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Altered movement complexity, indicative of system dysfunction, has been demonstrated with increased running velocity and neuromuscular fatigue. The critical velocity (CV) denotes a metabolic and neuromuscular fatigue threshold. It remains unclear whether changes to complexity during running are coupled with the exercise intensity domain in which it is performed. The purpose of this study was to examine whether movement variability and complexity differ exclusively above the CV intensity during running. Ten endurance-trained participants ran at 95%, 100%, 105% and 115% CV for 20 min or to task failure, whichever occurred first. Movement at the hip, knee, and ankle were sampled throughout using 3D motion analysis. Complexity of kinematics in the first and last 30 s were quantified using sample entropy (SampEn) and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA-α). Variability was determined using standard deviation (SD). SampEn decreased during all trials in knee flexion/extension and it increased in hip internal/external rotation, whilst DFA-α increased in knee internal/external rotation. SD of ankle plantar/dorsiflexion and inversion/eversion, knee internal/external rotation, and hip flexion/extension and abduction/adduction increased during trials. Hip flexion/extension SampEn values were lowest below CV. DFA-α was lower at higher velocities compared to velocities below CV in ankle plantar/dorsiflexion, hip flexion/extension, hip adduction/abduction, hip internal/external rotation. In hip flexion/extension SD was highest at 115% CV. Changes to kinematic complexity over time are consistent between heavy and severe intensity domains. The findings suggest running above CV results in increased movement complexity and variability, particularly at the hip, during treadmill running.

Introduction Microcurrent has been used to promote tissue healing after injury or to hasten muscle remodeling post exercise post exercise. Purpose To compare the effects of resistance training in combination with either, microcurrent or sham treatment, on-body composition and muscular architecture. Additionally, changes in performance and perceived delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were determined. Methods Eighteen males (25.7 ± 7.6 years) completed an 8-week resistance training program involving 3 workouts per week (24 total sessions) wearing a microcurrent (MIC, n = 9) or a sham (SH, n = 9) device for 3-h post-workout or in the morning during non-training days. Measurements were conducted at pre and post intervention. Results Compared to baseline, both groups increased (p p p p = 0.045) than that observed in SH. Furthermore, only MIC enlarged (p p p p Conclusion A 3-h daily use of microcurrent maximized muscular architectural changes and attenuated DOMS with no added significant benefits on body composition and performance.

As life expectancy in people living with HIV (PWH) has increased, the focus of management has shifted to preventing and treating chronic illnesses. Regular physical activity (PA) has been shown to reduce the impact of HIV on both physical and mental health. Our objectives were to assess the PA levels of PWH compared to HIV negative controls; investigate factors associated with PA; and determine the effect of PA levels on quality of life and mental well-being. We recruited 110 PWH and 110 HIV negative controls in this cross-sectional, single-centre study. Physical activity, quality of life and mental well-being were assessed using the rapid assessment of physical activity tool, EQ-5D-5L Questionnaire, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Score. Binary logistic regression and multiple linear regression were used to identify factors associated with PA levels and mental well-being scores respectively. PWH were less likely to meet the WHO-recommended PA requirements compared to controls (50.0% vs. 64.5%; p = 0.041) and had significantly lower mental wellbeing and quality of life scores. Additionally, in PWH higher PA levels were associated with improved self-rated quality of life scores (p = 0.027). Our results suggest that targeted exercise programmes could have a beneficial effect on health status in PWH.

Karsten, DB, Fu, Y, Larumbe-Zabala, DE, Seijo, DM, and Naclerio, DF. Impact of two high-volume set configuration workouts on resistance training outcomes in recreationally trained men. J Strength Cond Res 35(2S): S136-S143, 2021-This study compared the effects of 2 weekly equalized by volume, loading zone and frequency resistance training designs using repetition to failure (RTF) or not to failure (NTF), on body composition, strength, and mechanical power. Based on individual baseline maximal strength, 18 recreationally resistance-trained men were pair-matched and consequently randomly assigned to an RTF (n = 9) or an NTF (n = 9) protocol. Subjects trained for 6 weeks using 2 different routines performed once per week (2 workouts per week). The RTF protocol comprised 4 sets of 10 repetitions per exercise with 2-minute rest and the NTF involved 8 sets of 5 repetitions per exercise with 1-minute rest. Subjects were tested pre- and post-intervention for maximal strength, upper- and lower-body power, fat-free mass, limb circumferences, and muscle thickness. Compared to baseline, both groups improved (p0.01) the maximal loads lifted in the bench press (RTF +9.44 ± 3.00 kg; NTF +7.22 ± 4.41 kg) and the squat (RTF +9.44 ± 4.64 kg; NTF +11.1 ± 10.33 kg) exercises, but only the NTF group increased (p0.05) upper-body power (+15.73 ± 12.59 W). Conversely, only the RTF group showed significant (p0.05) increase of the elbow flexors (+3.44 ± 5.11 mm) and vastus medialis (+3.28 ± 2.32 mm) thickness, whereas both groups enhanced anterior deltoid thickness (RTF +1.84 ± 1.68 mm, p0.05; NTF +2.76 ± 2.63 mm, p0.01). Although both training strategies improved strength, the RTF group elicited superior hypertrophic outcomes, whereas the NTF protocol resulted in more favorable improvements for upper-body power.

