Metabolic and Neuromuscular Responses to High-Intensity Training with and without Taopatch® Nanotechnology: A Pilot Randomized Control Study

Acute effects of low and high-volume resistance training on hemodynamic, metabolic and neuromuscular parameters in older adults.

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs high-volume training (HVT) on salivary stress markers [cortisol (sC), testosterone (sT), alpha-amylase (sAA)], metabolic and cardiorespiratory response in young athletes. Twelve young male cyclists (14±1years; 57.9±9.4mLmin-1kg-1 peak oxygen uptake) performed one session of HIIT (4×4min intervals at 90-95% peak power output separated by 3min of active rest) and one session of HVT (90min constant load at 60% peak power output). The levels of sC, sT, their ratio (sT/sC) and sAA were determined before and 0, 30, 60, 180min after each intervention. Metabolic and cardiorespiratory stress was characterized by blood lactate, blood pH, respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]), ventilation (V E) and ventilatory equivalent (V E/[Formula: see text]). sC increased 30 and 60min after HIIT. However, 180min post exercise, sC decreased below baseline levels in both conditions. sT increased 0 and 30min after HIIT and 0min after HVT. sAA and sT/sC ratio did not change significantly over time in HIIT nor HVT. Metabolic and cardiorespiratory stress, evidenced by blood lactate, HR, [Formula: see text], V E, and V E/[Formula: see text] was higher during HIIT compared to HVT. The metabolic and cardiorespiratory stress during HIIT was higher compared to HVT, but based on salivary analyses (cortisol, testosterone, alpha-amylase), we conclude no strong acute catabolic effects neither by HIIT nor by HVT.

The purpose of this study was to describe the mechanical and metabolic responses of a typical high-intensity training session in high-level 800-m athletes. Nine male high-level 800-m athletes (personal best 1:43-1:56 min:ss) performed a typical high-intensity interval training session consisting of 5×200 m with 4 min rest. Countermovement jump and blood lactate were measured at rest and after each running bout. Running times, ground contact times, and stride length were also measured. Running times and lactate (p<0.01) progressively increased from the first to the last running bout. Jump height (p<0.01) and stride length (p<0.05) progressively decreased from the first running bout to the last. A significant negative relationship (p<0.001; r =-0.83) was found between the individual values of jumping height and blood lactate concentration; and a significant positive relationship (p<0.01; r=0.67) was observed between the time in the 200 m and the contact times. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that the typical training session performed by 800-m athletes produced a high level of fatigue as evidenced by significant alterations in the mechanical and metabolic response. The impairments observed in the mechanical and metabolic parameters may indirectly reflect a state of energy deficit of the muscle contractile machinery and a reduction of the force-generating capacity.

Metformin anticipates peak of lactate during high-intensity interval training but no changes performance or neuromuscular response in amateur swimmers.

This study examined sex-specific responses during self-paced, high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Sixteen (8 men and 8 women) individuals completed a peak oxygen uptake test and 3 treadmill HIIT sessions on separate days. The HIIT sessions consisted of six 4-minute intervals performed at the highest self-selected intensity individuals felt they could maintain. Recovery between intervals was counterbalanced and consisted of 1-, 2-, or 4-minute recovery during each trial. Relative measures of intensity, including percentage of velocity at VO2peak (vVO2peak), %VO2peak, %HRmax, and blood lactate concentration ([La]), were observed during the trials. Perceived readiness was recorded immediately before and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded at the end of each interval with session RPE recorded after each trial. Results revealed a significant effect of sex on %vVO2peak (p < 0.01) and %HRmax (p < 0.01). Data show that across trials, men self-select higher %vVO2peak (84.5 vs. 80.7%), whereas women produce higher %HRmax (96.9 vs. 92.1%) and %VO2peak (89.6 vs. 86.1%) with no difference in [La] or perceptual responses. These findings support the notion that women may demonstrate improved recovery during high-intensity exercise, as they will self-select intensities resulting in greater cardiovascular strain. Moreover, results confirm previous findings suggesting that a 2:1 work-to-rest ratio is optimal during HIIT for both men and women.

