Effects of Warm up and Cool Down on Wingate Anaerobic Power Test Hemodynamics

Abstract

The impact of warm-up (WU) and cool down (CD) on systemic vascular resistance (SVR[dyn.s/cm]) relative to high intensity exercise is limited. SVR (mean arterial pressure – central venous pressure ÷ cardiac output [CO]) is an index of change in vascular resistance of individual vascular beds and provides insight into local hemodynamic (H) function. PURPOSE: The purpose was to examine the effects of a WU and CD on power output and the cardiovascular (CV)/H response to the Wingate Anaerobic Power Test (WAPT). METHODS: Following familiarization with impedance cardiography and the WAPT, 20 subjects (21.9 ± 2.7 yr, 170.7 ± 10 cm, body mass 70.5 ± 10.9 kg, 7 ♂) were randomly assigned in a crossover design to the following trials: WU & CD (C1), WU & no CD (C2), no WU, but CD (C3), and no WU & no CD (C4) with 48 hours between trials. Both WU and CD were 3 min cycling @ 50 rpm @ 50 watts. No WU or no CD required 3 minutes of seated rest. All measures were monitored continuously until 5 min post-test. Blood pressure was measured immediately post exercise. RESULTS: Statistical analysis by ANOVA with repeated measures (p<.05) of combined data of WU trials (C1 & C2) vs no WU trials (C3 & C4) reveals a significant difference (p<.05) pre-WAPT between HR 102 vs 84 b/min, SV 95 vs 83 mL/b, CO 9.8 vs 7.0 L/min, and SVR 681 vs 950 dyn.s/cm, respectively. Combined data of CD trials (C1 & C3) vs no CD (C2 & C4) post-WAPT reveals significant differences (p<.05) in HR 141 vs 130 b/min, CO 16.0 vs 14.4 L/min, and SVR 415 vs 469 dyn.s/cm. SV of 114 vs 111 mL/b was not significantly different. No differences were found between trials performing the same type of WU or CD. Peak power and average power of all trials were 1131 ± 308 W and 583 ± 120 W with NSD among trials. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that WU had no impact on Wingate Anaerobic Power Test performance. The differences in SV and HR were anticipated because of the protocol used with active and passive WU and CDs. The marked reduction in SVR of 39% from WU prior to WAPT substantiates improved local peripheral hemodynamic function and confirms the opportunity for improved metabolic exchange for a highly demanding anaerobic activity. The benefit of CD following intense exercise is demonstrated with a prolonged attenuation of SVR, which may enhance recovery.