Effects of acute and multi-day low-dose sodium bicarbonate intake on high-intensity endurance exercise performance in male recreational cyclists.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effects of acute and multi-day low-dose sodium bicarbonate (SB) intake on high-intensity endurance exercise performance. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design, twelve recreational male cyclists (age: 31.17 ± 4.91 years; V ˙ O2peak: 47.98 ± 7.68 ml·kg-1·min-1) completed three endurance performance tests following acute SB (ASB, 0.2 g·kg-1 SB), multi-day SB (MSB, 0.2 g·kg-1·day-1 SB for four days), and placebo (PLA) intake. The high-intensity endurance performance was assessed with a cycling exercise test, wherein participants cycled on a bicycle ergometer at 95% of the predetermined anaerobic threshold for 30 min, followed by a time-to-exhaustion test at 110% of the anaerobic threshold. Data were analyzed using one-way and two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Significant main effects of supplementation protocol were evident in pre-exercise bicarbonate concentrations (F = 27.93; p < 0.01; partial eta squared (η2) = 0.72; false discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted p value = 0.001). Prior to performance test, blood bicarbonate concentrations were significantly higher in MSB (25.78 ± 1.63 mmol·L-1 [95% CI 26.55-28.44] (p < 0.001; FDR-adjusted p value = 0.001)) and ASB (27.49 ± 1.49 mmol·L-1 [95% CI 24.75-26.81] (p < 0.001; FDR-adjusted p value = 0.007)) compared to PLA (23.75 ± 1.40 mmol·L-1 [95% CI 22.86 to 24.64]). Time-to-exhaustion increased in MSB (54.27 ± 9.20 min [95% CI 48.43-60.12]) compared to PLA (49.75 ± 10.80 min [95% CI 42.89-56.62]) (p = 0.048); however, this increase in MSB did not reach the significance threshold of 1% FDR (FDR-adjusted p value = 0.040). No significant difference was noted in exhaustion times between ASB (51.15 ± 8.39 min [95% CI 45.82-56.48]) and PLA (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both acute and multi-day administration of low-dose SB improves buffering system in cyclists; nevertheless, neither intervention demonstrates sufficient efficacy in enhancing high-intensity endurance performance.

Effects of daily ingestion of sodium bicarbonate on acid-base status and anaerobic performance during an altitude sojourn at high altitude: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the effects of chronic sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion on a single bout of high-intensity exercise and on acid-base balance during 7-day high-altitude exposure. METHODS: Ten recreationally active subjects participated in a pre-test at sea level and a 7-day hiking tour in the Swiss Alps up to 4554 m above sea level. Subjects received either a daily dose of 0.3 g/kg NaHCO3 solution (n = 5) or water as a placebo (n = 5) for 7 days. Anaerobic high-intensity exercise performance was assessed using the portable tethered sprint running (PTSR) test under normoxic and hypoxic conditions (3585 m). PTSR tests assessed overall peak force, mean force, and fatigue index. Blood lactate levels and blood gas parameters were assessed pre- and post-PTSR. Urinary pH and blood gas parameters were further analyzed daily at rest in early morning samples under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the bicarbonate and control group in any of the PTSR-related parameters. However, urinary pH (p = 0.003, ηp2 = 0.458), early morning blood bicarbonate concentration (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.457) and base excess (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.436) were significantly higher in the bicarbonate group compared with the control group under hypoxic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that oral NaHCO3 ingestion does not ameliorate the hypoxia-induced impairment in anaerobic, high-intensity exercise performance, represented by PTSR-related test parameters, under hypobaric, hypoxic conditions, but the maximal performance measurements may have been negatively affected by other factors, such as poor implementation of PTSR test instructions, pre-acclimatization, the time course of hypoxia-induced renal [HCO3-] compensation, changes in the concentrations of intra- and extracellular ions others than [H+] and [HCO3-], or gastrointestinal disturbances caused by NaHCO3 ingestion. However, chronic NaHCO3 ingestion improves blood bicarbonate concentration and base excess at altitude, which partially represent the blood buffering capacity.

The gender dependent influence of sodium bicarbonate supplementation on anaerobic power and specific performance in female and male wrestlers.

