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The incremental exercise test is the most common method in assessing the maximal fat oxidation (MFO) rate. The main aim of the study was to determine whether the progressive linear RAMP test can be used to assess the maximal fat oxidation rate along with the intensities that trigger its maximal (FATmax) and its minimal (FATmin) values. Our study comprised 57 young road cyclists who were tested in random order. Each of them was submitted to two incremental exercise tests on an electro-magnetically braked cycle-ergometer - STEP (50 W·3 min-1) and RAMP (~0.278 W·s-1) at a 7-day interval. A stoichiometric equation was used to calculate the fat oxidation rate, while the metabolic thresholds were defined by analyzing ventilation gases. The Student’s T-test, Bland-Altman plots and Pearson’s linear correlations were resorted to in the process of statistical analysis. No statistically significant MFO variances occurred between the tests (p = 0.12) and its rate amounted to 0.57 ± 0.15 g·min-1 and 0.53 ± 0.17 g·min-1 in the STEP and RAMP, respectively. No statistically significant variances in the absolute and relative (to maximal) values of oxygen uptake and heart rate were discerned at the FATmax and FATmin intensities. The RAMP test displayed very strong oxygen uptake correlations between the aerobic threshold and FATmax (r = 0.93, R2 = 0.87, p < 0.001) as well as the anaerobic threshold and FATmin (r = 0.88, R2 = 0.78, p < 0.001). Our results corroborate our hypothesis that the incremental RAMP test as well as the STEP test are reliable tools in assessing MFO, FATmax and FATmin intensities.

Introduction. The aim of the study was to verify the influence of warm-up before a ramp incremental exercise test with linearly increasing loads on the maximal values of physiological variables which determine performance. Material and methods. Thirteen healthy and physically active male students (age = 23.3 ± 1.5 years, body height = 179.1 ± 8.6 cm and body mass = 79.5 ± 9.1 kg) completed a cross-over comparison of two incremental exercise test interventions – an incremental exercise test with a 15-minute warm-up at an intensity of 60% of the maximal oxygen uptake obtained in the first incremental exercise test and the same test without warm-up. Results. The peak values of physiological variables were statistically significantly higher for the incremental exercise test with warm-up, the differences between tests being 2.66% for peak power output (p = 0.039, t = 2.312, ES = 0.24), 7.75% for peak oxygen uptake (p = 0.000, t = 5.225, ES = 0.56), 7.72% for peak minute ventilation (p = 0.005, t = 3.346, ES = 0.53) and 1.62% for peak heart rate (p = 0.019, t = 2.690, ES = 0.60). Conclusions. Warm-up before a ramp incremental exercise test resulted in higher values of maximal oxygen uptake, maximal minute ventilation, maximal heart rate and peak power output.

Background: The aim of the study was to compare acute physiological, biochemical, and perceptual responses during sprint interval exercise (SIE) with breathing through a device increasing added respiratory dead space volume (ARDSV) and without the device. Methods: The study involved 11 healthy, physically active men (mean maximal oxygen uptake: 52.6 &plusmn, 8.2 mL∙kg1∙min&minus, 1). During four visits to a laboratory with a minimum interval of 72 h, they participated in (1) an incremental test on a cycle ergometer, (2) a familiarization session, (3) and (4) cross-over SIE sessions. SIE consisted of 6 &times, 10-s all-out bouts with 4-min active recovery. During one of the sessions the participants breathed through a 1200-mL ARDSv (SIEARDS). Results: The work performed was significantly higher by 4.4% during SIEARDS, with no differences in the fatigue index. The mean respiratory ventilation was significantly higher by 13.2%, and the mean oxygen uptake was higher by 31.3% during SIEARDS. Respiratory muscle strength did not change after the two SIE sessions. In SIEARDS, the mean pH turned out significantly lower (7.26 vs. 7.29), and the mean HCO3&ndash, concentration was higher by 7.6%. Average La&minus, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) did not differ between the sessions. Conclusions: Using ARDSV during SIE provokes respiratory acidosis, causes stronger acute physiological responses, and does not increase RPE.

The avoidance of respiratory muscle fatigue and its repercussions may play an important role in swimmers&rsquo, health and physical performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether a six-week moderate-intensity swimming intervention with added respiratory dead space (ARDS) resulted in any differences in respiratory muscle variables and pulmonary function in recreational swimmers. A sample of 22 individuals (recreational swimmers) were divided into an experimental (E) and a control (C) group, observed for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). The intervention involved 50 min of front crawl swimming performed at 60% VO2max twice weekly for six weeks. Added respiratory dead space was induced via tube breathing (1000 mL) in group E during each intervention session. Respiratory muscle strength variables and pulmonary and respiratory variables were measured before and after the intervention. The training did not increase the inspiratory or expiratory muscle strength or improve spirometric parameters in any group. Only in group E, maximal tidal volume increased by 6.3% (p = 0.01). The ARDS volume of 1000 mL with the diameter of 2.5 cm applied in moderate-intensity swimming training constituted too weak a stimulus to develop respiratory muscles and lung function measured in the spirometry test.

