Daily muscle vibration amelioration of neural impairments of the soleus muscle during 2 weeks of immobilization

V-wave, F wave and H-reflex responses of soleus were used to determine neural adaptations to 2-week immobilization and whether muscle vibration intervention during immobilization would attenuate the negative adaptations induced by immobilization. Thirty subjects were divided into the ankle immobilization group and the immobilization with muscle vibration group. Mechanical vibrations with constant low amplitude (0.3 mm) were applied (12 × 4 min daily) with a constant frequency of 100 Hz on the soleus muscle of the subjects in vibration group during the ankle immobilization period. Soleus maximal M-wave (Mmax) and H-reflex (Hmax) were evoked at rest. F-wave was recorded by supramaximal stimulation delivered at rest and V-wave during maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). The EMG during MVC was represented by its root-mean-square (RMS) value. Each subject was examined before and after 2 weeks of immobilization. Results showed that following 2 weeks of immobilization, Mmax, Hmax and F wave all did not change with immobilization in either group (P > 0.05). After 2 weeks of immobilization, significant reductions in V/Mmax (of 30.78%) (P < 0.01) and EMG RMS (24.82%) (P < 0.001) were found in the immobilization group. However, no significant changes occurred in the immobilization with muscle vibration group. Such findings suggested that 2 weeks of immobilization resulted in neural impairments as evidenced by the reduction in EMG and V wave, and that such decrease was prevented by the intervention of muscle vibration during the immobilization period.     

Neural adaptation to resistance training: changes in evoked V-wave and H-reflex responses.

Combined V-wave and Hoffmann (H) reflex measurements were performed during maximal muscle contraction to examine the neural adaptation mechanisms induced by resistance training. The H-reflex can be used to assess the excitability of spinal alpha-motoneurons, while also reflecting transmission efficiency (i.e., presynaptic inhibition) in Ia afferent synapses. Furthermore, the V-wave reflects the overall magnitude of efferent motor output from the alpha-motoneuron pool because of activation from descending central pathways. Fourteen male subjects participated in 14 wk of resistance training that involved heavy weight-lifting exercises for the muscles of the leg. Evoked V-wave, H-reflex, and maximal M-wave (M(max)) responses were recorded before and after training in the soleus muscle during maximal isometric ramp contractions. Maximal isometric, concentric, and eccentric muscle strength was measured by use of isokinetic dynamometry. V-wave amplitude increased approximately 50% with training (P < 0.01) from 3.19 +/- 0.43 to 4.86 +/- 0.43 mV, or from 0.308 +/- 0.048 to 0.478 +/- 0.034 when expressed relative to M(max) (+/- SE). H-reflex amplitude increased approximately 20% (P < 0.05) from 5.37 +/- 0.41 to 6.24 +/- 0.49 mV, or from 0.514 +/- 0.032 to 0.609 +/- 0.025 when normalized to M(max). In contrast, resting H-reflex amplitude remained unchanged with training (0.503 +/- 0.059 vs. 0.499 +/- 0.063). Likewise, no change occurred in M(max) (10.78 +/- 0.86 vs. 10.21 +/- 0.66 mV). Maximal muscle strength increased 23-30% (P < 0.05). In conclusion, increases in evoked V-wave and H-reflex responses were observed during maximal muscle contraction after resistance training. Collectively, the present data suggest that the increase in motoneuronal output induced by resistance training may comprise both supraspinal and spinal adaptation mechanisms (i.e., increased central motor drive, elevated motoneuron excitability, reduced presynaptic inhibition).     

