Endurance training slows down the kinetics of heart rate increase in the transition from moderate to heavier submaximal exercise intensities

To find out whether endurance training influences the kinetics of the increases in heart rate (fc) during exercise driven by the sympathetic nervous system, the changes in the rate of fc adjustment to step increments in exercise intensities from 100 to 150 W were followed in seven healthy, previously sedentary men, subjected to 10-week training. The training programme consisted of 30-min cycle exercise at 50%-70% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) three times a week. Every week during the first 5 weeks of training, and then after the 10th week the subjects underwent the submaximal three-stage exercise test (50, 100 and 150 W) with continuous fc recording. At the completion of the training programme, the subjects' VO2max had increased significantly (39.2 ml.min-1.kg-1, SD 4.7 vs 46 ml.min-1.kg-1, SD 5.6) and the steady-state fc at rest and at all submaximal intensities were significantly reduced. The greatest decrease in steady-state fc was found at 150 W (146 beats.min-1, SD 10 vs 169 beats.min-1, SD 9) but the difference between the steady-state fc at 150 W and that at 100 W (delta fc) did not decrease significantly (26 beats.min-1, SD 7 vs 32 beats.min-1, SD 6). The time constant (tau) of the fc increase from the steady-state at 100 W to steady-state at 150 W increased during training from 99.4 s, SD 6.6 to 123.7 s, SD 22.7 (P less than 0.01) and the acceleration index (A = 0.63.delta fc.tau-1) decreased from 0.20 beats.min-1.s-1, SD 0.05 to 0.14 beats.min-1.s-1, SD 0.04 (P less than 0.02). The major part of the changes in tau and A occurred during the first 4 weeks of training. It was concluded that heart acceleration following incremental exercise intensities slowed down in the early phase of endurance training, most probably due to diminished sympathetic activation.     

Physiological differences between black and white runners during a treadmill marathon

To determine why black distance runners currently out-perform white distance runners in South Africa, we measured maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), maximum workload during a VO2max test (Lmax), ventilation threshold (VThr), running economy, inspiratory ventilation (VI), tidal volume (VT), breathing frequency (f) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) in sub-elite black and white runners matched for best standard 42.2 km marathon times. During maximal treadmill testing, the black runners achieved a significantly lower (P less than 0.05) Lmax (17 km h-1, 2% grade, vs 17 km h-1, 4% grade) and VI max (6.21 vs 6.82 l kg-2/3 min-1), which was the result of a lower VT (101 vs 119 ml kg-2/3 breath-1) as fmax was the same in both groups. The lower VT in the black runners was probably due to their smaller body size. The VThr occurred at a higher percentage VO2max in black than in white runners (82.7%, SD 7.7% vs 75.6%, SD 6.2% respectively) but there were no differences in the VO2max. However, during a 42.2-km marathon run on a treadmill, the black athletes ran at the higher percentage VO2max (76%, SD 7.9% vs 68%, SD 5.3%), RER (0.96, SD 0.07 vs 0.91, SD 0.04) and f (56 breaths min-1, SD 11 vs 47 breaths min-1, SD 10), and at lower VT (78 ml kg-2/3 breath-1, SD 15 vs 85 ml kg-2/3 breath-1, SD 19). The combination of higher f and lower VT resulted in an identical VI.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cardiac output during exercise in paraplegic subjects

The purpose of this study was to measure the cardiac output using the CO2 rebreathing method during submaximal and maximal arm cranking exercise in six male paraplegic subjects with a high level of spinal cord injury (HP). They were compared with eight able bodied subjects (AB) who were not trained in arm exercise. Maximal O2 consumption (VO2max) was lower in HP (1.11.min, SD 0.1; 17.5 ml.min-1.kg-1, SD 4) than in AB (2.5 l.min-1, SD 0.6; 36.7 ml.min-1.kg, SD 10.7). Maximal cardiac output was similar in the groups (HP, 14 l.min-1, SD 2.6; AB, 16.8 l.min-1, SD 4). The same result was obtained for maximal heart rate (fc,max) (HP, 175 beats.min-1, SD 18; AB, 187 beats.min-1, SD 16) and the maximal stroke volume (HP, 82 ml, SD 13; AB, 91 ml, SD 27). The slopes of the relationship fc/VO2 were higher in HP than AB (P less than 0.025) but when expressed as a %VO2max there were no differences. The results suggest a major alteration of oxygen transport capacity to active muscle mass in paraplegics due to changes in vasomotor regulation below the level of the lesion.     

