Effects of creatine and caffeine ingestion in combination on exercise performance: A systematic review.

Creatine (CRE) and caffeine (CAF) have been used as ergogenic aids to improve exercise performance. The present study reviewed the current evidence supporting the additional use of CAF intake during or after the CRE loading on exercise performance. The search was carried out in eight databases, with the methodological quality of the studies assessed via the QualSyst tool. From ten studies that met the criteria for inclusion, six had strong, three moderate, and one weak methodological quality. CAF was ingested ∼1 h before the performance trial (5-7 mg.kg-1) after a CRE loading period (5-6 days with 0.3 g.kg-1.d-1) in five studies, with the combination CAF + CRE providing additional ergogenic effect compared to CRE alone in three of these studies. Furthermore, CAF was ingested daily during the CRE loading protocol in five studies, with CAF showing additive benefits compared to CRE alone only in one study (3 g.d-1 of CRE during 3 days + 6 mg.kg-1 of CAF for 3 days). The combination CAF + CRE seems to provide additional benefits to exercise performance when CAF is acutely ingested after a CRE loading. There is, however, no apparent benefit in ingesting CAF during a CRE loading period.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.2007470.

The effect of caffeine on exercise performance is not influenced by ADORA2A genotypes, alone or pooled with CYP1A2 genotypes, in adolescent athletes.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the influence of the different genotypes of ADORA2A (1976 C > T, rs 5751876), alone or pooled with CYP1A2 (163 C > A rs 762551) genotypes, on the ergogenic effects of caffeine (CAF) on various aspects of physical performance in male adolescent athletes. METHODS: Ninety male adolescent athletes (age = 15.5 ± 2 years) were classified according to their genotypes for 1976 C > T ADORA2A (TT homozygous or CADORA2A allele carriers) and 163 C > A CYP1A2 (AA homozygous or CCYP1A2 allele carriers). Participants were further divided in four groups (1-TTADORA2A + AACYP1A2; 2-TTADORA2A + AC/CCCYP1A2; 3-AACYP1A2 + CT/CCADORA2A;4-AC/CCCYP1A2 + CT/CCADORA2A). Using a randomized, crossover, counterbalanced, and double-blind design, participants ingested CAF (6 mg kg-1) or a placebo (PLA, 300 mg of cellulose) one hour before performing a sequence of physical tests: handgrip strength, agility test, countermovement jump (CMJ), Spike Jump (SJ), sit-ups, push-ups, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). RESULTS: CAF enhanced handgrip strength (CAF: 35.0 ± 9.2 kg force; PLA: 33.5 ± 8.9 kg force; p = 0.050), CMJ height (CAF: 49.6 ± 12.3 cm; PLA: 48.3 ± 13.6 cm; p = 0.013), SJ height (CAF: 54.7 ± 13.3 cm; PLA: 53.1 ± 14.8 cm; p = 0.013), number of sit-ups (CAF: 37 ± 8; PLA: 35 ± 8; p = 0.001), and distance covered on the Yoyo IR1 test (CAF: 991.6 ± 371.0 m; PLA: 896.0 ± 311.0 m; p = 0.001), This CAF-induced improvement on exercise performance was, however, independent of genotypes groups (all p > 0.05). CAF had no effect on agility (CAF: 15.8 ± 1.2 s; PLA: 15.9 ± 1.3 s; p = 0.070) and push-up (CAF: 26.6 ± 12.0; PLA: 25.0 ± 11.0; p = 0.280) tests. CONCLUSION: The acute caffeine intake of 6.0 mg.kg-1 improves several aspects of physical performance, which seems to be independent of ADORA2A genotypes, alone or in combination with CYP1A2 genotypes.

Airflow restriction mask induces greater central fatigue after a non-exhaustive high-intensity interval exercise.

