Comparative Analysis of Muscle Activity and Circulatory Dynamics: A Crossover Study Using Leg Exercise Apparatus and Ergometer.

Background and Objectives: Bedridden patients are at a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Passive devices such as elastic compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression are common. Leg exercise apparatus (LEX) is an active device designed to prevent VTE by effectively contracting the soleus muscle and is therefore expected to be effective in preventing disuse of the lower limbs. However, few studies have been conducted on the kinematic properties of LEX. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the exercise characteristics of LEX with those of an ergometer, which is commonly used as a lower-limb exercise device, and examine its effect on the two domains of muscle activity and circulatory dynamics. Materials and Methods: This study used a crossover design in which each participant performed both exercises to evaluate the exercise characteristics of each device. Fifteen healthy adults performed exercises with LEX and an ergometer (Terasu Erugo, SDG Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) for 5 min each and rested for 10 min after each exercise. Muscle activity was measured using surface electromyography (Clinical DTS, Noraxon, Scottsdale, AZ, USA), and circulatory dynamics were recorded using a non-invasive impedance cardiac output meter (Physioflow Enduro, Manatec Biomedical, Paris, France). The primary outcome was the mean percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC) of the soleus muscle during exercise. Results: The mean %MVC of the soleus muscle was significantly higher in the LEX group, whereas no significant differences were observed across the periods and sequences. Heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output increased during exercise and decreased thereafter; however, the differences between the devices were not significant. Conclusions: LEX may not only have a higher thromboprophylaxis effect, but also a higher effect on preventing muscle atrophy as a lower-extremity exercise device. Additionally, LEX could potentially be used safely in patients who need to be monitored for changes in circulatory dynamics.

Intraindividual Correlation and Comparison of Maximal Aerobic Capacity and Maximum Power in Hand-Crank and Bicycle Spiroergometry.

BACKGROUND: Spiroergometry is important for modern performance diagnostics, and reference values have been evaluated for bicycle and treadmill ergometers. The aim of this study is to assess the comparability of bicycle and hand-crank spiroergometry and its associated parameters, as hand-crank spiroergometry can be used during rehabilitation in patients with definitive or temporally impairment of the lower extremity. METHODS: Thirty-seven healthy volunteers completed 2 exhausting performance diagnostics on hand-crank and bicycle spiroergometry. Participants' anthropometric characteristics, maximum power, multiple exertion criteria, maximum aerobic capacity, and maximum heart rate were detected, and ventilatory and metabolic thresholds were determined. RESULTS: The maximum power, maximum heart rate, maximum aerobic capacity, and ventilatory thresholds were significant higher on the bicycle ergometer (P < .001). The metabolic thresholds occurred on higher lactate values on the hand-crank ergometer. Equations for calculating maximum aerobic capacity from the maximum power measured in either hand-crank or bicycle ergometer could be found through regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are problems in interpreting results of different ergometries due to severe physiology differences, the equations can be used for patients who are temporally unable to complete the established ergometry due to a deficit in the lower extremity. This could improve training recommendations for patients and para-athletes in particular.

Automatic adjustment of cycle ergometer power output to accurately clamp heart rate.

We assessed the accuracy and inter-sessional reliability of traditional (manual) compared to automatic (AutoHR) heart rate (HR) clamping methods during submaximal intensity continuous cycling. On separate occasions, thirteen males cycled at an HR corresponding to 80% of the ventilatory threshold for 18 min. Cycling power output was adjusted using either manual or AutoHR methods, encompassing three trials per method. For the manual method, cycling power output was adjusted every 30 s by 0, 5 or 10 W at the experimenter's discretion. Conversely, AutoHR automatically adjusted power output based on the difference between target and actual HR. Participants' HR was measured at 1 Hz. Root-mean square error (RMSE) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated from the difference between measured and target HR to represent accuracy and reliability of each method. The RMSE for the manual method (3.2 ± 2.6 bpm) was significantly higher compared to AutoHR (2.8 ± 2.3 bpm) (p < 0.01, r = 0.13); inter-day ICC were 0.92 and 0.89 for manual adjustment and AutoHR, respectively. Automatic methods to clamp HR are more accurate than manual approaches during submaximal intensity continuous cycling and can be easily implemented for uniform HR control in individual and group training sessions at minimal cost.

Early In-Bed Cycle Ergometry in Mechanically Ventilated Patients.

