Functional threshold power and the (manufactured) critical power controversy.

We read with concern yet another communication from Dotan regarding the critical power (CP) concept which contains a litany of factual errors, false statements, and dated physiological interpretations. Space does not permit us to rebut every incorrect point made about our work (Wong et al., 2022) and the wider field in which it sits, but we will address what we consider to be some of the more egregious errors in his letter. We would first note, however, that our paper was not actually focused on the critical power concept.

The Relationship between VO2 and Muscle Deoxygenation Kinetics and Upper Body Repeated Sprint Performance in Trained Judokas and Healthy Individuals.

The present study sought to investigate if faster upper body oxygen uptake (VO2) and hemoglobin/myoglobin deoxygenation ([HHb]) kinetics during heavy intensity exercise were associated with a greater upper body repeated-sprint ability (RSA) performance in a group of judokas and in a group of individuals of heterogenous fitness level. Eight judokas (JT) and seven untrained healthy participants (UT) completed an incremental step test, two heavy intensity square-wave transitions and an upper body RSA test consisting of four 15 s sprints, with 45 s rest, from which the experimental data were obtained. In the JT group, VO2 kinetics, [HHb] kinetics and the parameters determined in the incremental test were not associated with RSA. However, when the two groups were combined, the amplitude of the primary phase VO2 and [HHb] were positively associated with the accumulated work in the four sprints (ΣWork). Additionally, maximal aerobic power (MAP), peak VO2 and the first ventilatory threshold (VT1) showed a positive correlation with ΣWork and an inverse correlation with the decrease in peak power output (Dec-PPO) between the first and fourth sprints. Faster VO2 and [HHb] kinetics do not seem to be associated with an increased upper body RSA in JT. However, other variables of aerobic fitness seem to be associated with an increased upper body RSA performance in a group of individuals with heterogeneous fitness level.

Effect of Waters Enriched in O2 by Injection or Electrolysis on Performance and the Cardiopulmonary and Acid-Base Response to High Intensity Exercise.

Several brands of water enriched with O2 (O2-waters) are commercially available and are advertised as wellness and fitness waters with claims of physiological and psychological benefits, including improvement in exercise performance. However, these claims are based, at best, on anecdotal evidence or on a limited number of unreliable studies. The purpose of this double-blind randomized study was to compare the effect of two O2-waters (~110 mg O2·L-1) and a placebo (10 mg O2·L-1, i.e., close to the value at sea level, 9-12 mg O2·L-1) on the cardiopulmonary responses and on performance during high-intensity exercise. One of the two O2-waters and the placebo were prepared by injection of O2. The other O2-water was enriched by an electrolytic process. Twenty male subjects were randomly allocated to drink one of the three waters in a crossover study (2 L·day-1 × 2 days and 15 mL·kg-1 90 min before exercise). During each exercise trial, the subjects exercised at 95.9 ± 4.7% of maximal workload to volitional fatigue. Exercise time to exhaustion and the cardiopulmonary responses, arterial lactate concentration and pH were measured. Oxidative damage to proteins, lipids and DNA in blood was assessed at rest before exercise. Time to exhaustion (one-way ANOVA) and the responses to exercise (two-way ANOVA [Time; Waters] with repeated measurements) were not significantly different among the three waters. There was only a trend (p = 0.060) for a reduction in the time constant of the rapid component of VO2 kinetics with the water enriched in O2 by electrolysis. No difference in oxidative damage in blood was observed between the three waters. These results suggest that O2-water does not speed up cardiopulmonary response to exercise, does not increase performance and does not trigger oxidative stress measured at rest.

Bioenergetics of the VO2 slow component between exercise intensity domains.

During heavy and severe constant-load exercise, VO2 displays a slow component (VO2sc) typically interpreted as a loss of efficiency of locomotion. In the ongoing debate on the underpinnings of the VO2sc, recent studies suggested that VO2sc could be attributed to a prolonged shift in energetic sources rather than loss of efficiency. We tested the hypothesis that the total cost of cycling, accounting for aerobic and anaerobic energy sources, is affected by time during metabolic transitions in different intensity domains. Eight active men performed 3 constant load trials of 3, 6, and 9 min in the moderate, heavy, and severe domains (i.e., respectively below, between, and above the two ventilatory thresholds). VO2, VO2 of ventilation and lactate accumulation ([La-]) were quantified to calculate the adjusted oxygen cost of exercise (AdjO2Eq, i.e., measured VO2 - VO2 of ventilation + VO2 equivalent of [La-]) for the 0-3, 3-6, and 6-9 time segments at each intensity, and compared by a two-way RM-ANOVA (time × intensity). After the transient phase, AdjO2Eq was unaffected by time in moderate (ml*3 min-1 at 0-3, 0-6, 0-9 min: 2126 ± 939 < 2687 ± 1036, 2731 ± 1035) and heavy (4278 ± 1074 < 5121 ± 1268, 5225 ± 1123) while a significant effect of time was detected in the severe only (5863 ± 1413 < 7061 ± 1516 < 7372 ± 1443). The emergence of the VO2sc was explained by a prolonged shift between aerobic and anaerobic energy sources in heavy (VO2 - VO2 of ventilation: ml*3 min-1 at 0-3, 0-6, 0-9 min: 3769 ± 1128 < 4938 ± 1256, 5091 ± 1123, [La-]: 452 ± 254 < 128 ± 169, 79 ± 135), while a prolonged metabolic shift and a true loss of efficiency explained the emergence of the VO2sc in severe.

