Effects of exercise intensity on the stretch-shortening cycle function of the lower limbs after cycling / 体力科学

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of exercise intensity on stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) function of the lower limbs after cycling. Ten male triathletes performed a cycling graded test to determine the ventilatory threshold (VT) and two hopping-cycling (30 min of cycling at 90 or 110% VT)-hopping tests. The two hopping-cycling-hopping tests performed in random order. Power output (PO), heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored throughout the 30-min cycling. Blood lactate concentrations (BLa) were measured in order to assess metabolic stress. The SSC function was calculated as the ratio of the jump height to the time spent in contact with the ground (reactive strength index [RSI]). PO, HR and RPE values during cycling at 110%VT was higher than at 90%VT (p < 0.01). BLa value after the cycling at 110%VT was higher than at 90%VT (90%VT: 2.4±1.0 vs. 110%VT: 5.9±2.8 mmol/L, p < 0.01). Regardless of the cycling exercise intensity, the RSI significantly decreased after the cycling exercise (p < 0.01). The RSI remained decreased at 15 min after the cycling exercise (p < 0.05). These results demonstrated that the SSC function decreased after cycling. Exercise intensity during cycling is likely to have no effect on the decrease in SSC function.

INFLUENCE OF LOW GLYCOGEN STORAGE ON BLOOD GLUCOSE AND BLOOD LACTATE KINETICS DURING INCREMENTAL RUNNING TEST / 体力科学

Blood lactate kinetics is an important physiological determinant of endurance exercise performance. Recently, some studies reported that the blood glucose transition point can also be observed (blood glucose threshold; GT) and the GT is consistent with the lactate threshold (LT). However, we have recently reported that blood glucose kinetics and blood lactate kinetics were different during two sets of incremental running tests in the same day. This result suggested that influence of low glycogen storage on GT and LT are different. This study was intended to clarify the effect of low glycogen storage on the blood glucose and the blood lactate kinetics during incremental running test performed two successive days. Eight male endurance runners participated in incremental running test performed two successive days. The main finding was that the blood glucose was significantly lower in the second day than the first day during incremental test, although blood glucose was not different at rest in both days. However, blood lactate was not different form rest to fifth stages in both days, significantly lower only at the final stage in the second day than the first day. Respiratory exchange ration were lower in the second day compared to the first day. GT was significantly higher in the second day than the first day, but LT was not different in both days. We concluded that low glycogen storage effected blood glucose kinetics more than blood lactate kinetics, and resulted in only the change of GT.

INFLUENCE OF RUNNING SPEED AND EXERCISE DURATION ON BLOOD GLUCOSE THRESHOLD DURING LONG-DISTANCE RUNNING / 体力科学

This study was intended to clarify 1) the difference of the exercise intensity at blood lactate threshold (LT) and blood glucose threshold (GT), 2) the effect of exercise duration on the LT and GT during two sets of incremental running test. Ten male runners (age 25.0±3.2 yr, height 171.2±5.5 cm, body mass 57.9±4.0 kg, VO_2max 64.6±3.0 ml/kg/min) completed two sets of incremental running test (each set was set to run ten stages at 60-90% VO_2max). Second set was repeated after 8 min recovery. LT and GT speed were investigated at the first set. Lactate minimum (LM) and glucose minimum (GM) speed were selected where the blood lactate and glucose concentration were at the lowest during the second set. Using the indirect calorimetry (VO₂, VCO₂), fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates were calculated. GT was observed in all runners. VO₂ and energy expenditure were similar between the two incremental running tests, however, fat oxidation was significantly higher and carbohydrate oxidation was significantly lower during the first half of the second set. This change was regarded as the influence of the exercise duration in the first set. Furthermore, GM speed was significantly lower than GT speed, but LM speed and LT speed were not different. It was considered that the shift of GT was affected by the substrate utilization change during prolonged exercise.

