Competitive Cyclists Research Articles

Assessing Energy Availability and Glucose Dynamics in Adolescent Cyclists: Implications for Nutritional Interventions During the Competitive Season

Background: The risk of developing a state of low energy availability (LEA) (<30 kcals/kg free-fat mass) in endurance athletes is known and recommendations for nutrition are available. However, information on male adolescent cyclists and the influence of hot temperatures is limited. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact on energy availability of two 4-day nutritional intervention strategies: (1) supplementary carbohydrate (CHO) intake during exercise and (2) designing and implementing individual nutritional interventions. Methods: Each intervention was preceded by a 4-day basal assessment. Eight competitive male junior road cyclists (aged 16–17 years) were investigated using a 4-day diet and activity records, alongside bioelectric impedance analysis. Their real-time power output, interstitial glucose, and temperature were recorded via sensors and a bike computer. Their energy intake (EI) was estimated from daily, self-reported food diaries. Results: Overall, 100% and 71% of the cyclists were in a state of LEA during the baseline assessment of the supplementary CHO and nutritional interventions, respectively. LEA prevalence, not modified by supplementary CHO intake alone (from 100% to 87%, ns), was markedly reduced by the individual nutritional intervention (from 71% to 14%, p < 0.05). When considering all the data as a whole, LEA was positively influenced by the training load (OR 1.06; 95% Cl 1.03 to 1.09) and free-fat mass (OR 1.46; 1.04 to 2.04) and was negatively affected by EI (OR 0.994; 0.991 to 0.997). A hot environment (air temperature) failed to influence the LEA or glucose dynamics. Conclusions: the nutritional intervention, but not the supplementary CHO intake, markedly reduced the prevalence of LEA in adolescents, who often fail to match their energy expenditure with their energy intake during the competitive season. Nutritional education is essential for adolescent endurance cycling teams.

A systematic review protocol of injuries and illness across all the competitive cycling disciplines, including track cycling, mountain biking, road cycling, time trial, cyclocross, gravel cycling, BMX freestyle, BMX racing, e-sport, para-cycling and artistic cycling.

The sport of cycling has witnessed phenomenal growth over the past decade. Globally, over 200 million television hours across five continents watched the recent inaugural World Championships in Glasgow, in 2023. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world cycling governing body, has highlighted its mission to "promote and support research in cycling epidemiology and medicine, especially for the benefit of lesser-known disciplines" within its 2030 Agenda. This paper outlines a proposed protocol to conduct a systematic review that comprehensively analyses and synthesises the existing literature about cycling-related injuries and illness across all competitive disciplines. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines will be followed through each stage of this systematic review. Cycling is an umbrella term used for many individual disciplines. Investigation of all types of injuries and/or illnesses sustained during training and/or competition among competitive athletes across all disciplines will be included in this review. A computerised, systematic literature search will be conducted in electronic databases MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Independent screening by two reviewers in a two-step process: title/abstract screening followed by full-text review. The reference lists of included articles will be searched to identify any other potentially relevant articles. Narrative synthesis and tabular/charted presentation of the extracted data will be included. This protocol paper outlines the methodology to conduct a systematic review of injuries and illness across all competitive cycling disciplines. The aims of outlining this systematic review protocol are to aid research transparency, help reduce publication bias, prevent selective publication, and prevent the selective reporting of results. Future systematic reviews based on the proposed protocol will summarise the known prevalence, incidences, locations and burden of injury and illness across the sport of cycling. This study has been registered with the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number CRD42024502703).