BACKGROUND: Critical illness requiring invasive mechanical ventilation can precipitate important functional disability, contributing to multidimensional morbidity following admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). Early in-bed cycle ergometry added to usual physiotherapy may mitigate ICU-acquired physical function impairment. METHODS: We randomly assigned 360 adult ICU patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation to receive 30 minutes of early in-bed Cycling + Usual physiotherapy (n=178) or Usual physiotherapy alone (n=182). The primary outcome was the Physical Function ICU Test-scored (PFIT-s) at 3 days after discharge from the ICU (the score ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating better function). RESULTS: Cycling began within a median (interquartile range) of 2 (1 to 3) days of starting mechanical ventilation; patients received 3 (2 to 5) cycling sessions for a mean (±standard deviation) of 27.2 ± 6.6 minutes. In both groups, patients started Usual physiotherapy within 2 (2 to 4) days of mechanical ventilation and received 4 (2 to 7) Usual physiotherapy sessions. The duration of Usual physiotherapy was 23.7 ± 15.1 minutes in the Cycling + Usual physiotherapy group and 29.1 ± 13.2 minutes in the Usual physiotherapy group. No serious adverse events occurred in either group. Among survivors, the PFIT-s at 3 days after discharge from the ICU was 7.7 ± 1.7 in the Cycling + Usual physiotherapy group and 7.5 ± 1.7 in the Usual physiotherapy group (absolute difference, 0.23 points; 95% confidence interval, -0.19 to 0.65; P=0.29). CONCLUSIONS: Among adults receiving mechanical ventilation in the ICU, adding early in-bed Cycling to usual physiotherapy did not improve physical function at 3 days after discharge from the ICU compared with Usual physiotherapy alone. Cycling did not cause any serious adverse events. (Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and others; ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT03471247 [full randomized clinical trial] and NCT02377830 [CYCLE Vanguard 46-patient internal pilot].).

Strength and power adaptations of the upper body following 20 training sessions on an eccentric arm-crank ergometer.

PURPOSE: Eccentric strength training is an innovative and promising approach to improve exercise performance. However, most eccentric training studies in the past were performed with a focus on the lower extremities. The present study aimed to test the feasibility and effects on strength and power adaptations of a structured upper-body eccentric training program. METHODS: Fourteen (median age (Q1-Q3) 29 years (27-32); 9 females, 5 males) healthy, regularly exercising individuals performed 20 progressive training sessions (2-3 sessions/week at 20-50% peak power for 8-14 min) on a symmetric eccentric arm-crank ergometer. Before and after the intervention, anaerobic peak power (PP) and maximal concentric aerobic power output (POmax) on an arm-crank ergometer as well as the one repetition maximum (1RM) for bench press were determined as main outcome parameters. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Significant improvements in PP (+ 4% (1-8), p = 0.007), POmax (+ 6% (0-8); p = 0.01), and 1RM (+ 12% (10-17); p < 0.001) were found. Exercise intensity was relatively low at 64% (55-70) of maximum heart rate. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty progressive training sessions on a symmetric arm-crank ergometer are effective in inducing significant aerobic and anaerobic performance and strength improvements in the upper body. This intervention is safe and feasible, and can be performed at relatively low cardiovascular intensities. Therefore, this training method offers an interesting approach from elite sports to rehabilitation.

Determining V̇O2max in competitive swimmers: Comparing the validity and reliability of cycling, arm cranking, ergometer swimming, and tethered swimming.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify the optimal method for determining V̇O2max in competitive swimmers in terms of validity and test-retest reliability. DESIGN: Controlled experiment. METHODS: Twenty competitive swimmers performed four maximal incremental exercise tests: cycling, arm cranking, ergometer swimming, and tethered swimming. Gas analysis was conducted to estimate V̇O2max. Validity was assessed in terms of the amount of variance of the performance on a 1500-m time trial explained by the estimated V̇O2max . Test-retest reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: V̇O2max obtained from tethered swimming, ergometer swimming, and cycling explained a similar amount of variance of the 1500-m performance (R2 = 0.64, 0.64 and 0.65, respectively). However, ergometer swimming yielded significantly lower V̇O2max estimates (40.54 ±â€¯6.55 ml/kg/min) than tethered swimming (54.40 ±â€¯6.21 ml/kg/min) and cycling (54.39 ±â€¯5.63 ml/kg/min). Arm cranking resulted in both a lower explained variance (R2 = 0.41) and a significantly lower V̇O2max (43.14 ±â€¯7.81 ml/kg/min). Tethered swimming showed good reliability (ICC = 0.81). CONCLUSIONS: Bicycle and tethered swimming tests demonstrated high validity with comparable V̇O2max estimates, explaining a large proportion of differences in endurance performance. Choosing between these two methods involves a trade-off between a higher practical applicability and reliability of the bicycle test and the more sport-specific nature of the tethered swimming test.