PURPOSE This study aimed to assess and compare the systemic response of oxygen uptake kinetics and muscle deoxygenation between a 30-min rest protocol and a multivisit protocol on the parameters of the power-duration relationship (i.e., critical power [CP] and W'). METHODS Nine endurance-trained triathletes reported to the laboratory on five occasions: a preliminary graded exercise test and a familiarization, a 30-min single-visit protocol (time trials of 10, 5, and 2 min in that order interspersed with 30 min rest), and a multivisit protocol (time trials of 10, 5, and 2 min in randomized order interspersed by >24 h rest). Heart rate (HR) was recorded continuously, respiratory gases were measured breath by breath, and deoxygenation was recorded at 10 Hz using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during all tests. Blood lactate (BLa-) concentration was measured before all time trials. Maximal HR (HRmax), oxygen uptake (V˙O2) during the first 2 min (V˙O2onset), mean response time, end-exercise V˙O2 (V˙O2peak), V˙O2 amplitude (amplV˙O2), O2 deficit, NIRS τ, amplitude (amplNIRS), and time delay were assessed. To compare the two protocols and to assess the differences in W' and CP, a paired sample t-test was used as well as a two-way ANOVA to assess the differences between trials and/or protocols, including trial-protocol interactions. RESULTS No significant differences, and trivial effect sizes, were found for W' and CP between protocols (P = 0.106-0.114, d < 0.01-0.08). Furthermore, no significant differences between protocols were found for all parameters, except for [BLa-]. Significant differences between trials were found for V˙O2ampl, V˙O2onset, NIRS τ, amplNIRS, [BLa-], and HRmax. CONCLUSION Results suggest that W' and CP can be determined using the 30-min rest protocol without confounding effects of previous severe exercise compared with the multivisit protocol.

Post-exercise microcurrent based treatments have shown to optimise exercise-induced adaptations in athletes. We compared the effects of endurance training in combination with either, a microcurrent or a sham treatment, on endurance performance. Additionally, changes in body composition, post-exercise lactate kinetics and perceived delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) were determined. Eighteen males (32.8 ± 6.3 years) completed an 8-week endurance training programme involving 5 to 6 workouts per week wearing a microcurrent (MIC, n=9) or a sham (SH, n=9) device for 3-h post-workout or in the morning during non-training days. Measurements were conducted at pre- and post-intervention. Compared to baseline, both groups increased (P

To investigate the agreement between critical power (CP) and functional threshold power (FTP), 17 trained cyclists and triathletes (mean ± SD: age 31 ± 9 years, body mass 80 ± 10 kg, maximal aerobic power 350 ± 56 W, peak oxygen consumption 51 ± 10 mL⋅min–1⋅kg–1) performed a maximal incremental ramp test, a single-visit CP test and a 20-min time trial (TT) test in randomized order on three different days. CP was determined using a time-trial (TT) protocol of three durations (12, 7, and 3 min) interspersed by 30 min passive rest. FTP was calculated as 95% of 20-min mean power achieved during the TT. Differences between means were examined using magnitude-based inferences and a paired-samples t-test. Effect sizes are reported as Cohen’s d. Agreement between CP and FTP was assessed using the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) method and Pearson correlation coefficient. There was a 91.7% probability that CP (256 ± 50 W) was higher than FTP (249 ± 44 W). Indeed, CP was significantly higher compared to FTP (P = 0.041) which was associated with a trivial effect size (d = 0.04). The mean bias between CP and FTP was 7 ± 13 W and LoA were −19 to 33 W. Even though strong correlations exist between CP and FTP (r = 0.969; P < 0.001), the chance of meaningful differences in terms of performance (1% smallest worthwhile change), were greater than 90%. With relatively large ranges for LoA between variables, these values generally should not be used interchangeably. Caution should consequently be exercised when choosing between FTP and CP for the purposes of performance analysis.

