Effect of Floss Band on Anaerobic Exercise and Muscle Tissue Oxygenation.

CONTEXT: Flossing is still a relatively new technique that has yielded varied results in the research literature; therefore, it requires further investigation. Previous research has shown that thigh tissue flossing might improve performance in countermovement jump, sprint time, maximum voluntary contraction, and rate of force development. DESIGN: The present study aims to investigate the effect of the floss band on performance during the Wingate test (30-WAT), muscle oxygen saturation (SpO2), and total hemoglobin in vastus lateralis. METHODS: Twenty-two students of physical education and sport (11 men and 11 women) were randomly selected to complete either the Wingate test with the application of a floss band in warm-up or the Wingate test without the use of a floss band, followed by the alternative 24 hours apart. RESULTS: Throughout the testing, the floss band did not affect performance values during the Wingate test (relative peak power, relative average power, and fatigue index). However, there was a medium to large effect difference during 1 minute prior to 30-WAT (PRE), during the 30-WAT, and 10-minute recovery (REC) in values of SpO2 and total hemoglobin. Use of floss band displayed a higher SpO2 during PRE, 30-WAT, and REC by ∼13.55%, d < 2; ∼19.06%, d = 0.89; and ∼8.55%, d = 0.59, respectively. CONCLUSION: Collectively, these findings indicate that the application of thigh flossing during warm-up has no effect on 30-WAT performance; however, SpO2 was significantly increased in all stages of testing. This could lead to potential improvement in repeated anaerobic exercise due to increased blood flow. Increased muscle oxygen saturation can also lead to improved tissue healing as oxygen supply is essential for tissue repair, wound healing, and pain management.

V̇ o2 peak Comparison of a Treadmill Vs. Cycling Protocol in Elite Teenage Competitive Runners, Cyclists, and Swimmers.

ABSTRACT: Marko, D, Bahenský, P, Snarr, RL, and Malátová, R. V̇ o2 peak Comparison of a treadmill vs. cycling protocol in elite teenage competitive runners, cyclists, and swimmers. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2875-2882, 2022-The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses of a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) on a treadmill and cycle ergometer in elite-level, youth competitive athletes. Thirty-one athletes (11 distance runners, 11 mountain-bike cyclists, and 9 long-distance swimmers) were randomly selected to complete either a running or cycling GXT on the first day, followed by the alternative 72 hours apart. The initial work rate for each GXT was set at 50% of the individuals' previously established V̇ o2 peak to elicit fatigue within 8-12 minutes. For the treadmill protocol, speed was increased by 1 km·h -1 each minute, with a constant 5% grade, until volitional fatigue. Cycle ergometer work rate was increased by 30 W every minute until volitional fatigue or the inability to maintain proper cadence (i.e., 100 ± 5 rev·min -1 ). Throughout both testing sessions, V̇ o2 peak, heart rate [HR] peak, breathing frequency (BF), tidal volume (V T ), and minute ventilation (V E ) were assessed and used to compare within-sport differences. Runners displayed a higher V̇ o2 peak (∼7%; d = 0.92), HRpeak (4%; d = 0.77), V E (6%; d = 0.66), and BF (12%; d = 0.62) on the treadmill vs. cycle. However, the cycling group demonstrated a greater V̇ o2 peak (∼8%; d = 0.92), V T (∼14%; d = 0.99), and V E (∼9%; d = 0.78) on the cycle, despite no change in HRpeak. For swimmers, the treadmill GXT elicited higher values in V̇ o2 peak (∼5%; d = 0.75), BF (∼11.5%; d = 0.78), and HRpeak (3%; d = 0.69). Collectively, these findings indicate that exercise mode may greatly affect physiological outcome variables and should be considered before exercise prescription and athletic monitoring.

Effect of an Eleven-Day Altitude Training Program on Aerobic and Anaerobic Performance in Adolescent Runners.