A slow V̇O2 on-response allows to comfortably adopt aerobically unaffordable walking and running speeds in short stairs ascending.

The aim of this paper is to investigate the mechanical and metabolic reasons of the spontaneous gait/speed choice of ascending short flight of stairs, where walking on every step or running on every other step are frequently interchangeable options. Twenty-four subjects' kinematics, oxygen uptake (V̇O2), ventilation and heart rate were sampled during climbing one and two flights of stairs while using the two gaits. Although motor acts were very short in time (5-22 s), metabolic kinetics, extending in the successive 250 s after the end of climbing, consistently reflected the (equivalent of the) needed mechanical energy and allowed to compare the two ascent choices: despite a 250% higher mechanical power associated to running, measured V̇O2, ventilation and heart rate peaked only at +25% with respect to walking, and in both gaits at a much lower values than V̇O2max despite of predictions based on previous gradient locomotion studies. Mechanical work and metabolic cost of transport, as expected, showed similar increase (+25%) in running. For stairs up to 4.8 m tall (30 steps at 53% gradient), running makes us consuming slightly more calories than walking, and in both gaits at no discomfort at all. The cardio-respiratory-metabolic responses similarly delay and damp the replenishing of phosphocreatine stores, which were much faster depleted during the impulsive, highly powered mechanical event, with almost overlapping time courses. Such a discrepancy between mechanical and metabolic dynamics allows to afford almost-to-very anaerobic climbs and to interchangeably decide whether to walk or run up a short flight of stairs.

Oxygen Uptake On-Kinetics during Low-Intensity Resistance Exercise: Effect of Exercise Mode and Load.

Oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics has been analyzed through mathematical modeling of constant work-rate exercise, however, the exponential nature of the VO2 response in resistance exercise is currently unknown. The present work assessed the VO2 on-kinetics during two different sub maximal intensities in the inclined bench press and in the seated leg extension exercise. Twelve males (age: 27.2 ± 4.3 years, height: 177 ± 5 cm, body mass: 79.0 ± 10.6 kg and estimated body fat: 11.4 ± 4.1%) involved in recreational resistance exercise randomly performed 4-min transitions from rest to 12% and 24% of 1 repetition maximum each, of inclined bench press (45°) and leg extension exercises. During all testing, expired gases were collected breath-by-breath with a portable gas analyzer (K4b2, Cosmed, Italy) and VO2 on-kinetics were identified using a multi-exponential mathematical model. Leg extension exercise exhibited a higher R-square, compared with inclined bench press, but no differences were found in-between exercises for the VO2 kinetics parameters. VO2 on-kinetics seems to be more sensitive to muscle related parameters (upper vs. lower body exercise) and less to small load variations in the resistance exercise. The absence of a true slow component indicates that is possible to calculate low-intensity resistance exercise energy cost based solely on VO2 measurements.

Changes in VO2 Kinetics After Elevated Baseline Do Not Necessarily Reflect Alterations in Muscle Force Production in Both Sexes.

A link between muscle fatigue, decreased efficiency and the slow component of oxygen uptake (VO2sc) has been suggested. However, a cause-effect relationship remains to be elucidated. Although alterations in VO2 kinetics after elevated baseline work rate have previously been reported, to date no study has observed the effect on muscle force production (MFP) behavior considering physiological differences between male and female subjects. This study investigated the effect of elevated baseline work rate on the VO2 kinetics and MFP in 10 male and 10 female healthy subjects. Subjects performed 4 transitions of very-heavy (VH) intensity cycling in a randomized order after unloaded (U-VH) or moderate (M-VH) exercise. Maximal isokinetic efforts (MIE) were performed before and after each condition at two different cadences (60 or 120 rpm). Whereas baseline VO2 and time constant (τ) were significantly higher in M-VH compared to U-VH, the fundamental amplitude and the VO2 slow component (VO2sc) were significantly lower in M-VH (p < 0.05) in both sexes. Blood lactate concentration ([La]) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were not influenced by condition or sex (p > 0.05). The MFP post-exercise was not significantly influenced by condition in both sexes and cadences (Δtorque for males: at 60 rpm in U-VH = 13 ± 10 Nm, in M-VH = 13 ± 9 Nm; at 120 rpm in U-VH = 22 ± 14 Nm, in M-VH = 21 ± 12 Nm; for females: at 120 rpm in U-VH = 10 ± 9 Nm, in M-VH = 12 ± 8 Nm; p > 0.05), with the exception that female subjects presented smaller decreases in M-UH at 60 rpm compared to U-VH (11 ± 13 vs. 18 ± 14 Nm, respectively, p < 0.05). There was no correlation between the decrease in torque production and VO2 kinetics parameters (p > 0.05). The alterations in VO2 kinetics which have been suggested to be linked to changes in motor unit recruitment after elevated baseline work rate did not reflect alterations in MFP and fatigue in both sexes.

