ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to examine whether 1) the power output attained in the last 30 s of a 3-min all-out test (P (end)) correlates with the power output at maximal lactate steady state (P (MLSS)) and whether 2) peak oxygen uptake (VO (2peak)) can be obtained from a 3-min all-out test in well-trained cyclists. 18 cyclists (23±3 years; 186.1±6.9 cm; 79.1±8.2 kg; VO (2peak): 63.2±5.2 mL · kg (-1) · min (-1)) performed a ramp test, a 3-min all-out test and several submaximal constant 30 min-workload tests at +15, 0, -15, -30, -45, -60,-75, -90 W of P (end) to obtain P (MLSS). P (MLSS) was significantly lower compared to P (END) ( P<0.001; mean difference: 54±18 W) with a high correlation (r=0.93; R (2)=0.87; P<0.001) but great intra-individual variability (15-90 W). There were no mean differences between the ramp-VO (2peak) and 3-min all-out cycling VO (2peak) ( P=0.29; mean difference: 133±514 mL · min (-1)) showing significant correlation (r=0.60; R (2)=0.37; P=0.006) but great intra-individual variability (1 057-1 312 mL · min (-1)). We therefore suggest that in well-trained cyclists a 3-min all-out test is 1) not sufficient to obtain P (MLSS) and 2) should not be applied to assess VO (2peak).
Subject(s)
Bicycling/physiology , Lactic Acid/blood , Oxygen Consumption/physiology , Adult , Exercise Test/methods , Humans , Male , Physical Endurance/physiology , Time Factors , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The effects of knee-high socks that applied different levels of compression (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mmHg) on various cardio-respiratory and metabolic parameters during submaximal running were analysed. METHODS: Fifteen well-trained, male endurance athletes (age: 22.2 ± 1.3 years; peak oxygen uptake: 57.2 ± 4.0 mL/minute/kg) performed a ramp test to determine peak oxygen uptake. Thereafter, all athletes carried out five periods of submaximal running (at approximately 70% of peak oxygen uptake) with and without compression socks that applied the different levels of pressure. Cardiac output and index, stroke volume, arterio-venous difference in oxygen saturation, oxygen uptake, arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate and blood lactate were monitored before and during all of these tests. RESULTS: Cardiac output (P = 0.29) and index (P = 0.27), stroke volume (P = 0.50), arterio-venous difference in oxygen saturation (P = 0.11), oxygen uptake (P = 1.00), arterial oxygen saturation (P = 1.00), heart rate (P = 1.00) and arterial lactate concentration (P = 1.00) were unaffected by compression (effect sizes = 0.00-0.65). CONCLUSION: This first evaluation of the potential effects of increasing levels of compression on cardio-respiratory and metabolic parameters during submaximal exercise revealed no effects whatsoever.
Subject(s)
Clothing , Exercise/physiology , Oxygen Consumption/physiology , Pressure , Athletes , Heart Function Tests , Humans , Male , Respiratory Function Tests , Running/physiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: In competitive sports different types of compression garments (socks, shorts, tights and whole body suits) have become popular. The results of scientific studies regarding their effectiveness, however, are heterogeneous. The aim of this literature review is to (i) survey the scientific data regarding performance enhancing benefits and the support of recovery when applying compression fabrics and (ii) to describe the practical relevance for the application of compression textiles in the competitive sport context. METHOD: In order to detect relevant publications for the present review an internet search using the medical databases "Medline" and "PubMed" was performed. Altogether, 37 studies were analysed. All publications were from the years 1987 to 2010. RESULTS: The literature review showed no general scientific indications regarding the benefit of compression garments in competitive sports. CONCLUSION: In particular, the different study designs and different clothing styles as well as different pressure gradients gave rise to contradictory data.