DETERMINING THE DIFFERENCE IN MAXIMAL OXYGEN UPTAKE OF RUNNING AND CYCLING－ MRI EVALUATION OF MUSCULAR ACTIVITY LEVEL － / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in the attainment rate of maximal oxygen uptake in cycling and running (%cycVO_2max). Seven healthy male subjects (22.9±1.3 yrs, 171.9±4.7 cm, 61.0±5.2 kg) participated in a maximal incremental exercise test for running and cycling. During the exercise testing, oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide output, respiratory exchange rate, minute ventilation, tidal volume, respiratory rate, and heart rate were measured. Attainment rates of each physiological measurement for cycling and running were shown as %cycVO_2max, %cycVCO_2max, %cycRER_max, %cycVE_max, %cycVt, %cycRR and %cycHR_max. Transverse relaxation time (T2)-weighted spin echo images were acquired before and after the exercise periods. Exercise-induced T2 values of each muscle and muscle-group are indices of muscular activity level, so the difference between the T2 value of cycling and running in each muscle or muscle group was shown as ΔT2_%. VO_2max in cycling was 92.2% of VO_2max in running. Significant correlations were observed between %cycVO_2max and %cycVCO_2max, %cycVO_2max and %cycRR. Furthermore, significant correlations were recognized between %cycVO_2max and ΔT2_% of the m. quadriceps femoris, %cycVCO_2max and ΔT2_% of the m. quadriceps femoris, %cycVCO_2max and the m. triceps surae, as well. These results show that the higher muscular activity level of the thigh in cycling increases the uptake of oxygen in the muscle. The T2 value shows that the uptake or redistribution of fluid within muscle is driven by the accumulation of lactate and inorganic phosphate. Therefore, the T2 value of maximal incremental exercise would reflect the anaerobic capacity of the muscle. Judging from the significant correlations between %cycVO_2max and %cycVCO_2max or %cycRR, the anaerobic capacity of each subject would also affect the difference between the maximal oxygen uptake of cycling and running.

CASE STUDY OFBLOOD GLUCOSE FLUCTUATION AND PERFORMANCE DURING 100 km MARATHON RACE / 体力科学

The present study was conducted to obtain basic information about blood glucose fluctuation and relation with race performance during 100 km marathon. Subcutaneous glucose of one well-trained runner was measured by continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) at 5 min interval and blood samples for biochemical analysis were drawn at pre, middle and post of the race. Energy balance during one week prior to the 100 km race was recorded, and the whole energy and fluid intake during the race was analyzed. Blood glucose fluctuated reflecting duration of exercise and energy supply during the race. During the latter part of the race (65–70 km), abrupt declines in blood glucose level, which reflected insufficient carbohydrate intake before the race (119 g), were accompanied by decrease in running speed. The present report suggests that continuous glucose monitoring supplemented with standard nutritional and physiological measurement provides precise and valuable information on runner’s energy state during the ultra-endurance race, and that athletes need to reassess their preparation for the race and planning of energy intake during the race.

CASE STUDY OF BLOOD GLUCOSE FLUCTUATION AND PERFORMANCE DURING 100 km MARATHON RACE / 体力科学

The present study was conducted to obtain basic information about blood glucose fluctuation and relation with race performance during 100 km marathon. Subcutaneous glucose of one well-trained runner was measured by continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) at 5 min interval and blood samples for biochemical analysis were drawn at pre, middle and post of the race. Energy balance during one week prior to the 100 km race was recorded, and the whole energy and fluid intake during the race was analyzed. Blood glucose fluctuated reflecting duration of exercise and energy supply during the race. During the latter part of the race (65–70 km), abrupt declines in blood glucose level, which reflected insufficient carbohydrate intake before the race (119 g), were accompanied by decrease in running speed. The present report suggests that continuous glucose monitoring supplemented with standard nutritional and physiological measurement provides precise and valuable information on runner’s energy state during the ultra-endurance race, and that athletes need to reassess their preparation for the race and planning of energy intake during the race.