Physiological factors associated with the lower maximal oxygen consumption of master runners

We examined the hemodynamic factors associated with the lower maximal O2 consumption (VO2max) in older formerly elite distance runners. Heart rate and VO2 were measured during submaximal and maximal treadmill exercise in 11 master [66 +/- 8 (SD) yr] and 11 young (32 +/- 5 yr) male runners. Cardiac output was determined using acetylene rebreathing at 30, 50, 70, and 85% VO2max. Maximal cardiac output was estimated using submaximal stroke volume and maximal heart rate. VO2max was 36% lower in master runners (45.0 +/- 6.9 vs. 70.4 +/- 8.0 ml.kg-1.min-1, P less than or equal to 0.05), because of both a lower maximal cardiac output (18.2 +/- 3.5 vs. 25.4 +/- 1.7 l.min-1) and arteriovenous O2 difference (16.6 +/- 1.6 vs. 18.7 +/- 1.4 ml O2.100 ml blood-1, P less than or equal to 0.05). Reduced maximal heart rate (154.4 +/- 17.4 vs. 185 +/- 5.8 beats.min-1) and stroke volume (117.1 +/- 16.1 vs. 137.2 +/- 8.7 ml.beat-1) contributed to the lower cardiac output in the older athletes (P less than or equal 0.05). These data indicate that VO2max is lower in master runners because of a diminished capacity to deliver and extract O2 during exercise.     

Modeling: optimal marathon performance on the basis of physiological factors

This paper examines current concepts concerning "limiting" factors in human endurance performance by modeling marathon running times on the basis of various combinations of previously reported values of maximal O2 uptake (VO2max), lactate threshold, and running economy in elite distance runners. The current concept is that VO2max sets the upper limit for aerobic metabolism while the blood lactate threshold is related to the fraction of VO2max that can be sustained in competitive events greater than approximately 3,000 m. Running economy then appears to interact with VO2max and blood lactate threshold to determine the actual running speed at lactate threshold, which is generally a speed similar to (or slightly slower than) that sustained by individual runners in the marathon. A variety of combinations of these variables from elite runners results in estimated running times that are significantly faster than the current world record (2:06:50). The fastest time for the marathon predicted by this model is 1:57:58 in a hypothetical subject with a VO2max of 84 ml.kg-1.min-1, a lactate threshold of 85% of VO2max, and exceptional running economy. This analysis suggests that substantial improvements in marathon performance are "physiologically" possible or that current concepts regarding limiting factors in endurance running need additional refinement and empirical testing.     

Cardiorespiratory adaptation with short term training in older men

The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of training-induced cardiorespiratory adaptations in older men [mean (SD), 66.5 (1.2) years]. The eight subjects trained an average of 4.3 (0.3) times each week. The walk/jog training was in two phases with 4 weeks (phase 1) at a speed to elicit 70% of pre-training maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and 5 weeks (phase 2) at 80%. Maximal exercise treadmill tests and a standardized submaximal protocol were performed prior to training, at weekly intervals during the training programme, and after training. VO2max (ml.kg-1.min-1) increased significantly over both phases: 6.6% after the first 4 weeks, and an additional 5.2% after the final 5 weeks. The weekly changes in VO2max over phase 1 were well fitted by an exponential association curve (r = 0.75). The half-time for the rate of adaptation was 13.8 days, or 8.3 training sessions. Over phase 2, the change in VO2max did not plateau and a time course could not be determined. Submaximal exercise heart rate (fc) was reduced a significant 10 beats.min-1 after the first 4 weeks, and further 6 beats.min-1 over the final 5 weeks. The fc reductions showed half-times of 9.1 days (phase 1) and 9.8 days (phase 2) (or 5-6 training sessions). The anaerobic ventilation threshold was increased 13.9% over the 9 weeks of training and the respiratory exchange ratio during constant load heavy exercise was significantly reduced; however, these changes could not be described by an exponential time course. Thus, short-term exercise training of older men resulted in significant and rapid cardiorespiratory improvements.     