In this report we reflect on the decision-making process and actions taken by a young higher education institution to the COVID-19 pandemic to continue teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy degree programmes. LUNEX University is unique in that it is the only higher education institute in Luxembourg to provide education in physiotherapy. The response to the global pandemic is further complicated as the majority of students commute across international borders to attend campus. We have focused on three distinct challenges LUNEX staff faced to ensure continued and quality teaching was provided: 1) Response to the country-wide and global shutdown; 2) Return to campus; and 3) Provision of clinical placements. We describe the decisions and actions to rapidly move to a blended learning format, and the strategic approach to incorporating simulated practice after restrictions were eased and a return to campus was possible. Initial observation suggests improvement in student competency in practical skills as a result of the blended learning approach. Recommendations are provided to encourage the integration of blended learning for practical and clinical degree programmes, like physiotherapy, where an emphasis is placed on simulated practice in classroom settings, underpinned by prior theoretical knowledge delivered online.

To investigate single-day time-to-exhaustion (TTE) and time-trial (TT) -based laboratory tests values of critical power (CP), W prime (W'), and respective oxygen-uptake-kinetic responses.Twelve cyclists performed a maximal ramp test followed by 3 TTE and 3 TT efforts interspersed by 60 min recovery between efforts. Oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 ) was measured during all trials. The mean response time was calculated as a description of the overall [Formula: see text]-kinetic response from the onset to 2 min of exercise.TTE-determined CP was 279 ± 52 W, and TT-determined CP was 276 ± 50 W (P = .237). Values of W' were 14.3 ± 3.4 kJ (TTE W') and 16.5 ± 4.2 kJ (TT W') (P = .028). While a high level of agreement (-12 to 17 W) and a low prediction error of 2.7% were established for CP, for W' limits of agreements were markedly lower (-8 to 3.7 kJ), with a prediction error of 18.8%. The mean standard error for TTE CP values was significantly higher than that for TT CP values (2.4% ± 1.9% vs 1.2% ± 0.7% W). The standard errors for TTE W' and TT W' were 11.2% ± 8.1% and 5.6% ± 3.6%, respectively. The [Formula: see text] response was significantly faster during TT (~22 s) than TTE (~28 s).The TT protocol with a 60-min recovery period offers a valid, time-saving, and less error-filled alternative to conventional and more recent testing methods. Results, however, cannot be transferred to W'.

The aim of the study was to determine whether estimates of the speed-duration relationship are affected using different time-trial (TT) field-based testing protocols, where exhaustive times were located within the generally recommended durations of 2 to 15 min. Ten triathletes (mean±SD age: 31.0±5.7yrs; height: 1.81±0.05m; body mass: 76.5±6.8kg) performed two randomly assigned field-tests to determine critical speed (CS) and the total distance covered above CS (D´). CS and D´ were obtained using two different protocols comprising three TT that were interspersed by 60 min passive rest. The TTs were 12, 7, and 3 min in Protocol I and 10, 5, and 2 min in Protocol II. A linear relationship of speed vs. the inverse of time (s=D´x1/t+CS) was used to determine parameter estimates. Significant differences were found for CS (P=.026), but not for D´ (P=.123). The effect size for CS (d=.305) was considered small, whilst that for D´ was considered moderate (d=.742). CS was significantly correlated between protocols (r=.934; P

Muniz-Pumares, D, Karsten, B, Triska, C, and Glaister, M. Methodological approaches and related challenges associated with the determination of critical power and W'. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 584-596, 2019-The relationship between exercise intensity and time to task failure (P-T relationship) is hyperbolic, and characterized by its asymptote (critical power [CP]) and curvature constant (W'). The determination of these parameters is of interest for researchers and practitioners, but the testing protocol for CP and W' determination has not yet been standardized. Conventionally, a series of constant work rate (CWR) tests to task failure have been used to construct the P-T relationship. However, the duration, number, and recovery between predictive CWR and the mathematical model (hyperbolic or derived linear models) are known to affect CP and W'. Moreover, repeating CWR may be deemed as a cumbersome and impractical protocol. Recently, CP and W' have been determined in field and laboratory settings using time trials, but the validity of these methods has raised concerns. Alternatively, a 3-minute all-out test (3MT) has been suggested, as it provides a simpler method for the determination of CP and W', whereby power output at the end of the test represents CP, and the amount of work performed above this end-test power equates to W'. However, the 3MT still requires an initial incremental test and may overestimate CP. The aim of this review is, therefore, to appraise current methods to estimate CP and W', providing guidelines and suggestions for future research where appropriate.