The aim of this study was the assessment of progressive low-dose sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation on the anaerobic indices in two bouts of Wingate tests (WT) separated by wrestling-specific performance test and assessing the gender differences in response. Fifty-one (18 F) wrestlers completed a randomized trial of either a NaHCO3 (up to 100 mg·kg-1) or a placebo for 10 days. Before and after treatment, athletes completed an exercise protocol that comprised, in sequence, the first WT1, dummy throw test (DT), and second WT2. The number of completed throws increased significantly in males from 19.3 ± 2.6 NaHCO3pre to 21.7 ± 2.9 NaHCO3post. ΔWT2-WT1 improved particularly in the midsection of 30-s WT on NaHCO3. However, no significant differences were found in peak power (PP), power drop (PD) and average power (AP) (analyzed separately for each WT), and ΔWT2-WT1 in PP and PD. Interaction with gender was significant for AP, PP and PD, every second of WT1 and WT2, as well as DT test. In conclusion, our study suggests that the response to NaHCO3 may be gender-specific and progressive low-dose NaHCO3 supplementation allows the advantageous strengthening of wrestling-specific performance in males. It can also lead to maintenance of high anaerobic power mainly in the midsection of the 30-s Wingate test.

Association of Tobacco Smoking with Physical Fitness of Military Males in Taiwan: The CHIEF Study.

Tobacco smoking has been found associated with lower cardiorespiratory fitness in white and black males; however, few studies have not been conducted to clarify such relationship in Asian males. We performed a cross-sectional study to investigate the association between tobacco smoking status and physical fitness in 3,669 military males, averaged 29.4 years of age, from the cardiorespiratory fitness and hospitalization events in armed forces (CHIEF) study in Taiwan during 2014. There were 1,376 current smokers, and the others were noncurrent smokers. The effective sample size estimated was 1,230 participants, as the margin of error was ±3% at the 99% confidence level. Physical fitness was evaluated by time for a 3000-meter run test (aerobic fitness) and repetitive numbers of 2-minute sit-ups and 2-minute push-ups (anaerobic fitness) where all procedures were standardized by using computerized scoring systems. A multiple linear analysis adjusting for age, service specialty, body mass index, heart rate, alcohol intake, and training frequency was used to determine the relationship. As compared with noncurrent smoking, current smoking was inversely correlated with longer time for a 3000-meter run (ß = 15.66 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 10.62, 20.70)) and fewer repetitive numbers of 2-minute sit-ups and 2-minute push-ups (ß = -1.53 (95% CI: -2.08, -0.97) and -1.31 (95% CI: -2.12, -0.50), respectively). Our finding reconfirms the concept that tobacco smoking might reduce both aerobic and anaerobic fitness among young Asian males.

Caffeine mouth rinse has no effects on anaerobic energy yield during a Wingate Test.

BACKGROUND: The purpose was to investigate the effect of caffeine (CAF) mouth rinse on peak power (PP), mean power (MP), peak power relative to body mass (rel PP), mean power relative to body mass (rel MP), fatigue index (FI) and anaerobic contribution in the Wingate Test. METHODS: Ten healthy men (age: 24.8±3.7 years; body mass: 71.0±7.8 kg; height: 170±3 cm; body fat: 17.02±4.9%; VO2max: 44.15±5.5 ml·kg-1·min=) were recruited. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over design was employed. Participants were instructed to complete Wingate Test in the fastest time possible under 2 conditions: CAF (25 ml of mint syrup with 1.2% of CAF, equivalent to 300 mg of CAF) and placebo (PLA) (25 ml of mint syrup without CAF). RESULTS: There was no difference at PP (P=0.66), MP (P=0.16), rel PP (P=0.82), rel MP (P=0.18), FI (P=0.19), anaerobic alactic (P=0.71), anaerobic lactic (P=0.25), total energy expenditure (P=0.41) and peak plasma lactate concentration (P=0.57). CONCLUSIONS: CAF mouth rinse did not increase peak power (PP), mean power (MP), peak power relative to body mass (rel PP), mean power relative to body mass (rel MP), Fatigue Index (FI) nor anaerobic contribution in the Wingate Test.

Efecto de la suplementación con creatina en la capacidad anaeróbica: un meta-análisis / Effect of creatine supplementation on anaerobic capacity: a meta-analysis

El objetivo del presente meta-análisis fue integrar y resumir los resultados de distintos estudios, así como examinar las variables moderadoras en el efecto de la suplementación con creatina (Cr) sobre la capacidad anaeróbica. Para ello se localizaron 81 artículos completos de diversas bases de datos electrónicas, donde solo 17 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Para calcular el Tamaño de Efecto (TE) se utilizó el modelo de efectos aleatorios. Se codificaron un total de 131 TE, que representan 1447 sujetos (nGEx= 889; nGPl= 559). El TE global del grupo experimental (GEx) fue moderado (TE=0,34, p<0,001; IC: 0,24-0,44), en tanto que el TE del grupo placebo (GPl) fue pequeño (TE=0,13, p>0,05; IC: 0,02-0,24); siendo significativamente diferentes entre sí (F(1,129)=9,56, p<0,05, alfa=0,05). El análisis de heterogeneidad indicó que los TE de los artículos incluidos en el grupo experimental son homogéneos (Q= 96,95; p=0,083; α= 0,10), con una baja variabilidad (I2=18,51%). Se utilizó la correlación de Pearson para determinar el efecto de las variables moderadoras continuas y el análisis de variabilidad, para variables categóricas. Se evaluaron nueve variables moderadoras, de las cuales únicamente la forma en la que se dio la suplementación fue significativa (carga TE=0,37; carga + mantenimiento TE=0,22; F(1-77)= 6,22; p=0,015), sugiriendo que el efecto es positivo durante la fase de carga, no así cuando existe carga + mantenimiento. No hubo diferencias significativas en las variables moderadoras de sexo, nivel de entrenamiento, tipo de deporte, la dosis brindada, ni en la forma de medición del rendimiento físico. En conclusión, existe un efecto moderado de la suplementación con Cr en la capacidad anaeróbica