A Wireless Rowing Measurement System for Improving the Rowing Performance of Athletes.

The rowing technique is a key factor in the overall rowing performance. Nowadays the athletes' performance is so advanced that even small differences in technique can have an impact on sport competitions. To further improve the athletes' performance, individualized rowing is necessary. This can be achieved by intelligent measurement technology that provides direct feedback. To address this issue, we developed a novel wireless rowing measurement system (WiRMS) that acquires rowing movement and measures muscle activity using electromyography (EMG). Our measurement system is able to measure several parameters simultaneously: the rowing forces, the pressure distribution on the scull, the oar angles, the seat displacement and the boat acceleration. WiRMS was evaluated in a proof-of-concept study with seven experienced athletes performing a training on water. Evaluation results showed that WiRMS is able to assess the rower's performance by recording the rower's movement and force applied to the scull. We found significant correlations (p < 0.001) between stroke rate and drive-to-recovery ratio. By incorporating EMG data, a precise temporal assignment of the activated muscles and their contribution to the rowing motion was possible. Furthermore, we were able to show that the rower applies the force to the scull mainly with the index and middle fingers.

Force-velocity profiles of track cyclists differ between seated and non-seated positions.

The aim of the study was to compare the Force-Velocity profiles of track sprint cyclists obtained in seated and non-seated positions. Athletes were tested on a stationary cycle ergometer for the seated position and on a racing bike at the velodrome for the non-seated position. We modelled torque and power vs. cadence relationships and extracted maximal force (F0), optimal cadence (Copt), maximal power (Pmax), maximal cadence (C0) and Copt/C0 ratio. Torque/power production was larger in the non-seated position for cadences ranging from 20 to 120 rpm, while more torque and power were produced in the seated position at cadences above 160 rpm. The effective pedal force increased by 0.2 times bodyweight at 50 rpm, and the power production increased by 2.5 W. kg-1 at 90 rpm in the non-seated position. Copt (-14 ± 8 rpm, P < 0.05) and C0 (-55 ± 32 rpm, P < 0.05) were lowered, while Pmax (+1.7 ± 1.1 W. kg-1, P < 0.05) and Copt/C0 ratios (+0.07 ± 0.04, P < 0.05) were increased in the non-seated position when compared with the seated position. Our results show that adopting a non-seated position allows sprint cyclists to maximise torque/power production at lower cadences, while torque/power production was maximised at higher cadences when athletes adopted a seated position.

Interrater reliability of a customized submaximal cycle ergometer test.

PURPOSE: Graded exercise testing (GXTs) is used to determine maximum oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]). Recently, customized submaximal exercise testing (CSET) completed on both treadmill and cycle ergometry were validated. METHODS: Interrater reliability of the CSET for cycle ergometry was examined. Thirteen participants (age 31 ± 10.2 y, weight 77.9 ± 10.5 kg, height 176.2 ± 9.9 cm, body mass index 25.1 ± 2.9) completed the 2-stage × 3-min CSET protocol performed by two separate testers. True [Formula: see text] was determined using the highest value derived by a GXT and verification bout. Skeletal muscle oxygen saturation ([Formula: see text]), measured using near-infrared spectrometry on the medial gastrocnemius muscle, and [Formula: see text] were monitored during each CSET; whereby, [Formula: see text] kinetics were modeled breath-by-breath data for each 3-min stage. Measurement agreement was quantified using intraclass coefficient (ICC), typical error (TE), and coefficient of variation (CV). RESULTS: "True" [Formula: see text] (ml·kg-1·min-1) between the GXT (41.3 ± 10.5) and verification (42.5 ± 11.5) was established (ICC = 0.98, TE: 0.98, CV 2.1%). Estimated [Formula: see text] by tester 1 (42.5 ± 9.8) and tester 2 (42.7 ± 8.9) did not differ from "true" [Formula: see text] (F2,36 = 0.02, p = 0.98, ηp2 = 0.00). The second stage evoked a [Formula: see text] slow component of 194 ± 124 ml·min-1 that corresponded with a time-dependent decline of [Formula: see text]. The mean [Formula: see text] from the two CSET testers were highly correlated (ICC = 0.91, TE: 4.1%, CV = 8.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The CSET is a reliable and valid procedure and [Formula: see text] is a useful tool for corroborating the second stage is in the heavy-intensity domain.

