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Gas-collection masks are used as a comfortable alternative to the traditional mouthpiece and noseclip during exercise testing protocols in human performance laboratories. However, these masks may introduce potential problems which could affect metabolic and ventilatory parameters, including gas leaks and added dead space. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare breathing mechanics, gas exchange variables and ratings of perceived breathlessness (RPB) during high-intensity exercise between a mouthpiece and face mask. Fourteen men [⩒O2peak = 55.3 ± 7.3 ml·kg−1·min−1] were recruited to perform 6 min of cycle ergometry (Velotron Pro, RacerMate, Inc., Seattle, WA) at a work rate corresponding to 90% of ⩒O2peak while breathing on either (1) a mouthpiece (Hans Rudolph, KC, KS) with nose clip, or (2) a face mask (7450, Hans Rudolph, KC, KS). The difference in ⩒E between the mouthpiece (156.8 ± 23.3 L/min) and face mask (153.3 ± 21.8 L/min) was not significant (p = 0.534). Similarly, there were no significant differences in breathing mechanics, gas exchange variables or RPB. These data suggest that the facemask can continue to be used interchangeably with the mouthpiece and may even be a more comfortable alternative during high-intensity exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitual endurance training may be associated with mild airway inflammation and subsequent deterioration in lung function. PCSO-524™ (Lyprinol®/Omega-XL®), a supplement extracted from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), has been shown to moderate airway inflammation in asthmatic subjects. The purpose of this study was to determine whether supplementation with PCSO-524™ improves pulmonary and respiratory muscle function in nonasthmatic elite runners. Sixteen male, non-asthmatic elite runners were randomly assigned to either a treatment (PCSO-524™; 1 capsule contains 50 mg n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and 100 mg olive oil, n=8) or placebo (1 capsule contains 150 mg olive oil; n=8) group. During the supplementation period, subjects ingested 8 capsules of either treatment or placebo per day for 12 weeks. Resting pulmonary and respiratory muscle function testing were assessed at baseline and every two weeks throughout the 12 week supplementation period. No significant between- or within-subjects main effects were observed in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1-second, forced expiratory flow from 25-75% of lung volume (FEF25-75), peak expiratory flow, maximal voluntary ventilation, maximal inspiratory mouth pressure, and closing volume (p>0.05). A significant within-subjects main effect was observed in maximal expiratory mouth pressure (PEmax) (p=0.024) and lung diffusion capacity (DLCO) (p<0.0001), but no significant between-subjects main effects were observed for PEMAX and DLCO (p>0.05). A significant treatment by time interaction was observed in FEF25-75 (p=0.026) and DLCO (p=0.024), but no other significant interactions were observed (all p>0.05). Supplementation with PCSO-524™ (Lyprinol®/Omega-XL®) does not improve pulmonary or respiratory muscle function in non-asthmatic elite runners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reflects on article "Improvements in Cycling Time Trial Performance Are Not Sustained Following the Acute Provision of Challenging and Deceptive Feedback" by H.S. Jones and others published 2016 issue of periodical. Topics discussed include performance gains elicited by deceptive feedback were not sustained in a subsequent ride-alone time trial (TT), enhanced performance observed in trial by an implicit competition effect and time trial distance can each influence energy reserves.