THE RELATIVE CONTRIBUTION OF ANAEROBIC AND AEROBIC ENERGY SYSTEMS DURING FLAT-WATER KAYAK PADDLING / 体力科学

The purposes of this study were to investigate the characteristics of physiological responses during flat-water kayaking events, and to quantify the contribution of aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Eight male kayak paddlers participated in the study. The subjects performed an incremental test and five all-out tests (20, 40, 120, 240 and 600 sec) on a kayak ergometer. Peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak ; 3790 ml · min^-1) in the incremental test was significantly lower than maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max ; 3944 ml · min^-1) in the all-out test. In contrast, power at VO₂peak (154.0 W) was significantly higher than power at VO₂max (144.1 W). The contributions of energy systems were calculated by measurements of the accumulated oxygen uptake and accumulated oxygen deficit. The relative anaerobic energy system contributions for 200 m(40 sec), 500 m (120 sec), and1000 m (240 sec) averaged 71%, 43%, and 26%, respectively. These higher relative anaerobic energy system contributions, due to higher anaerobic capacity in kayak athletes, and the smaller muscle mass involved in kayak paddling limit oxygen uptake when exercise intensity is high. Furthermore, slower exercise cadence in kayak paddling leads to higher muscular tension, and thus may enhance the limiting of oxygen uptake.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FLAT-WATER KAYAK PERFORMANCE AND ENERGY SUPPLY CAPACITY / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between 2-min kayak ergometer performance (KEP) and energy supply capacity. Seventeen (male : 9, female : 8) kayak paddlers completed a maximal incremental test to determine aerobic capacity{maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) and lactate threshold (LT)}, and a 2-min all-out test to measure performance and anaerobic capacity{maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD)}. In addition, total energy supply capacity was estimated by these variables [{(T-score of VO_2max+T-score of LT)/2+T-score of MAOD}/2]. Oxygen uptake and blood lactate concentrations were continuously measured during the incremental test and at the completion of both tests. These tests were conducted on an air-braked kayak ergometer. Unlike the previous research, no significant relationships were found between KEP and VO_2max and LT in either male or female. MAOD correlated with KEP in female (r=0.75, p<0.05), but not in male. On the other hand, there was a significant correlation between KEP and total energy supply capacity (r=0.89, p<0.05, both male and female). In conclusion, total energy supply capacity accounted for a large part of KEP. These results indicate that flat-water kayak paddlers need to develop both aerobic and anaerobic capacities.

Effect of Acupuncture using Press Needle on Muscle Pain and Stiffness after Marathon Race-Double Blind Randomized Control Trial / 日本東洋医学雑誌

A double blind randomized control trial was performed to clarify the effects of acupuncture using a press needle on muscle pain, serum creatine kinase (CK) activity and muscle stiffness that resulted from running a marathon race. Sham press needles (placebo needles), which have the same package but without a needle tip, were developed by the acupuncture study authors. The subjects were 15 university students who participated in a marathon for the first time. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: the real acupuncture group and the placebo acupuncture group.<br>Both the real and the sham needles were applied to eight traditional Chinese acupoints in the lower limbs. They were applied before the start of the race and removed five days after the race.<br>Physical and biochemical examinations to determine the degree of muscle pain, CK activity, LDH isozyme, body flexion in standing position and muscle hardness were evaluated three times-before the start, after the finish, and five days after the finish.<br>Result: 1) The real acupuncture group showed less muscle pain than the placebo acupuncture group. 2) CK activity and LDH4-5 showed higher levels after the finish than before the start, but no significant difference was obtained among the groups. 3) No significant difference in time course change of the body flexion was obtained among the groups. 4) Hardness of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis showed higher levels after the finish than before the start, but no significant difference was obtained among the groups.