Lymphocyte proliferation responses after exercise in men: fitness, intensity, and duration effects

This study investigated the effects of intensity and duration of exercise on lymphocyte proliferation as a measure of immunologic function in men of defined fitness. Three fitness groups--low [maximal O2 uptake (VO2max) = 44.9 +/- 1.5 ml O2.kg-1.min-1 and sedentary], moderate (VO2max = 55.2 +/- 1.6 ml O2.kg-1.min-1 and recreationally active), and high (VO2max = 63.3 +/- 1.8 ml O2.kg-1.min-1 and endurance trained)--and a mixed control group (VO2max = 52.4 +/- 2.3 ml O2.kg-1.min-1) participated in the study. Subjects completed four randomly ordered cycle ergometer rides: ride 1, 30 min at 65% VO2max; ride 2, 60 min at 30% VO2max; ride 3, 60 min at 75% VO2max; and ride 4, 120 min at 65% VO2max. Blood samples were obtained at various times before and after the exercise sessions. Lymphocyte responses to the T cell mitogen concanavalin A were determined at each sample time through the incorporation of radiolabeled thymidine [( 3H]TdR). Despite differences in resting levels of [3H]TdR uptake, a consistent depression in mitogenesis was present 2 h after an exercise bout in all fitness groups. The magnitude of the reduction in T cell mitogenesis was not affected by an increase in exercise duration. A trend toward greater reduction was present in the highly fit group when exercise intensity was increased. The reduction in lymphocyte proliferation to the concanavalin A mitogen after exercise was a short-term phenomenon with recovery to resting (preexercise) values 24 h after cessation of the work bout. These data suggest that single sessions of submaximal exercise transiently reduce lymphocyte function in men and that this effect occurs irrespective of subject fitness level.     

Effect of pyridostigmine on the exercise-heat response of man

The effect of pyridostigmine on thermoregulatory responses was evaluated during exercise and heat stress. Eight heat acclimated, young adult male subjects received four doses of pyridostigmine (30 mg) or identical placebo tablets every 8 h, in a double blind, randomized, cross-over trial. A 30.3%, SD 4.6% inhibition of the circulating cholinesterase (ChE) activity was induced in the pyridostigmine-treated group. The subjects were exposed to 170-min exercise and heat-stress (dry bulb temperature, 33 degrees C; relative humidity 60%) consisting of 60 min in a sitting position and two bouts of 50-min walking (1.39 m.s-1, 5% gradient) which were separated by 10-min rest periods. No differences were found between treatments in the physiological responses and heat balance parameters at the end of exposure: heart rate (fc) was 141 beats.min-1, SD 16 and 150 beats.min-1, SD 12, rectal temperature (Tre) was 38.5 degrees C, SD 0.4 degrees and 38.6 degrees C, SD 0.3 degrees, heat storage was 60 W.m-2, SD 16 and 59 W.m-2, SD 15 and sweat rate was 678 g.h-1, SD 184 and 661 g.h-1, SD 133, in the pyridostigmine and placebo treatments, respectively. The changes in Tre and fc over the heat-exercise period were parallel in both study and control groups. Pyridostigmine caused a slight slowing of fc (5 beats.min-1) which was consistent throughout the entire exposure (P less than 0.001) but was of no clinical significance. The overall change in fc was similar for both groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Decline in VO2max with aging in master athletes and sedentary men