Maximal Fat Oxidation during Incremental Upper and Lower Body Exercise in Healthy Young Males.

The aim of this study is to determine the magnitude of maximal fat oxidation (MFO) during incremental upper and lower body exercise. Thirteen non-specifically trained male participants (19.3 ± 0.5 y, 78.1 ± 9.1 kg body mass) volunteered for this repeated-measures study, which had received university ethics committee approval. Participants undertook two incremental arm crank (ACE) and cycle ergometry (CE) exercise tests to volitional exhaustion. The first test for each mode served as habituation. The second test was an individualised protocol, beginning at 40% of the peak power output (POpeak) achieved in the first test, with increases of 10% POpeak until volitional exhaustion. Expired gases were recorded at the end of each incremental stage, from which fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates were calculated. MFO was taken as the greatest fat oxidation value during incremental exercise and expressed relative to peak oxygen uptake (%V˙O2peak). MFO was lower during ACE (0.44 ± 0.24 g·min-1) than CE (0.77 ± 0.31 g·min-1; respectively, p < 0.01) and occurred at a lower exercise intensity (53 ± 21 vs. 67 ± 18%V˙O2peak; respectively, p < 0.01). Inter-participant variability for MFO was greatest during ACE. These results suggest that weight loss programs involving the upper body should occur at lower exercise intensities than for the lower body.

Six-minute rowing test: a valid and reliable method for assessing power output in amateur male rowers.

Background: Standardized tests are currently available to assess power output in elite rowers. However, there are no valid and reliable tests to assess power output in amateur rowers. Objective: This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of a 6-min rowing ergometer test (6-minRT) as a predictor of power output (PO) in amateur male rowers. Methods: Twelve male amateur rowers were part of the study. All participants were instructed to perform an incremental test (IT), a 6-minRT test, and a retest. The validity of the 6-minRT was determined by comparing maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and power output (PO) between the IT and 6-minRT. Reliability included the coefficient of variation (CV), intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and mean standard error between the 6-minRT test and retest. The significance level was p < 0.05. Results: There was no significant difference in VO2max in both IT and 6-minRT (p = 0.18), while the mean power output (Pmean) generated in the 6-minRT equaled 91.96% of the maximal aerobic power (MAP) generated in the IT (p = 0.004). Reliability analysis for the 6-minRT showed a CV = 0.50% and ICC = 0.97 for distance, a CV = 1.85% and ICC = 0.96 for Pmean. Conclusion: From a ventilatory and mechanical point of view, the 6-minRT is a maximally valid test for establishing MAP in amateur rowers. Also, the 6-minRT evidences a high degree of agreement between days. Therefore, the 6-minRT is a valid and reliable test for assessing PO in amateur male rowers.

Log-Transformed Electromyography Amplitude Power Output Relationship: Nondominant vs. Dominant Limb.

ABSTRACT: Boccomino, HL, Daoud, BT, Hudas, A, North, WA, and Malek, MH. Log-transformed electromyography amplitude power output relationship: nondominant vs. dominant limb. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 851-856, 2022-Findings from studies that examine bilateral differences between the nondominant and dominant limb during whole-body (i.e., cycle ergometry) are equivocal. This may, in part, be because of the mode of exercise (i.e., whole-body) and how the data are analyzed. Surface electromyography (EMG) is a noninvasive method of examining motor unit recruitment and activation during exercise. The log-transformed electromyography amplitude power output relationship provides y-intercept and slope terms on a subject-by-subject basis that can therefore be statistically analyzed. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to identify potential differences in the muscle for the nondominant and dominant limb using the log-transformed EMG amplitude power output relationship for continuous exercise that isolates the quadricep femoris muscles. Nine healthy college-aged men (mean ± SEM: age, 22.6 ± 1.2 years; mass, 68.6 ± 10.4 kg; and height, 1.76 ± 0.03 m) volunteered as subjects for the current study. Each subject visited the laboratory on a single occasion, had EMG electrodes placed on their rectus femoris muscle for their nondominant and dominant limb, and performed an incremental double-leg knee-extensor ergometry to voluntary exhaustion. The subjects achieved a mean power output (75 ± 8 W) for the exercise test. In addition, a mean end-exercise heart rate (155 ± 8 b·min-1) corresponded to 79 ± 4% of the age-predicted heart rate using the formula 220-age. Separate paired t tests for the slope (t[8] = 0.929 p = 0.38) and y-intercept (t[8] = 0.368, p = 0.72) terms revealed no significant mean differences between the 2 limbs. The results of the present study indicate that there are no differences in muscle activation between the nondominant and dominant limbs for continuous exercise that isolates the muscle.