The simplified evaluation of post-exercise vagal reactivation and application in athletic conditioning / 体力科学

It has been shown that the time constant of heart rate decline for the first 30 sec (T<SUB>30</SUB>) after exercise, at an intensity lower than the ventilatory threshold (VT), can serve as a specific index to assess post-exercise vagal reactivation. The purpose of this study was to validate the use of a simpler alternative index, i. e. %Δ HR<SUB>30</SUB> (the ratio of heart rate decrement for the first 30 sec after exercise) for the evaluation of parasympathetic nervous reactivation, and to examine whether it would be a useful index in the conditioning of athletes. Eighteen college students performed 4 minutes cycle ergometer exercise routines at intensities of 40%, 80%, and 120% VT to compare the %Δ HR<SUB>30</SUB> and the T<SUB>30</SUB>. In addition, the %Δ HR<SUB>30</SUB> was obtained by a field test (4 minutes jogging) in 15 college middle and long distance runners, every morning during summer camp training to assess the state of athletic conditioning. The %Δ HR<SUB>30</SUB> at 80% VT was similar to the value at 40% VT, but significantly different from the value at 120% VT, as was the T<SUB>30</SUB> at 80% VT.<BR>The %Δ HR<SUB>30</SUB> significantly correlated with the T<SUB>30</SUB> and VO<SUB>2</SUB>max. During the camp, the %Δ HR<SUB>30</SUB> was higher on mornings following light training days than on mornings following hard training days. These results suggest that the %Δ HR<SUB>30</SUB>, at an exercise intensity lower than the VT, could be a simple and useful index to evaluate post-exercise parasympathetic nervous reactivation in the conditioning of athletes.

Difference in physiological responses to an incremental running test between middle- and long-distance runners / 体力科学

To obtain a viewpoint concerning evaluation of endurance type of athletes, we investigated the difference in physiological responses between middle- and long-distance runners in an incremental running test. Measurements were VO<SUB>2</SUB>max and time of its appearance, change of VO<SUB>2</SUB> from 1.5 min before exhaustion to exhaustion (ΔVO<SUB>2</SUB>), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate after exhaustion.<BR>Results were as follows.<BR>(1) The time of VO<SUB>2</SUB> max appearance in the middle distance runners was earlier than in the long distance runners.<BR>(2) VO<SUB>2</SUB>max was significantly higher in the long distance runners than in the middle distance runners.<BR>(3) Blood lactate after exhaustion and HRmax were significantly higher in the middle distance runners than in the long distance runners.<BR>(4) Blood lactate after exhaustion was significantly related to ΔVO<SUB>2</SUB> (r =-0.660, P<0.05) .<BR>These findings suggest that the endurance type of athletes could be evaluated from the time of VO<SUB>2</SUB>max appearance, blood lactate after exhaustion and HRmax in incremental running, and that VO<SUB>2</SUB>max appearance may be effected by high blood lactate accumulation.

THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE PEAK RUNNING VELOCITY, AND AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC CAPACITY DURING INCREMENTAL RUNNING TEST / 体力科学

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationships between the peak running velocity, and aerobic and anaerobic capacity in incremental running in pre- and post-competitive season using eight long distance runners. Measurements were peak running velocity, VO<SUB>2max</SUB>, running velocity and VO<SUB>2</SUB> at respiratory exchange ratio (RER) 1.0, and blood lactate after exhaustion in the incremental running test. Correlation analysis revealed that pre-season velocity at RER 1.0 and post-season blood lactate were both related to peak running velocity. Furthermore, change in peak running velocity was related to change in blood lactate between pre-and post-season. These results suggest that factors that probably influenced running performance change from aerobic capacity in the pre-season to anaerobic capacity in the post-season, and that running performance during the competitive season may be highly dependent upon anaerobic capacity.

