Postexercise carbohydrate-protein supplementation improves subsequent exercise performance and intracellular signaling for protein synthesis

Postexercise carbohydrate-protein (CHO + PRO) supplementation has been proposed to improve recovery and subsequent endurance performance compared to CHO supplementation. This study compared the effects of a CHO + PRO supplement in the form of chocolate milk (CM), isocaloric CHO, and placebo (PLA) on recovery and subsequent exercise performance. Ten cyclists performed 3 trials, cycling 1.5 hours at 70% VO?max plus 10 minutes of intervals. They ingested supplements immediately postexercise and 2 hours into a 4-hour recovery. Biopsies were performed at recovery minutes 0, 45, and 240 (R0, R45, REnd). Postrecovery, subjects performed a 40-km time trial (TT). The TT time was faster in CM than in CHO and in PLA (79.43 ± 2.11 vs. 85.74 ± 3.44 and 86.92 ± 3.28 minutes, p ≤ 0.05). Muscle glycogen resynthesis was higher in CM and in CHO than in PLA (23.58 and 30.58 vs. 7.05 μmol·g?1 wet weight, p ≤ 0.05). The mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation was greater at R45 in CM than in CHO or in PLA (174.4 ± 36.3 vs. 131.3 ± 28.1 and 73.7 ± 7.8% standard, p ≤ 0.05) and at REnd in CM than in PLA (94.5 ± 9.9 vs. 69.1 ± 3.8%, p ≤ 0.05). rpS6 phosphorylation was greater in CM than in PLA at R45 (41.0 ± 8.3 vs. 15.3 ± 2.9%, p ≤ 0.05) and REnd (16.8 ± 2.8 vs. 8.4 ± 1.9%, p ≤ 0.05). FOXO3A phosphorylation was greater at R45 in CM and in CHO than in PLA (84.7 ± 6.7 and 85.4 ± 4.7 vs. 69.2 ± 5.5%, p ≤ 0.05). These results indicate that postexercise CM supplementation can improve subsequent exercise performance and provide a greater intracellular signaling stimulus for PRO synthesis compared to CHO and placebo.     

Impact of protein coingestion on muscle protein synthesis during continuous endurance type exercise

This study investigates the impact of protein coingestion with carbohydrate on muscle protein synthesis during endurance type exercise. Twelve healthy male cyclists were studied during 2 h of fasted rest followed by 2 h of continuous cycling at 55% W(max). During exercise, subjects received either 1.0 g·kg(-1)·h(-1) carbohydrate (CHO) or 0.8 g·kg(-1)·h(-1) carbohydrate with 0.2 g·kg(-1)·h(-1) protein hydrolysate (CHO+PRO). Continuous intravenous infusions with l-[ring-(13)C(6)]phenylalanine and l-[ring-(2)H(2)]tyrosine were applied, and blood and muscle biopsies were collected to assess whole body protein turnover and muscle protein synthesis rates at rest and during exercise conditions. Protein coingestion stimulated whole body protein synthesis and oxidation rates during exercise by 22 ± 3 and 70 ± 17%, respectively (P < 0.01). Whole body protein breakdown rates did not differ between experiments. As a consequence, whole body net protein balance was slightly negative in CHO and positive in the CHO+PRO treatment (-4.9 ± 0.3 vs. 8.0 ± 0.3 μmol Phe·kg(-1)·h(-1), respectively, P < 0.01). Mixed muscle protein fractional synthetic rates (FSR) were higher during exercise compared with resting conditions (0.058 ± 0.006 vs. 0.035 ± 0.006%/h in CHO and 0.070 ± 0.011 vs. 0.038 ± 0.005%/h in the CHO+PRO treatment, respectively, P < 0.05). FSR during exercise did not differ between experiments (P = 0.46). We conclude that muscle protein synthesis is stimulated during continuous endurance type exercise activities when carbohydrate with or without protein is ingested. Protein coingestion does not further increase muscle protein synthesis rates during continuous endurance type exercise.     