The digit ratio (2D:4D) is said to be a potential marker of exposure to prenatal sex steroids. Some studies suggest that the 2D:4D is also linked with the testosterone response to challenging situations due to organizational effect of prenatal hormonal milieu on adult endocrine functioning. However, up to date, there were only four studies (conducted on small samples) that examined the 2D:4D and the testosterone response to a challenging situation (i.e. physical exertion or aggressive context). Here, we examined the relationship between the 2D:4D and the testosterone change under an acute exercise among 97 men. We found that the digit ratios (the right 2D:4D, the left 2D:4D, and the right minus left 2D:4D) were neither predictors of pre-exercise testosterone, nor the change in testosterone level after a cycling task. Our results add a contradictory to previous studies evidence in a discussion on the links of the 2D:4D and the testosterone change.

Hebisz, R, Hebisz, P, Danek, N, Michalik, K, and Zaton, M. Predicting changes in maximal oxygen uptake in response to polarized training (sprint interval training, high-intensity interval training, and endurance training) in mountain bike cyclists. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of change in maximal oxygen uptake (ΔV[Combining Dot Above]O2max) in response to a polarized training program. Twenty well-trained mountain bike cyclists completed an 8-week intervention of sprint interval training (SIT) (8-16 30-second maximal sprints), high-intensity interval training (4-6 bouts at 85-95% maximal aerobic power), and endurance training (2-3 hours cycling at 70-80% power at the ventilatory threshold). An incremental exercise test was performed to determine preintervention and postintervention maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) and maximal pulmonary ventilation (VEmax) normalized to lean body mass (LBM). The frequency and time domain of heart rate variability (HRV) was also determined during recovery after moderate warm-up in the first and last SIT. Training status was quantified as the total distance cycled in the previous year. V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, VEmax, and the root mean square of the successive differences of normal-to-normal time interval between heartbeats (RMSSD), which is the time domain of HRV all increased significantly. Multiple significant correlations were observed between ΔV[Combining Dot Above]O2max and training status and baseline measures of VEmax·LBM, RMSSD, and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max·LBM and a regression equation was developed (r = 0.87, r = 0.76; p = 0.0001). The change in V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in response to polarized training can be predicted with high accuracy based on several measurable variables.

Background: Knowledge of acute responses to different sprint interval exercise (SIE) helps to implement new training programs. The aim of this study was to compare the acute physiological, metabolic and perceptual responses to two different SIE cycling protocols with different recovery durations. Methods: Twelve healthy, active male participants took part in this study and completed four testing sessions in the laboratory separated by a minimum of 72h. Two SIE protocols were applied in randomized order: SIE6&times, 10&rdquo, /4&rsquo, &mdash, six &ldquo, all-out&rdquo, repeated 10-s bouts, interspersed with 4-min recovery, and SIESERIES&mdash, two series of three &ldquo, repeated 10-s bouts, separated by 30-s recovery and 18-min recovery between series. Protocols were matched for the total work time (1 min) and recovery (20 min). Results: In SIESERIES, peak oxygen uptake and peak heart rate were significantly higher (p &lt, 0.05), without differences in peak blood lactate concentration and mean rating of perceived exertion compared to SIE6&times, There were no differences in peak power output, peak oxygen uptake and peak heart rate between both series in SIESERIES. Conclusions: Two series composed of three 10-s &ldquo, bouts in SIESERIES protocol evoked higher cardiorespiratory responses, which can provide higher stimulus to improve aerobic fitness in regular training.

BACKGROUND The incremental test in laboratory conditions is a method commonly used to evaluate the maximal oxygen uptake and peak power output, which are the good predictors of cycling performance. But the best-designed protocol remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the physiological and biochemical responses in the incremental ramp on cycle ergometer and to compare with the commonly used step in young road cyclists. METHODS Fifty-seven road cyclists took part in the experiment. The tests included two visits to the laboratory during which the anthropometric measurements, incremental test on a cycle ergometer, and examination of acid-base balance and blood lactate concentration were made. A randomly selected half of the subjects made, as the first one, the STEP (50W·3min-1) Test and the RAMP Test (~0,27W·sec-1) a week later. The remaining cyclists made tests in the reverse order. RESULTS The peak power output obtained in the RAMP was significantly higher than obtained in the STEP by 18.13W (P

Background: The linearly increased loading (RAMP) incremental test is a method commonly used to evaluate physical performance in a laboratory, but the best-designed protocol remains unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the selected variables used in training control resulting from the two different intensities of RAMP incremental tests. Methods: Twenty healthy and physically active men took part in this experiment. The tests included two visits to a laboratory, during which anthropometric measurements, incremental test on a cycle ergometer, and examinations of heart rate and blood lactate concentration were made. The cross-over study design method was used. The subjects underwent a randomly selected RAMP test with incremental load: 0.278 W&middot, s&minus, 1 or 0.556 W&middot, 1. They performed the second test a week later. Results: Peak power output was significantly higher by 51.69 W (p &lt, 0.001, t = 13.10, ES = 1.13) in the 0.556 W&middot, 1 group. Total work done was significantly higher in the 0.278 W&middot, 1 group by 71.93 kJ (p &lt, t = 12.55, ES = 1.57). Maximal heart rate was significantly higher in the 0.278 W&middot, 1 group by 3.30 bpm (p &lt, 0.01, t = 3.72, ES = 0.48). There were no statistically significant differences in heart rate recovery and peak blood lactate. Conclusions: We recommend use of the 0.556 W&middot, 1 RAMP protocol because it is of shorter duration compared with 0.278 W&middot, 1 and as such practically easier and of less effort for subjects.