140 mg of caffeine are effective in increasing REE and that a 40 mg of caffeine difference between the tested formulas may impact REE and RFO in healthy individuals within 60 min of ingestion.

Examining work-to-rest ratios to optimize upper body sprint interval training.

The objective was to compare the metabolic influence of varying work-to-rest ratios during upper body sprint interval training (SIT). Forty-two recreationally-trained men were randomized into a training group [10 s work - 2 min of rest (10:2) or 4 min of rest (10:4), or 30 s work - 4 min of rest (30:4)] or a control group (CON). Participants underwent six training sessions over two weeks. Assessments consisted of a graded exercise test [maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and peak power output (PPO)], four constant-work rate trials [critical power, anaerobic working capacity, and electromyographic fatigue threshold], and an upper body Wingate test (mean/peak power and total work). Post-training absolute and relative VO2peak was greater than pre-training for 30:4 (p = .005 and p = .009, respectively), but lower for CON (p = .001 and p = .006, respectively). Post-training PPO was greater in 30:4 (p < .001). No differences were observed during the constant-work rate trials or Wingate test. Traditional SIT appears to have enhanced VO2peak in the upper body over a short-term two-week intervention.

Effects of normobaric hypoxia on upper body critical power and anaerobic working capacity.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of moderate normobaric hypoxia on the parameters of the work-time relationship in the upper body. METHODS: Twenty-one recreationally active men completed a graded exercise test in both normobaric hypoxia (H) and normoxia (N) to exhaustion on an arm ergometer to determine V̇O2peak and peak power output (PPO). Each participant completed four constant work-rate (CWR) arm-cranking tests at 90-120% PPO in both environmental conditions. Linear regression was used to estimate critical power (CP) and anaerobic working capacity (AWC) via work-time relationship during the CWR tests. RESULTS: H significantly reduced V̇O2peak (N: 2.34 ±â€¯0.34 L vs. H: 2.27 ±â€¯0.34 L, p = 0.041), PPO (N: 125.29 ±â€¯17.98 W vs. H: 121.11 ±â€¯17.98 W, p = 0.001), and CP (N: 90.22 ±â€¯12.88 W vs. H: 85.26 ±â€¯9.64 W, p = 0.042), but had no effect on AWC (N: 9.16 ±â€¯2.81 kJ vs. H: 8.75 ±â€¯3.23 kJ, p = 0.600). DISCUSSION: Moderate normobaric hypoxia appears to reduce CP in the upper body but has a variable effect on AWC.