Perceived Consumption of a High-Dose Caffeine Drink Delays Neuromuscular Fatigue.

ABSTRACT: Elhaj, HM, Imam, O, Page, BW, Vitale, JM, and Malek, MH. Perceived consumption of a high-dose caffeine drink delays neuromuscular fatigue. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1185-1190, 2022-The placebo effect is a concept in which a desired outcome arises, mainly from the belief that the treatment (i.e., supplement or drug) was beneficial although no active ingredient was given. The results of studies related to the placebo effect primarily examine functional performance. What remains unanswered, however, is whether these changes in performance are associated with neuromuscular alterations in the exercised muscles. The purpose of the study, therefore, was to determine the influence of the placebo effect on the physical working capacity fatigue threshold (PWCFT) for a continuous exercise paradigm. To achieve this aim, subjects were told that they were participating in a study to determine the dosage response (low or high) of caffeine on neuromuscular fatigue when in fact no caffeine was given during the experiment. We hypothesized that the perceived consumption of the high-dose caffeine drink would result in a higher PWCFT than the perceived consumption of the low-dose caffeine drink and placebo. Secondarily, we hypothesized that the perceived consumption of the high-dose caffeine drink would result in a higher power output than the perceived consumption of the placebo. Nine healthy college-aged men (mean ± SEM: age, 25.7 ± 1.3 years; body mass, 84.4 ± 3.1 kg; and height: 1.82 ± 0.02 m) volunteered to be in the study. For each of the visits, subjects were given an 8 oz. bottle of water with dissolved crystal light. After the drink was consumed, subjects rested in the laboratory for 1 hour before performing the incremental single-leg knee-extensor ergometry. Immediately after the termination of the incremental single-leg knee-extensor ergometry, the subject was asked which caffeine dose (placebo, low, or high) they believed they consumed for that visit. There were no significant mean differences for maximal power output for the 3 perceived conditions (placebo: 62 ± 3, low-dose caffeine: 62 ± 4, and high-dose caffeine: 65 ± 3 W). When the subjects perceived consuming the high-dose caffeine drink, there were significant mean differences (all p-values < 0.01), for PWCFT, between the other conditions (mean ± SEM: placebo: 23 ± 3 W, low-dose caffeine: 26 ± 2 W, and high-dose caffeine: 42 ± 3 W). This corresponded to a significant mean difference (all p-values < 0.01) when the PWCFT was presented as a percentage of the maximal power output (mean ± SEM: placebo: 37 ± 5%, low-dose caffeine: 42 ± 3%, and high-dose caffeine: 64 ± 3%). The application of our results may indicate that the subject's expectancy, to caffeine consumption, plays a critical role in delaying the onset of neuromuscular fatigue despite not receiving any caffeine in their drinks.

Recurrence quantification analysis of heart rate variability to detect both ventilatory thresholds.