Effect of glucose polymer diet supplement on responses to prolonged successive swimming, cycling and running

Fifteen male endurance athletes were studied to determine the effect of a glucose polymer (GP) diet supplement on physiological and perceptual responses to successive swimming, cycling and running exercise. Thirty min of swimming, cycling and running at 70% VO2max, followed by a run to exhaustion at 90% VO2max was performed after one week of training under two dietary conditions: 1) GP (230 g of GP consumed daily) and 2) placebo (P, saccharin-sweetened supplement consumed daily). During GP, daily carbohydrate (CHO) intake was higher (p less than 0.05) by 173 g or 14% of energy intake than during P, but total energy intake was not significantly different. During 90 min of exercise, CHO utilization and blood glucose were significantly higher under GP than P by an average of 20.2% and 14.5%, respectively, but heart rate, ventilation, oxygen uptake, ratings of perceived exertion, and plasma lactate were not different. Run time to exhaustion at 90% VO2max was significantly longer by 1.2 min (23%) under GP. The results suggest that a GP diet supplement may be of value during endurance exercise by increasing the availability of CHO.     

Time to exhaustion and time spent at a high percentage of VO2max in severe intensity domain in children and adults

The aim of the study was to compare time spent at a high percentage of VO2max (>90% of VO2max) (ts90%), time to achieve 90% of VO2max (ta90%), and time to exhaustion (TTE) for exercise in the severe intensity domain in children and adults. Fifteen prepubertal boys (10.3 ± 0.9 years) and 15 men (23.5 ± 3.6 years) performed a maximal graded exercise to determine VO2max, maximal aerobic power (MAP) and power at ventilatory threshold (PVTh). Then, they performed 4 constant load exercises in a random order at PVTh plus 50 and 75% of the difference between MAP and PVTh (PΔ50 and PΔ75) and 100 and 110% of MAP (P100 and P110). VO2max was continuously monitored. The P110 test was used to determine maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD). No significant difference was found in ta90% between children and adults. ts90% and TTE were not significantly different between children and adults for the exercises at PΔ50 and PΔ75. However, ts90% and TTE during P100 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) and P110 (p < 0.001) exercises were significantly shorter in children. Children had a significantly lower MAOD than adults (34.3 ± 9.4 ml · kg vs. 53.6 ± 11.1 ml · kg). A positive relationship (p < 0.05) was obtained between MAOD and TTE values during the P100 test in children. This study showed that only for intensities at, or higher than MAP, lower ts90% in children was linked to a reduced TTE, compared to adults. Shorter TTE in children can partly be explained by a lower anaerobic capacity (MAOD). These results give precious information about exercise intensity ranges that could be used in children's training sessions. Moreover, they highlight the implication of both aerobic and anaerobic processes in endurance performances in both populations.     

Effects of isocaloric carbohydrate vs. carbohydrate-protein supplements on cycling time to exhaustion

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of isocaloric carbohydrate (CHO) and carbohydrate-protein (CHO-Pro) supplements on time to exhaustion. Eleven moderately aerobically fit adults (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max= 48.3 ± 6.5 ml·kg·min) performed a maximal cycle ergometer test for the determination of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max. At least 72 hours later, the participants performed a time-to-exhaustion test at a power output equivalent to the power output when subjects were at 75% of their V[Combining Dot Above]O2max. Either the CHO or the CHO-Pro supplement was administered at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after this test. After 3 hours of recovery and supplement ingestion, a second time-to-exhaustion test was performed. This testing protocol was repeated for the third visit, but the supplement not given during the second visit was administered. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in time to exhaustion after isocaloric CHO (pretest 22.4 ± 2.84 minutes, posttest 25.4 ± 4.45 minutes) and CHO-Pro (pretest 22.3 ± 3.46 minutes, posttest 24.0 ± 5.08 minutes) supplementation. Carbohydrate and CHO-Pro ingestion after exercise appear to have similar effects on short-term recovery.     