Background and Objectives: We evaluated the effect of an eleven-day altitude training camp on aerobic and anaerobic fitness in trained adolescent runners. Materials and Methods: Twenty adolescent (14-18 yrs) middle- and long-distance runners (11 males and 9 females; 16.7 ± 0.8 yrs), with at least two years of self-reported consistent run training, participated in this study. Eight of the subjects (4 females/4 males) constituted the control group, whereas twelve subjects (5 females/7 males) took part in a structured eleven-day altitude training camp, and training load was matched between groups. Primary variables of interest included changes in aerobic (VO2max) and anaerobic (30 s Wingate test) power. We also explored the relationships between running velocity and blood lactate levels before and after the altitude training camp. Results: Following 11 days of altitude training, desirable changes (p < 0.01) in VO2max (+13.6%), peak relative work rate (+9.6%), and running velocity at various blood lactate concentrations (+5.9%-9.6%) were observed. Meanwhile, changes in Wingate anaerobic power (+5.1%) were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Short duration altitude appears to yield meaningful improvements in aerobic but not anaerobic power in trained adolescent endurance runners.

The Effect of Static Apnea Diving Training on the Physiological Parameters of People with a Sports Orientation and Sedentary Participants: A Pilot Study.

Diver training improves physical and mental fitness, which can also benefit other sports. This study investigates the effect of eight weeks of static apnea training on maximum apnea time, and on the physiological parameters of runners, swimmers, and sedentary participants, such as forced vital capacity (FVC), minimum heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (SpO2). The study followed 19 participants, including five runners, swimmers, sedentary participants, and four competitive divers for reference values. The minimum value of SpO2, HR, maximum duration of apnea, and FVC were measured. Apnea training occurred four times weekly, consisting of six apneas with 60 s breathing pauses. Apnea duration was gradually increased by 30 s. The measurement started with a 30 s apnea and ended with maximal apnea. There was a change in SpO2 decreased by 6.8%, maximum apnea length increased by 15.8%, HR decreased by 9.1%, and FVC increased by 12.4% for the groups (p < 0.05). There were intra-groups changes, but no significant inter-groups difference was observed. Eight weeks of apnea training improved the maximum duration of apnea, FVC values and reduced the minimum values of SpO2 and HR in all groups. No differences were noted between groups after training. This training may benefit cardiorespiratory parameters in the population.

Relationship between body composition and anaerobic power with inter-limb difference dependence in Czech elite ice hockey players.

BACKGROUND: Ice hockey includes symmetrical as well as asymmetrical movements. As such, possible difference in mass and strength, as well as performance variables, may be observed between limbs. METHODS: We examined the relation between body composition and lower extremity anaerobic power in Czech elite ice hockey players with the inter-limb difference dependence. In total, 168 ice hockey players (age = 20.81, Q1 = 18.24, Q3 = 28.75) underwent body composition measurement and Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT). The dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) leg was established. A Wilcoxon Signed Rank was used. The difference between the dominant and non-dominant lower extremities was evaluated using the dimensionless analysis and by setting the value for the dominant leg at 100%. RESULTS: The difference in muscle mass (MM), fat mass (FM), and WAnT outcome variables (MP, RAP, MP5sP) between the right and left leg was greater than the difference between D and ND leg. Less total body fat mass (TBFM) and more total body muscle mass (TBMM) and lower extremities muscle mass (LEMM) were associated with higher WAnT outcome values. The dimensionless analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between almost all variables. CONCLUSIONS: More TBMF and LEMM and less TBFM was better for WAnT. The difference between the right and left leg was greater than the difference between D and ND leg. If there is a difference between MM and FM of lower limbs than there could be difference between the power of lower limbs as well.

Does Wim Hof Method Improve Breathing Economy during Exercise?