Influence of stimulus intensity on the soleus H-reflex amplitude and modulation during locomotion

Diverging results have been reported regarding the modulation and amplitude of the soleus H-reflex measured during human walking and running. A possible explanation to this could be the use of too high stimulus strength in some studies while not in others. During activities like walking and running it is necessary to use a small M-wave to control the effective stimulus strength during all phases of the movement. This implies that the descending part of the H-reflex recruitment curve is being used, which may lead to an unwanted suppression of the H-reflex due to limitations imbedded within the H-reflex methodology itself.Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was to study the effect on the soleus H-reflex during walking and running using stimulus intensities normally considered too high (up to 45% Mmax).Using M-waves of 25–45% Mmax as opposed to 5–25% Mmax showed a significant suppression of the peak H-reflex during the stance phase of walking, while no changes were observed during running. No differences were observed regarding modulation pattern. So a possible use of too high stimulus intensity cannot explain the differences mentioned. The surprising result in running may be explained by the much higher voluntary muscle activity, which implies the existence of a V-wave influencing the H-reflex amplitude in positive direction.     

姜黄素对过度训练大鼠肾脏细胞凋亡的调控作用及其机制

目的：探讨姜黄素对过度训练所致大鼠氧化应激、肾脏细胞凋亡的作用及其机制。方法：7周龄SPF级雄性Wistar大鼠分为对照组（C组,n=12）、过度训练组（OM组,n=11）、姜黄素+过度训练组（COM组,n=14）。C组不进行任何运动干预,OM组、COM组大鼠进行8周递增负荷游泳训练。训练期间,COM组以200 mg/（kg·d）、5 ml/kg姜黄素进行灌胃,其他组灌胃等体积0.5%浓度羧甲基纤维素纳。末次训练后24 h,光镜观察肾脏组织病理学改变,取血液、肾脏组织检测相关生化指标。结果：8周递增负荷游泳训练后,光镜下C组大鼠肾脏组织结构正常;OM组出现组织病理学改变;COM组较OM组减轻。与C组比较,OM组血清皮质酮（Cor）、肌酐（Cr）和尿素氮（BUN）水平均升高（P<0.01）,睾酮（T）水平降低（P<0.01）;肾脏核因子E2相关因子2（Nrf2）表达水平无显著变化（P>0.05）,血红素氧合酶1（HO-1）表达水平降低（P<0.05）,总抗氧化能力（T-AOC）和超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性降低（P<0.01）,丙二醛（MDA）浓度升高（P<0.01）;肾脏细胞凋亡水平升高（P<0.01）,肾脏抗凋亡蛋白B淋巴细胞瘤因子-2（Bcl-2）表达减弱（P<0.01）,促凋亡蛋白Bcl-2相关X蛋白（Bax）表达增强（P<0.01）。与OM组比较,COM组血清Cor水平（P<0.01）降低,T水平升高（P<0.01）,Cr和BUN水平均降低（P<0.05）;肾脏Nrf2和HO-1表达增强（P<0.05）,T-AOC和SOD活性升高（P<0.01）,MDA浓度降低（P<0.05）;肾脏细胞凋亡水平降低（P<0.05）,Bcl-2表达增强（P<0.05）,Bax表达减弱（P<0.01）。组间T/Cor比值变化趋势与T变化相一致,Bcl-2/Bax比值变化趋势与Bcl-2变化相一致。结论：8周递增负荷游泳训练引发大鼠过度训练,氧化应激加剧并加速肾脏细胞凋亡,肾脏组织发生病理改变及功能异常。姜黄素通过上调Nrf2、HO-1蛋白表达,有效缓解过度训练引发的氧化应激,从而增强Bcl-2表达,减弱Bax表达,抑制大鼠肾脏细胞凋亡,保护肾脏组织结构和功能正常。     

姜黄素对过度训练大鼠脾脏炎症反应的调控作用及其机制

目的:研究姜黄素调控Toll-样受体4(TLR4)-p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38 MAPK)/核因子κB(NF-κB)信号通路缓解过度训练大鼠脾脏炎症反应的作用及其机制.方法:7周龄SPF级雄性Wistar大鼠分为安静对照组(C组,n=12)、过度训练模型组(OM组,n=11)、姜黄素+模型组(COM组,n=14)...     