Sustainability of critical power determined by a 3-minute all-out test in elite cyclists

Critical power (CP) is a theoretical workload representative of an athlete's maximal sustainable pace. Recent research has validated a 3-minute all-out test on a cycle ergometer for determining CP; however, few studies have investigated the sustainability of CP using this test. The purpose of this study was to determine the sustainability of CP established during the 3-minute test and the determinants of sustainability. A group of elite cyclists (N = 21) performed a VO2max test, 3-minute all-out test, and a time to exhaustion (TTE) trial at CP on 3 different days separated by at least 24 hours. Expired gases were collected during all trials and analyzed for VO2 and VCO2. Heart rate was measured by telemetry. Multiple regression was used to determine predictors of sustainability with significance predetermined at p < 0.05. VO2max was measured at 58.9 ± 5.6 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1), ventilation breakpoint at 44.9 ± 5.7 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1) (75% VO2max), and maximum heart rate at 179 ± 10 b·min(-1). Peak power (PP) in the 3-minute all-out test was measured at 738 ± 170 W, and CP was determined at 305 ± 32 W or 79% of VO2max. The VO2 at CP was 55.4 ± 6.9 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1), representing 94% of measured VO2max. The mean TTE at CP was 14.79 ± 8.38 minutes. The difference score of PP - CP significantly predicted TTE (r = 0.65, p < 0.05). No other measured variables contributed to this prediction. Based on sustainability, these data suggest that the 3-minute all-out test may overestimate CP in elite cyclists, which could lead to overtraining if CP determined with this test is used to identify training intensities.     

The effects of ionized and nonionized compression garments on sprint and endurance cycling

ABSTRACT: Burden, RJ and Glaister, M. The effects of ionized and nonionized compression garments on sprint and endurance cycling. J Strength Cond Res 26(10): 2837-2843, 2012-The aim of this study was to examine the effects of ionized and nonionized compression tights on sprint and endurance cycling performance. Using a randomized, blind, crossover design, 10 well-trained male athletes (age: 34.6 ± 6.8 years, height: 1.80 ± 0.05 m, body mass: 82.2 ± 10.4 kg, V[Combining Dot Above]O2max: 50.86 ± 6.81 ml·kg·min) performed 3 sprint trials (30-second sprint at 150% of the power output required to elicit V[Combining Dot Above]O2max [pV[Combining Dot Above]O2max] + 3 minutes recovery at 40% pV[Combining Dot Above]O2max + 30-second Wingate test + 3 minutes recovery at 40% pV[Combining Dot Above]O2max) and 3 endurance trials (30 minutes at 60% pV[Combining Dot Above]O2max + 5 minutes stationary recovery + 10-km time trial) wearing nonionized compression tights, ionized compression tights, or standard running tights (control). There was no significant effect of garment type on key Wingate measures of peak power (grand mean: 1,164 ± 219 W, p = 0.812), mean power (grand mean: 716 ± 68 W, p = 0.800), or fatigue (grand mean: 66.5 ± 6.9%, p = 0.106). There was an effect of garment type on blood lactate in the sprint and the endurance trials (p < 0.05), although post hoc tests only detected a significant difference between the control and the nonionized conditions in the endurance trial (mean difference: 0.55 mmol·L, 95% likely range: 0.1-1.1 mmol·L). Relative to control, oxygen uptake (p = 0.703), heart rate (p = 0.774), and time trial performance (grand mean: 14.77 ± 0.74 minutes, p = 0.790) were unaffected by either type of compression garment during endurance cycling. Despite widespread use in sport, neither ionized nor nonionized compression tights had any significant effect on sprint or endurance cycling performance.     