This study investigated the activity profile during small-sided games (SSG) in elite youth soccer players. Internal load (IL) including heart rate (HR) and external load (EL) such as distance covered in different speed-zones (SZ) were collected from forty-eight players of three different teams (U15, U16, U18). The investigation included a total of eighteen 5vs.5 SSGs, each consisting of four 2-minute bouts on a 40x32m pitch during spring season. Total group results (n = 48) showed a reduction in total-distance (p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.12), high-intensity-running (p = 0.009; ηp2 = 0.09), and low-intensity-running distance (p = 0.028; ηp2 = 0.07) between bouts. Similarly, a reduction in the number of both acceleration-low (p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.12) and deceleration-high (p = 0.003; ηp2 = 0.11) values was observed. Additionally, time spent in HR-zones 3 and 4 (p≤0.007; ηp2 ≥ 0.10), increased, with a reduction in HR-zone 1 (p = 0.000, ηp2 = 0.25). Age group comparison showed less distance covered in SZ 1 (p≤0.000; ηp2 = 0.56) and greater deceleration-high values (p≤0.038; ηp2 = 0.32) in U15 players compared to other age groups. Further, U15 showed lower values in low-intensity-running compared to U18 (p = 0.038; ηp2 = 0.22). No age-related differences were found for IL and repeated sprint ability (RSA) values. The higher EL in younger age groups should be taken into account when implementing soccer specific SSGs. In addition, HRmean values between 80–85% of HRmax and RSA numbers, which are similar to match-play data, indicate SSGs as an effective training tool to prepare youth soccer athletes for the demands of competition.

Introduction Microcurrent has been used to promote tissue healing after injury or to hasten muscle remodeling post exercise post exercise. Purpose To compare the effects of resistance training in combination with either, microcurrent or sham treatment, on-body composition and muscular architecture. Additionally, changes in performance and perceived delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were determined. Methods Eighteen males (25.7 ± 7.6 years) completed an 8-week resistance training program involving 3 workouts per week (24 total sessions) wearing a microcurrent (MIC, n = 9) or a sham (SH, n = 9) device for 3-h post-workout or in the morning during non-training days. Measurements were conducted at pre and post intervention. Results Compared to baseline, both groups increased (p

The present study compared the effects of 2 weekly-equalized volume and relative load interventions on body composition, strength, and power. Based on individual baseline maximal strength values, 18 recreationally trained men were pair-matched and consequently randomly assigned to one of the following experimental groups: a low volume per session with a high frequency (LV-HF, n = 9) group who trained for 4 days (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays) or a high volume per session and low frequency (HV-LF, n = 9) group who trained for 2 days (Mondays and Thursdays). Both groups performed 2 different routines over 6 weeks. Participants were tested pre- and post- intervention for maximal strength, upper body power, fat-free mass, limb circumferences, and muscle thickness. Compared with baseline values, both groups increased their fat-free mass (HV-LF: +1.19 ± 1.94; LV-HF: +1.36 ± 1.06 kg, p < 0.05) and vastus medialis thickness (HV-LF: +2.18 ± 1.88, p < 0.01; LV-HF: +1.82 ± 2.43 mm, p < 0.05), but only the HV-LF group enhanced arm circumference (1.08 ± 1.47 cm, p < 0.05) and elbow flexors thickness (2.21 ± 2.81 mm, P < 0.01) values and decreased their fat mass (–2.41 ± 1.10, P < 0.01). Both groups improved (p < 0.01) the maximal loads lifted in the bench press (LV-HF: +0.14 ± 0.01; HV-LF: +0.14 ± 0.01 kg·body mass−1) and the squat (LV-HF: +0.14 ± 0.06; HV-LF: 0.17 ± 0.01 kg·body mass−1) exercises as well as in upper body power (LV-HF: +0.22 ± 0.25; HV-LF: +0.27 ± 0.22 W·body mass−1) Although both training strategies improved performance and lower body muscle mass, only the HV-LF protocol increased upper body hypertrophy and improved body composition.