1) To evaluate the effects of a 12-wk high-intensity knee extensor and flexor resistance training program on strength, pain, and adherence in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis and varus malalignment and 2) to generate pilot data for change in dynamic knee joint load, patent-reported outcomes, and self-efficacy after training. Fourteen patients (48.35 +/- 6.51 yr) with radiographically confirmed medial compartment knee osteoarthritis and varus malalignment of the lower limb were recruited from a surgical waiting list for high tibial osteotomy. Participants completed a high-intensity isokinetic resistance training program three times per week for 12 wk. Knee extensor and flexor strength were assessed every third week, whereas pain and adherence were recorded at every training session. The external knee adduction moment during the gait, the 6-min-walk test, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES) were also evaluated before and after training. Significant improvements in knee extensor and flexor strength were observed without increases in pain during or after training. Adherence to the high-intensity program was high. No significant changes were observed for dynamic knee joint load or the KOOS. There was a significant increase in the function subscale of the ASES only. These findings suggest that patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis and malalignment can experience substantial gains in strength after a high-intensity resistance training program without concomitant increases in pain, adverse events, or compromised adherence. These findings provide support for future clinical trials with longer-term outcomes.

Metabolic effects of two high-intensity circuit training protocols: Does sequence matter?

Six weeks of resistance training (plus advice) vs advice only in hand osteoarthritis: A single-blind, randomised, controlled feasibility trial

Intermittent exercise with short bouts (30–500 m) of high intensity exercise (90–100% of running intensity) separated by different recovery periods (3–15 minutes) are habitually used by sprinters during training sessions...

Introduction: Prediction of the acute response induced by various training protocols is of great importance when looking for a systematic approach in designing high intensity training (HIT) sessions. The prediction of some of the indexes of the metabolic load (e.g. pulmonary oxygen consumption (VO2(t), [mlO 2 /min]), blood lactate concentration ([La b ] - , mM), anaerobic source depletion (AnS, [J])) induced by the mechanical load (i.e. the intensity of the exercise (P(t), [W]), can rely on theoretical tools like mathematical models. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to develop a bioenergetic model of cycling best suited for an optimal control framework and 2) to use an optimal control algorithm (Bertolazzi2005) to predict the best combination of the parameters defining a HIT session (Buchheit2013).  Methods: We adapted the well-known MM 3-compartment model (Morton1986) for the optimal control application. The VO2(t), [La b ] - (t) and AnS(t) in response to a generic P(t) was possible by means of the resulting system of differential equations. The model was calibrated and tested when tracking experimental data collected on a trained cyclist (PPO=300W, VO 2max =50mlO2/min/kg) cycling on an indoor ergometer at different workloads. To evaluate the goodness of fit with actual data we calculated: the averaged value of residuals AvE, the Pearson’s r and the R 2 . The optimal control algorithm was asked to find the combination of the main parameters defying a HIT session (i.e. work interval time and intensity (t w , [s] and P w , [W]), recovery interval time and intensity (t r , [s] and P r , [W])) that, in n=5 bouts, total training time (t f =32min) and anaerobic sources (AnS 0 =22kJ), maximized the time spent above the 90% of VO 2max (T@VO 2max90% , [min]).  Results: Model was capable to replicate with good accuracy the experimental data of VO2(t) and [La b ] - (t) in similar conditions (r>0.85, R 2 >0.65, AvgE<SE), giving confidence in applying this model in the estimation of AnS(t). The optimal control algorithm suggested for a HIT session in which the work intervals are interspersed by recovery intervals with different time durations (see Fig. 1). We found that: T@VO 2max90% ≈10 min and %T@VO 2max90% ≈30% with working intervals at 100%PVO 2max of ~3’, 3:30”, 2’:20”, 3’:30”, 3’ interspersed by recovery intervals at light intensity of ~1’:30”, 3’:30”, 9’, 1’:30”. Average simulated P(t) was ~218 W.  Discussion: Simulated data are close to those reported in the literature for similar training protocols (T@VO 2max90% , %T@VO 2max90% ). The optimal control algorithm suggests that we can improve classical training protocols in which the working and recovery intervals are constant across the session. With individualized parameters it is possible to estimate the response of the athlete to the induced metabolic load and then to generate more time-efficient and more effective training sessions.  Conclusion: Mathematical models and optimal control can offer a valid contribution in a systematic approach to the HIT design in cycling as they can handle the complexity of parameters that usually show mutual interaction. To the best of our knowledge, there are no methods available in the literature that can systematically handle the problem of optimizing the HIT protocols. The method suggest moving towards protocol in which working and recovery time intervals are not constant across the exercise.