Specific alterations of physiological parameters in competitive race walkers

Race walking is the technical and athletic expression of fast walking and it can be considered as a type of endurance performance. The purpose of this study was to examine whether 12 weeks of a specially designed training program results in the further training enhancement of endurance performance and the related physiological parameters in already well-trained race walkers competing at the national and international level. The investigation protocol consisted of determining the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and related gas exchange values using an automated cardiopulmonary exercise system and of determining blood lactate variables (aerobic threshold - LTAer and the maximal lactate steady state - MLSS) during walking with proper technique at 8, 10, 12 and 14 km·h-1 for 4 minutes without rest in between. Thereafter, the speed on the treadmill was increased by 0.5 km·h-1 every two minutes until exhaustion to determine VO2peak. After 12 weeks of a specially designed endurance training, statistically significant increases in VO2peak (61.8±8.5 mL·kg-1·min-1 pre vs. 66.9±9.5 mL·kg-1·min-1 post training; p<0.05) and blood lactate variables (VO2-LTAer and VO2-MLSS; p<0.05) were noted. The obtained results suggest that the applied training program can improve endurance and race performance in previously well trained race walkers.     

Effect of nutritionally enriched coffee consumption on aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance

The purpose of this study was to compare nutritionally enriched JavaFit coffee (JF) to commercially available decaffeinated coffee (P) with regard to impact on endurance and anaerobic power performance in a physically active, college-aged population. Ten subjects (8 men, 2 women) performed two 30-second Wingate anaerobic power tests and 2 cycle ergometer tests (75% VO2 max) to exhaustion. Mean VO2 was measured during each endurance exercise protocol. Excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were recorded for 30 minutes following all exercise sessions. Area under the curve analysis was used to compare EPOC between JF and P for all exercise sessions. No differences were seen between JF and P in any of the power performance measures. However, time to exhaustion was significantly (p = 0.05) higher in JF (35.3 +/- 15.2 minutes) compared with P (27.3 +/- 10.7 minutes). No difference between JF and P were seen in EPOC in either the aerobic or anaerobic exercise sessions. A significant (p < 0.05) difference in average 30-minute postanaerobic power exercise RER was seen between JF (0.87 +/- 0.04) and P (0.83 +/- 0.03), but not following endurance exercise. A nutritionally-enriched coffee beverage appears to enhance time to exhaustion during aerobic exercise, but does not provide an ergogenic benefit during anaerobic exercise.     

Consumption of an oral carbohydrate-protein gel improves cycling endurance and prevents postexercise muscle damage

Investigators have reported improved endurance performance and attenuated post-exercise muscle damage with carbohydrate-protein beverages (CHO+P) versus carbohydrate-only beverages (CHO). However, these benefits have been demonstrated only when CHO+P was administered in beverage-form, and exclusively in male subjects. Thus, the purposes of this study were to determine if an oral CHO+P gel improved endurance performance and post-exercise muscle damage compared to a CHO gel, and determine if responses were similar between genders. Thirteen cyclists (8 men, 5 women; VO(2)peak = 57.9 +/- 7.0 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) completed two timed cycle-trials to volitional exhaustion at 75% of VO(2)peak. At 15-minute intervals throughout these rides, subjects received CHO or CHO+P gels, which were matched for carbohydrate content (CHO = 0.15 g CHO x kg BW(-1); CHO+P = 0.15 g CHO + 0.038 g protein x kg BW(-1)). Trials were performed using a randomly counterbalanced, double-blind design. Subjects rode 13% longer (p < 0.05) when utilizing the CHO+P gel (116.6 +/- 28.5 minutes) versus the CHO gel (102.8 +/- 25.0 minutes). In addition, men (101.8 +/- 24.6; 114.8 +/- 26.2) and women (104.4 +/- 28.6; 119.6 +/- 34.9) responded similarly to the CHO and CHO+P trials, with no significant treatment-by-gender effect. Postexercise creatine kinease (CK) was not significantly different between treatments. However, CK increased significantly following exercise in the CHO trial (183 +/- 116; 267 +/- 214 U x L(-1)), but not the CHO+P trial (180 +/- 133; 222 +/- 141 U x L(-1)). Therefore, to prolong endurance performance and prevent increases in muscle damage, it is recommended that male and female cyclists consume CHO+P gels rather than CHO gels during and immediately following exercise.     