The airflow restriction mask (ARM) is a practical and inexpensive device for respiratory muscle training. Wearing an ARM has recently been combined with high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), but its effect on neuromuscular fatigue is unknown. The present study investigated the effects of ARM wearing on neuromuscular fatigue after an HIIE session. Fourteen healthy men performed two HIIE sessions (4 × 4 min at 90% HRmax , 3 min recovery at 70% HRmax ) with or without an ARM. Neuromuscular fatigue was quantified via pre- to post-HIIE changes in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), voluntary activation (VA, central fatigue), and potentialized evoked twitch force at 100, 10, and 1 Hz (peripheral fatigue). Blood pH and lactate were measured before and after the HIIE session, while HR, SpO2 , dyspnea, physical sensation of effort (P-RPE), and Task Effort and Awareness (TEA) were recorded every bout. The exercise-induced decrease in MVC was higher (p < 0.05) in the ARM (-28 ± 12%) than in the Control condition (-20 ± 11%). The VA decreased (p < 0.05) in the ARM (-11 ± 11%) but not in the control condition (-4 ± 5%, p > 0.05). Pre- to post-HIIE declines in evoked twitch at 100, 10, and 1 Hz were similar (p > 0.05) between ARM and control conditions (ARM: -18 ± 10, -43 ± 11 and -38 ± 12%; Control: -18 ± 14, -43 ± 12 and -37 ± 17%). When compared with the control, the HIIE bout wearing ARM was marked by higher heart rate, plasma lactate concentration, dyspnea, P-RPE and TEA, as well as lower SpO2 and blood pH. In conclusion, ARM increases perceptual and physiological stress during a HIIE, which may lead to a greater post-exercise central fatigue.

Caffeine ingestion increases endurance performance of trained male cyclists when riding against a virtual opponent without altering muscle fatigue.

PURPOSE: Caffeine improves cycling time trial (TT) performance; however, it is unknown whether caffeine is ergogenic when competing against other riders. The aim of this study was to investigate whether caffeine improves performance during a 4-km cycling TT when riding against a virtual opponent, and whether it is associated with increased muscle activation and at the expense of greater end-exercise central and peripheral fatigue. METHODS: Using a randomized, crossover, and double-blind design, eleven well-trained cyclists completed a 4-km cycling TT alone without supplementation (CON), or against a virtual opponent after ingestion of placebo (OP-PLA) or caffeine (5 mg.kg-1, OP-CAF). Central and peripheral fatigue were quantified via the pre- to post-exercise decrease in voluntary activation and potentiated twitch force, respectively. Muscle activation was continually measured during the trial via electromyography activity. RESULTS: Compared to CON, OP-PLA improved 4-km cycling TT performance (P = 0.018), and OP-CAF further improved performance when compared to OP-PLA (P = 0.050). Muscle activation was higher in OP-PLA and OP-CAF than in CON throughout the trial (P = 0.003). The pre- to post-exercise reductions in voluntary activation and potentiated twitch force were, however, similar between experimental conditions (P > 0.05). Compared to CON, OP-PLA increased the rating of perceived exertion during the first 2 km, but caffeine blunted this increase with no difference between the OP-CAF and CON conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Caffeine is ergogenic when riding against a virtual opponent, but this is not due to greater muscle activation or at the expense of greater end-exercise central or peripheral fatigue.

Panax ginseng Supplementation Increases Muscle Recruitment, Attenuates Perceived Effort, and Accelerates Muscle Force Recovery After an Eccentric-Based Exercise in Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Cristina-Souza, G, Santos-Mariano, AC, Lima-Silva, AE, Costa, PL, Domingos, PR, Silva, SF, Abreu, WC, De-Oliveira, FR, and Osiecki, R. Panax Ginseng supplementation increases muscle recruitment, attenuates perceived effort, and accelerates muscle force recovery after an eccentric-based exercise in athletes. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 991-997, 2022-The effect of Panax ginseng during and after an eccentric-based exercise is underexplored. In this study, we investigated the effect of Panax ginseng on muscle force and muscle excitation during an eccentric-based exercise and on subsequent muscle damage and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Using a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, 10 male track and field athletes consumed Panax ginseng or placebo for 8 days. At the fifth day, they performed 4 sets until concentric failure of a half-squat exercise, with eccentric action increased by using an eccentric-inductor device attached to their knees. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and vastus lateralis electromyographic (EMG) activity was measured during the half-squat. Plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) concentrations, DOMS, and maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MIVCs) with EMG recording were measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the half-squat. Panax ginseng attenuated RPE and increased EMG during the sets. The MIVC remained reduced 48 hours after exercise in the placebo but returned to baseline 24 hours after exercise in the Panax ginseng, with values at 24 and 48 hours after exercise significantly higher in the Panax ginseng than in the placebo. The EMG during MIVC was higher in the Panax ginseng than in the placebo over the time points. No significant effect of Panax ginseng on LDH, CK, and DOMS was observed. These findings suggest that Panax ginseng increases muscle excitation and attenuates perceived effort during an eccentric-based exercise as well as accelerates the recovery of muscle force in well-trained athletes.