Aims of this study were: to verify if Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA) of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) time series could determine both ventilatory thresholds in individuals with different fitness levels, and to assess the validity of RQA method compared to gas-exchange method (GE). The two thresholds were estimated in thirty young individuals during incremental exercise on cycle-ergometer: Heart rate (HR), Oxygen consumption (VO2) and Workload were measured by the two methods (RQA and GE). Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess main effects of methods and methods-by-groups interaction effects for HR, VO2 and Workload at aerobic (AerT) and anaerobic (AnT) thresholds. Validity of RQA at both thresholds was assessed for HR, VO2 and Workload by Ordinary Least Products (OLP) regression, Typical Percentage Error (TE), Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) and the Bland Altman plots. No methods-by-groups interaction effects were detected for HR, VO2 and Workload at AerT and AnT. The OLP analysis showed that at both thresholds RQA and GE methods had very strong correlations (r >0.8) in all variables (HR, VO2 and Workload). Slope and intercept values always included the 1 and the 0, respectively. At AerT the TE ranged from 4.02% (5.48 bpm) to 10.47% (8.53 Watts) (HR and Workload, respectively) and in all variables ICC values were excellent (≥0.85). At AnT the TE ranged from 2.53% (3.98 bpm) to 6.64% (7.81 Watts) (HR and Workload, respectively) and in all variables ICC values were excellent (≥0.90). Therefore, RQA of HRV time series is a new valid approach to determine both ventilatory thresholds in individuals with different physical fitness levels, it can be used when gas analysis is not possible or not convenient.

Ergometría en el entrenamiento de alto rendimiento cubano / Ergometry in cuban high performance training

Introducción: El Centro de Investigaciones del Deporte Cubano, en estrecha relación con el Instituto de Medicina Deportiva, ha realizado en el Área de control cardiorrespiratorio numerosas pruebas funcionales a los deportistas de alto rendimiento. Como parte del control médico a los deportistas, se han ejecutado pruebas ergométricas cardiopulmonares en el laboratorio, con la novedad de ajustarse los protocolos a las necesidades especiales del atleta en función de su modalidad deportiva. Objetivos: Fundamentar la importancia de la ergometría cardiovascular para el entrenamiento deportivo y rediseñar protocolos de ergometría deportiva acordes a las especificidades de la modalidad atlética. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal, en el periodo entre noviembre de 2019 y febrero de 2020. Muestra selectiva intencional, todos los deportistas de los equipos nacionales en cada modalidad: judo, boxeo y luchas (libre y grecorromana). Resultados: Se rediseñaron los protocolos de ergometría sobre la base de los convencionales estandarizados en medicina deportiva, para judo, boxeo y lucha. Se obtuvieron parámetros óptimos (frecuencia cardíaca, volumen máximo de oxígeno y equivalente metabólico) para cada modalidad deportiva. Conclusiones: Las pruebas ergoespirométricas constituyen una herramienta científica útil en la medicina deportiva. Rediseñar protocolos ergométricos permite una mejor valoración funcional del atleta y proporciona un adecuado soporte científico al entrenamiento individual. La ergometría cardiopulmonar es un instrumento disponible para evaluar, recuperar y mejorar las capacidades funcionales y deportivas de los atletas de alto rendimiento, especialmente en la etapa pos-COVID-19(AU)

Introduction: The Cuban Sports Research Center, in close relationship with the Institute of Sports Medicine, has carried out numerous functional tests on high-performance athletes for cardiorespiratory monitoring. As part of the medical control of athletes, cardiopulmonary ergometric tests have been carried out in the laboratory, with the novelty of adjusting the protocols to the special needs of the athlete depending on their sports modality. Objectives: To demonstrate the importance of cardiovascular exercise testing for sports training and to redesign sports exercise testing protocols according to the specificities of the athletic modality. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal study was carried out from November 2019 to February 2020. Intentional selective sample, all the athletes of the national teams in each modality such as judo, boxing and wrestling. Results: The ergometry protocols were redesigned based on the conventional standardized in sports medicine, for judo, boxing and wrestling. Optimal parameters, as heart rate, maximum oxygen volume and metabolic equivalent, were obtained for each sports modality. Conclusions: Ergospirometric tests are a useful scientific tool in sports medicine. Redesigning ergometric protocols allows better functional assessment of the athletes and provides adequate scientific support for individual training. Cardiopulmonary ergometry is an instrument available to evaluate, recover and improve the functional and sports capacities of high-performance athletes, especially in the post-COVID-19 stage(AU)

Initiating aerobic exercise with low glycogen content reduces markers of myogenesis but not mTORC1 signaling.

