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Purpose: Long-distance running performance has been reported to be associated with sprint performance in highly trained distance runners. Therefore, we hypothesized that sprint training could enhance distance running and sprint performance in long-distance runners. This study examined the effect of 6-week sprint training on long-distance running and sprint performance in highly trained distance runners. Methods: Nineteen college runners were divided into control (n = 8) and training (n = 11) groups. Participants in the training group performed 12 sprint training sessions in 6 weeks, while those in the control group performed 12 distance training sessions. Before and after the interventions, maximal oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 max), O2 cost during submaximal running (290 m·min−1 and 310 m·min−1 of running velocity), and time to exhaustion (starting at 290 m·min–1 and increased 10 m·min–1 every minute) were assessed on a treadmill. Additionally, the 100-m and 400-m sprinting times and 3000-m running time were determined on an all-weather track. Results: In the control group, no measurements significantly changed after the intervention. In the training group, the time to exhaustion, 100-m and 400-m sprinting times, and 3000-m running time improved significantly, while V ˙ O 2 max and O2 cost did not change. Conclusions: These results showed that 6-week sprint training improved both sprint and long-distance running performance in highly trained distance runners without a change in aerobic capacity. Improvement in the time to exhaustion without a change in V ˙ O 2 max suggests that the enhancement of long-distance running performance could be attributable to improved anaerobic capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repeated sprint training consists of a series of brief maximal sprints, 3–7 s in duration, separated by short rest periods of <60 s. However, little is known about the influence of different rest period lengths between sprints on performance adaptation. We determined the influence of inserting long rest periods during repeated sprint training on performance adaptation in competitive athletes. Twenty-one well-trained athletes were separated into either the short rest period group (SHORT;n = 10) or the long rest period group (LONG;n = 11). The training protocol for both groups consisted of two sets of 12 × 6-s maximal cycle sprints with 24 s of rest between sprints. However, in the LONG group, an active rest period of 7 min was inserted every three sprints to attenuate the power output decrement during the latter half of the sprints. The training was performed 3 d/week for 3 weeks. Before and after the training period, repeated sprint ability [12 × 6-s maximal sprint (pedaling) with 24-s rest] was evaluated. Maximal power output during the repeated sprint test was significantly increased only in the LONG group (P < .05). Both groups showed a similar increase in power output during the latter half of sprints (P < .05). The LONG group showed a significant increase in(P < .05). These results suggest that repeated sprint training with insertion of longer rest periods is an efficient strategy for improving maximal power output compared with the same training separated by short rest periods alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to detennine the effect of successive 6 days of sprint training in hypoxia on anaerobic performance in sprinters. Methods: Eighteen male college sprinters were randomly assigned to either normoxic training group (NOR, n=9, FiO2:20.9%) or hypoxic training group (HYPO, n=9, FiO2:14.5%). The subjects in both groups conducted strenuous sprint training for successive 6 days, consisting of 6-30s of repeated maximal pedaling. Before and after the training period, power output during repeated sprint test (10x6s maximal pedaling), and power output during 30s maximal pedaling test, and VO2max were determined. Results: The NOR group showed a significant increase in average power output during repeated sprint test after the training period (P < 0.05), whereas no change was observed in the HYPO group. V02max did not change significantly after the training period in either group. Both groups showed significant increases in time to exhaustion during VO2max test (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that sprint training under moderate hypoxia in sprinters did not cause further increase in anaerobic and aerobic power output compared with the same training under normoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) treatment after exercise on appetite regulation and energy intake., Methods: Twelve male athletes participated in two trials on different days. In both trials, participants performed high-intensity intermittent exercise. After 10 min following the completion of the exercise, they were exposed to a 3-min WBC treatment (-140 °C, WBC trial) or underwent a rest period (CON trial). Blood samples were collected to assess plasma acylated ghrelin, serum leptin, and other metabolic hormone concentrations. Respiratory gas parameters, skin temperature, and ratings of subjective variables were also measured after exercise. At 30 min post-exercise, energy and macronutrient intake were evaluated during an ad libitum buffet meal test., Results: Although appetite-regulating hormones (acylated ghrelin and leptin) significantly changed with exercise ( p = 0.047 for acylated ghrelin and p < 0.001 for leptin), no significant differences were observed between the trials. Energy intake during the buffet meal test was significantly higher in the WBC trial (1371 ± 481 kcal) than the CON trial (1106 ± 452 kcal, p = 0.007)., Conclusion: Cold exposure using WBC following strenuous exercise increased energy intake in male athletes.