Fifteen well-trained master endurance athletes [62.0 +/- 2.3 (SE) yr] and 14 sedentary control subjects (61.4 +/- 1.4 yr) were reevaluated after an average follow-up period of approximately 8 yr to obtain information regarding the effects of physical activity on the age-related decline in maximal O2 uptake capacity (VO2max). The master athletes had been training for 10.2 +/- 2.9 yr before initial testing and continued to train during the follow-up period. The sedentary subjects' VO2max declined by an average of 3.3 ml.kg-1.min-1 (33.9 +/- 1.7 vs. 30.6 +/- 1.6, P less than 0.001) over the course of the study, a decline of 12% per decade. In these subjects maximal heart rate declined 8 beats/min (171 vs. 163) and maximal O2 pulse decreased from 0.20 to 0.18 ml.kg-1.beat (P less than 0.05). The master athletes' VO2 max decreased by an average of 2.2 ml.kg-1.min-1 (54.0 +/- 1.7 vs. 51.8 +/- 1.8, P less than 0.05), a 5.5% decline per decade. The master athletes' maximal heart rate was unchanged (171 +/- 3 beats/min) and their maximal O2 pulse decreased from 0.32 to 0.30 ml.kg-1.beat (P less than 0.05). These findings provide evidence that the age-related decrease in VO2max of master athletes who continue to engage in regular vigorous endurance exercise training is approximately one-half the rate of decline seen in age-matched sedentary subjects. Furthermore our results suggest that endurance exercise training may reduce the rate of decline in maximal heart rate that typically occurs as an individual ages.     

Effect of previous supramaximal work on lacticaemia during supra-anaerobic threshold exercise

Twelve male and female subjects (eight trained, four untrained) exercised for 30 min on a treadmill at an intensity of maximal O2 consumption (% VO2max) 90.0%, SD 4.7 greater than the anaerobic threshold of 4 mmol.l-1 (Than = 83.6% VO2max, SD 8.9). Time-dependent changes in blood lactate concentration [( lab]) during exercise occurred in two phases: the oxygen uptake (VO2) transient phase (from 0 to 4 min) and the VO2 steady-state phase (4-30 min). During the transient phase, [lab] increased markedly (1.30 mmol.l-1.min-1, SD (0.13). During the steady-state phase, [lab] increased slightly (0.02 mmol.l-1.min-1, SD 0.06) and when individual values were considered, it was seen that there were no time-dependent increases in [lab] in half of the subjects. Following hyperlacticaemia (8.8 mmol.l-1, SD 2.0) induced by a previous 2 min of supramaximal exercise (120% VO2max), [lab] decreased during the VO2 transient (-0.118 mmol.l-1.min-1, SD 0.209) and steady-state (-0.088 mmol.l-1.min-1, SD 0.103) phases of 30 min exercise (91.4% VO2max, SD 4.8). In conclusion, it was not possible from the Than to determine the maximal [lab] steady state for each subject. In addition, lactate accumulated during previous supramaximal exercise was eliminated during the VO2 transient phase of exercise performed at an intensity above the Than. This effect is probably largely explained by the reduction in oxygen deficit during the transient phase. Under these conditions, the time-course of changes in [lab] during the VO2 steady state was also affected.     

Validity of heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion as indices of exercise intensity in a group of children while swimming.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of heart rate (fc) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) as indices of exercise intensity in a group of children while swimming. Six healthy male swimmers, aged 10-12, swam tethered using the breast-stroke in a flume. The resistance started at 1.0 kg and increased in 1.0 kg steps up to the point of their exhaustion. The subjects swam for 5 min during each period, with a rest of 10-20 min until they had returned to their resting fc level. The last exercise intensity was with the maximal mass the subjects could support for 2 min. The last min of oxygen consumption (VO2) and 30 s of fc were measured during each exercise period. The subjects gave their RPE assessment at the end of exercise. The individual relationships between fc and VO2, and percentage maximal oxygen consumption (%VO2max) were linear with a high correlation r = 0.962-0.996 and r = 0.962-0.996, respectively. Therefore, it was concluded that fc was valid as an index of the exercise intensity of children while swimming. Compared to the results found in adults using a similar protocol, the children's fc were 8.3-26.9 beats.min-1 higher than those of the adults at the given %VO2max. The present study showed two different patterns in the relationship between VO2 and RPE in individuals. In two subjects the RPE increased linearly with VO2 while in the other four subjects the increase was discontinuous. If fc and RPE were to be applied to the setting and evaluation of exercise intensity during swimming, it would seem that fc would be a more useful guide than RPE for some children.     