BACKGROUND: The effects of low muscle glycogen on molecular markers of protein synthesis and myogenesis before and during aerobic exercise with carbohydrate ingestion is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of initiating aerobic exercise with low muscle glycogen on mTORC1 signaling and markers of myogenesis. METHODS: Eleven men completed two cycle ergometry glycogen depletion trials separated by 7-d, followed by randomized isocaloric refeeding for 24-h to elicit low (LOW; 1.5 g/kg carbohydrate, 3.0 g/kg fat) or adequate (AD; 6.0 g/kg carbohydrate, 1.0 g/kg fat) glycogen. Participants then performed 80-min of cycle ergometry (64 ± 3% VO2peak) while ingesting 146 g carbohydrate. mTORC1 signaling (Western blotting) and gene transcription (RT-qPCR) were determined from vastus lateralis biopsies before glycogen depletion (baseline, BASE), and before (PRE) and after (POST) exercise. RESULTS: Regardless of treatment, p-mTORC1Ser2448, p-p70S6KSer424/421, and p-rpS6Ser235/236 were higher (P < 0.05) POST compared to PRE and BASE. PAX7 and MYOGENIN were lower (P < 0.05) in LOW compared to AD, regardless of time, while MYOD was lower (P < 0.05) in LOW compared to AD at PRE, but not different at POST. CONCLUSION: Initiating aerobic exercise with low muscle glycogen does not affect mTORC1 signaling, yet reductions in gene expression of myogenic regulatory factors suggest that muscle recovery from exercise may be reduced.

Difference in total workload during sprint interval training for adults living with or without obesity.

PURPOSE: The primary objective of the study was to compare the implications of body composition on work volume, power outputs (peak, mean, and minimum), and relative drop load throughout 4 weeks of sprint interval training (SIT) in individuals living with and without obesity. METHODS: Thirty-four participants living with (n = 16) and without (n = 18) obesity took part in 12 sessions of SIT over 4 weeks. SIT consisted of repeated 30-s Wingate with a drop load of 7.5% of the participant's body mass separated by 4 min of active recovery. Fat-free mass was estimated using a BOD POD. Work volume, drop load, and power output (peak, mean, and minimum) relative to body mass and fat-free mass were calculated using a Monark 874E Weight cycle ergometer. RESULTS: Individuals living with obesity had a significantly larger drop load relative to fat-free mass (p < 0.001) and absolute drop load (p < 0.001) as well as a lower cycling cadence (p < 0.001) compared to individuals without obesity. No significant difference was observed in work volume (p = 0.167) as well as mean (p = 0.903), peak (p = 0.294), and minimum (p = 0.103) power relative to fat-free mass between groups. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that individuals living with obesity work at a higher relative drop load when utilizing a percentage of body mass; however, a reduced cycling cadence results in similar total work volume throughout SIT.

Ergometría cardiovascular en la cultura física y el deporte / Cardiovascular ergometry in sports and physical culture

Introducción: La cultura física y el deporte tienen una gran importancia en el fortalecimiento de la salud humana y en la prevención de los procesos de enfermedad y envejecimiento. Dentro de las herramientas científico-tecnológicas utilizadas desde las ciencias aplicadas, la ergometría es uno de los instrumentos fundamentales en el campo médico deportivo. Puede ser empleada en la planificación del entrenamiento deportivo e igualmente, en el diagnóstico y la recuperación de la salud en los individuos enfermos, así como en el mantenimiento del bienestar físico en la persona sana, de cualquier grupo de edad. Objetivo: Fundamentar la importancia de la ergometría cardiovascular en apoyo a la cultura física y el deporte. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de literatura científica y trabajos investigativos relacionados con los temas de cultura física y deporte en relación con la ergometría. Se revisaron los trabajos publicados actualmente en Medline con la interfaz PubMed. Desarrollo: La ergometría cardiovascular permite valorar indicadores fiables antes de iniciar toda práctica deportiva. Esto garantiza la implementación de planes de entrenamiento dirigidos sobre bases científicas y evidencia la elevación del rendimiento deportivo, de la calidad de vida y la salud. Conclusiones: La ergometría es una herramienta científico-tecnológica que permite avalar un inicio y mantenimiento eficaz del entrenamiento deportivo individualizado. Es necesaria para la implementación de un correcto programa de ejercicios físicos, que tiene como objetivos promover salud y mejorar los componentes de la aptitud física relacionados con la salud y la rehabilitación(AU)

