Anaerobic Exercise Performance Research Articles

Effects of Acute Alcohol Consumption on Cycling Anaerobic Exercise Performance: A Randomized Crossover Study

PURPOSE: Some athletes consume alcohol prior to training and sports events, possibly because they believe that alcohol may aid in reducing pain and anxiety, increasing confidence, and promoting aggressiveness. While previous studies have shown that alcohol consumption acutely impairs endurance exercise performance, its effects on anaerobic exercise performance have not been well established. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of a small dose of alcohol on anaerobic exercise performance.METHODS: In a randomized crossover design, nine healthy and recreationally active males (n=6) and females (n=3) participated in the study. Subjects consumed 0.7 g of alcohol per kg of lean body mass or a calorie/volume-matched sucrose beverage. Reaction time tests were performed before and 25 minutes after beverage consumption. Following the second reaction time test, subjects performed the 20-second Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT).RESULTS: Compared to the sucrose drink, alcohol showed no significant effects on peak power (p=.903), average power (p=.970), percentage power drop during WAnT (p=.593), or total energy produced during WAnT (p=.923). Moreover, alcohol did not affect the time course of power output during a 20s WAnT (p=.999 for all time points). In addition, reaction time was not significantly different when comparing alcoholic with sucrose drinks at different timepoint (Before; p=.999, After; p=.364).CONCLUSIONS: Although some athletes consume alcohol prior to engaging in sports events, assuming that it may improve anaerobic exercise performance, the results of the present study show that acute consumption of alcohol does not have effects on anaerobic exercise performance when compared to the control beverage.

Analysis of outdoor and indoor performance and recovery values after anaerobic performance

Research Problem/Aim: The objective of this study is to examine the anaerobic performance and recovery values after anaerobic performance in terms of outdoor or indoor performance.
 Method: For this purpose, 30 male students studying at Faculty of Sports Sciences with an average age of 21.13±1.82 participated in the study voluntarily. Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) was applied to the subjects twice with three days in-between as anaerobic exercise. Randomly chosen 15 subjects ran outdoors and the remaining 15 subjects ran indoors and their performance and recoveries were examined. Three days later, the subjects who ran outdoors three days ago ran indoors and those who ran indoors ran outdoors.
 Findings: Anaerobic exercise performance was compared between indoor and outdoor area. Minimum power and average power values were found to be greater indoors than outdoors (p<0.05 ve p<0.01), Peak power, fatigue index (W/sec) and fatigue index (%) values were not found to differ between indoor and outdoor areas (p>0.05). Before the anaerobic run, the athletes’ resting lactic acid (LA) and heart rate (HR) values were taken, and then RAST test was applied. The subjects’ recoveries were monitored for 10 minutes after the test. HR measurements were recorded at every minute of the recovery. On the 1st, 5th and 10th minutes of recovery, the subjects’ blood LA levels were measured. No statistically significant difference was found between outdoor and indoor resting, 1st minute, 5th minute and 10th minute LA levels according to the results of statistical analyses (p>0.05). Resting and recovery HR values were also found not to differ between outdoor and indoor performance (p>0.05).
 Conclusions: It was concluded that outdoor and indoor performance did not influence recovery up to 10 minutes after anaerobic exercise. As a conclusion, some anaerobic exercise performance was better indoors than outdoors. Recovery after an anaerobic exercise was not found to differ between indoors and outdoors.