Effects of induced local ischemia during a 4-km cycling time trial on neuromuscular fatigue development.

The present study analyzed the effects of local ischemia during endurance exercise on neuromuscular fatigue (NMF). Nine cyclists performed, in a counterbalanced order, two separate 4-km cycling time trials (TT) with (ISCH) or without (CONTR) induced local ischemia. NMF was characterized by using isometric maximal voluntary contractions (IMVC), whereas central [voluntary activation (VA)] and peripheral fatigue [peak torque of potentiated twitch (TwPt)] of knee extensors were evaluated using electrically evoked contractions performed before (PRE) and 1 min after (POST) the TT. Electromyographic activity (EMG), power output (PO), oxygen uptake (V̇o2), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were also recorded. The decrease in IMVC (-15 ± 9% vs. -10 ± 8%, P = 0.66), VA (-4 ± 3% vs. -3 ± 3%, P = 0.46), and TwPt (-16 ± 7% vs. -19 ± 14%, P = 0.67) was similar in ISCH and CONTR. Endurance performance was drastically reduced in ISCH condition (512 ± 29 s) compared with CONTR (386 ± 17 s) (P < 0.001), which was accompanied by lower EMG, PO, and V̇o2 responses (all P < 0.05). RPE was greater in ISCH compared with CONTR (P < 0.05), but the rate of change was similar throughout the TT (8.19 ± 2.59 vs. 7.81 ± 2.01 RPE.% of total time-1, P > 0.05). These results indicate that similar end-exercise NMF levels were accompanied by impaired endurance performance in ISCH compared with CONTR. These novel findings suggest that the local reduced oxygen availability affected the afferent feedback signals to the central nervous system, ultimately increasing perceived effort and reducing muscle activity and exercise intensity to avoid surpassing a sensory tolerance limit before the finish line.

Maytenus ilicifolia Extract Increases Oxygen Uptake without Changes in Neuromuscular Fatigue Development during a High-Intensity Interval Exercise.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of acute ingestion of Maytenus ilicifolia extract on metabolic and cardiopulmonary responses during a high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), and its consequence on neuromuscular fatigue. METHODS: Ten healthy men underwent a HIIE (4 x 4 min, 3 min recovery) one hour after ingesting 400 mg of Maytenus ilicifolia extract (MIE) or placebo. Oxygen uptake (V̇O2), dioxide carbon production (V̇CO2), ventilation (V̇E) and heart rate (HR) were measured throughout the HIIE. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), voluntary activation (VA), and evoked 1, 10 and 100 Hz force twitch were measured before supplementation (baseline), and before (pre-HIIE) and after the HIIE (post-HIIE). RESULTS: The V̇O2, V̇E, V̇E/V̇O2 ratio and HR increased progressively throughout the HIIE under both conditions (p < 0.05). MIE increased HR, however, at bouts 1 and 2 and mean V̇O2 during HIIE. The mean respiratory exchange ratio during recovery was also reduced with MIE (p < 0.05). MVC and evoked force at 1, 10 and 100 Hz declined similarly after HIIE, regardless of the condition (MIE: -18 ± 17%, -50 ± 15%, -61 ± 13% and -34 ± 10% vs. placebo: -19 ± 15%, -48 ± 16%, -58 ± 12 and -29 ± 11%, respectively, p < 0.05). There was no effect of exercise or MIE on VA (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: MIE increases heart rate in the first bouts and mean oxygen uptake during HIIE without changes in neuromuscular fatigue development.

Exercising under particulate matter exposure: Providing theoretical support for lung deposition and its relationship with COVID-19.