Introduction: Physical culture and sports are of great importance in strengthening human health and in preventing disease and aging processes. Within the scientific-technological tools used by applied sciences, ergometry is one of the fundamental instruments in the sports medical field. It can be used in the planning of sports training and also in the diagnosis and recovery of health in sick individuals, as well as in the maintenance of physical well-being in the healthy person, of any age group. Objective: To prove the importance of cardiovascular ergometry in support of physical culture and sports. Methods: A review of scientific literature and research works related to the topics of physical culture and sports as to exercise testing was carried out. Articles currently published in Medline with the PubMed interface were reviewed. Findings: Cardiovascular ergometry allows to assess reliable indicators before starting any sports practice. This guarantees the implementation of specific training plans founded on scientific bases, which evidences the rise of sports performance, quality of life and health. Conclusions: Ergometry is a scientific-technological tool that allows to guarantee an effective start and maintenance of individualized sports training. It is necessary for the implementation of correct physical exercise programs, which aims to promote health and improve the components of physical fitness related to health and rehabilitation(AU)

Functional electrical stimulation-assisted cycle ergometry-based progressive mobility programme for mechanically ventilated patients: randomised controlled trial with 6 months follow-up.

PURPOSE: Functional electrical stimulation-assisted cycle ergometry (FESCE) enables in-bed leg exercise independently of patients' volition. We hypothesised that early use of FESCE-based progressive mobility programme improves physical function in survivors of critical care after 6 months. METHODS: We enrolled mechanically ventilated adults estimated to need >7 days of intensive care unit (ICU) stay into an assessor-blinded single centre randomised controlled trial to receive either FESCE-based protocolised or standard rehabilitation that continued up to day 28 or ICU discharge. RESULTS: We randomised in 1:1 ratio 150 patients (age 61±15 years, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II 21±7) at a median of 21 (IQR 19-43) hours after admission to ICU. Mean rehabilitation duration of rehabilitation delivered to intervention versus control group was 82 (IQR 66-97) versus 53 (IQR 50-57) min per treatment day, p<0.001. At 6 months 42 (56%) and 46 (61%) patients in interventional and control groups, respectively, were alive and available to follow-up (81.5% of prespecified sample size). Their Physical Component Summary of SF-36 (primary outcome) was not different at 6 months (50 (IQR 21-69) vs 49 (IQR 26-77); p=0.26). At ICU discharge, there were no differences in the ICU length of stay, functional performance, rectus femoris cross-sectional diameter or muscle power despite the daily nitrogen balance was being 0.6 (95% CI 0.2 to 1.0; p=0.004) gN/m2 less negative in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: Early delivery of FESCE-based protocolised rehabilitation to ICU patients does not improve physical functioning at 6 months in survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02864745.

Current limits for flowmeter resistance in metabolic carts can negatively affect exercise performance.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether a metabolic cart using a flowmeter in the upper range of accepted resistance to airflow (<1.5 cmH2 O∙L-1 ∙s-1 for flows up to 14 L∙s-1 , American Thoracic Society) negatively impacts exercise performance in healthy individuals. METHODS: 16 recreationally active males (age 25 ± 1 years, height 180 ± 6 cm, weight 73.5 ± 5.8 kg, all mean ± SD) performed two incremental tests on a bicycle ergometer on each of two visits, using a metabolic cart with a flowmeter of either low (Oxycon Pro) or high (Innocor) airflow resistance. Mouth pressures, gas exchange, blood lactate concentration [La- ], perception of breathlessness, respiratory, and leg exertion were assessed throughout the tests. RESULTS: Tests performed with the Innocor were significantly shorter (15.3 ± 3.2 vs. 15.8 ± 3.3 min, p < 0.0001) and showed higher maximal flow resistance (1.3 ± 0.2 vs. 0.3 ± 0.0 cmH2 O∙L-1 ∙s-1 , p < 0.0001). At end-exercise, peak oxygen consumption (-200 ± 220 ml.min-1 , p < 0.0001), minute ventilation (-19.9 ± 10.5 L.min-1 , p < 0.0001), breathing frequency (-5.4 ± 5.2 breaths.min-1 , p < 0.0001), heart rate (-2.1 ± 3.6 bpm, p = 0.002) and [La- ] (-0.7 ± 1.0 mmol.L-1 , p < 0.0001), but not tidal volume (-0.1 ± 0.2 L, p = 0.172) were lower with the Innocor, while the perception of breathlessness was higher (+3.8 ± 5.1 points, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Airflow resistance in the upper range of current guidelines can significantly affect exercise performance and respiratory pattern in young, healthy males during incremental exercise. The present results indicate the need to revisit guidelines for devices used in ergospirometry.