Evaluation of cobalt as a performance enhancing drug (PED) in racehorses

Cobalt is a required trace element in animals, but administration in excess is considered dangerous and potentially performance enhancing in equine athletes. This study seeks to determine if cobalt may actually act as a performance enhancing drug (PED) by altering biochemical parameters related to red blood cell production as well as markers of aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance. In addition, for adequate regulation of naturally occurring substances, such as cobalt, its distribution among the population must be defined. In order to identify this distribution, plasma Cobalt was determined from 245 Standardbred horses with no cobalt supplementation from farms in New York and New Jersey, including horses at the Rutgers University Equine Science Center. Samples were analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Seven healthy, race fit Standardbreds (4 geldings, 3 mares, age: 5±3 years, ~500 kg) were used for the PED experiment. An incremental graded exercise test (GXT) to measure maximal aerobic capacity (V̇O2max) and markers of performance, measurement of plasma volume and blood volume as well as the measurement of lactate, erythropoietin (EPO), and various blood haematological factors were determined 7 days prior to cobalt administration. Each horse was administered a sterile solution of cobalt salts (50 mg of elemental Co as CoCl2 in 10 ml of saline, IV) at 9 AM on three consecutive days via the jugular vein. Blood samples were obtained from the contralateral jugular vein before and at 1, 2, 4 and 24 h after administration. Plasma and blood volume were measured one day after the last dose of cobalt, and a post administration GXT was performed the next day. Horses were observed for signs of adverse effects of the cobalt administration (agitation, sweating, increased respiration, etc.). Plasma cobalt concentration increased from a pre-administration mean of 1.6±0.6 to 369±28 μg/l following 3 doses of the cobalt solution (P<0.05). This Co concentration was unaccompanied by changes in aerobic or anaerobic performance, plasma EPO concentration, plasma volume, resting blood volume, total blood volume, or estimated red blood cell volume (P>0.05). There were no observed adverse effects.

Mild Hypohydration Following 24-hour Water Intake Reduction Does Not Affect Anaerobic Power Performance

Hypohydration is common among athletes and can be the result of a failure to maintain hydration between exercise bouts. The negative impact of hypohydration on aerobic performance is well characterized. However, little is known about the effect of hypohydration on anaerobic performance particularly when the hypohydration is the result of insufficient water intake prior to the onset of exercise, not water loss due to body temperature regulation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of hypohydration on anaerobic performance following voluntary water intake reduction. METHODS: Fifteen healthy adults (8 women, 7 men) completed two exercise sessions, euhydrated (EUD) and hypohydrated (HYP). Subjects were asked to voluntarily limit water intake during the 24-hours prior to the hypohydrated trial. Sessions consisted of baseline anthropometric and blood lactate measurement followed by a 30-second Wingate test and 3 maximum vertical jump trials. The vertical jump trials were completed approximately 1 minute after finishing the 30-second Wingate test and used to measure anaerobic performance in an anaerobically challenged state. Additional blood lactate measurements were taken immediately and at 5, 10, and 15-min post Wingate test. RESULTS: The hypohydration protocol resulted in a significant 1.5% reduction in body mass (EUD 69.1 ± 17.2kg, HYP 68.1 ± 16.6kg, p = 0.039). The 30-sec Wingate peak power (EUD 971 ± 302W, HYP 960 ± 316W, p = 0.578) was not different between conditions, nor was maximum vertical jump height (EUH 26.4 ± 4.5cm, HYP 26.6 ± 3.6cm, p = 0.778). Blood lactate (p ≤ 0.001) was elevated immediately following the 30-sec Wingate test and remained elevated throughout the remainder of the trial. There were no differences in blood lactate between conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Acute anaerobic power and exercise performance are not negatively affected by mild voluntary hypohydration during and following a single 30-second Wingate test.

Effects Of Ammonium Salt Inhalation On Reaction Time And Resistance To Fatigue In Male Athletes

Strong scents stimulate the central nervous system, potentially increasing reaction time. Ammonium salt inhalants have no known physiological effect, but there is evidence of positive psychological effects on performance. Many athletes believe ammonium salt inhalants provide an edge or a feeling of ‘wakefulness’. PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of ammonium salt inhalants on reaction time, power, and resistance to fatigue in male collegiate athletes. METHODS: Ten male athletes (21 + 0.82 yrs, 178.33 + 6.97 cm, 85.12 + 15.57 kg) were familiarized with the testing procedures during session one. Two randomized treatment sessions (ammonium salt inhalants or control) were performed 48 hr apart. In session two, subjects inhaled one treatment before each of three trials of reaction time test and vertical jump (VJ). After running to fatigue on the Anaerobic Treadmill Test (ATT) subjects inhaled the substance, then resumed the test to exhaustion. In session three, the same procedures were followed with the opposite inhalant. RESULTS: Reaction time after inhaling ammonium salt (0.645 + 0.060 s) was not significantly different from reaction time after inhaling the control treatment (0.646 + 0.098 s; t(9) = 0.032; p = 0.975). VJ after inhaling ammonium salt (54.51 + 5.00 cm) was not significantly different after inhaling the control treatment (55.93 + 6.58 cm; t(9) = 1.038; p = 0.326). ATT run time increased after fatigue when inhaling ammonium salt (12.873 + 4.60 s), but not significantly compared to inhaling the control treatment (11.30 + 4.55s; t(9) = 1.29; p = 0.227). CONCLUSION: Ammonium salt inhalants did not significantly improve reaction time, VJ, or ATT run time after fatigue in male collegiate athletes. Ammonium salts may have greater efficacy for anaerobic exercise performance compared to power performance.