Recovery of respiratory cardiac cycle variability after strenuous exercise / 体力科学

A study was conducted to examine the recovery of vagal activity after strenuous exercise based on changes in the magnitude of respiratory cardiac cycle variability, changes in the phase of this variability and the mechanism of the change. Six healthy male university students were studied for 5 h after exhaustive treadmill running. For cardiac cycle (RR) and blood pressure, the magnitude of respiratory variability and phase difference between respira-tory variability and respiration were measured. Respiratory period and tidal volume were maintained at 6 s and 21, respectively.<BR>1. The amplitude of respiratory RR variability decreased markedly after exercise and returned almost to normal after 2 h of recrvery. The phase of RR delayed with exercise, proceeded rapidly 2 h after exercise and progressively after that.<BR>2. The amplitude and phase of respiratory systolic blood pressure variability were almost stable before and after exercise.<BR>Based on these results, we conclude that vagal activity inhibited by strenuous exercise recovers about 2 h after the end of exercise. The delay in the phase of respiratory cardiac cycle variability with exercise may reflect inhibition of vagal activity.

Heart rate and plasma catecholamines responses to exercise at various intensities / 体力科学

To investigate the responses of heart rate and plasma catecholamines to exercise at various intensities, seven healthy adult males performed 6-min bouts of cycling exercise at 30, 50, 70 and 90% of maximal oxygen consumption (VO<SUB>2</SUB>max) . Heart rate (HR), plasma noradrenaline (NA), plasma adrenaline (A), blood lactate (La) and coefficient of variation of R-R intervals (CVRR) were determined i n each case.<BR>The following results were obtained:<BR>1) CVRR showed a sharp decline to the extent of 50%VO<SUB>2</SUB>max, then fell more slightly for heavier exercise.<BR>2) NA and A significantly increased from resting value at 50%VO<SUB>2</SUB>max, and followed by further increase with exercise intensity. NA/A increasd in proportion to exercise intensity.<BR>3) The results of multiple regression analysis of HR (dependent variable) and NA, A and CVRR (independent variables) indicated the greatest standardized partial regression coefficient for CVRR in the case of low intensity exercise, and for NA with high intensity exercise.<BR>4) La increased abruptly at 70%VO<SUB>2</SUB>max, whereas NA and A rose drastically at 90%VO<SUB>2</SUB>max.<BR>The conclusion based on these results is as follows: HR is mainly influenced by change in parasympathetic tone to the extent of 50%VO<SUB>2</SUB>max, whereas sympathetic and adrenomedullary activity are the main factors controlling HR in heavier exercise. Within the submaximal level of exercise, sympathetic activity increases more markedly than that of adrenomedullary activity. Abrupt increase in La may be independent of catecholamines.

Circulatory responses to sudden strenuous exercise. A study by mechanocardiographic method / 体力科学

A study was conducted for further investigation of the mechanism of notch formation of heart rate (HR) in sudden strenuous exercise (SSE), and rapid increase in stroke volume (SV) right after SSE which were the questions arised in the prior experiment.<BR>Six healthy male students volunteered for the study. A bicycle ergometer was prepared for SSE. The intensity and duration of SSE were 100%VO<SUB>2</SUB>max and 1 min, respectively. Warming-up consisting of 80%VO<SUB>2</SUB>max for 5 min, preceeded SSE. The interval between SSE and warming-up varied from 5 to 30 min. A control experiment was also conducted without warming-up.<BR>The main results obtained were as follows :<BR>1) Diastolic time (DT) temporarily elongated when a notch of HR was formed at the early stage of SSE. Warming-up prevented this formation. No notch was observed throughout total electromechanical systolic time (QS<SUB>2</SUB>), left ventricular ejection time (LVET) or preejection time (PEP) .<BR>2) DT was prolonged immediately after SSE, while LVET, PEPi (PEP index, Weissler's equation) were shortened. PEP/LVET did not change in the initial stage of the recovery period, while electrical systolic time (QT) and QS<SUB>2</SUB> shortend and QT/QS<SUB>2</SUB> increased temporarily.<BR>These results suggest the following conclusions :<BR>1) Notch formation observed in heart rate is due to the temporary extension of DT at the early stage of SSE.<BR>2) Decrease in afterload may be the main cause for the rapid increase in stroke volume after SSE, though other factors such as increase in preload, myocardial contractility and sympathetic tone should also be considered.