Low-level laser therapy improves the VO2 kinetics in competitive cyclists.

Some evidence supports that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) reduces neuromuscular fatigue, so incrementing sports performance. A previous randomized controlled trial of our group showed increased exercise tolerance in male competitive cyclists treated with three different LLLT doses (3, 6, and 9 J/diode; or 135, 270, and 405 J/thigh) before time-to-exhaustion cycling tests. Now, the present study was designed to evaluate the effects of these LLLT doses on the VO2 kinetics of athletes during cycling tests. Twenty male competitive cyclists (29 years) participated in a crossover, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. On the first day, the participants performed an incremental cycling test to exhaustion to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2MAX) and maximal power output (POMAX), as well as a familiarization with the time-to-exhaustion test. In the following days (2 to 5), all participants performed time-to-exhaustion tests at POMAX. Before the exhaustion test, different doses of LLLT (3, 6, and 9 J/diode; or 135, 270, and 405 J/thigh, respectively) or placebo were applied bilaterally to the quadriceps muscle. All exhaustion tests were monitored online by an open-circuit spirometry system in order to analyze the VO2 amplitude, VO2 delay time, time constant (tau), and O2 deficit. Tau and O2 deficit were decreased with LLLT applications compared to the placebo condition (p < 0.05). No differences (p > 0.05) were found between the experimental conditions for VO2 amplitude and VO2 delay time. In conclusion, LLLT decreases tau and O2 deficit during time-to-exhaustion tests in competitive cyclists, and these changes in VO2 kinetics response can be one of the possible mechanisms to explain the ergogenic effect induced by LLLT.

Children's Aerobic Trainability and Related Questions.

In response to Armstrong's recent Special Topics review of "Top 10 Research Questions Related to Youth Aerobic Fitness," this commentary revisits some of the points raised, particularly in relation to the question of whether a child‒adult trainability difference does indeed exist. Discussed are the validity of much of the existing pediatric maximal oxygen consumption data upon which trainability conclusions are drawn, why differential trainability is likely a fact rather than a doubt, a reasoned novel approach to explaining the phenomenon, and how that explanation can bear upon and answer several of the other raised questions. The commentary is intended to inspire and encourage fresh thinking not only in relation to pediatric aerobic trainability, but more generally, regarding pediatric exercise physiology and performance and how they differ from those of adults.

Maximal Oxygen Uptake Is Achieved in Hypoxia but Not Normoxia during an Exhaustive Severe Intensity Run.

Highly aerobically trained individuals are unable to achieve maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) during exhaustive running lasting ~2 min, instead [Formula: see text] plateaus below [Formula: see text] after ~1 min. Hypoxia offers the opportunity to study the ([Formula: see text]) response to an exhaustive run relative to a hypoxia induced reduction in [Formula: see text]. The aim of this study was to explore whether there is a difference in the percentage of [Formula: see text] achieved (during a 2 min exhaustive run) in normoxia and hypoxia. Fourteen competitive middle distance runners (normoxic [Formula: see text] 67.0 ± 5.2 ml.kg-1.min-1) completed exhaustive treadmill ramp tests and constant work rate (CWR) tests in normoxia and hypoxia (F i O2 0.13). The [Formula: see text] data from the CWR tests were modeled using a single exponential function. End exercise normoxic CWR [Formula: see text] was less than normoxic [Formula: see text] (86 ± 6% ramp, P < 0.001). During the hypoxic CWR test, hypoxic [Formula: see text] was achieved (102 ± 8% ramp, P = 0.490). The phase II time constant was greater in hypoxia (12.7 ± 2.8 s) relative to normoxia (10.4 ± 2.6 s) (P = 0.029). The results demonstrate that highly aerobically trained individuals cannot achieve [Formula: see text] during exhaustive severe intensity treadmill running in normoxia, but can achieve the lower [Formula: see text] in hypoxia despite a slightly slower [Formula: see text] response.

Improved Exercise-Related Skeletal Muscle Oxygen Consumption Following Uptake of Endurance Training Measured Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.