The objectives of this study were to 1) continuously assess oxygen uptake during and after difficult sport rock climbing and 2) to evaluate the effects of active versus passive recovery on post-climbing blood lactate and hand grip strength. Fifteen expert rock climbers attempted to climb (i.e., red point lead) a 20 m difficult route (5.12 b, YDS scale) set on an indoor climbing wall. Subjects were assigned to either active recovery (AR; n = 8), consisting of recumbent cycling at 25 Watts, or passive recovery (PR; n = 7). Expired air was analyzed during climbing and through a 10-minute recovery period by a lightweight battery-powered open circuit system. Oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously and averaged over 20-second intervals. These data were expressed as averages over the entire climb (VO2avg and HRavg) and as peak values. An estimated resting VO2 of 250 ml x min(-1) was subtracted from the interval VO2 values to provide net VO2 data which were subsequently converted to absolute VO2 values in liters for climbing (C - VO2net) and recovery (R - VO2net). Total net VO2 was calculated as the sum of C - VO2net plus R - VO2net. Blood samples were obtained via fingerprick at pre-climb and at 1-, 10-, 20-, and 30-minutes post-climb and analyzed for whole blood lactate. Handgrip strength was measured via dynamometry at pre-climb and at 1-, 10-, 20-, and 30-minutes post-climb. Mean climbing time was 2.57 +/- 0.41 min. During climbing, VO2avg and HRavg means were 1660 +/- 340 ml x min(-1) and 148 +/- 16 b x min(-1) respectively with mean peaks of 2147 +/- 413 ml x min(-1) and 162 +/- 17 b x min(-1). Relative VO2avg was 24.7 +/- 4.3 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) with a mean peak value of 31.9 +/- 5.3 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1). Mean values for C - VO2net and R - VO2net were 4.009 +/- 0.929 L and 2.809 +/- 0.518 L respectively for the PR group with mean total net VO2 at 6.818 +/- 1.291 L. For the AR group mean values for C - VO2net and R - VO2net were 4.216 +/- 1.174 L and 7.691 +/- 3.154 L respectively with a mean total net VO2 of 11.906 +/- 4.172 L. There was no difference between the groups for C - VO2net, however R - VO2net and total net VO2 were significantly different (p < 0.05) between PR and AR. Blood lactate increased significantly with climbing in both AR and PR groups. Lactate remained elevated in the PR group until 30 minutes post-climb, but had returned to pre-climb level by 20 minutes in the AR group. Handgrip strength was significantly decreased at 1-minute post-climb for the AR group, but was not significantly changed for the PR group. Although climbers may be able to attain a plateau in VO2, the observed accumulation of lactate in the blood combined with the elevated recovery VO2 indicate a higher overall energy demand than indicated via the recorded VO2 during climbing. Low intensity active recovery appears to significantly reduce accumulated blood lactate within 20 minutes following difficult climbing, however further research is required to establish whether this strategy is advantageous for subsequent climbing performance.

Simple SummaryStrength training is a key factor for soccer players, but at amateur levels, it is difficult to apply due to the lack of infrastructure and short training time. In this regard, high-intensity resistance circuit-based training could be a suitable method to solve these issues. Circuit training can improve the cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses while reducing training time by 66%. The effects of circuit training could contribute to improving aerobic fitness and body composition in soccer players.The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses induced by high-intensity resistance circuit-based (HRC) and traditional strength (TS) training protocols. Ten amateur soccer players reported to the laboratory on four occasions: (1) protocol familiarization and load determination; (2) maximal oxygen consumption test; (3) and (4) resistance training protocols (HRC and TS), completed in a cross-over randomized order. In both protocols, the same structure was used (two blocks of 3 sets × 3 exercises, separated by a 5-min rest), with only the time between consecutive exercises differing: TS (3 min) and HRC (~35 s, allowing 3 min of local recovery). To test for between-protocol differences, paired t-tests were applied. Results showed that oxygen consumption and heart rate during HRC were 75% and 39% higher than TS, respectively (p < 0.001). After the training sessions, blood lactate concentration at 1.5, 5 and 7 min and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption were higher in HRC. The respiratory exchange ratio was 6.7% greater during HRC, with no between-group differences found post-exercise. The energy cost of HRC was ~66% higher than TS. In conclusion, HRC training induces greater cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses in soccer players and thus may be a time-effective training strategy.