Relationship between respiratory period and respiratory arrhythmia / 体力科学

This study was undertaken to clarify the relationship between respiratory period and respiratory arrhythmia. Five healthy male university students voluntarily changed the respiratory period over a range of 3-30 seconds while maintaining tidal volume constant (; 21) . Maximum and minimum cardiac cycles (RRmax and RRmin) and amplitude of cardiac cycle variability (ΔRR), the difference between RRmax and RRmin, were measured from electrocardiogram and respiratory curve.<BR>1. Amplitude of cardiac cycle variability was small for shorter respiratory periods and increased with respiratory period, attaining maximum at respiratory periods of 8-14 seconds followed by decrease at longer respiratory periods.<BR>2. The time from the onset of inspiration to the minimum cardiac cycle was the same for respiratory periods of 8-14 seconds (about 3.6 seconds) .<BR>3. Phase difference between cardiac cycle variability and respiration was determined at each respiratory period. When the minimum or maximum cardiac cycle coincided with the onset of inspiration, this situation being defined as 0°, RRmin was delayed by 180°, 90°, and 0° at respiratory periods of 2.3, 14.4, and 26.5 seconds, respectively and by 360°, 270°, and 180° at respiratory periods of 2.7, 15.0, and 27.3 seconds, respectively.<BR>Based on these results, respiratory arrhythmia is concluded to be quite stable at respiratory periods of 8-14 seconds. At short respiratory periods, tachycardia was found to occur during inspiration and bradycardia during expiration. During long respiratory periods, bradycardia was noted during inspiration and tachycardia during expiration.

Effects of warming-up on circulatory responses to sudden strenuous exercise / 体力科学

A study was conducted to elucidate the changes in circulatory responses to sudden strenuous exercise (SSE) using beat-by-beat analysis of heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV) and blood pressure (BP) . The effects of warming-up on these responses were also studied.<BR>Six healthy male students volunteered for the study. A bicycle ergometer was prepared for SSE. The intensity and duration of SSE were 100% VO<SUB>2</SUB>max and 1 min, respectively. Warming-up of 80% VO<SUB>2</SUB>max for 5 min followed by SSE. The interval between SSE and warming-up varied from 5 to 30 min. A control experiment was also performed without warming-up.<BR>The main results obtained were as follows :<BR>1) BP decreased in the initial stage of SSE, followed by a steep increase. This temporary drop in BP was prevented by warming-up. This might contribute to the prevention of myocardial ischemia which is occasionally observed in the initial stage of SSE without warming-up.<BR>2) Time constants of HR and SV during SSE were shortened by warming-up with long intervals, while the time constant of BP was shortened when the interval was short.<BR>3) The recovery response of each parameter was accelerated by warming-up, but the effect of warming-up had almost disappeared after a 30 min interval.<BR>These results suggest the following conclusions :<BR>Warming-up accelerates the up-stroke and recovery of circulatory responses to SSE, but these effects of warming-up are strongly influenced by interval time. In particular, the effect of recovery acceleration is almost abolished by a 30 min interval.

Changes in systolic and diastolic time intervals during prolonged exercise. (Part 3) / 体力科学