Skeletal muscle metabolic function is known to respond positively to exercise interventions. Developing non-invasive techniques that quantify metabolic adaptations and identifying interventions that impart successful response are ongoing challenges for research. Healthy non-athletic adults (18-35 years old) were enrolled in a study investigating physiological adaptations to a minimum of 16 weeks endurance training prior to undertaking their first marathon. Before beginning training, participants underwent measurements of skeletal muscle oxygen consumption using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) at rest (resting muscle[Formula: see text]O2) and immediately following a maximal exercise test (post-exercise muscle[Formula: see text]O2). Exercise-related increase in muscle[Formula: see text]O2 (Δm[Formula: see text]O2) was derived from these measurements and cardio-pulmonary peak[Formula: see text]O2 measured by analysis of expired gases. All measurements were repeated within 3 weeks of participants completing following the marathon and marathon completion time recorded. Muscle[Formula: see text]O2 was positively correlated with cardio-pulmonary peak[Formula: see text]O2 (r = 0.63, p < 0.001). Muscle[Formula: see text]O2 increased at follow-up (48% increase; p = 0.004) despite no change in cardio-pulmonary peak[Formula: see text]O2 (0% change; p = 0.97). Faster marathon completion time correlated with higher cardio-pulmonary peak[Formula: see text]O2 (rpartial = -0.58, p = 0.002) but not muscle[Formula: see text]O2 (rpartial = 0.16, p = 0.44) after adjustment for age and sex [and adipose tissue thickness (ATT) for muscle[Formula: see text]O2 measurements]. Skeletal muscle metabolic adaptions occur following training and completion of a first-time marathon; these can be identified non-invasively using NIRS. Although the cardio-pulmonary system is limiting for running performance, skeletal muscle changes can be detected despite minimal improvement in cardio-pulmonary function.

A influência de variáveis aeróbias e anaeróbias no teste de "sprints" repetidos / Influence of aerobic and anaerobic variables on repeated sprint tests

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o modo e o grau com que variáveis aeróbias e anaeróbias influenciam o desempenho e a fadiga em "sprints" repetidos (RS) na corrida. Para este fim, participaram do estudo 24 homens, sendo oito corredores velocistas, oito corredores fundistas e oito sujeitos ativos. Em uma pista sintética de atletismo estes sujeitos foram submetidos aos seguintes testes: 1) teste incremental para determinação do VO2max e da velocidade aeróbia máxima (VAM); 2) teste de velocidade constante realizado a 110%VAM para determinar a cinética do VO2 durante exercício e o máximo déficit acumulado de oxigênio (MAOD); 3) teste de "sprints" repetidos (10 "sprints" de 35 m, intercalados com 20 s de recuperação) para determinar o tempo total dos "sprints" (TT), tempo do melhor sprint (TM) e a queda do desempenho em percentual (Sdec). Para analisar a diferença entre os grupos e as relações entre as variáveis foram utilizadas a análise de variância ANOVA "one-way", complementada pelo teste de Tukey, e a correlação de Pearson, respectivamente. O TT em RS foi diferente significativamente entre todos os grupos (velocistas, 49,5 ± 0,8 s; fundistas, 52,6 ± 3,1 s; ativos, 55,5 ± 2,6 s) e Sdec foi significativamente inferior em fundistas comparado aos outros grupos (velocistas, 8,9 ± 2,1%; fundistas, 4,0 ± 2,0%; ativos, 8,4 ± 4,4%). O TT foi correlacionado significativamente com o TM (r = 0,85, p < 0,01) e com o MAOD (r = - 0,54, p < 0,01). Além disso, Sdec foi correlacionado significativamente com variáveis aeróbias (VO2max, r = - 0,58, < 0,01; VAM, r = - 0,59, p < 0,01; constante de tempo "tau", r = 0,45, p = 0,03). Portanto, conclui-se que apesar de índices aeróbios influenciarem na redução da fadiga em RS, o desempenho em RS é principalmente influenciado por características anaeróbias.(AU)

Abstract This study aimed to determine the manner and degree to which aerobic and anaerobic variables influence repeated running sprint performance and ability. Twenty four males (sprinters = 8, endurance runners = 8 and physical active subjects = 8) performed in a synthetic track the following tests: 1) incremental test to determine the VO2max and the maximum aerobic velocity (MAV); 2) constant velocity test performed at 110% of MAV to determine the VO2 kinetics and the maximum accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD); 3) repeated sprint test (10 sprints of 35-m interspersed by 20s) to determine sprint total time (TT), best sprint time (BT) and score decrement (Sdec). Between-groups comparisons and the correlations between variables were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with a Tukey post-hoc tests and Pearson correlation, respectively. TT was significantly different among all groups (sprinters = 49.5 ± 0.8 s; endurance = 52.6 ± 3.1 s; active = 55.5 ± 2.6 s) and Sdec was significantly lower in endurance runners as compared with sprinters and physical active subjects (sprinters = 8.9 ± 2.1%; endurance = 4.0 ± 2.0%; active = 8.4 ± 4.4%). TT correlated significantly with BT (r = 0.85, p < 0.01) and MAOD (r = - 0.54, p < 0.01). Moreover, Sdec was significantly correlated with aerobic parameters (VO2max, r = - 0.58, p < 0.01; MAV, r = - 0.59, p < 0.01; time constant tau, r = 0.45, p = 0.03). In conclusion, although the aerobic parameters have an important contribution to RS ability, RS performance is mainly influenced by anaerobic parameters.(AU)