Oxidative stress biomarkers responses to physical overtraining: implications for diagnosis

Overtraining syndrome is characterized by declining performance and transient inflammation following periods of severe training with major health implications for the athletes. Currently, there is no single diagnostic marker for overtraining. The present investigation examined the responses of oxidative stress biomarkers to a resistance training protocol of progressively increased and decreased volume/intensity. Twelve males (21.3+/-2.3 years) participated in a 12-week resistance training consisting of five 3-week periods (T1, 2 tones/week; T2, 8 tones/week; T3, 14 tones/week; T4, 2 tones/week), followed by a 3-week period of complete rest. Blood/urine samples were collected at baseline and 96 h following the last training session of each period. Performance (strength, power, jumping ability) increased after T2 and declined thereafter, indicating an overtraining response. Overtraining (T3) induced sustained leukocytosis, an increase of urinary isoprostanes (7-fold), TBARS (56%), protein carbonyls (73%), catalase (96%), glutathione peroxidase, and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) (25%) and a decline of reduced glutathione (GSH) (31%), GSH/GSSG (56%), and total antioxidant capacity. Isoprostanes and GSH/GSSG were highly (r=0.764-0.911) correlated with performance drop and training volume increase. In conclusion, overtraining induces a marked response of oxidative stress biomarkers which, in some cases, was proportional to training load, suggesting that they may serve as a tool for overtraining diagnosis.     

姜黄素对过度训练致大鼠脾脏细胞凋亡的调控作用及其机制*

目的:研究姜黄素调控Keap1-Nrf2-ARE信号通路缓解大鼠过度训练所致脾脏氧化应激及细胞凋亡机制。方法:7周龄SPF级雄性Wistar大鼠分为对照组(C组,n=12)、过度训练组(OM组,n=11)、姜黄素+过度训练组(COM组,n=14)。C组不进行任何运动干预,OM组、COM组大鼠进行8周递增负荷游泳训练。训练期间,COM组以200 mg/(kg·d)、5 ml/kg姜黄素进行灌胃,其他组灌胃等体积0.5 %羧甲基纤维素纳助溶剂。末次训练后24 h,称重计算脾脏指数,光镜观察脾脏组织病理学改变,取血液、脾脏组织检测相关生化指标。结果:C组大鼠脾脏组织结构正常;OM组较C组脾脏指数极显著降低(P＜0.01),并出现明显病理学改变;COM组较OM组脾脏指数显著升高(P＜0.05),且组织形态学改变有所改善。与C组比较,OM组血清皮质酮(Cor)浓度和脾脏细胞凋亡水平、丙二醛(MDA)浓度均升高,促凋亡蛋白Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)表达增强(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);体重、血清睾酮(T)水平及脾脏超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性降低,脾脏血红素氧合酶1(HO-1)、抗凋亡蛋白B淋巴细胞瘤因子-2(Bcl-2)表达减弱(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);脾脏核因子E2相关因子2(Nrf2)表达水平无显著变化(P＞0.05)。与OM组比较,COM组体重无显著变化(P＞0.05);血清T浓度升高,脾脏SOD活性升高,Bcl-2、Nrf2和HO-1表达增强(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);血清Cor浓度及脾脏MDA浓度、细胞凋亡水平、Bax表达均降低或减弱(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);组间T/Cor比值变化趋势与T变化相一致,Bcl-2/Bax比值变化趋势与Bcl-2变化相一致。结论:8周递增负荷过度游泳训练引发脾脏细胞凋亡加剧,脾脏组织发生病理改变及功能异常。姜黄素通过上调Nrf2、HO-1蛋白表达,在一定程度上缓解过度训练引发的氧化应激,增强抑凋亡蛋白Bcl-2表达,减弱促凋亡蛋白Bax表达,改善大鼠脾脏细胞过度凋亡,保护脾脏组织结构和功能正常。     

Changes in H reflex and V wave following short-term endurance and strength training