The validity of incremental exercise testing in discriminating of physiological profiles in elite runners

The goal of this study was to determine whether traditional ergoespirometric incremental exercise testing carried out to the point of exhaustion could be useful in distinguishing the physiological profiles of elite runners that compete in races that lasted about 8 minutes versus those that lasted about 2 hours. Ten male marathon runners (performance time: 2:12:04, coefficient of variation (CV) = 2.33%) and 8 male 3000 m steeplechase runners (performance time: 8:37.83, CV = 2.12%) performed an incremental test on the treadmill (starting speed 10 km·h-1; increments, 2 km·h-1; increment duration, 3 min to exhaustion). Heart rate (HR), VO2, and lactate concentrations were measured at the end of each exercise level. At maximal effort, there were no differences between the groups regarding VO2max and maximal HR; however, the workload time, vVO2max and peak treadmill velocity were significantly higher in the 3000 m steeplechase group (p<0.05). At submaximal effort, there were no significant differences between groups for VO2 (ml·kg-1·min-1), HR, or lactate. Our results show that this type of testing was not sufficient for discriminating the physiological profiles of elite runners who competed in middle-distance versus long-distance events (e.g. in the marathon and the 3000 m steeplechase).     

Sleep deprivation and cardiorespiratory function. Influence of intermittent submaximal exercise

The effects of 64 h of sleep deprivation upon cardiorespiratory function was studied in 11 young men (VO2max = 55.5 ml kg-1 min-1, STPD). Six subjects engaged in normal sedentary activities, while the others walked on a treadmill at 28% VO2max for one hour in every three; eight weeks later, sleep deprivation was repeated with a crossover of subjects. Immediate post-deprivation measurement of VO2max showed a small but statistically significant decrease (-3.8 ml min-1 kg-1, STPD), with no difference between exercise and control trials. The final decrement in aerobic power was not due to a loss of motivation, as 88% (21 of 24) of post-deprivation tests still showed a plateau of VO2max; in addition, terminal heart rates (198 vs 195 beats min-1), respiratory exchange ratios (1.14 vs 1.15) and blood lactate levels (12.1 vs 11.8 mmol l-1) were not significantly different after sleep deprivation. The decrease in VO2max was associated with a lower VEmax (127 vs 142 l min-1, BTPS) and a substantial haemodilution (13%). Physiological responses to sub-maximal exercise showed persistence of the normal diurnal rhythm in heart rate and oxygen consumption, with no added effects due to sleep deprivation. However, ratings of perceived exertion (Borg scale) increased significantly throughout sleep deprivation. The findings are consistent with a mild respiratory acidosis, secondary to reduced cortical arousal and/or a progressive depletion of tissue glycogen stores which are not altered appreciably by moderate physical activity.     

Aerobic performance of female marathon and male ultramarathon athletes.

The aerobic performance of thirteen male ultramarathon and nine female marathon runners were studied in the laboratory and their results were related to their times in events ranging in distance from 5 km to 84.64 km. The mean maximal aerobic power output (VO2 max) of the men was 72.5 ml/kg . min compared with 58.2 ml/kg . min (p less than 0.001) in the women but the O2 cost (VO2) for a given speed or distance of running was the same in both sexes. The 5 km time of the male athletes was closely related to their VO2 max (r = -0.85) during uphill running but was independent of relative power output (%VO2 max). However, with increasing distance the association of VO2 max with male athletic performance diminished (but nevertheless remained significant even at 84.64 km), and the relationship between %VO2 max and time increased. Thus, using multiple regression analysis of the form: 42.2 km (marathon) time (h) = 7.445 - 0.0338 VO2 max (ml/kg . min) - 0.0303% VO2 max (r = 0.993) and 84.64 km (London-Brighton) time (h) = 16.998 - 0.0735 VO2 max (ml/kg . min) - 0.0844% VO2 max (r = 0.996) approximately 98% of the total variance of performance times could be accounted for in the marathon and ultramarathon events. This suggests that other factors such as footwear, clothing, and running technique (Costill, 1972) play a relatively minor role in this group of male distance runners. In the female athletes the intermediate times were not available and they did not compete beyond 42.2 km (marathon) distance but for this event a similar association though less in magnitude was found with VO2 max (r = -0.43) and %VO2 max (= -0.49). The male athletes were able to sustain 82% VO2 max (range 80--87%) in 42.2 km and 67% VO2 max (range 53--76%) in 84.64 km event. The comparable figure for the firls in the marathon was 79% VO2 max (ranges 68--86%). Our data suggests that success at the marathon and ultramarathon distances is crucially and (possibly) solely dependent on the development and utilisation of a large VO2 max.     