Influence of oxygen uptake kinetics on physical performance in youth soccer.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between oxygen uptake kinetics (VO2 kinetics) and physical measures associated with soccer match play, within a group of highly trained youth soccer players. METHODS: Seventeen highly trained youth soccer players (age: 13.3 ± 0.4 year, self-assessed Tanner stage: 3 ± 1) volunteered for the study. Players initially completed an incremental treadmill protocol to exhaustion, to establish gaseous exchange threshold (GET) and VO2max (59.1 ± 5.4 mL kg(-1) min(-1)). On subsequent visits, players completed a step transition protocol from rest-moderate-intensity exercise, followed by an immediate transition, and from moderate- to severe-intensity exercise (moderate: 95 % GET, severe: 60 %∆), during which VO2 kinetics were determined. Physical soccer-based performance was assessed using a maximal Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) and via GPS-derived measures of physical soccer performance during soccer match play, three 2 × 20 min, 11 v 11 matches, to gain measures of physical performance during soccer match play. RESULTS: Partial correlations revealed significant inverse relationships between the unloaded-to-moderate transition time constant (tau) and: Yo-Yo IR1 performance (r = -0.58, P = 0.02) and GPS variables [total distance (TD): r = -0.64, P = 0.007, high-speed running (HSR): r = -0.64, P = 0.008 and high-speed running efforts (HSReff): r = -0.66, P = 0.005]. CONCLUSION: Measures of VO2 kinetics are related to physical measures associated with soccer match play and could potentially be used to distinguish between those of superior physical performance, within a group of highly trained youth soccer players.

Effect of prior exercise intensity on physiological response and short-term aerobic performance / Efeito da intensidade do exercício prévio na resposta fisiológica e na performance aeróbia de curta duração

Athletes of different sports have frequently used warm-up exercises as preparation for the training session or competition. Increased metabolism and performance, as well as musculoskeletal injury prevention, are among the reasons that lead coaches to adopt this procedure. The effects of prior exercise have been studied to analyze the limiting factors of physiological adjustments at the beginning of exercise and its effects on subsequent exercise performance. Thus, this article analyzes studies that have investigated the effects of prior exercise on the cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses and short-term aerobic performance. In this context, factors such as prior exercise intensity and duration and recovery period between exercise sessions are discussed, and the possible mechanisms that could explain the effects of prior exercise are presented. The effects of prior exercise on the oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics do not seem to depend on the prior exercise intensity and recovery period between exercise sessions (i.e., prior and subsequent). However, the effects on exercise tolerance appear to depend on the interaction between the intensity of both exercises and the recovery period between them.

Atletas de diferentes esportes têm usado frequentemente exercícios de aquecimento como forma de preparação para a sessão de treinamento ou a competição. Entre as razões que levam os técnicos a adotarem este procedimento estão o aumento no metabolismo e na performance, como também a prevenção de lesões musculoesqueléticas. Os efeitos do exercício prévio têm sido estudados para se analisar os fatores limitantes dos ajustes fisiológicos no início do exercício e seu efeito na performance do exercício subsequente. Assim, este artigo analisa estudos que investigaram os efeitos do exercício prévio nas respostas cardiorrespiratórias, metabólicas e na performance aeróbia de curta duração. Neste contexto, fatores como a intensidade e a duração do exercício prévio e o período de recuperação entre as sessões de exercício prévio e do exercício subsequente são discutidos. São apresentados também os possíveis mecanismos que poderiam explicar os efeitos do exercício prévio nas respostas fisiológicas e na performance. Os efeitos do exercício prévio na cinética do consumo de oxigênio (VO2) não parecem depender da intensidade do exercício prévio e do período de recuperação entre as sessões de exercício (i.e., prévio e subsequente). Porém, os efeitos na tolerância ao exercício parecem depender da interação entre a intensidade dos dois exercícios e do período de recuperação entre eles.