Objective:\ud The present study compares the effect of ingesting hydrolyzed beef protein, whey protein, and carbohydrate on performance, body composition (via plethysmography), muscular thickness, and blood indices of health, including ferritin concentrations, following a 10-week intervention program.\ud \ud Methods:\ud After being randomly assigned to one of the following groups: Beef, Whey, or Carbohydrate, twenty four master-age male triathletes (n=8 per treatment) ingested 20 g of supplement, mixed with plain water once a day (immediately after training or before breakfast). All measurements were performed pre and post interventions.\ud \ud Results:\ud Only Beef significantly reduced body mass (p=0.021) along with a trend to preserve or increase thigh muscle mass (34.1±6.1 vs 35.5± 7.4 mm). Both Whey (38.4±3.8 vs 36.9±2.8 mm) and Carbohydrate (36.0±4.8 vs 34.1±4.4 mm) interventions demonstrated a significantly (p

Critical Power (CP) and W’ are often determined using multi-day testing protocols. To investigate this cumbersome testing method, the purpose of this study was to compare the differences between the conventional use of a 24-h inter-trial recovery time with those of 3 h and 30 min for the determination of CP and W’. Methods: 9 moderately trained cyclists performed an incremental test to exhaustion to establish the power output associated with the maximum oxygen uptake (p V O2max), and 3 protocols requiring time-to-exhaustion trials at a constant work-rate performed at 80%, 100% and 105% of p VO2max. Design: Protocol A utilised 24-h inter-trial recovery (CP24/W’24), protocol B utilised 3-h inter-trial recovery (CP3/W’3), and protocol C used 30-min inter-trial recovery period (CP0.5/W’0.5). CP and W’ were calculated using the inverse time (1/t) versus power (P) relation (P = W’(1/t) + CP). Results: 95% Limits of Agreement between protocol A and B were −9 to 15 W; −7.4 to 7.8 kJ (CP/W’) and between protocol A and protocol C they were −27 to 22 W; −7.2 to 15.1 kJ (CP/W’). Compared to criterion protocol A, the average prediction error of protocol B was 2.5% (CP) and 25.6% (W’), whilst for protocol C it was 3.7% (CP) and 32.9% (W’). Conclusion: 3-h and 30-min inter-trial recovery time protocols provide valid methods of determining CP but not W’ in cycling.

Whilst Critical Speed (CS) has been successfully translated from the laboratory into the field, this translation is still outstanding for the related maximum running distance (D′). Using iso-duration exhaustive laboratory and field runs, this study investigated the potential interchangeable use of both parameters, D′ and CS. After an incremental exercise test, 10 male participants (age: 24.9±2.1 yrs; height: 180.8±5.8 cm; body mass: 75.3±8.6 kg; V̇ ˙VO2peak 52.9±3.1 mL∙min−1∙kg−1) performed 3 time-to-exhaustion runs on a treadmill followed by 3 exhaustive time-trial runs on a-400 m athletics outdoor track. Field time-trial durations were matched to their respective laboratory time-to-exhaustion runs. D′ and CS were calculated using the inverse-time model (speed=D′/t+CS). Laboratory and field values of D′ and CS were not significantly different (221±7 m vs. 225±72 m; P=0.73 and 3.75±0.36 m∙s−1 vs. 3.77±0.35 m∙s−1, P=0.68), and they were significantly correlated (r=0.86 and 0.94). The 95% LoA were ±75.5 m and ±0.24 m∙s−1 for D′ and CS, respectively. Applying iso-durations provides non-significant differences for D′ and CS and a significant correlation between conditions. This novel translation method can consequently be recommended to coaches and practitioners, however a questionable level of agreement indicates to use D′ with caution.