The effect of cycling shoe sole stiffness on sprint power output

Competitive and recreational cyclists use stiff-soled shoes that firmly attach to ‘clipless’ pedals. When compared to very flexible running shoes, very stiff cycling shoes with clipless pedals enhance power output during sprint cycling. However, a recent study showed no difference in power output or sprint performance between commercially available cycling shoes that span a range of longitudinal bending stiffnesses (∼200 to 500 N·m/rad). Thus, we sought to identify the likely range of sole stiffnesses below 200 N·m/rad over which reduced cycling shoe sole stiffness begins to decrease maximal power output. We measured the mechanical power outputs of 25 road cyclists during maximal sprints wearing shoes with identical uppers but with three different sole stiffnesses. Each participant completed nine 50 m sprints (three trials for each shoe) on a road with a steady, uphill grade of 9.1%. The three shoe sole conditions were: injected nylon (longitudinal bending stiffness 194 N·m/rad), moderate stiffness thermoplastic polyurethane (medium TPU) (43 N·m/rad), and low stiffness TPU (soft TPU) (9 N·m/rad) all ridden with the same clipless pedals. Stiffness was quantified using a simple testing apparatus. Power output decreased below the sole stiffness of ∼200 N·m/rad but only moderately. Maximal 1 s crank power (Pmax1) decreased −3.1% (ES = −0.59, p = 0.020) from Nylon to medium TPU and then further decreased −2.4% (ES 16 = −0.50, p = 0.054) from medium TPU to soft TPU. Interpolating our results suggests just a ∼1% loss in Pmax1 at a sole stiffness of 100 N·m/rad. Within reasonable limits, cycling shoe sole stiffness has only a small effect on power output.

Intensity Matters: Effect of Different Work-Matched Efforts on Subsequent Performance in Cyclists.

To assess the effect of 2 work-matched efforts of different intensities on subsequent performance in well-trained cyclists. The present study followed a randomized controlled crossover design. Twelve competitive junior cyclists volunteered to participate (age, 17 [1]y; maximum oxygen uptake, 71.0 [4.7]mL·kg-1·min-1). The power-duration relationship was assessed through 2-minute, 5-minute, and 12-minute field tests under fresh conditions (control). On subsequent days and following a randomized order, participants repeated the aforementioned tests after 2 training sessions matched for mechanical work (∼15kJ/kg) of different intensities (ie,a moderate-intensity continuous-training [60%-70% of critical power; CP] session or a session including high-intensity intervals [3-min repetition bouts at 110%-120% of the CP interspersed by 3-min rest periods]). A significantly lower power output was found in the 2-minute test after the high-intensity training session compared not only with the control condition (-8%, P < .001) but also with the moderate-intensity continuous-training session (-7%, P = .003), with no significant differences between the latter conditions. No significant differences between conditions were found for the remaining tests. As a consequence, the high-intensity training session resulted in significantly lower W' values compared to both the control condition (-27%, P = .001) and the moderate-intensity continuous-training session (-26%, P = .012), with no differences between the 2 latter conditions and with no differences for CP. A session including high-intensity intermittent efforts induces a greater fatigue, particularly in short-duration efforts and W', than a work-matched continuous-training session of moderate intensity.

The Impact of Using the Information gathering of Competitive Intelligence Cycle on the Organizational DNA

The Impact of Using the Information gathering of Competitive Intelligence Cycle on the Organizational DNA

Slope-structure design towards high-stability P2-Na0.67MnO2 cathode

Layered Mn-based oxide P2-Na0.67MnO2 (NMO) arouses enormous interest for its high specific capacity, easy preparation and low cost. Meanwhile, the P2 → O2 phase transition derived from the slippage of transition metal (TM) layer leads to the inferior performance. Herein, we design a co-doping into Na+ (102 pm) lattice site with smaller-sized Li+ (76 pm) and larger-sized K+ (138 pm) to construct a slope-structured P2-Na0.63K0.02Li0.02MnO2 (NKLMO). The anchored Li+ and K+ can serve as pillar effects and form a geometrically stable resembling triangular structure in the Na-interlayer. Moreover, such a slope-structure is clearly verified by the HRTEM images. In-situ XRD and in-situ EIS tests efficaciously clarify the improved structural stability and even lower impedance during cycling within 2.0–4.2 V, respectively. DFT calculations further confirm the stronger metallicity of NKLMO electrode than the bare NMO originated from the more mobile free electrons surrounding the vicinity of Fermi level. By grace of the more stable slope-structure and faster reaction kinetics, NKLMO is capable of displaying high initial capacity (206.5 mA h/g) and energy density (540 W h kg−1), with a competitive cycling stability at both low and high current rates (96 %@100 cycles@0.1C; 88.4 %@500 cycles@5C). This slope-design is above rubies for tuning chemistry environment to exploit high-stability P2-phase cathodes for sodium-ion batteries.