This study examined the effects of 3 wk of either endurance or strength training on plasticity of the neural mechanisms involved in the soleus H reflex and V wave. Twenty-five sedentary healthy subjects were randomized into an endurance group (n = 13) or strength group (n = 12). Evoked V-wave, H-reflex, and M-wave recruitment curves, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and time-to-task-failure (isometric contraction at 40% MVC) of the plantar flexors were recorded before and after training. Following strength training, MVC of the plantar flexors increased by 14.4 ± 5.2% in the strength group (P < 0.001), whereas time-to-task-failure was prolonged in the endurance group (22.7 ± 17.1%; P < 0.05). The V wave-to-maximal M wave (V/M(max)) ratio increased significantly (55.1 ± 28.3%; P < 0.001) following strength training, but the maximal H wave-to-maximal M wave (H(max)/M(max)) ratio remained unchanged. Conversely, in the endurance group the V/M(max) ratio was not altered, whereas the H(max)/M(max) ratio increased by 30.8 ± 21.7% (P < 0.05). The endurance training group also displayed a reduction in the H-reflex excitability threshold while the H-reflex amplitude on the ascending limb of the recruitment curve increased. Strength training only elicited a significant decrease in H-reflex excitability threshold, while H-reflex amplitudes over the ascending limb remained unchanged. These observations indicate that the H-reflex pathway is strongly involved in the enhanced endurance resistance that occurs following endurance training. On the contrary, the improvements in MVC following strength training are likely attributed to increased descending drive and/or modulation in afferents other than Ia afferents.     

6周大强度训练对大鼠肾功能的影响及其机制

目的：研究6周大强度训练对大鼠肾功能影响及运动性蛋白尿的机制。方法：6周龄SD雄性大鼠36只随机分为：安静对照组（C组,n=12）和大强度训练组（M组,n=24）。大鼠适应性饲养4 d后,C组不进行任何运动,M组采用6周递增负荷游泳训练。每周训练6 d,每天1次。第4周起开始负重（体重的1%）并逐渐递增（体重的6%）。各组大鼠末次训练结束后30 min取单次尿,24 h后腹主静脉取血,取双侧肾脏待测。HE染色观察肾脏肾小球结构,酶联免疫吸附法测定尿总蛋白、尿微量白蛋白、中性粒细胞明胶酶相关脂质运载蛋白,碱性苦味酸法测试尿肌酐,比色法测定血清肌酐、尿素氮,蛋白质免疫印迹法检测肾组织Nephrin蛋白表达量,放射免疫法测试血清睾酮、皮质酮和肾组织及血液中肾素-血管紧张素系统相关指标变化。结果：与C组比较,M组血清睾酮/皮质酮显著降低（P<0.01）;尿液蛋白总量、微量白蛋白、微量白蛋白与肌酐比值、中性粒细胞明胶酶相关脂质运载蛋白、血清尿素氮、肌酐均显著升高（P<0.01）;肾小球结构明显改变,且Paller评分明显增高（P<0.01）;肾组织Nephrin蛋白表达量明显降低（P<0.01）;肾脏内部与循环血液中肾素活性、血管紧张素Ⅱ显著增高（P<0.01）。结论：6周大强度训练对大鼠肾功能影响及运动性蛋白尿的机制可能为过度训练诱导肾脏内部及循环系统中肾素-血管紧张素系统持续兴奋,并下调Nephrin蛋白的表达,进而导致肾脏结构与功能异常,出现蛋白尿。     