BACKGROUND: Research supports a link between exercise and falls prevention in the older population. OBJECTIVES: Our aims were to evaluate pain perception and balance skills in a group of elderly subjects and to examine the consequences of a standardized equipment-free exercise program intervention on these variables. The study utilized a randomized controlled trial method. METHODS: 92 subjects were recruited from a rural Sicilian village (Resuttano, Sicily, Italy). Subjects were randomly split into two groups, an experimental group (EG; n = 49) and a control group (CG; n = 43). Qualified fitness instructors delivered the standardized physical exercise program for the EG whilst the CG did not receive this exercise intervention. The Berg Balance Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index were administered in both groups before (T0) and after the intervention (T1). RESULTS: At T1, the EG group significantly improvement in balance (p

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects on blood sugar concentrations through the calculation of the glycemic score (GS) of 10 different high-protein low-carbohydrates (CHOs) proprietary foods that are commonly used as meals during very low-CHO ketogenic diets or during low-CHO diets. Fourteen healthy females were tested for their glycemic response curve elicited by 1000 kJ of glucose three times within a 3-week period (one test each week) compared with one of 10 test foods once on separate days twice a week. After determining the GS of each food in each individual, the mean GS of each test food was calculated. All test foods, compared with glucose, produced a significantly lower glycemic response. The GS of all test food resulted in being lower than 25 and the difference between the mean glycemia after the intake of glucose (mean 122 ± 15 mg/dL) and after the intake of the sweet test foods (mean 89 ± 7 mg/dL) was 33 mg/dL (P

UNLABELLED:The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of a moderate intensity strength training on changes in critical velocity (CV), anaerobic running distance (D'), sprint performance and Yo-Yo intermittent running test (Yo-Yo IR1) performances. METHODS:two recreational soccer teams were divided in a soccer training only group (SO; n = 13) and a strength and soccer training group (ST; n = 13). Both groups were tested for values of CV, D', Yo-Yo IR1 distance and 30-m sprint time on two separate occasions (pre and post intervention). The ST group performed a concurrent 6-week upper and lower body strength and soccer training, whilst the SO group performed a soccer only training. RESULTS:after the re-test of all variables, the ST demonstrated significant improvements for both, YoYo IR1 distance (p = 0.002) and CV values (p

The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of critical power (CP) and the total amount of work accomplished above CP (W´) across repeated tests using ecological valid maximal effort time-trials (TTs) under laboratory conditions. After an initial incremental exercise test, ten well-trained male triathletes (age: 28.5 ± 4.7 yrs; body mass: 73.3 ± 7.9 kg; height: 1.80 ± 0.07 m; maximal aerobic power (MAP): 328.6 ± 41.2 W) performed three testing sessions (Familiarization, Test I and Test II) each comprising three TTs (12 min, 7 min and 3 min with a passive recovery of 60 min between trials). CP and W´ were determined using a linear regression of power vs. the inverse of time (1/t) (P = W´ ∙ 1/t + CP). A repeated measure ANOVA was used to detect differences in CP and W´ and reliability was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and the coefficient of variation (CoV). CP and W´ values were not significantly different between repeated tests (P = 0.171 and P = 0.078 for CP and W´, respectively). The ICC between Familiarization and Test I was r = 0.86 (CP) and r = 0.58 (W´) and between Tests I and II it was r = 0.94 (CP) and r = 0.95 (W´). The CoV notably decreased from 4.1% to 2.6% and from 25.3% to 8.2% for CP and W´ respectively. Despite the non-significant differences for both parameter estimates between the repeated tests, ICC and CoV values improved notably after the Familiarization trial. Our novel findings indicate that for both, CP and W´ post familiarization ICC and CoV values indicated high reliability. It is therefore advisable to familiarize well-trained athletes when determining the power-duration relationship using TTs under laboratory conditions.

Purpose:To investigate the effects of a sport-specific maximal 6-wk strength and conditioning program on critical velocity (CV), anaerobic running distance (ARD), and 5-km time-trial performance (TT).Methods:16 moderately trained recreational endurance runners were tested for CV, ARD, and TT performances on 3 separate occasions (baseline, midstudy, and poststudy).Design:Participants were randomly allocated into a strength and conditioning group (S&C; n = 8) and a comparison endurance-trainingonly group (EO; n = 8). During the first phase of the study (6 wk), the S&C group performed concurrent maximal strength and endurance training, while the EO group performed endurance-only training. After the retest of all variables (midstudy), both groups subsequently, during phase 2, performed another 6 wk of endurance-only training that was followed by poststudy tests.Results:No significant change for CV was identified in either group. The S&C group demonstrated a significant decrease for ARD values after phases 1 and 2 of the study. TT performances were significantly different in the S&C group after the intervention, with a performance improvement of 3.62%. This performance increase returned close to baseline after the 6-wk endurance-only training.Conclusion:Combining a 6-wk resistance-training program with endurance training significantly improves 5-km TT performance. Removing strength training results in some loss of those performance improvements.