The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to integrate and summarize the results of different studies as well as to examine the moderating variables in the effect of creatine (Cr) supplementation on anaerobic capacity. Eighty-one studies on creatine supplementation were retrieved by searching several databases, and 17 that met the criteria were included. Random effects models using the standardized mean difference effect size (ES) were used to pool results. A total of 131 ES were coded, representing 1447 participants (nGEx=889; nGPl=559). A statistically significant moderate overall ES was found for the experimental group (GEx) (ES=0.34, p<0.001; CI: 0.24-0.44). Also, a statistically significant small overall ES was found for the placebo group (GPl) (ES=0.13, p>0.05; CI: 0.02-0.24). A statistically significant difference was found between both groups (F(1, 129)=9.56, p<0.05, alfa=0.05). The heterogeneity analysis reported low heterogeneity (Q= 96.95; p= 0.083; α= 0.10), and low inconsistency (I2=18.51%) in the experimental group. Nine moderator variables were analyzed, Pearson correlation analysis were used when variables were continuous and variability analysis (ANOVA) when variables were categorized. Only the variable which described how supplementation was offered was significant (load ES=0.37; load + maintenance ES=0.22; F(1-77)=6.22; p=0.015), suggesting a positive effect on load phase, but not on load plus maintenance. Not found significant differences in sex, skill level of the athlete, type of sport, doses, type of performance assessment. In conclusion, supplementation with creatine had a moderate effect on anaerobic capacity

[Effects of acute supplementation with beta-alanine on a limited time test at maximum aerobic speed on endurance athletes]. / Efectos de la suplementación aguda con beta-alanina sobre una prueba de tiempo límite a velocidad aeróbica máxima en atletas de resistencia.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: the beta-alanine (BA) is one of the ergogenic aid most used by athletes, but the majority of the studies center the research on chronic supplementation. Objectives: to determine the acute effect of BA supplementation on a limited time test (LTT) at maximum aerobic speed (MAS) on endurance athletes. Material and method: eleven endurance athletes (VO2max 61.6 ± 9.5 mLO2•kg-1•min-1) were part of the study. The study consisted of a double-blind, cross-over intra-subject design, and the BA supplementation was 30 mg•kg-1 or placebo (PL) 60 minutes before completing a LTT. The variables were: time and distance in LTT, and post-effort lactate concentrations ([La]) in minutes 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. The Student's t test was used for the analysis and the size of the effect (SE) was measured through Cohen's d test. Results: the time on LTT showed significant differences between BA and PL (p = 0.047; SE = 0.48). No significant differences were seen between both groups (p = 0.071; SE = 0.48), and [La] showed significant differences between both groups in minutes 3, 5 and 7, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusion: acute supplementation with BA showed a significant increase in the execution time in LTT in the intensities connected to MAS. Hence, acute supplementation with BA is an ergogenic aid that could be considered by resistance athletes in order to increase the athletic performance.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la beta-alanina (BA) es una de las ayudas ergogénicas más utilizadas actualmente por deportistas, pero la mayoría de los estudios centran su investigación en la suplementación prolongada. Objetivos: determinar el efecto agudo de la suplementación con BA sobre una prueba de tiempo límite (PTL) a velocidad aeróbica máxima (VAM) en atletas de resistencia. Material y método: once atletas de resistencia (VO2máx 61,6 ± 9,5 mLO2•kg-1•min-1) fueron parte del estudio. El diseño fue doble ciego, cruzado intrasujeto, y la suplementación de BA fue de 30 mg•kg-1 o placebo (PL) 60 minutos antes de completar una PTL. Las variables fueron: tiempo y distancia en la PTL y concentraciones de lactato ([La]) postesfuerzo en los minutos 1, 3, 5, 7 y 9. Para el análisis se utilizó una prueba t de Student y el tamaño del efecto (TE) se realizó mediante la prueba d de Cohen. Resultados: el tiempo en la PTL evidenció diferencias significativas entre la BA y PL (p = 0,047; TE = 0,48). No se observaron diferencias significativas en distancia entre ambos grupos (p = 0,071; TE = 0,48) y las [La] evidenciaron diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos en los minutos 3, 5 y 7, respectivamente (p < 0,05). Conclusión: la suplementación aguda con BA evidenció aumentos significativos en el tiempo de ejecución en la PTL a intensidades correspondientes a VAM. Por lo anterior, la suplementación aguda con BA es una ayuda ergogénica que podría ser considerada por los atletas de resistencia para aumentar el rendimiento deportivo.