Concurrent speed endurance and resistance training improves performance, running economy, and muscle NHE1 in moderately trained runners.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether speed endurance training (SET, repeated 30-s sprints) and heavy resistance training (HRT, 80-90% of 1 repetition maximum) performed in succession are compatible and lead to performance improvements in moderately trained endurance runners. For an 8-wk intervention period (INT) 23 male runners [maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O(2max)) 59 ± 1 ml·min(-1)·kg(-1); values are means ± SE] either maintained their training (CON, n = 11) or performed high-intensity concurrent training (HICT, n = 12) consisting of two weekly sessions of SET followed by HRT and two weekly sessions of aerobic training with an average reduction in running distance of 42%. After 4 wk of HICT, performance was improved (P < 0.05) in a 10-km run (42:30 ± 1:07 vs. 44:11 ± 1:08 min:s) with no further improvement during the last 4 wk. Performance in a 1,500-m run (5:10 ± 0:05 vs. 5:27 ± 0:08 min:s) and in the Yo-Yo IR2 test (706 ± 97 vs. 491 ± 65 m) improved (P < 0.001) only following 8 wk of INT. In HICT, running economy (189 ± 4 vs. 195 ± 4 ml·kg(-1)·km(-1)), muscle content of NHE1 (35%) and dynamic muscle strength was augmented (P < 0.01) after compared with before INT, whereas V̇O(2max), muscle morphology, capillarization, content of muscle Na(+)/K(+) pump subunits, and MCT4 were unaltered. No changes were observed in CON. The present study demonstrates that SET and HRT, when performed in succession, lead to improvements in both short- and long-term running performance together with improved running economy as well as increased dynamic muscle strength and capacity for muscular H(+) transport in moderately trained endurance runners.

The "second wind" in McArdle's disease patients during a second bout of constant work rate submaximal exercise.

Patients with McArdle's disease (McA) typically show the "second-wind" phenomenon, a sudden decrease in heart rate (HR) and an improved exercise tolerance occurring after a few minutes of exercise. In the present study, we investigated whether in McA a first bout of exercise determines a second wind during a second bout, separated by the first by a few minutes of recovery. Eight McA (44 ± 4 yr) and a control group of six mitochondrial myopathy patients (51 ± 6 yr) performed two repetitions (CWR1 and CWR2) of 6-min constant work rate exercise (∼50% of peak work rate) separated by 6-min (SHORT) or 18-min (LONG) recovery. Pulmonary O2 uptake (Vo2), HR, cardiac output, rates of perceived exertion, vastus lateralis oxygenation {changes in deoxygenated Hb and myoglobin Mb concentrations, Δ[deoxy(Hb+Mb)], by near-infrared spectroscopy} were determined. In McA, Vo2 (0.86 ± 0.2 vs. 0.95 ± 0.1 l/min), HR (113 ± 10 vs. 150 ± 13 beats/min), cardiac output (11.6 ± 0.6 vs. 15.0 ± 0.8 l/min), and rates of perceived exertion (11 ± 2 vs. 14 ± 3) were lower, whereas Δ[deoxy(Hb+Mb)] was higher (14.7 ± 2.3 vs. -0.1 ± 4.6%) in CWR2-SHORT vs. CWR1; the "overshoot" of Δ[deoxy(Hb+Mb)] and the "slow component" of Vo2 kinetics disappeared in CWR2-SHORT. No differences (vs. CWR1) were observed in McA during CWR2-LONG, or in mitochondrial myopathy patients during both CWR2-SHORT and -LONG. A second-wind phenomenon was observed in McA during the second of two consecutive 6-min constant-work rate submaximal exercises. The second wind was associated with changes of physiological variables, suggesting an enhanced skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism. The second wind was not described after a longer (18-min) recovery period.

Cinética do consumo de oxigênio a intensidades de nado moderada e extrema / Oxygen uptake kinetics at moderate and extreme swimming intensities

INTRODUÇÃO: Tradicionalmente, os estudos da cinética do consumo de oxigênio são conduzidos a intensidades de exercício baixas, bem distintas daquelas em que o desempenho desportivo acontece. OBJETIVO: Considerando que a magnitude da cinética deste parâmetro fisiológico depende da intensidade a que o esforço é realizado, pretendeu-se com este trabalho comparar a cinética do consumo de oxigênio em 200 m crowl nadados a duas intensidades distintas: moderada e extrema. MÉTODOS: Dez nadadores do sexo masculino, de nível internacional, realizaram dois testes separados: (i) protocolo progressivo e intervalado de7 x200 m, com 30 segundos de intervalo e incrementos de 0,05 m.s-1 para determinação do patamar correspondente ao limiar anaeróbio; e (ii) 200 m à máxima velocidade. Em ambos, realizou-se uma recolha contínua de gases expirados respiração-a-respiração. RESULTADOS: Diferenças significativas foram obtidas na amplitude e constante temporal determinadas nos 200 m nadados à intensidade extrema e moderada, respectivamente: 38,53 ± 5,30 versus 26,32 ± 9,73 ml. kg-1.min-1 e 13,21 ± 5,86 versus 18,89 ± 6,53 s (p ≤ 0,05). Não foram encontradas diferenças no atraso temporal (9,47 ± 6,42 versus 12,36 ± 6,62 s (p ≤ 0,05), à intensidade extrema e moderada, respectivamente. O atraso temporal correlacionou-se negativamente com a constante temporal à intensidade moderada (r = -0,74, p ≤ 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Ambas as intensidades estudadas foram bem descritas por aproximações mono-exponenciais, tendo-se verificado diferenças significativas entre as mesmas no que concerne à amplitude e constante temporal.