The power of stigma: telling the story of the exclusion of Porn Pedallers Cycling Club from British Cycling

ABSTRACT In 2019, Porn Pedallers Cycling Club (PPCC), an organization for adult industry workers who enjoy social and competitive cycling, had its affiliation revoked by UK cycling organization British Cycling due to its links with pornography. The removal of this privilege resulted in considerable media attention in the cycling, mainstream, and adult media. This article explores how British Cycling was able to effectively shut down the debate as to whether the PPCC should be allowed to affiliate through its positioning of both parties. Through critical discourse analysis of online news articles, the article demonstrates how the British media used images and language to stigmatize the PPCC, making constructive debate unfeasible. The authors of this article are public relations scholars and through the analysis of this fast-moving story suggest ways that small or independent organizations in the adult industry might react when in conflict with corporate entities.

Kinetics and coexistence of autocatalytic reaction cycles

Biological reproduction rests ultimately on chemical autocatalysis. Autocatalytic chemical cycles are thought to have played an important role in the chemical complexification en route to life. There are two, related issues: what chemical transformations allow such cycles to form, and at what speed they are operating. Here we investigate the latter question for solitary as well as competitive autocatalytic cycles in resource-unlimited batch and resource-limited chemostat systems. The speed of growth tends to decrease with the length of a cycle. Reversibility of the reproductive step results in parabolic growth that is conducive to competitive coexistence. Reversibility of resource uptake also slows down growth. Unilateral help by a cycle of its competitor tends to favour the competitor (in effect a parasite on the helper), rendering coexistence unlikely. We also show that deep learning is able to predict the outcome of competition just from the topology and the kinetic rate constants, provided the training set is large enough. These investigations pave the way for studying autocatalytic cycles with more complicated coupling, such as mutual catalysis.

Are Clinical Balance Measures Linked to Cycling Performance?

Balance is paramount to safe and successful cycling, both in competition and recreation. Balance has been investigated in the return-to-cycling context, but its relationship to cycling performance is unknown. Our study aimed to analyse the relationship between balance, measured by common clinical balance tests, and cycling performance. Seven competitive cyclists participated in this cross-sectional correlational study. We collected field-based measures of cycling performance, including mean velocity, minimum and maximum velocity, mean corner speed, average lap time, and lean angle. Also, we measured balance via the balance error scoring system, the star excursion balance test, the lateral reach test, and the modified Bass test of dynamic balance. Strong correlations between cornering performance and cycling performance (r = 0.65–0.87, p &lt; 0.01) were detected. Weak correlations between clinical balance tests and cycling performance (r = 0.33–0.53, p &lt; 0.05) were observed. In conclusion, our study showed that improving cornering performance has the potential to improve overall cycling performance. We also found no clear correlations between our clinical balance tests and cycling performance. These weak correlations between postural control in standing and cycling performance suggest that standing balance and balancing during cycling are distinct motor control processes.

Intrinsically Decoupled Coordination Chemistries Enable Quasi-Eutectic Electrolytes with Fast Kinetics toward Enhanced Zinc-Ion Capacitors.