Six weeks of oral Echinacea purpurea supplementation does not enhance the production of serum erythropoietin or erythropoietic status in recreationally active males with above-average aerobic fitness.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of oral Echinacea purpurea supplementation on serum erythropoietin (EPO) and erythropoietic status. Twenty-four males (mean ± SE; age = 25.2 ± 1.4 years, height = 178.1 ± 1.4 cm, body mass = 78.1 ± 1.6 kg, body fat = 12.7 ± 0.9%, maximal oxygen uptake = 52.9 ± 0.9 mL·kg-1·min-1) were randomly grouped using a matched-pair, double-blind design and self-administered 8000 mg·day-1 of either E. purpurea (n = 12) or placebo (n = 12) for 42 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected prior to supplementation (day 0) and every 2 weeks during the supplementation period (days 14, 28, and 42) and were analyzed for EPO, red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Separate 2 × 4 (group × time) factorial ANOVA with repeated measures on time were used to determine statistical differences with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. There were no significant interaction, group, or time effects observed for EPO or erythropoietic status markers for any of the measurement points (p ≤ 0.05). The present study indicated that 6 weeks of oral E. purpurea supplementation in recreationally active males with above average aerobic fitness did not enhance EPO or erythropoietic status. These findings are in contrast with previous reports of E. purpurea supplementation in untrained participants with average fitness levels, but consistent with observations in trained endurance athletes.

Effect of carbohydrate beverage ingestion on central versus peripheral fatigue: a placebo-controlled, randomized trial in cyclists.

We investigated whether carbohydrate ingestion delays fatigue in endurance-trained cyclists via peripheral or central mechanisms. Ten men (35 ± 9 years of age) and 10 women (42 ± 7 years of age) were assigned, in a double-blind, crossover design, to a sports drink (CHO) or to a placebo (PL). The following strength measures were made 3 times (before exercise, after a time trial (TT), and after a ride to exhaustion): (i) maximal voluntary contraction (MVC); (ii) MVC with superimposed femoral nerve magnetic stimulation to measure central activation ratio (CAR); and (iii) femoral nerve stimulation in a 3-s pulse train on relaxed muscle. The subjects cycled for 2 h at approximately 65% of peak oxygen consumption, with five 1-min sprints interspersed, followed by a 3-km TT. After strength testing, the cyclists remounted their bikes, performed a brief warm-up, and pedaled at approximately 85% peak oxygen consumption until unable to maintain workload. Changes in metabolic and strength measurements were analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA. From before exercise to after the TT, MVC declined in men (17%) and women (18%) (p = 0.004), with no effect of beverage (p > 0.193); CAR decreased in both sexes with PL (p = 0.009), and the decline was attenuated by CHO in men only (time × treatment, p = 0.022); and there was no evidence of peripheral fatigue in either sex with either beverage (p > 0.122). Men rode faster in the TT with CHO (p = 0.005) but did not improve performance in the ride to exhaustion (p = 0.080). In women, CHO did not improve performance in the TT (p = 0.173) or in the ride to exhaustion (p = 0.930). We concluded that carbohydrate ingestion preserved central activation and performance in men, but not in women, during long-duration cycling.

Can caffeine supplementation reverse the effect of time of day on repeated-sprint exercise performance?

The aim of this study was to evaluate if caffeine can reduce the negative influence of diurnal variations on repeated-sprint performance, in addition to investigating if caffeine in the afternoon would potentiate performance compared with the morning. Thirteen physically active men took part in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and crossover study. All participants underwent a repeated-sprint ability test (10 × 6 s cycle sprints, with 30 s of rest) at 60 min after ingestion of either 5 mg·kg-1 or placebo under 4 different conditions: morning with caffeine ingestion, morning with placebo ingestion, afternoon with caffeine ingestion, and afternoon with placebo ingestion. Total work, peak power (PP) and anaerobic power reserve (APR) were assessed. Oxygen uptake, heart rate, lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion were also measured during the repeated-sprint test. Total work (+8%, d = 0.2, small), PP (+6%, d = 0.2), and APR (+9%, d = 0.2) were significantly higher in the afternoon when compared with morning. However, physiological responses were not different between caffeine and placebo conditions. Repeated-sprint (10 × 6 s cycle sprint) performance was influenced by time of day, with lower performance in the morning compared with the afternoon. However, caffeine supplementation did not prevent the reduction in performance in the morning or improve performance in the afternoon.