谷氨酰胺对心肌细胞线粒体膜PTP开放干预作用的实验研究

目的:探讨谷氨酰胺(Gln)对过度训练状态下心肌线粒体膜通透性转换孔(PTP)开放的干预作用及其可能机制。方法:30只SD大鼠随机分为3组(n=10):对照组(CG组)、过度训练组(OG组)和补充Gln+过度训练组(GOG组)。采用分光光度法检测大鼠心肌线粒体PTP开放程度,电化学法检测心肌丙二醛(MDA)、还原型谷胱苷肽(GSH)含量和磷脂酶A2(PLA2)活性。结果:OG组与GOG组比较,吸光度(A0)显著下降(P<0.05),吸光度变化(△A)值显著降低(P<0.05);荧光剂罗丹明123(Rh123)的荧光强度(F0)显著增强(P<0.05),Rh123荧光强度变化(△F)值明显降低(P<0.05)。与GOG组比较,线粒体GSH含量显著降低(P<0.05),PLA2活性显著增加(P<0.05);MDA含量显著升高(P<0.05)。结论:过度训练可导致心肌细胞线粒体PTP开放增加,过度训练状态下线粒体活性氧生成增多,PLA2活性增加及GSH的含量下降,补充外源性的Gln对这些变化有显著的干预作用。     

Repetitive Hops Induce Postactivation Potentiation in Triceps Surae as well as an Increase in the Jump Height of Subsequent Maximal Drop Jumps

Postactivation potentiation (PAP) has been defined as the increase in twitch torque after a conditioning contraction. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of hops as conditioning contractions to induce PAP and increase performance in subsequent maximal drop jumps. In addition, we wanted to test if and how PAP can contribute to increases in drop jump rebound height. Twelve participants performed 10 maximal two-legged hops as conditioning contractions. Twitch peak torques of triceps surae muscles were recorded before and after the conditioning hops. Then, subjects performed drop jumps with and without 10 conditioning hops before each drop jump. Recordings included ground reaction forces, ankle and knee angles and electromyographic activity in five leg muscles. In addition, efferent motoneuronal output during ground contact was estimated with V-wave stimulation. The analyses showed that after the conditioning hops, twitch peak torques of triceps surae muscles were 32% higher compared to baseline values (P < 0.01). Drop jumps performed after conditioning hops were significantly higher (12%, P < 0.05), but V-waves and EMG activity remained unchanged. The amount of PAP and the change in drop jump rebound height were positively correlated (r² = 0.26, P < 0.05). These results provide evidence for PAP in triceps surae muscles induced by a bout of hops and indicate that PAP can contribute to the observed performance enhancements in subsequent drop jumps. The lack of change in EMG activity and V-wave amplitude suggests that the underlying mechanisms are more likely intramuscular than neural in origin.     

beta2-Adrenergic receptor downregulation and performance decrements during high-intensity resistance exercise overtraining.

Previous research on overtraining due to excessive use of maximal resistance exercise loads [100% 1 repetition maximum (1 RM)] indicates that peripheral muscle maladaptation contributes to overtraining-induced performance decrements. This study examined the cellular and molecular responses of skeletal muscle to performance decrements due to high-relative-intensity (%1 RM) resistance exercise overtraining. Weight-trained men were divided into overtrained (OT, n = 8) and control (Con, n = 8) groups. The OT group performed 10 x 1 at 100% 1 RM daily for 2 wk, whereas the Con group performed normal training 2 days/wk. Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle, voluntary static and dynamic muscle performances, and nocturnal urinary epinephrine were assessed before (pre) and after (post) overtraining. Overtraining occurred as indicated by a decrease in 1-RM strength for the OT group (mean +/- SE; OT pre = 159.3 +/- 10.1 kg, OT post = 151.4 +/- 9.9 kg, Con pre = 146.0 +/- 12.9 kg, Con post = 144.9 +/- 13.3 kg), as well as a 36.3% decrease in mean power at 100% 1-RM loads. Normal training could be resumed only after 2-8 wk of training cessation. Muscle beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)-AR; fmol/mg protein) density significantly decreased by 37.0% for the OT group and was unchanged for the Con group (-1.8%). Nocturnal urinary epinephrine for the OT group increased by 49%, although this was not significant (effect size = 0.42). The ratio of nocturnal urinary epinephrine to beta(2)-AR density suggested a decreased beta(2)-AR sensitivity for the OT group (2.4-fold increase). Overtraining occurred based on decreased muscular force and power. Desensitization of the beta(2)-AR system suggests that this may be an important contributor to performance decrements due to excessive use of maximal resistance exercise loads.     