Plasma lactate and ventilation thresholds in trained and untrained cyclists

Six trained male cyclists and six untrained sedentary men were studied to determine whether the plasma lactate threshold (PLT) and ventilation threshold (VT) occur at the same work rate in both fit and unfit populations. The PLT was determined from a marked increase in plasma lactate concentration ([La]) and VT from a nonlinear increase in expired minute ventilation (VE) during incremental leg-cycling tests; work rate was increased 30 W every 2 min until volitional exhaustion. The trained subjects' mean VO2 max (63.8 ml O2 X kg-1 X min-1) and VT (65.8% VO2 max) were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) than the untrained subjects' mean VO2max (35.5 ml O2 X kg-1 X min-1) and VT (51.4% VO2 max). The trained subjects' mean PLT (68.8% VO2 max) and VT did not differ significantly, but the untrained subjects' mean PLT (61.6% VO2 max) was significantly higher than their VT. The trained subjects' mean peak [La] (10.5 mmol X l-1) did not differ significantly from the untrained subjects' mean peak [La] (11.5 mmol X l-1). However, the time of appearance of the peak [La] during passive recovery was inversely related to VO2 max. These results suggest that variance in lactate diffusion and/or removal processes between the trained and untrained subjects may account in part for the different relationships between the VT and PLT in each population.     

Utilisation of intramyocellular lipids (IMCLs) during exercise as assessed by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS).

Recently, a 1H-MRS method became available to quantify intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) non-invasively. Currently, little is known about the regulation of this lipid pool. During prolonged exercise of moderate intensity, non-plasma-derived fatty acids play an important role as an energy source; lipids located within the skeletal muscle are considered to be a major source for these fatty acids. To see whether IMCL are reduced by exercise, 12 male runners were studied before and after exercising at different workloads and duration. Six subjects participated in a non-competitive run (NCR), three runners in a competitive half marathon (HM, 21 km) and another three in a competitive marathon (M, 42 km). Intra- and extramyocellular lipids were quantified by 1H-MR spectroscopy in the tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SOL) muscles prior to and after the exercise bout. Moderate intensity (MI; 60-70% VO2max in NCR) with a mean exercise time (MET) ranging between 105-110 min decreased IMCL by 10 - 36% in both muscles. Prolonged MI exercise (MET 210-240 min; 68-70% VO2max in M) reduced IMCL by 42-57% in TA and 27 - 56% in SOL. In contrast, high intensity exercise (HI; MET 80-120 min; 83-85% VO2max in HM) did not alter IMCL in either muscle. Extramyocellular lipids (EMCL) did not show any significant change in any group. The data show that one bout of moderate-intensity (60-70% VO2max) aerobic exercise markedly reduces the IMCL in TA and SOL muscles in a time-dependent fashion as assessed by 1H-MRS. However, exercise of similar duration but higher workload (> 80% VO2max) does not reduce IMCL. These data suggest that both exercise duration and workload are important factors in determining the reduction of IMCL.     

Exercise effects on chromium excretion of trained and untrained men consuming a constant diet

Chromium excretion of eight trained and five sedentary men was determined on rest days and after exercise to exhaustion at 90% of maximum O2 consumption (VO2max) to determine if degree of physical fitness affects urinary Cr losses. Subjects were fed a constant daily diet containing approximately 9 micrograms Cr/1,000 kcal. VO2max of the trained runners was in the good or above range based on their age and that of the sedentary subjects was average or below. While consuming the control diet, basal urinary Cr excretion of subjects who exercise regularly was significantly lower than that of the sedentary control subjects, 0.09 +/- 0.01 and 0.21 +/- 0.03 microgram/day (mean +/- SE), respectively. When subjects consumed self-chosen diets, basal urinary Cr excretion of the trained subjects was also significantly lower than that of the untrained subjects. Daily urinary Cr excretion of trained subjects was significantly higher on the day of a single exercise bout at 90% VO2max compared with nonexercise days, 0.12 +/- 0.02 and 0.09 +/- 0.01 microgram/day, respectively. Urinary Cr excretion of sedentary subjects was not altered after controlled exercise. These data demonstrate that basal urinary Cr excretion and excretion in response to exercise are related to VO2max and therefore degree of physical fitness.     