The effects of alterations in dietary carbohydrate intake on the performance of high-intensity exercise in trained individuals

This study was designed to examine the effects of alterations in dietary carbohydrate (CHO) intake on the performance of high-intensity exercise lasting approximately 10 min (EXP 1) and 30 min (EXP 2). Trained subjects exercised to exhaustion on four occasions on a cycle ergometer at 90% of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max; EXP 1, n = 5) and 80% of VO2max (EXP 2, n = 7). The first two tests were familiarisation trials and were carried out following the subjects' normal diet. Normal training was continued but standardised during the periods of dietary control. The subsequent two tests were performed 2 weeks apart after 7 days of dietary manipulation. The two diets were a 70% and a 40% CHO diet, isoenergetic with each subject's normal diet and administered in a randomised order. At both exercise intensities, time to exhaustion following the high CHO and low CHO diets was not different [mean (SD) EXP 1: 11.56 (3.78) min and 8.95 (2.35) min, P = 0.22; EXP 2: 26.9 (7.4) min and 26.5 (6.5) min, P = 0.90]. No differences in resting blood metabolite concentrations were found apart from a lower beta-hydroxybutyrate (beta-HB) level following the high CHO diet in EXP 2. Blood lactate was higher after exercise at 90% of VO2max following the high CHO diet. Blood lactate was higher, and beta-HB lower during exercise at 80% of VO2max following the high CHO diet. No differences were found in the other blood metabolites tested. The respiratory exchange ratio after 15 min of exercise at 80% of VO2max was higher on the high CHO diet. No differences in oxygen uptake, heart rate (EXP 2) or ratings of perceived exertion (both experiments) were found between conditions. These results indicate that moderate changes in diet composition during training do not affect the performance of high-intensity exercise in trained individuals when the total energy intake is moderately high.     

Effects of aging and training status on ventilatory response during incremental cycling exercise

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of aging and training status on ventilatory response during incremental cycling exercise. Eight young (24 ± 5 years) and 8 older (64 ± 3 years) competitive cyclists together with 8 young (27 ± 4 years) and 8 older (63 ± 2 years) untrained individuals underwent a continuous incremental cycling test to exhaustion to determine ventilatory threshold (VT), respiratory compensation point (RCP), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO?max). In addition, the isocapnic buffering (IB) phase was calculated together with the hypocapnic hyperventilation. Ventilatory threshold occurred at similar relative exercise intensities in all groups, whereas RCP was recorded at higher intensities in young and older cyclists compared to the untrained subjects. The IB phase, reported as the difference between VT and RCP and expressed either in absolute (ml·min?1·kg?1 VO?) or in relative terms, was greater (p < 0.01) in both young and older trained cyclists than in untrained subjects, who were also characterized by a lower exercise capacity. Isocapnic buffering was particularly small in the older untrained volunteers. Although young untrained and older trained subjects had a similar level of VO?max, older athletes exhibited a larger IB. In addition, a higher absolute but similar relative IB was observed in young vs. older cyclists, despite a higher VO?max in the former. In conclusion, the present study shows that aging is associated with a reduction of the IB phase recorded during an incremental exercise test. Moreover, endurance training induces adaptations that result in an enlargement of the IB phase independent of age. This information can be used for the characterization and monitoring of the physiological adaptations induced by endurance training.     