(1) Background: Breathing economy during endurance sports plays a major role in performance. Poor breathing economy is mainly characterized by excessive breathing frequency (BF) and low tidal volume (VT) due to shallow breathing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a 4 week intervention based on the Wim Hof breathing method (WHBM) would improve breathing economy during exercise in adolescent runners. (2) Methods: 19 adolescent (16.6 ± 1.53 years) middle- and long-distance runners (11 boys and 8 girls) participated in the study. Participants were randomly divided into experimental (n = 11) and control groups (n = 8). The study was set in the transition period between competitive race seasons and both groups had a similar training program in terms of running volume and intensity over the course of the study. The experimental group performed breathing exercises every day (~20 min/day) for 4 weeks. The control group did not perform any kind of breathing exercise. The breathing exercises consisted of three sets of controlled hyperventilation and consecutive maximum breath holds. Before and after the intervention, participants performed incremental cycle ergometer testing sessions consisting of two minute stages at 1, 2, 3, and 4 W·kg−1 with breath-by-breath metabolic analysis. During the testing sessions, BF, VT, and minute ventilation (VE) were assessed and compared. (3) Results: There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in BF, VT, or VE between experimental and control groups before or after the intervention. A nonsignificant small-to-large effect for an increase in VE and BF in both groups following the 4 week intervention period was observed, possibly due to a reduction in training volume and intensity owing to the down period between competitive seasons. (4) Conclusions: The 4 week intervention of WHBM did not appear to alter parameters of breathing economy during a maximal graded exercise test in adolescent runners.

Superior Adaptations in Adolescent Runners Using Heart Rate Variability (HRV)-Guided Training at Altitude.

We evaluated the efficacy of heart rate variability (HRV)-guided training in adolescent athletes during a 2-week, high altitude (≈1900 m) training camp. Sixteen middle- and long-distance runners (4 female/12 male, 16.9 ± 1.0 years, 65.44 ± 4.03 mL·kg-1·min-1) were divided into 2 matched groups, both of which received the same training plan, but one of which acquired postwaking HRV values that were used to tailor the training prescription. During the camp, seven athletes in the HRV-guided group combined for a total of 32 training adjustments, whereas there were only 3 runners combined for 14 total training adjustments in the control group. A significant group by time interaction (p < 0.001) for VO2max was driven by VO2max improvements in the HRV group (+2.8 mL·kg-1·min-1, +4.27%; pBonf = 0.002) that were not observed in the control condition (+0.8 mL·kg-1·min-1, +1.26%; pBonf = 0.643). After returning from the camp, all athletes in the HRV group set a personal best, and six out of eight achieved their best positions in the National Championship, whereas only 75% of athletes in the control group set a personal best and five out of eight achieved their best positions in the National Championship. These data provide evidence in support of HRV-guided training as a way to optimize training prescriptions in adolescent athletes.

Impact of a Breathing Intervention on Engagement of Abdominal, Thoracic, and Subclavian Musculature during Exercise, a Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Breathing technique may influence endurance exercise performance by reducing overall breathing work and delaying respiratory muscle fatigue. We investigated whether a two-month yoga-based breathing intervention could affect breathing characteristics during exercise. METHODS: Forty-six endurance runners (age = 16.6 ± 1.2 years) were randomized to either a breathing intervention or control group. The contribution of abdominal, thoracic, and subclavian musculature to respiration and ventilation parameters during three different intensities on a cycle ergometer was assessed pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: Post-intervention, abdominal, thoracic, and subclavian ventilatory contributions were altered at 2 W·kg-1 (27:23:50 to 31:28:41), 3 W·kg-1 (26:22:52 to 28:31:41), and 4 W·kg-1 (24:24:52 to 27:30:43), whereas minimal changes were observed in the control group. More specifically, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in abdominal contribution was observed at rest and during low intensity work (i.e., 2 and 3 W·kg-1), and a decrease in respiratory rate and increase of tidal volume were observed in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: These data highlight an increased reliance on more efficient abdominal and thoracic musculature, and less recruitment of subclavian musculature, in young endurance athletes during exercise following a two-month yoga-based breathing intervention. More efficient ventilatory muscular recruitment may benefit endurance performance by reducing energy demand and thus optimize energy requirements for mechanical work.

Dynamics of ventilation parameters at different load intensities and the options to influence it by a breathing exercise.