甲状腺功能亢进大鼠比目鱼肌肌浆网Ca2+-ATP酶活性增高可加速强直收缩疲劳

甲状腺功能亢进(甲亢)时甲状腺素分泌增加,不仅使具有神经支配的慢缩型肌纤维向快缩型转化,而且改变骨骼肌的强直收缩功能.因此,甲亢性肌病的肌肉乏力可能与骨骼肌强直收缩易发生疲劳有关.本实验在离体条件下,观测甲亢4周引起的大鼠慢缩肌--比目鱼肌(soleus, SOL)单收缩与间断强直收缩功能的变化.结果显示,甲亢4周大鼠体重明显低于同步对照组[(292±13)g vs (354±10)g],但SOL湿重没有明显改变[(107.3±8.6)mg vs (115.1±6.9)mg].甲亢大鼠SOL单收缩张力达到峰值的时间(time to peak tension, TPT)、从峰值降至75%舒张时间(time from peak tension to 75% relaxation, TR75)均明显缩短;强直收缩的TR75也明显缩短[(102.8±4.1)ms vs (178.8±15.8)ms];强直收缩的最适频率从对照组的100Hz增加到140Hz;间断强直收缩期间容易发生疲劳.甲亢大鼠SOL肌浆网Ca2 -ATP酶(sarcoplasmic-reticulum Ca2 -ATPase, SERCA)活性增高.采用SERCA特异性抑制剂CPA (1.0μmol/L)处理后,对照组与甲亢大鼠SOL间断强直收缩的TR75均延长,同时不易出现疲劳.5.0μmol/L CPA灌流虽可进一步抵抗甲亢大鼠SOL间断强直收缩引起的疲劳,但强直收缩期间的静息张力却明显升高.将CPA浓度增至10.0μmol/L,甲亢大鼠SOL间断强直收缩又趋向易发生疲劳.这些结果提示,与心肌相同,骨骼肌肌纤维SERCA活性亦可影响单收缩与强直收缩的舒张时间,SERCA活性升高可加速间断强直收缩发生疲劳.     

Running-specific, periodized strength training attenuates loss of stride length during intense endurance running

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a running-specific, periodized strength training program (performed over the specific period [8 weeks] of a 16-week macrocycle) on endurance-trained runners' capacity to maintain stride length during running bouts at competitive speeds. Eighteen well-trained middle-distance runners completed the study (personal bests for 1500 and 5000 m of 3 minutes 57 seconds +/- 12 seconds and 15 minutes 24 seconds +/- 36 seconds). They were randomly assigned to each of the following groups (6 per group): periodized strength group, performing a periodized strength training program over the 8-week specific (intervention) period (2 sessions per week); nonperiodized strength group, performing the same strength training exercises as the periodized group over the specific period but with no week-to-week variations; and a control group, performing no strength training at all during the specific period. The percentage of loss in the stride length (cm)/speed (m.s) (SLS) ratio was measured by comparing the mean SLS during the first and third (last) group of the total repetitions, respectively, included in each of the interval training sessions performed at race speeds during the competition period that followed the specific period. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in mean percentage of SLS loss between the 3 study groups, with the periodized strength group showing no significant SLS change (0.36 +/- 0.95%) and the 2 other groups showing a moderate or high SLS loss (-1.22 +/- 1.5% and -3.05 +/- 1.2% for the nonperiodized strength and control groups, respectively). In conclusion, periodized, running-specific strength training minimizes the loss of stride length that typically occurs in endurance runners during fatiguing running bouts.     