Detrimental effects of acute and chronic alcohol (ethanol) consumption on human physiology are well documented in the literature. These adversely influence neural, metabolic, cardiovascular, and thermoregulatory functions. However, the side effects of ethanol consumption on hormonal fluctuations and subsequent related skeletal muscle alterations have received less attention and as such are not entirely understood. The focus of this review is to identify the side effects of ethanol consumption on the major hormones related to muscle metabolism and clarify how the hormonal profiles are altered by such consumption.

Purpose: To test the validity and reliability of field critical power (CP).\ud \ud Method: Laboratory CP tests comprised three exhaustive trials at intensities of 80, 100 and 105 % maximal aerobic power and CP results were compared with those determined from the field. Experiment 1: cyclists performed three CP field tests which comprised maximal efforts of 12, 7 and 3 min with a 30 min recovery between efforts. Experiment 2: cyclists performed 3 × 3, 3 × 7 and 3 × 12 min individual maximal efforts in a randomised order in the field. Experiment 3: the highest 3, 7 and 12 min power outputs were extracted from field training and racing data.\ud \ud Results: Standard error of the estimate of CP was 4.5, 5.8 and 5.2 % for experiments 1–3, respectively. Limits of agreement for CP were −26 to 29, 26 to 53 and −34 to 44 W for experiments 1–3, respectively. Mean coefficient of variation in field CP was 2.4, 6.5 and 3.5 % for experiments 1–3, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients of the three repeated trials for CP were 0.99, 0.96 and 0.99 for experiments 1–3, respectively.\ud \ud Conclusions: Results suggest field-testing using the different protocols from this research study, produce both valid and reliable CP values.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of agreement between laboratory-based estimates of critical power (CP) and results taken from a novel field test. Subjects were fourteen trained cyclists (age 40±7 yrs; body mass 70.2±6.5 kg; V?O2max 3.8±0.5 L · min-1). Laboratory-based CP was estimated from 3 constant work-rate tests at 80%, 100% and 105% of maximal aerobic power (MAP). Field-based CP was estimated from 3 all-out tests performed on an outdoor velodrome over fixed durations of 3, 7 and 12 min. Using the linear work limit (Wlim) vs. time limit (Tlim) relation for the estimation of CP1 values and the inverse time (1/t) vs. power (P) models for the estimation of CP2 values, field-based CP1 and CP2 values did not significantly differ from laboratory-based values (234±24.4 W vs. 234±25.5 W (CP1); P

Recent data suggest that the mean power over the final 30 seconds of a 3- min all-out test is equivalent to Critical Power (CP) using the linear ergometer mode. The purpose of the present study was to identify whether this is also true using an 'isokinetic mode'. Thirteen cyclists performed: 1) a ramp test; 2) three 3-min all-out trials to establish End Power (EP) and work done above EP (WEP); and 3) three constant work rate trials to determine CP and the work done above CP (W') using the work–time (=CP1/ W'1) and 1/time (=CP2/ W'2) models. Coefficient of variation in EP was 4.45% between trials 1 and 2, and 4.29% between trials 2 and 3. Limits of Agreement for trials 1-2 and trials 2-3 were -2 ± 38 W. Significant differences were observed between EP and CP1 (+37 W, P < 0.001), WEP and W′ 1(-6.2 kJ, P = 0.001), EP and CP2 (+31 W, P < 0.001), and WEP and W′ 2 (-4.2 kJ, P = 0.006). Average SEE values for EP-CP1 and EP – CP2 of 7.1% and 6.6% respectively were identified. Data suggest that using an isokinetic mode 3-min all-out test, whilst yielding a reliable measure of EP, does not provide a valid measure of CP.

Detrimental effects of acute and chronic alcohol (ethanol) consumption on human physiology are well documented in the literature. These adversely influence neural, metabolic, cardiovascular, and thermoregulatory functions. However, the side effects of ethanol consumption on hormonal fluctuations and subsequent related skeletal muscle alterations have received less attention and as such are not entirely understood. The focus of this review is to identify the side effects of ethanol consumption on the major hormones related to muscle metabolism and clarify how the hormonal profiles are altered by such consumption.