Physiological and Perceived Exertion Responses during Exercise: Effect of ß-blockade.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of ß-blockade on physiological and perceived exertion (RPE) responses during incremental treadmill exercise. METHODS: Sixteen healthy participants (n = 8 men; age, 25.3 ± 4.6 yr) performed a maximal treadmill exercise test after ingestion of 100 mg metoprolol or placebo, with a double-blind, randomized, and counterbalanced design. Heart rate (HR), ventilatory, and gas exchange variables were measured continuously, and participants reported RPE at the end of each minute. Physiological and RPE responses during each condition were compared at the ventilatory threshold (VT), respiratory compensation point, and at maximal exercise using repeated-measures ANOVA. Linear regression modeled relationships between perceived exertion and physiological variables. RESULTS: The HR and V˙O2 at the VT, respiratory compensation point, and maximal exercise were all significantly lower after ß-blockade (P < 0.05). However, when standardized to within condition peak values, differences were no longer significant. The RPE associated with VT was higher after ß-blockade (12.9 ± 1.0 vs 12.3 ± 1.2, P < 0.05) but lower at maximal exercise (19.1 ± 0.6 vs 19.4 ± 0.5, P < 0.05). Increases in RPE relative to HR were greater after ß-blockade and remained significant when expressed relative to peak HR. There was no difference in the growth of the relationship between RPE and V˙O2 across conditions, although the origin of the relationship was higher with ß-blockade. CONCLUSIONS: Although ß-blockade resulted in a significant reduction in exercising HR and V˙O2, the RPE for a given relative intensity remained unchanged. The relationship between RPE and V˙O2 was not affected by ß-blockade. The results provide evidence that RPE is a useful and reliable measure for exercise testing and prescription in patients prescribed ß-blockade therapy.

PTEN inhibition enhances angiogenesis in an in vitro model of ischemic injury by promoting Akt phosphorylation and subsequent hypoxia inducible factor-1α upregulation.

Angiogenesis is an important pathophysiological response to cerebral ischemia. PTEN is a lipid phosphatase whose loss activates PI3K/Akt signaling, which is related to HIF-1α upregulation and enhanced angiogenesis in human cancer cells. However, the specific roles of PTEN in endothelial cell functions and angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia remain unknown. Therefore, we sought to examine the potential effects of PTEN inhibition on post-ischemic angiogenesis in human blood vessel cells and to determine the underlying mechanism. In this present study, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis, in vitro tube formation and expression of PTEN/Akt pathway and angiogenic factors were examined in HUVECs after treatment with PTEN inhibitor bisperoxovanadium (bpV) at different doses. The results showed that bpV significantly increased the cell proliferation and reduced cell apoptosis indicating that the drug exerts a cytoprotective effect on HUVECs with OGD exposure. bpV also enhanced cell migration and tube formation in HUVECs following OGD, and upregulated HIF-1α and VEGF expressions, but attenuated endostatin expression. Additionally, western blotting analysis demonstrated that Akt phosphorylation in HUVECs was significantly increased after bpV treatment. These findings suggest that PTEN inhibition promotes post-ischemic angiogenesis in HUVECs after exposure to OGD and this enhancing effect might be achieved through activation of the Akt signal cascade.

Routine pre- and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy fitness testing is not indicated for oesophagogastric cancer surgery.

Introduction There is a known correlation between anaerobic threshold (AT) during cardiopulmonary exercise testing and development of cardiopulmonary complications in high-risk patients undergoing oesophagogastric cancer surgery. This study aimed to assess the value of routine retesting following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods Patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy with subsequent oesophagogastric cancer surgery with pre- and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy cardiopulmonary exercise data were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Measured cardiopulmonary exercise variables included AT and maximum oxygen uptake at peak exercise (VO2 peak). Anaerobic threshold values within 1 ml/kg/minute were considered static. Patients were grouped into AT ranges of less than 9 ml/kg/minute, 9-11 ml/kg/minute and greater than 11 ml/kg/minute. Outcome measures were unplanned intensive care stay, postoperative cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Results Between May 2008 and August 2017, 42 patients from 675 total resections were identified, with a mean age of 65 years (range 49-84 years). Mean pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy AT was 11.07 ml/kg/minute (standard deviation, SD, 3.24 ml/kg/minute, range 4.6-19.3 ml/kg/minute) while post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy AT was 11.19 ml/kg/minute (SD 3.05 ml/kg/minute, range 5.2-18.1 ml/kg/minute). Mean pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy VO2 peak was 17.13 ml/kg/minute, while post-chemotherapy this mean fell to 16.59 ml/kg/minute. Some 44.4% of patients with a pre-chemotherapy AT less than 9 ml/kg/minute developed cardiorespiratory complications compared with 42.2% of those whose AT was greater than 9 ml/kg/minute (P = 0.914); 63.6% of patients in the post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy group with an AT less than 9 ml/kg/minute developed cardiorespiratory complications. There was no correlation between direction of change in AT and outcome. Conclusion In our patient population, neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not appear to result in a significant mean reduction in cardiorespiratory fitness. Routine pre- and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy cardiopulmonary exercise testing is currently not indicated; however, larger studies are required to demonstrate this conclusively.