The aim of the present study was to investigate lung particulate matter (PM) deposition during endurance exercise and provide a new insight concerning how SARS-CoV-2 could be carried into the respiratory tract. The anatomical and physiological characteristics of the Human Respiratory Tract model were considered for modeling the lung PM deposition during exercise. The Monte Carlo method was performed to randomly generate different values of PM concentrations (1.0, 2.5, and 10.0 µm), minute ventilation, and duration of exercise at moderate, heavy, and severe exercise intensity domains. Compared to moderate and severe intensities, during heavy exercise (75-115 L‧min-1, duration of 10.0-60.0 min) there is greater lung deposition in the bronchiolar region (p < 0.01). In turn, there is greater deposition per minute of exercise at the severe intensity domain (115.0-145.0 L‧min-1, duration of 10.0-20.0 min, p < 0.01). Considering that SARs-CoV-2 could be adsorbed on the particles, exercising under PM exposure, mainly at the severe domain, could be harmful concerning the virus. In conclusion, beyond the traditional minute ventilation assumption, there is a time vs intensity dependence for PM deposition, whereby the severe domain presents greater deposition per minute of exercise. The results observed for PM deposition are alarming since SARs-CoV-2 could be adsorbed by particles and carried into the deeper respiratory tract.

Fifteen days of moderate normobaric hypoxia does not affect mitochondrial function, and related genes and proteins, in healthy men.

PURPOSE: To investigate within the one study potential molecular and cellular changes associated with mitochondrial biogenesis following 15 days of exposure to moderate hypoxia. METHODS: Eight males underwent a muscle biopsy before and after 15 days of hypoxia exposure (FiO2 = 0.140-0.154; ~ 2500-3200 m) in a hypoxic hotel. Mitochondrial respiration, citrate synthase (CS) activity, and the content of genes and proteins associated with mitochondrial biogenesis were investigated. RESULTS: Our main findings were the absence of significant changes in the mean values of CS activity, mitochondrial respiration in permeabilised fibers, or the content of genes and proteins associated with mitochondrial biogenesis, after 15 days of moderate normobaric hypoxia. CONCLUSION: Our data provide evidence that 15 days of moderate normobaric hypoxia have negligible influence on skeletal muscle mitochondrial content and function, or genes and proteins content associated with mitochondrial biogenesis, in young recreationally active males. However, the increase in mitochondrial protease LON content after hypoxia exposure suggests the possibility of adaptations to optimise respiratory chain function under conditions of reduced O2 availability.

Caffeine improves various aspects of athletic performance in adolescents independent of their 163 C > A CYP1A2 genotypes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether variations in 163 C > A CYP1A2 genotypes (rs 762 551) (AA, AC, and CC) modify the ergogenic effects of caffeine (CAF) on strength, power, muscular endurance, agility, and endurance in adolescent athletes. METHODS: One hundred adolescents (age = 15 ± 2 years) were recruited. Participants ingested CAF (6 mg.kg-1 ) or placebo (PLA, 300 mg of cellulose) 1 hour before performing a sequence of physical tests: handgrip strength, vertical jumps, agility test, sit-ups, push-ups, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). RESULTS: Compared to PLA, CAF enhanced (P < .05) sit-up (CAF = 37 ± 9; PLA = 35 ± 8 repetitions) and push-up repetitions (CAF = 26 ± 11; PLA = 24 ± 11 repetitions), and increased distance covered in Yo-Yo IR1 test (CAF = 1010.4 ± 378.9; PLA = 903.2 ± 325.7 m). There was no influence of CAF on handgrip strength (CAF = 35.1 ± 8.9; PLA = 33.7 ± 8.7 kgf), countermovement jump height (CAF = 49.3 ± 12.6; PLA = 47.9 ± 13.8 cm), spike jump height (CAF = 54.2 ± 13.6; PLA = 52.9 ± 14.5 cm), and time in agility test (CAF = 15.8 ± 1.1; PLA = 15.9 ± 1.3 s, P > .05). When present, the ergogenic effect of CAF was not dependent of genotype. CONCLUSION: CAF improves muscular endurance and aerobic performance in adolescent athletes, regardless of their 163 C > A CYP1A2 genotype.