Sweat lactate secretion during exercise in relation to women's aerobic capacity

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether sweat lactate secretion during exercise [approximately 70% maximum O2 consumption (VO2max), 60 min] differed in active vs. sedentary female subjects. Sweat rate, total sweat lactate secretion, and sweat lactate concentration were monitored in a group of sedentary (VO2max = 41.0 +/- 1.62 ml X kg-1 X min-1) and active (VO2max = 51.2 +/- 3.20 ml X kg-1 X min-1) women. Sweat rate was significantly (P less than 0.05) greater in the active subjects. There was a significant difference between groups in total amount of sweat lactate secreted (P less than 0.05), with the active group secreting less lactate (29.8 +/- 5.03 mmol, mean +/- SE) than the sedentary group (50.2 +/- 6.61 mmol). Concomitant with the lower total sweat lactate secretion in the active subjects was a significantly (P less than 0.05) more dilute sweat lactate concentration (42.6 +/- 14.08 vs. 100.4 +/- 32.37 mM). In these female subjects, sweat lactate concentration was inversely correlated (r = -0.79, P less than 0.01, n = 10) to sweat rate. It is concluded that total sweat lactate loss is significantly less in active than in sedentary women and that the active subjects secrete a greater quantity of lactate dilute sweat.     

A hemodynamic comparison of young and older endurance athletes during exercise

This study assessed the hemodynamic responses to exercise of master athletes (56 +/- 5 yr of age) who placed in the top 10% of their age groups in local 10-km competitive events, competitive young runners (26 +/- 3 yr), young runners matched in training and performance to the master athletes (25 +/- 3 yr), and healthy older sedentary subjects (58 +/- 5 yr). The maximal O2 consumption (VO2max) of the master athletes was 9 and 19% lower than that of the matched young and competitive young runners, respectively. When compared at the same relative submaximal work rates, these three groups had similar stroke volumes and arteriovenous O2 (aVO2) differences, though the master athletes had lower VO2, cardiac output, and heart rate, and higher vascular resistance. The older sedentary group had a lower stroke volume, aVO2 difference, and higher vascular resistance than the master athletes. Maximal stroke volume and estimated aVO2 difference were the same in the three groups of athletes; the lower maximal heart rate of the master athletes appears to account for their lower VO2max. The older sedentary subjects' VO2max was 47% lower than that of the master athletes; this difference was almost equally the result of a lower stroke volume and a lower a-VO2 difference. Thus these older athletes did not exhibit the decline in maximum stroke volume and aVO2 difference that occurs with aging in sedentary individuals; they also appear to have retained a greater peripheral vasodilatory response than their sedentary peers.     

Effects of prolonged exercise at a similar percentage of maximal oxygen consumption in trained and untrained subjects

Six trained male cyclists and six untrained but physically active men participated in this study to test the hypothesis that the use of percentage maximal oxygen consumption (%VO2max) as a normalising independent variable is valid despite significant differences in the absolute VO2max of trained and untrained subjects. The subjects underwent an exercise test to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer to determine VO2max and lactate threshold. The subjects were grouped as trained (T) if their VO2max exceeded 60 ml.kg-1.min-1, and untrained (UT) if their VO2max was less than 50 ml.kg-1.min-1. The subjects were required to exercise on the ergometer for up to 40 min at power outputs that corresponded to approximately 50% and 70% VO2max. The allocation of each exercise session (50% or 70% VO2max) was random and each session was separated by at least 5 days. During these tests venous blood was taken 10 min before exercise (- 10 min), just prior to the commencement of exercise (0 min), after 20 min of exercise (20 min), at the end of exercise and 10 min postexercise (+ 10 min) and analysed for concentrations of cortisol, [Na+], [K+], [Cl-], glucose, free fatty acid, lactate [la-], [NH3], haemoglobin [Hb] and for packed cell volume. The oxygen consumption (VO2) and related variables were measured at two time intervals (14-15 and 34-35 min) during the prolonged exercise tests. Rectal temperature was measured throughout both exercise sessions. There was a significant interaction effect between the level of training and exercise time at 50% VO2max for heart rate (fc) and venous [la-].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)