Acute Effects of a Caffeine-Containing Supplement on Anaerobic Power and Subjective Measurements of Fatigue in Recreationally Active Men.

Hahn, CJ, Jagim, AR, Camic, CL, and Andre, MJ. Acute effects of a caffeine-containing supplement on anaerobic power and subjective measurements of fatigue in recreationally active men. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1029-1035, 2018-Studies show mixed results for the effects of caffeine on performance, warranting further investigation. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of a caffeine-containing supplement on anaerobic power and subjective measurements of fatigue during resisted sprinting on men. Fourteen recreationally active men (N = 14; [mean ± SD], age: 21.0 ± 0.7 years, height: 178.5 ± 5.1 cm, body mass: 77.3 ± 9.6 kg, and percent body fat: 12.6 ± 4.8%) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject crossover design study. The first visit required each participant to complete 3 sets of practice sprints on a nonmotorized treadmill ranging from 10 to 20 seconds. During the second visit, participants completed 5 more practice sprints ranging from 15 to 25 seconds. During the third and fourth visits, participants ingested one serving of a caffeine-containing or placebo beverage (the opposite beverage was consumed during the fourth visit), rested for 20 minutes, and completed a dynamic warm-up before sprinting. Anaerobic power was assessed using a countermovement vertical jump and nonmotorized treadmill sprint test. Psychological variables were scored using a 5-point Likert scale. No significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences were observed between conditions for average (p = 0.22) or peak power (p = 0.43). Both conditions resulted in a significant increase in fatigue, although the increase was less for the caffeine condition (caffeine [INCREMENT] = 0.93 and placebo [INCREMENT] = 1.71). These findings indicated that the caffeine-containing supplement improved perceived measures of fatigue but not power indices assessed through vertical jump or nonmotorized treadmill sprinting. The consumption of a caffeine beverage may be beneficial for reducing perceived fatigue during acute anaerobic exercise, particularly when repeated sprints are used.

Effect of sodium bicarbonate on prolonged running performance: A randomized, double-blind, cross-over study.

BACKGROUND: The ability to sustain intense exercise seems to be partially limited by the body's capability to counteract decreases in both intra- and extracellular pH. While the influence of an enhanced buffering capacity via sodium bicarbonate (BICA) on short-term, high-intensity exercise performance has been repeatedly investigated, studies on prolonged endurance performances are comparatively rare, especially for running. The aim of the following study was to assess the ergogenic effects of an oral BICA substitution upon exhaustive intensive endurance running performance. METHOD: In a double-blind randomized cross-over study, 18 trained runners (VO2peak: 61.2 ± 6.4 ml•min-1•kg-1) performed two exhaustive graded exercise tests and two constant load tests (30 main at 95% individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) followed by 110% IAT until exhaustion) after ingestion of either sodium bicarbonate (BICA) (0.3 g/kg) or placebo (4 g NaCl) diluted in 700 ml of water. Time to exhaustion (TTE) in the constant load test was defined as the main outcome measure. Throughout each test respiratory gas exchange measurements were conducted as well as determinations of heart rate, blood gases and blood lactate concentration. RESULTS: TTE in the constant load test did not differ significantly between BICA and placebo conditions (BICA: 39.6 ± 5.6 min, placebo: 39.3 ± 5.6 min; p = 0.78). While pH in the placebo test dropped to a slightly acidotic value two minutes after cessation of exercise (7.34 ± 0.05) the value in the BICA trial remained within the normal range (7.41 ± 0.06) (p < 0.001). In contrast, maximum running speed (Vmax) in the exhaustive graded exercise test was significantly higher with BICA (17.4 ± 1.0 km/h) compared to placebo (17.1 ± 1.0 km/h) (p = 0.009). The numerical difference in maximum oxygen consumption (VO2peak) failed to reach statistical significance (BICA: 61.2 ± 6.4 ml•min-1•kg-1, placebo: 59.8 ± 6.4 ml•min-1•kg-1; p = 0.31). Maximum blood lactate was significantly higher with BICA compared to the corresponding placebo test (BICA: 11.1 ± 2.3 mmol/l, placebo: 8.9 ± 3.0 mmol/l; p < 0.001). At the end of exercise, an acidotic pH value was found in both exhaustive graded exercise tests (p = 0.002). BICA caused gastrointestinal side effects in 15 patients. CONCLUSION: Maximal performance was enhanced significantly after BICA administration. The ergogenic effect of BICA in the exhaustive graded exercise test can most likely be attributed to an increased anaerobic glycolysis that is reflected by an accumulation of lactate. However, TTE in prolonged high-intensity running was not improved. Even at the end of exercise no severe metabolic acidosis was found. Metabolic acidification as one of the dominant factors causing muscular fatigue should therefore be reconsidered. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) DRKS00011284.