Relationship between recovery of neuromuscular function and subsequent capacity to work above critical power.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between the recovery of neuromuscular fatigue and the recovery of amount of work done above critical power (W´). METHODS: Ten healthy men performed, on different days, constant work rate exercises until task failure to determine critical power (CP) and W´. In the three following visits, participants performed two exhausting constant work rate exercises estimated to induce task failure within 6 min (P61 and P62), interspaced by 3, 6 or 15 min of recovery. Neuromuscular function was assessed before and periodically after the P61 using percutaneous electrical femoral nerve stimulation. The W´ recovery was measured from the total work performed above CP during the P62. RESULTS: The P61 induced a full use of W´ and a reduction in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC, - 19 ± 4%), voluntary activation (VA, - 6 ± 2%) and twitch force stimulated at 1 Hz (- 37 ± 11%), 10 Hz (- 50 ± 16%) and 100 Hz (- 32 ± 11%), when compared to baseline (P < 0.05). The time constant of VA recovery was significantly faster than the time constant of W´ recovery (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the time constant of W´ recovery and the time constant of recovery of MVC or twitch force stimulated at 1, 10 and 100 Hz (P > 0.05). However, the time constant of W´ recovery was only associated to the time constant of MVC recovery (r = 0.73, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The W´ recovery is not associated to the recovery of peripheral or central fatigue alone. Rather, W´ seems to be associated to the recovery of the overall capacity to generate force.

Cycling time trial performance is improved by carbohydrate ingestion during exercise regardless of a fed or fasted state.

PURPOSE: We tested the hypothesis that carbohydrate ingestion during exercise improves time trial (TT) performance and that this carbohydrate-induced improvement is greater when carbohydrates are ingested during exercise in a fasted rather than a fed state. METHODS: Nine males performed 105 minutes of constant-load exercise (50% of the difference between the first and second lactate thresholds), followed by a 10-km cycling TT. Exercise started at 9 am, 3 hours after either breakfast (FED, 824 kcal, 67% carbohydrate) or a 15-hour overnight fast (FAST). Before exercise, after every 15 minutes of exercise and at 5 km of the TT, participants ingested 2 mL kg-1 body mass of a non-caloric sweetened solution containing either carbohydrate (8% of maltodextrin, CHO) or placebo (0% carbohydrate, PLA). RESULTS: Irrespective of the fasting state, when carbohydrate was ingested during exercise, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was lower throughout the constant-load exercise, while the plasma glucose concentration and carbohydrate oxidation were higher during the last stages of the constant-load exercise (P < 0.05). Consequently, TT performance was faster when carbohydrate was ingested during exercise (18.5 ± 0.3 and 18.7 ± 0.4 minutes for the FEDCHO and FASTCHO conditions, respectively) than when the placebo was ingested during exercise (20.2 ± 0.8 and 21.7 ± 1.4 minutes for the FEDPLA and FASTPLA conditions, respectively), regardless of fasting. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that even when breakfast is provided before exercise, carbohydrate ingestion during exercise is still beneficial for exercise performance. However, ingesting carbohydrate during exercise can overcome a lack of breakfast.

Menstrual cycle alters training strain, monotony, and technical training length in young.

The menstrual cycle (MC) phases carry to several psychophysiological alterations; however, no study has investigated the impact of MC phases on training load or technical training. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the follicular phase (FP), ovulatory phase (OP), and luteal phase (LP) on training load and technical training in young athletes. Twelve female athletes performed regular daily training sessions with the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and duration being registered every session. Training impulse (TRIMP), monotony and strain were calculated. MC symptoms, RPE, and duration were also measured during technical training, which was carried out on a specific day during each phase. The TRIMP was not affected by MC phases during regular training (p > .05), but training monotony and strain were higher in FP compared to OP (p < .05). During the technical training, MC phases did not affect RPE (p > .05), but the session was longer in both FP and LP, compared to OP (p < .05). MC symptoms were exacerbated in FP compared to both OP and LP (p < .05). These findings suggest that MC disorders were elevated during FP, which indicate that monitoring MC phases might provide important feedbacks for programming training and expected results during competitions.

Arterialized and venous blood lactate concentration difference during different exercise intensities.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference between arterialized and venous blood lactate concentrations [La] during constant-load exercises at different intensities. METHODS: Fifteen physically active men cycled for 30 minutes (or until exhaustion) at the first lactate threshold (LT1), at 50% of the difference between the first and second lactate threshold (TT50%), at the second lactate threshold (LT2), and at 25% of the difference between LT2 and maximal aerobic power output (TW25%). Samples of both arterialized and venous blood were collected simultaneously at rest and every 5 minutes during the exercise. RESULTS: The arterialized blood [La] was higher at minute 5 than venous blood [La] for all exercise intensities (p < 0.05). After this period, the arterialized and venous [La] samples became similar until the end of the exercise (p > 0.05). The arterialized-venous difference during the first 10 minutes was greater for the two highest exercise intensities (LT2 and TW25%) compared with the two lowest (LT1 and TT50%, p < 0.05). Thereafter, arterialized-venous difference decreased progressively, reaching values close to zero for all exercise intensities (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest a delayed lactate appearance in the venous blood, which is accentuated at higher exercise intensities. The lactate measured in arterialized and venous blood is interchangeable only when blood samples are collected at least 10 minutes after the exercise starts.