Effects of heavy resistance training on maximal and explosive force production, endurance and serum hormones in adolescent handball players

To determine the effects of 6-weeks of heavy-resistance training on physical fitness and serum hormone status in adolescents (range 14-16 years old) 19 male handball players were divided into two different groups: a handball training group (NST, n = 10), and a handball and heavy-resistance strength training group (ST, n = 9). A third group of 4 handball goalkeepers of similar age served as a control group (C, n = 4). After the 6-week training period, the ST group showed an improvement in maximal dynamic strength of the leg extensors (12.2%; P < 0.01) and the upper extremity muscles (23%; P < 0.01), while no changes were observed in the NST and C groups. Similar differences were observed in the maximal isometric unilateral leg extension forces. The height of the vertical jump increased in the NST group from 29.5 (SD 4) cm to 31.4 (SD 5) cm (P < 0.05) while no changes were observed in the ST and C groups. A significant increase was observed in the ST group in the velocity of the throwing test [from 71.7 (SD 7) km x h(-1) to 74.0 (SD 7) km x h(-1); P < 0.001] during the 6-week period while no changes were observed in the NST and C groups. During a submaximal endurance test running at 11 km x h(-1), a significant decrease in blood lactate concentration occurred in the NST group [from 3.3 (SD 0.9) mmol x l(-1) to 2.4 (SD 0.8) mmol x l(-1); P < 0.01] during the experiment, while no change was observed in the ST or C groups. Finally, a significant increase (P < 0.01) was noted in the testosterone:cortisol ratio in the C group, while the increase in the NST group approached statistical significance (P < 0.08) and no changes in this ratio occurred in the ST group. The present findings suggested that the addition of 6-weeks of heavy resistance training to the handball training resulted in gains in maximal strength and throwing velocity but it compromised gains in leg explosive force production and endurance running. The tendency for a compromised testosterone:cortisol ratio observed in the ST group could have been associated with a state of overreaching or overtraining.     

High-intensity endurance training increases nocturnal heart rate variability in sedentary participants

The effects of endurance training on endurance performance characteristics and cardiac autonomic modulation during night sleep were investigated during two 4-week training periods. After the first 4-week training period (3 x 40 min per week, at 75% of HRR) the subjects were divided into HIGH group (n = 7), who performed three high-intensity endurance training sessions per week; and CONTROL group (n = 8) who did not change their training. An incremental treadmill test was performed before and after the two 4-week training periods. Furthermore, nocturnal RR-intervals were recorded after each training day. In the second 4-week training period HIGH group increased their VO₂max (P = 0.005) more than CONTROL group. At the same time, nocturnal HR decreased (P = 0.039) and high-frequency power (HFP) increased (P = 0.003) in HIGH group while no changes were observed in CONTROL group. Furthermore, a correlation was observed between the changes in nocturnal HFP and changes in VO₂max during the second 4-week training period (r = 0.90, P < 0.001). The present study showed that the increased HFP is related to improved VO₂max in sedentary subjects suggesting that nocturnal HFP can provide a useful method in monitoring individual responses to endurance training.     

The effect of eight weeks of supplementation with Eleutherococcus senticosus on endurance capacity and metabolism in human

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus (ES) supplementation on endurance capacity, cardiovascular functions and metabolism of recreationally trained males for 8 weeks. Nine recreationally trained males in college consumed 800 mg/d of ES or starch placebo (P) for 8 weeks according to a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled and crossover design with a washout period of 4 weeks between the cycling trials. Subjects cycled at 75% VO2 peak until exhaustion. The examined physiological variables included endurance time, maximal heart rate during exhaustion exercise, VO2, rating of perceived exertion and respiratory exchange ratio. The biochemical variables including the plasma free fatty acid (FFA) and glucose were measured at rest, 15 min, 30 min and exhaustion. The major finding of this study was the VO2 peak of the subjects elevated 12% (P < 0.05), endurance time improved 23% (P < 0.05) and the highest heart rate increased 4% (P < 0.05) significantly. The second finding was at 30 min of 75% VO2 peak cycling, the production of plasma FFA was increased and the glucose level was decreased both significantly (P < 0.05) over 8-week ES supplementation. This is the first well-conducted study that shows that 8-week ES supplementation enhances endurance capacity, elevates cardiovascular functions and alters the metabolism for sparing glycogen in recreationally trained males.     