Effect of caffeine ingestion on anaerobic capacity quantified by different methods.

We investigated whether caffeine ingestion before submaximal exercise bouts would affect supramaximal oxygen demand and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD), and if caffeine-induced improvement on the anaerobic capacity (AC) could be detected by different methods. Nine men took part in several submaximal and supramaximal exercise bouts one hour after ingesting caffeine (5 mg·kg-1) or placebo. The AC was estimated by MAOD, alternative MAOD, critical power, and gross efficiency methods. Caffeine had no effect on exercise endurance during the supramaximal bout (caffeine: 131.3 ± 21.9 and placebo: 130.8 ± 20.8 s, P = 0.80). Caffeine ingestion before submaximal trials did not affect supramaximal oxygen demand and MAOD compared to placebo (7.88 ± 1.56 L and 65.80 ± 16.06 kJ vs. 7.89 ± 1.30 L and 62.85 ± 13.67 kJ, P = 0.99). Additionally, MAOD was similar between caffeine and placebo when supramaximal oxygen demand was estimated without caffeine effects during submaximal bouts (67.02 ± 16.36 and 62.85 ± 13.67 kJ, P = 0.41) or when estimated by alternative MAOD (56.61 ± 8.49 and 56.87 ± 9.76 kJ, P = 0.91). The AC estimated by gross efficiency was also similar between caffeine and placebo (21.80 ± 3.09 and 20.94 ± 2.67 kJ, P = 0.15), but was lower in caffeine when estimated by critical power method (16.2 ± 2.6 vs. 19.3 ± 3.5 kJ, P = 0.03). In conclusion, caffeine ingestion before submaximal bouts did not affect supramaximal oxygen demand and consequently MAOD. Otherwise, caffeine seems to have no clear positive effect on AC.

Influence of omega-3 fatty acids on skeletal muscle protein metabolism and mitochondrial bioenergetics in older adults.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFA) are recognized for their anti-inflammatory effects and may be beneficial in the context of sarcopenia. We determined the influence of n3-PUFA on muscle mitochondrial physiology and protein metabolism in older adults. Twelve young (18-35 years) and older (65-85 years) men and women were studied at baseline. Older adults were studied again following n3-PUFA supplementation (3.9g/day, 16 weeks). Muscle biopsies were used to evaluate respiratory capacity (high resolution respirometry) and oxidant emissions (spectrofluorometry) in isolated mitochondria. Maximal respiration was significantly lower in older compared to young. n3-PUFA did not change respiration, but significantly reduced oxidant emissions. Participants performed a single bout of resistance exercise, followed by biopsies at 15 and 18 hours post exercise. Several genes involved in muscle protein turnover were significantly altered in older adults at baseline and following exercise, yet muscle protein synthesis was similar between age groups under both conditions. Following n3-PUFA supplementation, mixed muscle, mitochondrial, and sarcoplasmic protein synthesis rates were increased in older adults before exercise. n3-PUFA increased post-exercise mitochondrial and myofibrillar protein synthesis in older adults. These results demonstrate that n3-PUFA reduce mitochondrial oxidant emissions, increase postabsorptive muscle protein synthesis, and enhance anabolic responses to exercise in older adults.

Importance of compensatory heart rate increase during myocardial ischemia to preserve appropriate oxygen kinetics.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial ischemia induces cardiac dysfunction, resulting in insufficient oxygen supply to peripheral tissues and mismatched energy production during exercise. To relieve the insufficient oxygen supply, heart rate (HR) response is augmented; however, beta-adrenergic receptor blockers (BB) restrict HR response. Although BB are essential drugs for angina pectoris, the effect of BB on exercise tolerance in patients with angina has not been studied. The aim of this study was to clarify the importance of HR augmentation to preserve exercise tolerance in patients with angina pectoris. METHODS: Forty-two subjects who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) to detect myocardial ischemia were enrolled. CPX was performed until exhaustion or onset of significant myocardial ischemia using a ramp protocol. Subjects were assigned to three groups (Group A: with ST depression during CPX with significant coronary stenosis and taking BB; Group B: with ST depression and not taking BB; Group C: without ST depression and not taking BB). HR response to exercise was evaluated during the following two periods: below and above ischemic threshold (IT). In Group C, it was evaluated during the first 2min and the last 2min of a ramp exercise. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed among the three groups with regard to patients' basic characteristics. Below IT, there were no differences in oxygen pulse/watt (O2 pulse increasing rate), HR/watt (ΔHR/ΔWR), and ΔV˙O2/ΔWR. Above IT, O2 pulse increasing rate was greater in Group A than in Group B. ΔHR/ΔWR was smaller in Group A than in Group B. ΔV˙O2/ΔWR became smaller in Group A than in Group B. There was no difference in anaerobic threshold, and peak V˙O2 was smaller in Group A than in Group B. CONCLUSIONS: Restriction of HR response by a BB is shown to be one of the important factors in diminished exercise tolerance.