INTRODUCTION: Traditionally, studies regarding oxygen consumption kinetics are conducted at lower intensities, very different from those in which the sports performance occurs. OBJECTIVE: Knowing that the magnitude of this physiological parameter depends on the intensity in which the effort occurs, it was intended with this study compare the oxygen consumption kinetics in the 200 m front crawl at two different intensities: moderate and extreme. METHODS: Ten international male level swimmers two separate tests by 24h: (i) progressive and intermittent protocol of 7 x 200 m, with 30 seconds intervals and with increments of 0.05m.s-1, to determine the anaerobic threshold correspondent step; and, (ii) 200 m at maximal velocity: in both expiratory gases were continuously collected breath-by-breath. RESULTS: Significant differences were obtained between amplitude and time constant determine in the 200 m at extreme and moderate intensities, respectively (38,53 ± 5,30 ml. kg-1.min-1 versus 26,32 ± 9,73 ml. kg-1.min-1 e 13,21 ± 5,86 s versus 18,89 ± 6,53 s (p ≤ 0,05). No differences were found in time delay (9,47 ± 6,42 s versus 12,36 ± 6,62 s, at extreme and moderate intensity, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). A negative correlation between time delay and time constant at the moderate intensity was reported (r = - 0,74, p ≤ 0,05). CONCLUSIONS: Both intensities were well described by double-exponential fittings, and there were significant differences between them in terms of amplitude and time constant.

Leg oxygen uptake in the initial phase of intense exercise is slowed by a marked reduction in oxygen delivery.

The present study examined whether a marked reduction in oxygen delivery, unlike findings in moderate-intensity exercise, would slow leg oxygen uptake (Vo2) kinetics during intense exercise (86 ± 3% of incremental test peak power). Seven healthy males (26 ± 1 years, means ± SE) performed one-legged knee-extensor exercise (60 ± 3 W) for 4 min in a control setting (CON) and with arterial infusion of N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine and indomethacin in the working leg to reduce blood flow by inhibiting formation of nitric oxide and prostanoids (double blockade; DB). In DB leg blood flow (LBF) and oxygen delivery during the first minute of exercise were 25-50% lower (P < 0.01) compared with CON (LBF after 10 s: 1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 2.5 ± 0.3 l/min and 45 s: 2.7 ± 0.2 vs. 3.8 ± 0.4 l/min) and 15% lower (P < 0.05) after 2 min of exercise. Leg Vo2 in DB was attenuated (P < 0.05) during the first 2 min of exercise (10 s: 161 ± 26 vs. 288 ± 34 ml/min and 45 s: 459 ± 48 vs. 566 ± 81 ml/min) despite a higher (P < 0.01) oxygen extraction in DB. Net leg lactate release was the same in DB and CON. The present study shows that a marked reduction in oxygen delivery can limit the rise in Vo2 during the initial part of intense exercise. This is in contrast to previous observations during moderate-intensity exercise using the same DB procedure, which suggests that fast-twitch muscle fibers are more sensitive to a reduction in oxygen delivery than slow-twitch fibers.

Consumo de oxigênio de recuperação em resposta a duas sessões de treinamento de força com diferentes intensidades / Recovery oxygen uptake in response to two resistance training sessions at different intensities

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o comportamento do consumo de oxigênio (VO2) em resposta a uma sessão de treinamento de força (TF) com objetivo em hipertrofia muscular (HP) com uma sessão com objetivo em resistência muscular localizada (RML). Nove indivíduos do sexo masculino (23,1 ± 2,1 anos) foram recrutados para este estudo. A força muscular dinâmica foi mensurada através do teste de 1RM. O VO2 foi coletado durante o repouso e 10 minutos de recuperação com um analisador de gases (CPX/D). As sessões foram compostas por um exercício de membros superiores (supino) e um de membros inferiores (agachamento), e compreenderam a execução de três séries de 6-8 repetições máximas (RM) a 80 por cento de 1RM para HP e 15-20 RM a 55 por cento de 1RM para RML. Foram analisados os dados de VO2 pós-exercício (EPOC), gasto energético (GE) de recuperação e constante de tempo de VO2 (CT). Foi observado que ambas sessões provocaram comportamento significativamente elevado de VO2 durante os 10min de recuperação em relação aos valores de repouso. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os valores de EPOC (litros) para HP (2,21 ± 0,54) e RML (2,60 ± 0,44), GE (kcal) para HP (10,36 ± 2,53) e RML (12,18 ± 2,04) e CT (segundos) para HP (56 ± 7) e RML (57 ± 6) (p > 0,05). Esses resultados demonstraram que uma sessão de TF com objetivo em RML é capaz de causar distúrbios metabólicos semelhantes àqueles provocados por uma sessão de HP, mesmo que seja em menor intensidade relativa a carga máxima.