The strength training is the most efficient modality to improve muscle volume and strength in health and disease. Recently, a new method of training including static stretching named Fascia Stretch Training (FST-7) has emerged. It is argued that the FST-7 could induce greater muscle swelling, known as an important hypertrophic stimulus. However, the acute responses to FST-7 have not been established. PURPOSE: To compare mechanic and metabolic responses from FST-7 with traditional strength training protocols. METHODS: Twelve resistance-trained men (age: 29.0 ± 6.1 years; weight: 84.4 ± 10.3kg; height: 1.78 ± 0.06m) participated of the study. The volunteers attended to the laboratory in four non-consecutive days. The first session was used to familiarization with the testing procedures. On the following sessions, volunteers performed randomly one of the three training protocols: 1) FST-7: seven sets of 10 isokinetic knee extension with a 40-sec rest-interval and 20-sec of quadriceps static stretching; 2) Control (CON): seven sets of 10 isokinetic knee extension with a passive 40-sec rest-interval; and 3) Traditional (TRA): seven sets of 10 isokinetic knee extension with a passive 120-sec rest-interval. Total work (TW) of each protocol was recorded. Muscle swelling (MS) and blood lactate (BL) was measured before and after each exercise protocol. Repeated measures multifactorial ANOVA was used to analyze data. RESULTS: On TW, there was a significant main effect for protocol (F = 23.843; p < 0.001). FST showed a lower TW (11823.01 ± 1735.06J) than CON (13976.08 ± 2378.07J) and TRA (15510.77 ± 2250.56J). On MS, there was no significant protocol and time interaction (F = 0.380; p = 0.69). All protocols showed a similar increase in MS after training session (p < 0.001). On BL, there was no significant protocol and time interaction (F = 2.166; p = 0.14). All protocols showed a similar increase in BL after training session (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: FST, CON and TRA induce a similar increased in metabolic responses. However, FST produce lower mechanic stress than CON and TRA. These results suggest that FST may not be a superior stimulus than previous traditional strength protocols to induce muscle hypertrophy.

This study described the effects of 6 typical high-intensity intermittent running training sessions of varying distances (60-300 m) and intensities (80-105% of the individual best 400-m record time) on blood ammonia and lactate concentration changes and on vertical jumping height, in twelve 400-m elite male runners. At the end of the training sessions, similar patterns of extremely high blood lactate (14-23 mmol.L) and ammonia levels (50-100 mumol.L) were observed. Vertical jumping performance was maintained during the initial exercise bouts up to a break zone of further increase in the number of exercise bouts, which was associated, especially in subjects with the highest initial vertical jump, with a pronounced decrease (6-28%) in vertical jumping performance, as well as with blood lactate concentrations exceeding 8-12 mmol.L, and blood ammonia levels increasing abruptly from rest values. This break zone may be related to signs of energetic deficiency of the muscle contractile machinery associated with the ability to regenerate adenosine triphosphate at high rates. It is suggested that replacing some of these extremely demanding training sessions with other intermittent training sessions that preserve muscle generating capacity should allow elite athletes to practice more frequently at competitive intensity with lower fatigue.

Brocherie, F, Perez, J, and Guilhem, G. Effects of a 14-day high-intensity shock microcycle in high-level ice hockey players' fitness. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2247-2252, 2022-Elite athletes face congested schedules with increased competition frequency and restricted time for training periods. Therefore, time is lacking to design long-term sport-specific block periodization. This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding a 14-day off-ice high-intensity training (HIT) shock microcycle to the usual training content of the pre-season preparation of high-level male ice hockey players' fitness. Fourteen players were randomly assigned to off-ice HIT ( n = 7) or usual pre-season training (control, n = 7). For the HIT group, additional off-ice training content included 2 sessions of repeated-maximal resistance training, 2 sessions of repeated-sprint training, and 2 sessions of high-intensity intermittent training. Control group performed equal number of off-ice sessions using traditional strength and conditioning training. Off-ice Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 2 (YYIR2) and on-ice repeated-sprint ability test (RSA) were conducted before (pre-test) and 3 days after the intervention (post-test). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Significant group × time interactions were found for off-ice YYIR2 performance ( p < 0.05) and on-ice RSA-cumulated skating time (RSA TT ; p < 0.05). Compared with pre-test, off-ice YYIR2 distance covered significantly increased (from 708.6 ± 97.2 to 885.7 ± 118.7 m, p < 0.01; +25.8 ± 16.9%, p < 0.05) and on-ice RSA TT significantly decreased (from 28.35 ± 0.87 to 28.14 ± 0.84 seconds; -1.7 ± 2.1%, both p < 0.05)] for HIT group. No significant pre-test to post-test changes were found for the control group (+2.7 ± 20.0% for YYIR2 and +0.9 ± 2.2% for RSA TT ). The implementation of a 14-day shock microcycle (including 6 HIT sessions) significantly improved fitness performance in high-level male ice hockey players. Such HIT block periodization offers a promising way to deal with congested schedules.