Effects of caffeine ingestion on endurance performance in mentally fatigued individuals.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of caffeine ingestion on physiological and perceptual responses in mentally fatigued individuals. METHODS: Eight male physically active subjects completed four cycling constant-workload tests in four experimental conditions at 80 % of maximal power output: control (C), mental fatigue (MF), mental fatigue plus caffeine ingestion (5 mg/kg) (MF-CAF), and mental fatigue plus placebo (MF-PLA). The mental fatigue was induced by a continuous performance task A-X version (AX-CPT). Before and after the AX-CPT, the profile of mood state (POMS) and blood samples for lactate measurement were collected. Oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and electromyography (EMG) activity were measured during the cycling test. RESULTS: The time to exhaustion in C, MF, MF-PLA, and MF-CAF were 251 ± 30, 222 ± 23, 248 ± 28, and 285 ± 42 s, respectively. Delta values (corrected by C condition) were higher in MF-CAF than MF (P = 0.031). MF-CAF reported higher Vigor scores when compared with C (P = 0.046) and MF (P = 0.020). RPE at the first minute was significantly higher in MF-PLA than in C (P = 0.050); at the second minute, RPE was higher in MF-PLA than in C (P = 0.049) and MF-CAF (P = 0.048). EMG activity was not different between the conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Caffeine ingestion increased approximately 14 % endurance performance after the induction of mental fatigue. This effect was accompanied by a tendency to improvement in mood state (i.e., vigor). Therefore, caffeine ingestion can promote a beneficial effect on endurance performance in mentally fatigued individuals.

Influence of ACTN3 R577X polymorphism on ventilatory thresholds related to endurance performance.

The purpose of this study was to verify the association between ACTN3 polymorphism and physiological parameters related to endurance performance. A total of 150 healthy male volunteers performed a maximal incremental running test to determine the speeds corresponding to ventilatory threshold (VT) and respiratory compensation point (RCP). Participants were genotyped and divided into terciles based on the analysed variables. Genotype frequencies were compared through χ(2) test between lower and higher terciles, with the lowest or highest values of each analysed variable. ACTN3 XX genotype was over-represented in higher tercile for VT and RCP. Odds ratio also showed significantly higher chances of XX individuals to be in higher tercile compared to RR (7.3) and RR + RX (3.5) for VT and compared to RR genotype (8.1) and RR + RX (3.4) for RCP. Thus, XX individuals could attain the VT and RCP at higher speeds, suggesting that they are able to sustain higher running speeds in lower exercise intensity domains. It could result in higher lipid acids oxidation, saving muscle glycogen and delaying the fatigue during prolonged exercises, which could be the advantage mechanism of this genotype to endurance performance.

The genetics of human running: ACTN3 polymorphism as an evolutionary tool improving the energy economy during locomotion.

BACKGROUND: Covering long distances was an important trait to human evolution and continues to be highlighted for health and athletic status. This ability is benefitted by a low cost of locomotion (CoL), meaning that the individuals who are able to expend less energy would be able to cover longer distances. The CoL has been shown to be influenced by distinct and even 'opposite' factors, such as physiological and muscular characteristics, which are genetically inherited. In this way, DNA alterations could be important determinants of the characteristics associated with the CoL. A polymorphism in the ACTN3 gene (R577X) has been related to physical performance, associating the X allele with endurance and the R allele with strength/power abilities. AIM: To investigate the influence of ACTN3 genotypes on the CoL. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty healthy male individuals performed two constant speed tests (at 10 and 12 km/h) to determine the CoL. RESULTS: Interestingly, the results showed that heterozygous individuals (RX genotype) presented significantly lower CoL compared to RR and XX individuals. CONCLUSIONS: It is argued that RX genotype might generate an intermediate strength-to-endurance phenotype, leading to a better phenotypic profile for energy economy during running and, consequently, for long-term locomotion.