A study was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism responsible for the specific changes in systolic time intervals (STIs), diastolic time (DT) and the ratio of total electromechanical systole to DT (QS<SUB>2</SUB>/DT), which were observed during prolonged exercise<SUP>17, 19)</SUP> Sixteen healthy male students performed short-term incremental maximal exercise and 40-min submaximal exercise with a work load requiring 65% of maximal oxygen consumption on a bicycle ergo-meter, Heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), blood pressure (BP), STIs and DT were calculated from electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram, derivative of ear densitogram, impedance cardiogram and finger arterial pressure wave.<BR>1) During the short-term exercise, STIs, DT and QS<SUB>2</SUB>/DT changed rectilinearly in accordance with increased HR, whereas they changed in a specific zigzag pattern during the prolonged exercise.<BR>2) During the prolonged exercise, SV and BP were lower than those during the short-term exercise, except for SV between 1 and 2 min after the start of the exercise. From 2 min onwards, left ventricular ejection time (LVET), QS<SUB>2</SUB> and QS<SUB>2</SUB>/DT became smaller than those during the short-term exercise.<BR>3) Differences between the measured values of LVET, pre-ejection period (PEP) and PEP/LVET and those predicted by multiple regression equations during the prolonged exercise were smaller than those during the short-term exercise.<BR>From these findings, it was concluded that the specific changes observed in STIs, DT and QS<SUB>2</SUB>/DT during prolonged exercise are produced by decrease of SV and BP in the early stage, and probably influenced by a decrease in myocardial contractility in the late stage.

Changes in systolic and diastolic time intervals during prolonged exercise. (Part 2) / 体力科学

A study was undertaken to determine whether the specific change in the ratio of systolic to diastolic time (QS<SUB>2</SUB>/DT) observed during prolonged exercise<SUP>17)</SUP> is dependent on HR or elapsed time, and also to elucidate the possible relationship between change in QS<SUB>2</SUB>/DT and distance-running performance. Twelve male distance runners were divided into two groups, a high- (HP Group) and a low-performance (LP Group) group, according to their 10, 000-meter running performance. They performed 60-min exercise on a bicycle ergometer at a work load controlled so as to keep the HR at 150 bpm. HR, systolic time intervals (STIs) and DT were calculated from electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram and the derivative of ear densitogram.<BR>In the time course of QS<SUB>2</SUB>/DT, two crests were formed at 2 and 15 min after the start of exercise, and also two troughs were formed at 10 and 20 min. Some of these troughs and crests formed even when HR was kept constant. Patterns of change in QS<SUB>2</SUB>, DT, QS<SUB>2</SUB>/DT and other parameters were similar in the two groups. However, the absolute values of the parameters differed. QS<SUB>2</SUB>, left ventricular ejection time (LVET) and QS<SUB>2</SUB>/DT in the HP Group were lower than those in the LP Group, whereas DT in the HP Group was longer than that in the LP Group.<BR>From these findings, it was concluded that the specific change seen in QS<SUB>2</SUB>/DT during prolonged exercise is dependent not on the HR level but on elapsed time. The changes in STIs and DT during prolonged exercise are thus influenced by the distance-running performance of the subjects.

Measurement of left ventricular ejection time utilizing the derivative of the ear densitogram / 体力科学

A study was performed to investigate the validity of the derivative of the ear densitogram for measurement of left ventricular ejection time (LVET) .<BR>Nine male college students performed bicycle exercise at an initial work load of 0 watt (W), subsequently increasing by 60W every 3 min up to 240W. The LVET derived from the derivative of the ear densitogram (LVETe) was compared with that derived from the carotid pulse wave (LVETc) obtained at the same time.<BR>The results were as follows:<BR>1. There was a high correlation coefficient, r=0.987 (P<0.01), between LVETe and LVETc.<BR>2. At rest, LVETe showed a tendency to coincide with LVETc. In contrast, LVETe became longer than LVETc during exercise, and the higher HR became, the larger the difference between the two.<BR>3. In the individual regression equations between LVETe and LVETc, the slopes and the intercepts were nearly identical.<BR>4. The following equation was proposed for the correction of LVETe during exercise. LVET=-0.147⋅HR+ LVETe+ 8.3<BR>From these findings, it was concluded that the validity of the derivative of the ear densitogram for estimation of LVET is sufficiently high. LVETe at rest is valid for the estimation of LVET without correction. During exercise, however, LVETe shows a tendency to be longer than LVETc, and thus it is desirable to correct LVETe using the above equation.