Effects of acute cooling on cycling anaerobic exercise performance and neuromuscular activity: a randomized crossover study.

While cryotherapy is known for its favorable long-term recovery effects on muscle-damaging eccentric and plyometric exercises, studies showed that cryotherapy when used as an acute recovery mode (same day) had a negligible or negative effect on high-intensity and explosive exercises. However, there is lack of evidence regarding the mechanisms underlying the detrimental effect of acute cooling on the anaerobic performance. We hypothesized that acute cooling for the lower body would reduce anaerobic power output during a subsequent Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnT), which is at least in part due to decreased neuromuscular firing rate as indexed by mean frequency. We performed a randomized crossover design experiment. Eleven young healthy males completed two consecutive 30-sec Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnT 1 and 2). Subjects rested for 10 min between the WAnT 1 and the WAnT 2. Neuromuscular activity on the rectus femoris of both legs was recorded using wireless electromyography (EMG) during WAnT. Anaerobic power during the first 5 sec of WAnT 2 was decreased in the cooling suit recovery group relative to WAnT 1. Mean frequency (MNF) in WAnT 2 was also lower in a cooled leg during WAnT 2 during the first 10 sec when compared with WAnT 1. Acute cooling application blunts the initial phase of anaerobic power output during a subsequent WAnT, which could be explained by a concomitant reduction in neuromuscular firing rate. Given that cryotherapy is widely utilized in a variety of sports, athletes and trainers should pay close attention to the appropriate application of cryotherapy.

Effect of Listening to Music on Wingate Anaerobic Test Performance. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: There are many athletes who like to listen to music while making a high intensity effort. However, research into the effects of listening to music on athletic performance has provided controversial results, and it is suggested that the timing and type of music might affect the anaerobic performance response. Purpose: The main aim of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effects while listening to music tasks via the 30 s Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) on absolute performance and relative peak power (APP and RPP), absolute and relative mean power (AMP and RMP), and fatigue index (FI). Methods: PRISMA guidelines were used as a basis for conducting this systematic review, with inclusion criteria being set out according to the PICOS model. Computer-based literature research was undertaken until 10 March 2020 using the following online databases: PubMed/Medline, WOS, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. The literature was reviewed with regard to the effects of listening to music on the WAnT using several music variables on: APP, RPP, AMP, RMP and FI. Hedges’ g formula was used to calculate both standard mean differences and 95% confidence intervals, in order to establish continuous outcomes. Furthermore, the I2 statistic evaluated systematic differences (heterogeneity) together with a random effect meta-analysis model. Results: This systematic review included nine articles that researched into the effects of music on WAnT performance (six studies describe improvements in APP and/or RPP, four in AMP and/or RMP and three in FI). The random effects model was used to undertake a final meta-analysis, with standardized mean differences (SMD) and magnitude of standardized mean differences (MSMD) (Hedges’ g) being pooled accordingly. The resulting meta-analysis incorporated eight studies that had been previously published, with results showing that there were no apparent beneficial effects on APP (p = 0.09), AMP (p = 0.33) and FI (p = 0.46) as a consequence of listening to music. However, listening to music showed beneficial effects on RPP (SMD: 0.65; 95%: CI 0.35 to 0.96; MSMD: moderate; I2, 0%; p < 0.001) and RMP (SMD: 1.03; 95%: CI, 0.63 to 1.42; MSMD: trivial; I2, 0%; p < 0.001). Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis has shown that listening to music during the WAnT might physiologically enhance relative anaerobic exercise performance, although reasons remain speculative.