The influence of D-ribose ingestion and fitness level on performance and recovery.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels are severely depleted during and following prolonged high intensity exercise. Recovery from these lower ATP levels can take days, which can affect performance on subsequent days of exercise. Untrained individuals often suffer the stress and consequences of acute, repeated bouts of exercise by not having the ability to perform or recovery sufficiently to exercise on subsequent days. Conversely, trained individuals may be able to recover more quickly due to their enhanced metabolic systems. D-Ribose (DR) has been shown to enhance the recovery in ATP; however, it is not known if recovery and performance can be benefitted with DR ingestion. Therefore, this study was designed to determine what influence DR might have on muscular performance, recovery, and metabolism during and following a multi-day exercise regimen. METHODS: The study was a double blind, crossover study in 26 healthy subjects compared 10 g/day of DR to 10 g/day of dextrose (DEX, control). All subjects completed 2 days of loading with either DR or DEX, followed by 3 additional days of supplementation and during these 3 days of supplementation, each subject underwent 60 min of high intensity interval exercise in separate daily sessions, which involved cycling (8 min of exercise at 60% and 2 min at 80% VO2max), followed by a 2 min power output (PO) test. Subjects were divided into two groups based on peak VO2 results, lower VO2 (LVO2) and higher peak VO2 (HVO2). RESULTS: Mean and peak PO increased significantly from day 1 to day 3 for the DR trial compared to DEX in the LVO2 group. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and creatine kinase (CK) were significantly lower for DR than DEX in the LVO2 group. No differences in PO, RPE, heart rate, CK, blood urea nitrogen, or glucose were found between either supplement for the HVO2 group. CONCLUSION: DR supplementation in the lower VO2 max group resulted in maintenance in exercise performance, as well as lower levels of RPE and CK. Unlike no observed benefits with DEX supplementation.

The effect of acute pre-workout supplementation on power and strength performance.

BACKGROUND: Consumption of pre-workout dietary supplements by both recreational and competitive athletes has increased dramatically in recent years. The purpose of this study was to determine the acute effects of a caffeine-containing pre-workout dietary supplement on various measures of performance including anaerobic power, upper and lower body power, and upper body strength in recreationally trained males. METHODS: Thirteen males (mean ± SD age = 24 ± 6 yrs; height = 180.3 ± 5 cm; body mass = 83.4 ± 9 kg) participated in this investigation in which they reported to the laboratory on four separate occasions, each separated by one week. Each subject underwent an initial familiarization session on week one followed by baseline (BA) performance testing on week two. Performance testing included a medicine ball put (MBP) to determine upper body explosive power, vertical jump test (VJ) to determine lower body explosive power, one-rep maximum bench press (1-RM) for determining upper body strength, and a Wingate Anaerobic Power Test (WAnT) to determine measures of anaerobic power. On week three, subjects were randomly assigned to ingest either a pre-workout supplement (SUP) or a placebo (PL) and again complete the performance testing protocol. Subjects were provided with the crossover treatment on the fourth and final week. Performance testing commenced 20-minute following ingestion of both treatments, which was similar to previous investigations. RESULTS: Significant differences in anaerobic peak power relative to the WAnT were observed following ingestion of the SUP (782 ± 191 W) in comparison to the PL (722 ± 208 W; p = 0.003; effect size = 0.30) and BA (723 ± 205 W; p = 0.011; effect size = 0.28). Significant differences were also observed for anaerobic mean power following ingestion of the SUP (569 ± 133 W) in comparison to the PL (535 ± 149 W; p = 0.006; effect size = 0.24) and BA (538 ± 148 W; p = 0.020; effect size = 0.22). No significant differences between trials were observed for upper body power, lower body power, or upper body strength. CONCLUSIONS: Ingestion of the pre-workout dietary supplement led to significant improvements in anaerobic peak and mean power values in comparison to the placebo and baseline treatments. No improvements were observed in upper and lower body power or upper body strength. Taken prior to exercise, a caffeine-containing pre-workout dietary supplement may improve anaerobic power performance.