Effects of resistance training on neuromuscular characteristics and pacing during 10-km running time trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of an 8-week strength training program on the neuromuscular characteristics and pacing adopted by runners during a self-paced endurance running. METHODS: Eighteen endurance runners were allocated into either strength training group (STG, n = 9) or control group (CG, n = 9) and performed the following tests before and after the training period: (a) incremental test, (b) running speed-constant test, (c) 10-km running time trial, (d) drop jump test, (e) 30-s Wingate anaerobic test, (f) maximum dynamic strength test (1RM). During 1RM, the electromyographic activity was measured. RESULTS: In the STG, the magnitude of improvement for 1RM (23.0 ± 4.2 %, P = 0.001), drop jump (12.7 ± 4.6 %, P = 0.039), and peak treadmill speed (2.9 ± 0.8 %, P = 0.013) was significantly higher compared to CG. This increase in the 1RM for STG was accompanied by a tendency to a higher electromyographic activity (P = 0.080). The magnitude of improvement for 10-km running performance was higher (2.5 %) for STG than for CG (-0.7 %, P = 0.039). Performance was improved mainly due to higher speeds during the last seven laps (last 2800 m) of the 10-km running trial. There were no significant differences between before and after training period for maximal oxygen uptake, respiratory compensation point, running economy, and anaerobic performance for both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a strength training program offers a potent stimulus to counteract fatigue during the last parts of a 10-km running race, resulting in an improved overall running performance.

Pacing strategy determinants during a 10-km running time trial: contributions of perceived effort, physiological, and muscular parameters.

The purpose of this study was to identify the main determinants of the self-selected pacing strategy during a 10-km running time trial. Twenty eight male long-distance runners performed the following tests: (a) maximal incremental treadmill test, (b) economy running test, (c) maximum dynamic strength test, and (d) 10-km running time trial on an outdoor track. A stepwise multiple regression model was used to identify the contribution of rating of perceived exertion (RPE), physiological, and muscular parameters on the pacing strategy adopted by athletes. In the start phase (first 400 m), RPE accounted for 72% (p = 0.001) of the pacing variance. Peak treadmill speed (PTS) measured during a maximal incremental test explained 52% (p = 0.001) of the pacing variance during the middle phase (400-9,600 m), whereas maximal oxygen uptake and maximum dynamic strength accounted for additional 23% (p = 0.002) and 5% (p = 0.003), respectively. In the end phase (last 400 m), PTS accounted alone for 66% (p = 0.003) of the pacing variance. These data suggest that predictors of the pacing strategy during a 10-km running time trial have a transitional behavior from perceptive (start phase) to muscular and physiological factors (middle and end phases).

The blood serum metabolome profile after different phases of a 4-km cycling time trial: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

It has been assumed that exercise intensity variation throughout a cycling time trial (TT) occurs in alignment of various metabolic changes to prevent premature task failure. However, this assumption is based on target metabolite responses, which limits our understanding of the complex interconnection of metabolic responses during exercise. The current study characterized the metabolomic profile, an untargeted metabolic analysis, after specific phases of a cycling 4-km TT. Eleven male cyclists performed three separated TTs in a crossover counterbalanced design, which were interrupted at the end of the fast-start (FS, 600 ± 205 m), even-pace (EP, 3600 ± 190 m), or end-spurt (ES, 4000 m) phases. Blood samples were taken before any exercise and 5 min after exercise cessation, and the metabolomic profile characterization was performed using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance metabolomics. Power output (PO) was also continually recorded. There were higher PO values during the FS and ES compared to the EP (all p < 0.05), which were accompanied by distinct metabolomic profiles. FS showed high metabolite expression in TCA cycle and its related pathways (e.g., glutamate, citric acid, and valine metabolism); whereas, the EP elicited changes associated with antioxidant effects and oxygen delivery adjustment. Finally, ES was related to pathways involved in NAD turnover and serotonin metabolism. These findings suggest that the specific phases of a cycling TT are accompanied by distinct metabolomic profiles, providing novel insights regarding the relevance of specific metabolic pathways on the process of exercise intensity regulation.