Effect of Dietary Nitrate and Anthocyanins on Anaerobic Exercise in Untrained Individuals

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dietary nitrate and anthocyanins on exercise performance in healthy untrained individuals. Methods In a randomized double-blind crossover study, six men (mean age 24.3 y) and 23 women (mean age 24.1 y) were randomly assigned to Treatment A (5.05 g beetroot powder + placebo/d) or Treatment B (5.05 g beetroot powder + 480 mg tart cherry/d) for seven days. Each treatment was followed by a seven-day washout after which subjects switched treatments. At the end of each treatment period, subjects performed a modified Wingate Anaerobic Test on a Monark 928E bike. Data on speed (RPM), power (watts), and heart rate were collected and analyzed using linear mixed models adjusted for baseline subject characteristics, treatment sequence (A-B, B-A), energy (kcal), and sleep (hours). Results Average heart rate during the first five seconds of the cycling sprint was significantly lower after treatment A than after treatment B (−1.6 to 2.7 BPM, P &amp;lt; 0.05). Participants pedaled five meters further after treatment B compared to treatment A (P = 0.25). No significant differences were observed between treatments on RPM and blood pressure. Conclusions Supplementation with beetroot and tart cherry powder for seven days may improve anaerobic exercise performance by maximizing potential heart rate and energy output in untrained individuals. Funding Sources The study was sponsored by the School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University.

The effect of short-term creatine intake on blood lactic acid and muscle fatigue measured by accelerometer-based tremor response to acute resistance exercise.

[Purpose]The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short-term creatine intake on muscle fatigue induced by resistance exercise in healthy adolescent men, i.e., lactic acid concentration and wrist and head tremor measured by an accelerometer.[Methods]Twelve healthy adolescent men who had no experience with creatine intake were included. The subjects were randomly assigned to the creatine group and the placebo group, followed by 5 days of creatine and placebo intake, and 5 times of 5 sets of leg press, leg extension, bench press, and arm curl exercises at 70% repetition maximum (RM). The lactic acid concentration before and after exercising, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and accelerometer-based wrist tremor and head tremor during exercise were measured. Subsequently, after 7 days to allow for creatine washout, the same exercise treatment and measurement were performed in each group after switching drug and placebo between the groups.[Results]The level of lactic acid before and after the acute resistance exercise trial was significantly lower in the creatine group than in the placebo group (P <0.05). The mean RPE during the resistance exercise was significantly lower in the creatine group than in the placebo group (P <0.05). There was no difference between the two groups in the mean wrist tremor during resistance exercise, but the mean head tremor values were significantly lower in the creatine group than in the placebo group in the arm curl, the last event of the exercise trials (P <0.05).[Conclusion]Short-term creatine intake reduces the blood fatigue factor increased by resistance exercise, and is thought to suppress fatigue, especially in the latter half of resistance exercise. Therefore, these findings indicate that short-term creatine intake can have an improved effect on anaerobic exercise performance.

Effects of an Alkalizing or Acidizing Diet on High-Intensity Exercise Performance under Normoxic and Hypoxic Conditions in Physically Active Adults: A Randomized, Crossover Trial.

Pre-alkalization caused by dietary supplements such as sodium bicarbonate improves anaerobic exercise performance. However, the influence of a base-forming nutrition on anaerobic performance in hypoxia remains unknown. Herein, we investigated the effects of an alkalizing or acidizing diet on high-intensity performance and associated metabolic parameters in normoxia and hypoxia. In a randomized crossover design, 15 participants (24.5 ± 3.9 years old) performed two trials following four days of either an alkalizing (BASE) or an acidizing (ACID) diet in normoxia. Subsequently, participants performed two trials (BASE; ACID) after 12 h of normobaric hypoxic exposure. Anaerobic exercise performance was assessed using the portable tethered sprint running (PTSR) test. PTSR assessed overall peak force, mean force, and fatigue index. Blood lactate levels, blood gas parameters, heart rate, and rate of perceived exertion were assessed post-PTSR. Urinary pH was analyzed daily. There were no differences between BASE and ACID conditions for any of the PTSR-related parameters. However, urinary pH, blood pH, blood bicarbonate concentration, and base excess were significantly higher in BASE compared with ACID (p < 0.001). These findings show a diet-induced increase in blood buffer capacity, represented by blood bicarbonate concentration and base excess. However, diet-induced metabolic changes did not improve PTSR-related anaerobic performance.