Activity,sleep and ambient light have a different impact on circadian blood pressure,heart rate and body temperature rhythms

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of endogenous and exogenous factors for the expression of the daily rhythms of body temperature (BT), blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). One hundred and seventy-three young adults (YA), 17–24 years old (y.o.), of both genders were studied under a modified constant-routine (CR) protocol for 26 h. Participants were assigned randomly to groups with different lighting regimens: CR-LD, n = 77, lights (>400 l×) on from 09:00 to 17:00 h and off (<10 l×) from 17:00 to 09:00 next morning; CR-LL, n = 81, lights on (>400 l×) during the whole experimental session; CR-DD, n = 15, constant dim light (<10 l×) during the whole experiment. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP, HR and BT were measured every 2 h. For comparison, the results of the former studies performed under conditions of regular life with an activity period from 07:00 to 23:00 h and sleep from 23:00 till 07:00 h (Control) were reanalyzed. Seven-day Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) records from 27 YA (16–38 y.o.) and BT self-measurement data from 70 YA (17–30 y.o.) taken on ≥ 3 successive days at 08:00, 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00, 23:00 and 03:00 were available.

The obtained daily patterns were different between Control and CR-DD groups, due to effects of activity, sleep and light. The comparison of Control and CR-LD groups allowed the effects of sleep and activity to be estimated since the lighting conditions were similar. The activity level substantially elevated SBP, but not DBP. Sleep, on the other hand, lowered the nighttime DBP, but has no effect on SBP. HR was affected both by activity and sleep. In accordance with previous studies, these results confirm that the steep BP increase in the morning is not driven by the circadian clock, but rather by sympathoadrenal factors related to awakening and corresponding anticipatory mechanisms. The effect on BT was not significant.

To investigate the impact of light during the former dark time and darkness during the former light time, the CR-LL and CR-DD groups were each compared with the CR-LD group. Light delayed the evening decrease of BT, most likely via a suppression of the melatonin rise. Besides, it had a prominent arousal effect on SBP both in the former light and dark phases, a moderate effect on DBP and no effect on HR. Darkness induced decline in BT. BP values were decreased during the former light time. No effects on HR were found. Altogether, the results of the present paper show that BT, BP and HR are affected by exogenous factors differently. Moreover, the effect was gender-specific. Especially, the response of BT and BP to ambient light was evident only in females.

We suppose that the distinct, gender-specific responses of SBP, DBP and HR to activity, sleep and ambient light do reflect fundamental differences in the circadian control of various cardiovascular functions. Furthermore, the presented data are important for the elaboration of updated reference standards, the interpretation of rhythm disorders and for personalized chronotherapeutic approaches to prevent adverse cardiovascular events more effectively.     

Assessment of Neuromuscular Function Using Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a non-invasive method commonly used to evaluate neuromuscular function from brain to muscle (supra-spinal, spinal and peripheral levels). The present protocol describes how this method can be used to stimulate the posterior tibial nerve that activates plantar flexor muscles. Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation consists of inducing an electrical stimulus to a motor nerve to evoke a muscular response. Direct (M-wave) and/or indirect (H-reflex) electrophysiological responses can be recorded at rest using surface electromyography. Mechanical (twitch torque) responses can be quantified with a force/torque ergometer. M-wave and twitch torque reflect neuromuscular transmission and excitation-contraction coupling, whereas H-reflex provides an index of spinal excitability. EMG activity and mechanical (superimposed twitch) responses can also be recorded during maximal voluntary contractions to evaluate voluntary activation level. Percutaneous nerve stimulation provides an assessment of neuromuscular function in humans, and is highly beneficial especially for studies evaluating neuromuscular plasticity following acute (fatigue) or chronic (training/detraining) exercise.