The effects of static stretching on running economy and endurance performance in female distance runners during treadmill running

Stretching can lead to decreased muscle stiffness and has been associated with decreased force and power production. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of static stretching (SS) on running economy and endurance performance in trained female distance runners. Twelve long distance female (30 ± 9 years) runners were assessed for height (159.4 ± 7.4 cm), weight (54.8 ± 7.2 kg), % body fat (19.7 ± 2.8%), and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max: 48.4 ± 5.1 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1)). Participants performed 2 sessions of 60-minute treadmill runs following a randomly assigned SS protocol or quiet sitting (QS). During the first 30 minutes (running economy), expired gases, heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded while the participant ran at 65% VO2max. During the final 30 minutes (endurance performance), distance covered, speed, HR, and RPE were recorded while the participant attempted to cover as much distance as possible. Repeated measures analyses of variance were performed on the data. Significance was accepted at p < 0.05. The SS measured by sit-and-reach increased flexibility (SS: 29.8 ± 8.3 vs. QS: 33.1 ± 8.1 cm) but had no effect on running economy (VO2: 33.7 ± 3.2 vs. 33.8 ± 2.3 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1)), calorie expenditure (270 ± 41 vs. 270 ± 41 kcal), HR (157 ± 10 vs. 160 ± 12 b·min(-1)), or endurance performance (5.5 ± 0.6 vs. 5.5 ± 0.7 km). These findings indicated that stretching did not have an adverse effect on endurance performance in trained women. This suggests that the performance decrements previously associated with stretching may not occur in trained women.     

Sun-dried raisins are a cost-effective alternative to Sports Jelly Beans in prolonged cycling

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a natural carbohydrate (CHO) source in the form of sun-dried raisins (SDRs) vs. Sports Jelly Beans? (SJBs) on endurance performance in trained cyclists and triathletes. Ten healthy men (18-33 years) completed 1 water-only acclimatization exercise trial and 2 randomized exercise trials administered in a crossover fashion. Each trial consisted of a 120-minute constant-intensity glycogen depletion period followed by a 10-km time trial (TT). During each experimental trial, participants consumed isocaloric amounts of SDRs or SJBs in 20-minute intervals. Measurements included time to complete 10-km TT, power output during 10-km TT, blood glucose levels and respiratory exchange ratio during glycogen depletion period, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), 'flow' questionnaire responses, and a hedonic (i.e., pleasantness) sensory acceptance test. There were no significant differences in endurance performance for TT time (SDRs vs. SJBs, 17.3 ± 0.4 vs. 17.3 ± 0.4 seconds) or power (229.3 ± 13.0 vs. 232.0 ± 13.6 W), resting blood glucose levels (5.8 ± 04 mmol·L(-1) for SDRs and 5.4 ± 0.2 mmol·L(-1) for SJBs), RPE, or flow experiences between SDR and SJB trials. However, the mean sensory acceptance scores were significantly higher for the SDRs compared to the SJBs (50.7 ± 1.7 vs. 44.3 ± 2.7). Consuming SDRs or SJBs during 120 minutes of intense cycling results in similar subsequent TT performances and are equally effective in maintaining blood glucose levels during exercise. Therefore, SDRs are a natural, pleasant, cost-effective CHO alternative to commercial SJBs that can be used during moderate- to high-intensity endurance exercise.     

Dietary carbohydrate, muscle glycogen content, and endurance performance in well-trained women.

This study examined the ability of well-trained eumenorrheic women to increase muscle glycogen content and endurance performance in response to a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD; approximately 78% carbohydrate) compared with a moderate-carbohydrate diet (MD; approximately 48% carbohydrate) when tested during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Six women cycled to exhaustion at approximately 80% maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2 max)) after each of the randomly assigned diet and exercise-tapering regimens. A biopsy was taken from the vastus lateralis before and after exercise in each trial. Preexercise muscle glycogen content was high after the MD (625.2 +/- 50.1 mmol/kg dry muscle) and 13% greater after the HCD (709.0 +/- 44.8 mmol/kg dry muscle). Postexercise muscle glycogen was low after both trials (MD, 91.4 +/- 34.5; HCD, 80.3 +/- 19.5 mmol/kg dry muscle), and net glycogen utilization during exercise was greater after the HCD. The subjects also cycled longer at approximately 80% VO(2 max) after the HCD vs. MD (115:31 +/- 10:47 vs. 106:35 +/- 8:36 min:s, respectively). In conclusion, aerobically trained women increased muscle glycogen content in response to a high-dietary carbohydrate intake during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, but the magnitude was smaller than previously observed in men. The increase in muscle glycogen, and possibly liver glycogen, after the HCD was associated with increased cycling performance to volitional exhaustion at approximately 80% VO(2 max).     