Effects of Citrulline Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Humans: A Review of the Current Literature.

Gonzalez, AM and Trexler, ET. Effects of citrulline supplementation on exercise performance in humans: A review of the current literature. J Strength Cond Res 34(5): 1480-1495, 2020-L-citrulline, a nonessential amino acid found primarily in watermelon, has recently garnered much attention for its potential to augment L-arginine bioavailability, nitric oxide production, and exercise performance. Over the past decade, L-citrulline has received considerable scientific attention examining potentially ergogenic properties for both aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance. Thus, the purpose of this article is to summarize the theoretical rationale behind L-citrulline supplementation and to comprehensively review the available scientific evidence assessing the potential ergogenic value of L-citrulline supplementation on vascular function and exercise performance in humans. In addition, research that has investigated the potential synergistic effects of L-citrulline with other dietary ingredients (e.g., arginine, antioxidants, nitrates, and branched-chain amino acids) is reviewed. Oral L-citrulline and citrulline malate supplementation have shown to increase plasma citrulline and arginine concentrations, along with total nitrate and nitrite concentrations. Although blood flow enhancement is a proposed mechanism for the ergogenic potential of L-citrulline, evidence supporting acute improvements in vasodilation and skeletal muscle tissue perfusion after supplementation is scarce and inconsistent. Nevertheless, several studies have reported that L-citrulline supplementation can enhance exercise performance and recovery. Given the positive effects observed from some investigations, future studies should continue to investigate the effects of both acute and chronic supplementation with L-citrulline and citrulline malate on markers of blood flow and exercise performance and should seek to elucidate the mechanism underlying such effects.

Mild dehydration following voluntary water intake reduction does not affect anaerobic power performance.

Dehydration is common among athletes. The negative impact of dehydration on aerobic performance is well characterized. However, little is known about the effect of dehydration on anaerobic performance particularly when dehydration results from insufficient water intake, not water loss due to body temperature regulation. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of dehydration on anaerobic performance following voluntary water intake reduction. Fifteen healthy adults completed two exercise sessions, euhydrated (EUD) and dehydrated (DEH). Sessions consisted of baseline anthropometric and blood lactate measurement followed by a 30-second Wingate test and three vertical jump trials to measure anaerobic performance. Additional blood lactate measurements were taken immediately and at 5, 10, and 15 minutes after taking the Wingate test. The dehydration protocol resulted in a reduction in body mass (EUD 69.1±17.2 kg, DEH 68.1±16.6 kg, P=0.039). The 30-s Wingate peak power (EUD 971±302 W, DEH 960±316 W, P=0.578) was not different between conditions, nor was the vertical jump height (EUH 26.4±4.5 cm, DEH 26.6±3.6 cm, P=0.778). Blood lactate (P<0.001) was elevated immediately following the 30-s Wingate test which remained throughout the trial. There were no differences in blood lactate between conditions. Acute anaerobic power and exercise performance is not negatively affected by voluntary dehydration.

Effects of daily ingestion of sodium bicarbonate on acid-base status and anaerobic performance during an altitude sojourn at high altitude: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe present study investigated the effects of chronic sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion on a single bout of high-intensity exercise and on acid-base balance during 7-day high-altitude exposure.MethodsTen recreationally active subjects participated in a pre-test at sea level and a 7-day hiking tour in the Swiss Alps up to 4554 m above sea level. Subjects received either a daily dose of 0.3 g/kg NaHCO3 solution (n = 5) or water as a placebo (n = 5) for 7 days. Anaerobic high-intensity exercise performance was assessed using the portable tethered sprint running (PTSR) test under normoxic and hypoxic conditions (3585 m). PTSR tests assessed overall peak force, mean force, and fatigue index. Blood lactate levels and blood gas parameters were assessed pre- and post-PTSR. Urinary pH and blood gas parameters were further analyzed daily at rest in early morning samples under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the bicarbonate and control group in any of the PTSR-related parameters. However, urinary pH (p = 0.003, ηp2 = 0.458), early morning blood bicarbonate concentration (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.457) and base excess (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.436) were significantly higher in the bicarbonate group compared with the control group under hypoxic conditions.ConclusionsThese results indicate that oral NaHCO3 ingestion does not ameliorate the hypoxia-induced impairment in anaerobic, high-intensity exercise performance, represented by PTSR-related test parameters, under hypobaric, hypoxic conditions, but the maximal performance measurements may have been negatively affected by other factors, such as poor implementation of PTSR test instructions, pre-acclimatization, the time course of hypoxia-induced renal [HCO3−] compensation, changes in the concentrations of intra- and extracellular ions others than [H+] and [HCO3−], or gastrointestinal disturbances caused by NaHCO3 ingestion. However, chronic NaHCO3 ingestion improves blood bicarbonate concentration and base excess at altitude, which partially represent the blood buffering capacity.