The purpose of the present study was to compare the oxygen uptake ( VO2) behavior in response to a resistance exercise (RE) session with aim of hypertrophy (HP) with another session with aim of local muscular endurance (LME). Nine young men (23.1± 2.1 years) voluntarily participated in the present study. Dynamic muscle strength was measured with one repetition maximum test (1RM). O VO2 was collected at rest and ten minutes after exercise with a gas analyzer (CPX/D). The RE protocols were composed of one upper body exercise (bench press) and one lower body exercise (squat) with the execution of 3 sets of 6-8 maximum repetitions (RM) with 80 percent of 1RM in HP session and 3 sets of 15-20 RM with 55 percent of 1 RM in LME session. Exercise post oxygen consumption (EPOC), energy cost (EC) and time constant (TC) of VO2 were analyzed. The results showed that both RE sessions provoked significant elevated VO2 after RE in comparison to rest values. There were no differences between groups in the EPOC (l) (HP: 2.21 ± 0.54 vs. LME: 2.60 ± 0.44), EC (Kcal) (HP: 10.36 ± 2.53 vs LME: 12.18 ± 2.04) and TC of VO2 (s) (HP: 56 ± 7 vs. LME: 57 ± 6) (p>0.05). These results demonstrated that a RE session with the aim of LME gain is capable of causing similar metabolic impact to the RE session with HP aim, even if it is performed at lower intensity concerning maximal load.

Cinética do consumo de oxigênio e tempo limite na vvo2max: comparação entre homens e mulheres / Oxygen uptake kinetics and threshold time at the vVO2max: tomparison between men and women

Foi investigada a influência do gênero no tempo limite (Tlim) e na cinética do VO2 durante corrida na velocidade associada ao VO2max (vVO2max) em nove homens e nove mulheres, todos adultos, jovens e sedentários, com idades entre 20 e 30 anos. Homens e mulheres realizaram dois testes em esteira rolante, sendo um teste incremental para determinar VO2max (42,66 ± 4,50 vs. 32,92 ± 6,03mL.kg-1.min-1) e vVO2max (13.2 ± 1.5 vs. 10,3 ± 2,0km.h-1), respectivamente. Um segundo teste com carga constante na vVO2max até a exaustão. O Tlim e a cinética do VO2 foram determinados. Não houve diferença significante entre homens e mulheres para constante de tempo (τ) (35,76 ± 21,03 vs. 36,5 ± 6,21s, respectivamente; P = 0,29); Tlim (308 ± 84,3 vs. 282,11 ± 57,19s, respectivamente; P = 0,68), tempo para atingir o VO2max (TAVO2max) (164,48 ± 96,73 vs. 167,88 ± 28,59s, respectivamente; P = 0,29), tempo para atingir o VO2max em percentual do Tlim ( por centoTlim) (50,24 ± 16,93 vs. 62,63 ± 16,60 por cento, respectivamente; P = 0,19), tempo mantido no VO2max (TMVO2max) (144,08 ± 42,55 vs. 114,23 ± 76,96s, respectivamente; P = 0,13). Estes resultados sugerem que a cinética do VO2 e o Tlim são similares entre homens e mulheres sedentários na vVO2max.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of gender on Tthre and VO2 response during running exercise performed at vVO2max. Therefore, eighteen untrained individuals (9 male and 9 female) with normal weight and aged between 20 - 30 years (VO2max = 42.66 ± 4.50 vs 32.92 ± 6.03 mL.kg-1.min-1 and vVO2max = 13.2 ± 1.5 vs 10.3 ± 2.0 km.h-1, for male and female, respectively) were assessed. Subjects performed two exercise tests on treadmill. First one was an incremental test to determine VO2max, velocity at VO2max (vVO2max) and second test was performed at steady velocity - vVO2max - until exhaustion. The threshold time (Tthre) and VO2 kinetics response was determined. No significant differences were observed between men and women for time constant (τ) (35.76 ± 21.03 vs 36.5 ± 6.21s, respectively; P = 0.29); Tthre (308 ± 84.3 vs 282.11 ± 57.19s, respectively; P = 0.68), time to achieve VO2max (TAVO2max) (164.48 ± 96.73 vs 167.88 ± 28.59s, respectively; P = 0.29), time to achieve VO2max in Tthre percentage ( percentTthre) (50.24 ± 16.93 vs 62.63 ± 16.60 percent, respectively; P = 0.19); time maintained at VO2max (TMVO2max) (144.08 ± 42.55 vs 114.23 ± 76.96s, respectively; P = 0.13). These results suggest that the VO2 kinetics response and Tthre is similar between untrained men and women at the vVO2max.