Low-dose caffeine administered in chewing gum does not enhance cycling to exhaustion

Low-dose caffeine administered in chewing gum does not enhance cycling to exhaustion. The purpose of the current investigation was to examine the effect of low-dose caffeine (CAF) administered in chewing gum at 3 different time points during submaximal cycling exercise to exhaustion. Eight college-aged (26 ± 4 years), physically active (45.5 ± 5.7 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1)) volunteers participated in 4 experimental trials. Two pieces of caffeinated chewing gum (100 mg per piece, total quantity of 200 mg) were administered in a double-blind manner at 1 of 3 time points (-35, -5, and +15 minutes) with placebo at the other 2 points and at all 3 points in the control trial. The participants cycled at 85% of maximal oxygen consumption until volitional fatigue and time to exhaustion (TTE) were recorded in minutes. Venous blood samples were obtained at -40, -10, and immediately postexercise and analyzed for serum-free fatty acid and plasma catecholamine concentrations. Oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate, glucose, lactate, ratings of perceived exertion, and perceived leg pain measures were obtained at baseline and every 10 minutes during cycling. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the trials for any of the parameters measured including TTE. These findings suggest that low-dose CAF administered in chewing gum has no effect on TTE during cycling in recreational athletes and is, therefore, not recommended.     

Maximal lactate steady-state independent of recovery period during intermittent protocol

Barbosa, LF, de Souza, MR, Corrêa Caritá, RA, Caputo, F, Denadai, BS, and Greco, CC. Maximal lactate steady-state independent of recovery period during intermittent protocol. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3385-3390, 2011-The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of the measurement time for blood lactate concentration ([La]) determination on [La] (maximal lactate steady state [MLSS]) and workload (MLSS during intermittent protocols [MLSSwi]) at maximal lactate steady state determined using intermittent protocols. Nineteen trained male cyclists were divided into 2 groups, for the determination of MLSSwi using passive (VO(2)max = 58.1 ± 3.5 ml·kg·min; N = 9) or active recovery (VO(2)max = 60.3 ± 9.0 ml·kg·min; N = 10). They performed the following tests, in different days, on a cycle ergometer: (a) Incremental test until exhaustion to determine (VO(2)max and (b) 30-minute intermittent constant-workload tests (7 × 4 and 1 × 2 minutes, with 2-minute recovery) to determine MLSSwi and MLSS. Each group performed the intermittent tests with passive or active recovery. The MLSSwi was defined as the highest workload at which [La] increased by no more than 1 mmol·L between minutes 10 and 30 (T1) or minutes 14 and 44 (T2) of the protocol. The MLSS (Passive-T1: 5.89 ± 1.41 vs. T2: 5.61 ± 1.78 mmol·L) and MLSSwi (Passive-T1: 294.5 ± 31.8 vs. T2: 294.7 ± 32.2 W; Active-T1: 304.6 ± 23.0 vs. T2: 300.5 ± 23.9 W) were similar for both criteria. However, MLSS was lower in T2 (4.91 ± 1.91 mmol·L) when compared with in T1 (5.62 ± 1.83 mmol·L) using active recovery. We can conclude that the MLSSwi (passive and active conditions) was unchanged whether recovery periods were considered (T1) or not (T2) for the interpretation of [La] kinetics. In contrast, MLSS was lowered when considering the active recovery periods (T2). Thus, shorter intermittent protocols (i.e., T1) to determine MLSSwi may optimize time of the aerobic capacity evaluation of well-trained cyclists.     