남자대학생의 신체조성과 유 · 무산소성 운동능력의 상관관계

남자대학생의 신체조성과 유 · 무산소성 운동능력의 상관관계

The plateau at [formula omitted] O2max is associated with anaerobic alleles

ObjectivesThis study tests the hypothesis that individuals who achieve a plateau at V˙ O2max (V˙ O2plat) are more likely to possess alleles, associated with anaerobic capacity, than those who do not. DesignA literature survey, physiological testing and genetic analysis was used to determine any association between the aerobic and anaerobic polymorphisms of 40 genes and V˙ O2plat. Methods34, healthy, Caucasian volunteers, completed an exercise test to determine V˙ O2max, and V˙ O2plat. 28 of the volunteers agreed to DNA testing and 26 were successfully genotyped. A literature search was used to determine whether the 40 polymorphisms analysed were associated with aerobic, or anaerobic exercise performance. ResultsThe literature survey enabled classification of the 40 target alleles as aerobic [11], anaerobic [24], or having no apparent association (NAA) [5] with exercise performance. It also found no previous studies linking a genetic component with the ability to achieve V˙ O2plat. Independent t-tests showed a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the ability to achieve V˙ O2plat, but no other measured physiological variable was significantly different. Pearson’s χ2 testing demonstrated a highly significant association (p = 0.008) between anaerobic allele frequency and V˙ O2plat, but not with V˙ O2max. There was no association between aerobic alleles and V˙ O2plat, or V˙ O2max. Finally there were no significant differences in the allelic frequencies, observed in this study and those expected of Northern and Western European Caucasians. ConclusionThese results support the hypothesis that the ability to achieve V˙ O2plat is associated with alleles linked to anaerobic exercise capacity.

The effect of music on anaerobic exercise performance and muscular endurance.

Music has been shown to improve aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance; however, music's effect on resistance training exercise, gender differences, and heart rate (HR) is less understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of self-selected music on anaerobic exercise performance using a bench press (BP) protocol and the Wingate anaerobic test (WAT). Fifteen (8 men; 7 women) healthy, college-aged students between 18-25 years old (20.1±1.79 yrs) participated in this study. Testing consisted of two trials (music [M]; no music [NM]] completed in a randomized order. Each participant performed the BP for a maximum number of repetitions using 70% one-repetition maximum for five sets. After a 10 min rest period, a 30 s Wingate anaerobic Test (WAT) was completed. During the M condition, there was a significant increase in total work (M: 16121.8±4287.3 kJ; NM: 15021.7±4370.6 kJ; P=0.024), relative peak power (M: 44.6±8.4 W; NM: 41.4±8.4 W; P=0.014), and the total number of bench press repetitions (M: 41.7±8.7 reps; NM: 38.3±8.1 reps; P=0.001). HR recovery following the WAT protocol was significantly quicker after the WAT protocol during the M condition (M: 256.2±54.5 sec.; NM 293.3±22.3 sec.; P=0.022). There was no significant condition as for gender interaction for any of the variables assessed. Listening to self-selected music improved exercise performance during the BP and the WAT. Music also hastened HR recovery following the WAT.

A Pilot Study to Examine the Impact of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Anaerobic Exercise Performance in Collegiate Rugby Athletes.