BACKGROUND: Minimizing the energy required for breathing muscles is based on the adaptation of the respiratory muscles which is reflected in the reduction of breathing frequency (BF) and tidal volume (VT) increase. This may be influenced through a targeted BE and the quality of breathing may be linked to endurance performance. Aim of this study was assess dynamic ventilation parameters at different load intensities and their changes due to the systematic breathing exercise (BE). METHODS: Study recruit 36 runners of both sexes with a mean age 16.8±1.6 years. A random distribution was performed. The intervention program consisted of a set of BE aimed at the activation of the diaphragm. We monitored the dynamics of ventilation parameters at intensities 2, 3, 4 W/kg during a stepped test on a bicycle ergometer. RESULTS: The BE was focused on the activation of the diaphragm for a 12.2±3.6 minutes per day, sixteen weeks. After eight weeks, there were significant changes in VT and BF (P<0.05). After sixteen weeks there was a significant increase in VT of 5.7-18.3% (P<0.01), depending on the load level, BF values decreased significantly by 5.4-14.4% (P<0.01). VE and VO2 values were without changes. There were no significant changes in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: It was confirmed that the two-month BE intervention focused on the activation of the diaphragm is sufficient and resulted in a significant change in the values of dynamic ventilation parameters. After four months of intervention, the changes are significantly greater compared with values found after a two-month intervention period.

Power, Muscle, and Take-Off Asymmetry in Young Soccer Players.

(1) Background: The objective of the study was to check the relationship between laterality, amount of muscle mass (MM), and selected strength parameters on lower extremities and assessment of asymmetry like a result of training. (2) Methods: The screened sample consisted of soccer players (n = 65, age = 16.0 ± 1.2 years). The legs were assessed for MM, height of reflection on a force plate, and power over 30 s Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT). The relationships between the individual parameters and age dependence were assessed using a correlation analysis. The differences between the dominant and non-dominant leg were assessed using the t-test. (3) Results: A relationship between the jump height and the mean 30 s power in WAnT (r = 0.375, p ˂ 0.01) and between the amount of MM and the absolute power of the individual legs in WAnT (r = 0.695-0.832, p ˂ 0.01) was proved. A relationship between the take-off force and the MM, or between the MM and the relative power during a velocity force load was not found. (4) Conclusions: The amount of MM in young soccer players does not affect take-off force or strength power in WAnT. The more specific the movement is, the lower the effect on the achieved power output of the concerned MM. Differences in the performance between the dominant and non-dominant leg decrease with duration of the training.

Changed dynamic ventilation parameters as a result of a breathing exercise intervention program.

BACKGROUND: The performance of the respiratory system during the exercise is limiting the final performance in endurance disciplines. The quality of breathing is linked to endurance performance, subject´s training state, intensity and duration of the physical load, the implementation of which, thus the economy of breathing, is possible to influence through a targeted breathing exercise. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of breathing intervention exercises on the effectiveness of breathing by monitoring value of tidal volume (VT) and breathing frequency (BF) during an endurance type load in adolescent endurance runners. METHODS: Thirty-seven 37 adolescent endurance runners were enrolled in this study. The girls were 16.79±1.51 years old, the boys were 16.5±1.8 years old. They are involved in endurance training for at least one year. Twenty-one probands took part in the intervention scheme; sixteen probands formed the control group. The study investigated the effect of two months and four months of breathing exercise intervention on tidal volume VT and BF. RESULTS: The probands carried out breathing exercises, which took an average of 13.1±3.7 minutes per day over the first two months, and an average of 11.1±3.9 minutes per day over the next two months. The breathing economy was significantly changed as a result of respiratory exercise intervention. Already after 2 months of intervention there was a significant decrease of BF (by 5.92%) and a significant increase of VT (by 4.44%). After another 2 months, the changes were even more pronounced. In the 4 months of the intervention, the BF decreased by 11.47% and the VT increased by 10.96% in comparison to the original state. In the control group, there were no significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: It was confirmed that the two-month breathing exercise intervention focused on the activation of the diaphragm is sufficient and resulted in significant changes of in VT and BF.