Effects of gradual-elastic compression stockings on running economy, kinematics, and performance in runners

We investigated the effect of gradual-elastic compression stockings (GCSs) on running economy (RE), kinematics, and performance in endurance runners. Sixteen endurance trained athletes (age: 34.73 ± 6.27 years; VO2max: 62.83 ± 9.03 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1); 38 minutes in 10 km; 1 hour 24 minutes in half marathon) performed in random order 4 bouts of 6 minutes at a recent half-marathon pace on a treadmill to evaluate RE with or without GCSs. Subsequently, 12 athletes were divided into 2 equal groups matched by their VO2max, and they performed a time limit test (T(lim)) on a treadmill at 105% of a recent 10-km pace with or without GCSs for evaluation of physiological responses and running kinematics. There were no significant differences in the RE test in all of the variables analyzed for the conditions, but a moderate reproducibility for some physiological responses was detected in the condition with GCSs. In the T(lim), the group that wore GCSs reached a lower % of maximum heart rate (HRmax) compared with the control group (96.00 ± 2.94 vs. 99.83 ± 0.40) (p = 0.01). Kinematics did not differ between conditions during the T(lim) (p > 0.05). There were improvement trends for time to fatigue (337 vs. 387 seconds; d = 0.32) and a lower VO2peak (≈53 vs. 62 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1); d = 1.19) that were detected with GCSs during the T(lim). These results indicate that GCSs reduce the % of HRmax reached during a test at competition pace. The lower reproducibility of the condition with GCSs perhaps suggests that athletes may possibly need an accommodation period for systematically experiencing the benefits of this garment, but this hypothesis should be further investigated.     

Sex differences in endurance capacity and metabolic response to prolonged, heavy exercise

In order to test for possible sex differences in endurance capacity, groups of young, physically active women (n = 6) and men (n = 7) performed bicycle ergometer exercise at 80% and 90% of their maximal oxygen uptakes (VO2 max). The groups were matched for age and physical activity habits. At 80% VO2 max the women performed significantly longer (P less than 0.05), 53.8 +/- 12.7 min vs 36.8 +/- 12.2 min, respectively (means +/- SD). Mid-exercise and terminal respiratory exchange ratio (R) values were significantly lower in women, suggesting a later occurrence of muscle glycogen depletion as a factor in their enhanced endurance. At 90% VO2 max the endurance times were similar for men and women, 21.2 +/- 10.3 min and 22.0 +/- 5.0 min, respectively. The blood lactate levels reached in these experiments were only marginally lower (mean differences 1.5 to 2 mmol X l-1) than those obtained at VO2 max, suggesting high lactate levels as a factor in exhaustion. The changes in body weight during the 80% experiments and the degree of hemoconcentration were not significantly different between men and women.     

Comparison of a field-based test to estimate functional threshold power and power output at lactate threshold

It has been proposed that field-based tests (FT) used to estimate functional threshold power (FTP) result in power output (PO) equivalent to PO at lactate threshold (LT). However, anecdotal evidence from regional cycling teams tested for LT in our laboratory suggested that PO at LT underestimated FTP. It was hypothesized that estimated FTP is not equivalent to PO at LT. The LT and estimated FTP were measured in 7 trained male competitive cyclists (VO2max = 65.3 ± 1.6 ml O2·kg(-1)·min(-1)). The FTP was estimated from an 8-minute FT and compared with PO at LT using 2 methods; LT(Δ1), a 1 mmol·L(-1) or greater rise in blood lactate in response to an increase in workload and LT(4.0), blood lactate of 4.0 mmol·L(-1). The estimated FTP was equivalent to PO at LT(4.0) and greater than PO at LT(Δ1). VO2max explained 93% of the variance in individual PO during the 8-minute FT. When the 8-minute FT PO was expressed relative to maximal PO from the VO2max test (individual exercise performance), VO2max explained 64% of the variance in individual exercise performance. The PO at LT was not related to 8-minute FT PO. In conclusion, FTP estimated from an 8-minute FT is equivalent to PO at LT if LT(4.0) is used but is not equivalent for all methods of LT determination including LT(Δ1).