Beta-alanine (BA) is a precursor to carnosine which functions as a buffer assisting in the maintenance of intracellular pH during high-intensity efforts. Rugby is a sport characterized by multiple intermittent periods of maximal or near maximal efforts with short periods of rest/active recovery. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of six weeks of beta-alanine supplementation on anaerobic performance measures in collegiate rugby players. Twenty-one male, collegiate rugby players were recruited, while fifteen completed post-testing (Mean ± SD; Age: 21.0 ± 1.8 years, Height: 179 ± 6.3 cm, Body Mass: 91.8 ± 13.3 kg, % Body Fat: 21.3 ± 4.4). Supplementation was randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled manner between 6.4 g/d of beta-alanine and 6.4 g/d of maltodextrin placebo. Body composition, upper and lower-body maximal strength and muscular endurance, intermittent sprint performance, and post-exercise lactate, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion were assessed before and after supplementation. Data were analyzed using a 2 × 2 (group × time) mixed factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures on time. No significant interaction effects were noted for body mass, fat mass, fat-free mass, and percent bodyfat (p > 0.05). No performance effects resulting from beta-alanine supplementation were detected. Results from this initial pilot investigation suggest that BA exerts little to no impact on body composition parameters, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or intermittent sprinting performance. With the limited research exploring the impact of BA in this sporting context, these initial findings offer little support for BA use, but more research is needed to fully understand the potential impact of BA on various aspects of resistance exercise performance.

Effects of all-out sprint interval training under hyperoxia on exercise performance.

All‐out sprint interval training (SIT) is speculated to be an effective and time‐efficient training regimen to improve the performance of aerobic and anaerobic exercises. SIT under hypoxia causes greater improvements in anaerobic exercise performance compared with that under normoxia. The change in oxygen concentration may affect SIT‐induced performance adaptations. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of all‐out SIT under hyperoxia on the performance of aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Eighteen college male athletes were randomly assigned to either the normoxic sprint interval training (NST, n = 9) or hyperoxic (60% oxygen) sprint interval training (HST, n = 9) group and performed 3‐week SIT (six sessions) consisting of four to six 30‐sec all‐out cycling sessions with 4‐min passive rest. They performed maximal graded exercise, submaximal exercise, 90‐sec maximal exercise, and acute SIT tests on a cycle ergometer before and after the 3‐week intervention to evaluate the performance of aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Maximal oxygen uptake significantly improved in both groups. However, blood lactate curve during submaximal exercise test significantly improved only in the HST group. The accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD) during 90‐sec maximal exercise test significantly increased only in the NST group. The average values of mean power outputs over four bouts during the acute SIT test significantly improved only in the NST group. These findings suggest that all‐out SIT might induce greater improvement in aerobic exercise performance (blood lactate curve) but impair SIT‐induced enhancements in anaerobic exercise performance (AOD and mean power output).

The Effect of Wearing a Lower Body Compression Garment on Anaerobic Exercise Performance in Division I NCAA Basketball Players.

Lower body compression (LBC) has been shown as an effective recovery tool from basketball but it is unknown how it affects performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of wearing a LBC garment on anaerobic exercise performance in collegiate basketball players. Healthy Division I collegiate basketball players (n = 12) were recruited for this study. In a crossover, counterbalanced study design, subjects volunteered to participate in two separate visits each with a different condition: wearing a LBC garment or non-compressive control (CON) garment. During each visit, subjects completed 2 × 30 second Wingate Anaerobic Tests (WAnTs) separated by a 5-min active recovery period. Each visit was separated by a 72 h washout period. Results revealed that over the 2 × 30 second WAnTs, mean power output (p = 0.028; d= 0.35), anaerobic capacity (p = 0.018; d = 0.45), and total work (p = 0.027; d = 0.36) were higher when wearing the LBC versus CON garment. However, peak power output (p = 0.319; d = 0.09), anaerobic power (p = 0.263; d = 0.23), and fatigue index (p = 0.749; d = 0.05) were not statistically different. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was significantly lower (p = 0.032; d = 0.72) with LBC compared to CON. Results indicate that LBC may increase anaerobic exercise performance in collegiate basketball players.

Effects of Acute Consumption of Caffeinated Gum on Anaerobic Exercise Performance

Effects of Acute Consumption of Caffeinated Gum on Anaerobic Exercise Performance