Eutectic electrolytes show potential beyond conventional low-concentration electrolytes (LCEs) in zinc (Zn)-ion capacitors (ZICs) yet suffer from high viscosity and sluggish kinetics. Herein, we originally propose a universal theory of intrinsically decoupling to address these issues, producing a novel electrolyte termed "quasi-eutectic" electrolyte (quasi-EE). Joint experimental and theoretical analyses confirm its unique solution coordination structure doped with near-LCE domains. This enables the quasi-EE well inherit the advanced properties at deep-eutectic states while provide facilitated kinetics as well as lower energy barriers via a vehicle/hopping-hybridized charge transfer mechanism. Consequently, a homogeneous electroplating pattern with much enhanced Sand's time is achieved on the Zn surface, followed by a twofold prolonged service-life with drastically reduced concentration polarization. More encouragingly, the quasi-EE also delivers increased capacitance output in ZICs, which is elevated by 12.4 %-144.6 % compared to that before decoupling. Furthermore, the pouch cell with a cathodic mass loading of 36.6 mg cm-2 maintains competitive cycling performances over 600 cycles, far exceeding other Zn-based counterparts. This work offers fresh insights into eutectic decoupling and beyond.

Intrinsically Decoupled Coordination Chemistries Enable Quasi‐Eutectic Electrolytes with Fast Kinetics toward Enhanced Zinc‐Ion Capacitors

AbstractEutectic electrolytes show potential beyond conventional low‐concentration electrolytes (LCEs) in zinc (Zn)‐ion capacitors (ZICs) yet suffer from high viscosity and sluggish kinetics. Herein, we originally propose a universal theory of intrinsically decoupling to address these issues, producing a novel electrolyte termed “quasi‐eutectic” electrolyte (quasi‐EE). Joint experimental and theoretical analyses confirm its unique solution coordination structure doped with near‐LCE domains. This enables the quasi‐EE well inherit the advanced properties at deep‐eutectic states while provide facilitated kinetics as well as lower energy barriers via a vehicle/hopping‐hybridized charge transfer mechanism. Consequently, a homogeneous electroplating pattern with much enhanced Sand's time is achieved on the Zn surface, followed by a twofold prolonged service‐life with drastically reduced concentration polarization. More encouragingly, the quasi‐EE also delivers increased capacitance output in ZICs, which is elevated by 12.4 %–144.6 % compared to that before decoupling. Furthermore, the pouch cell with a cathodic mass loading of 36.6 mg cm−2 maintains competitive cycling performances over 600 cycles, far exceeding other Zn‐based counterparts. This work offers fresh insights into eutectic decoupling and beyond.

Extended Plateau Capacity of Hard Carbon Anode for High Energy Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Hard carbon materials have shown promising potential for sodium-ion storage due to accommodating larger sodium ions. However, as for lithium-ion storage, the challenge lies in tuning the high lithiation plateau capacities, which impacts the overall energy density. Here, hard carbon microspheres (HCM) are prepared by tailoring the cross-linked polysaccharide, establishing a comprehensive methodology to obtain high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with long plateau capacities. The "adsorption-intercalation mechanism" for lithium storage is revealed combining in situ Raman characterization and ex situ nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The optimized HCM possesses reduced defect content, enriched graphitic microcrystalline, and low specific surface area, which is beneficial for fast lithium storage. Therefore, HCM demonstrates a high reversible capacity of 537mAhg-1 with a significant low-voltage plateau capacity ratio of 55%, high initial Coulombic efficiency, and outstanding rate performance (152mAhg-1 at 10Ag-1). Moreover, the full cell (HCM||LiCoO2) delivers outstanding fast-charging capability (4min charge to 80% at 10C) and impressive energy density of 393Whkg-1. Additionally, 80% reversible capacity can be delivered under -40°C with competitive cycling stability. This work provides in-depth insights into the rational design of hard carbon structures with extended low-voltage plateau capacity for high energy LIBs.

Self-Assessment of Lower Urinary Tract Condition in Female Competitive Cyclists.

During cycling, prolonged compression by the bicycle saddle on the anatomical structures located in the perineum area occurs. An additional factor that may have a negative impact on organs located in the pelvic area may be a prolonged sitting position resulting in increased intraabdominal pressure. This situation has the potential to adversely affect pelvic floor function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) in female competitive road cyclists and cross-country cyclists. The study included 76 female competitive road cyclists and cross-country cyclists and 76 women not practising competitive sport. The Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score (CLSS) questionnaire was used to assess the lower urinary tract condition. Female competitive cyclists had a statistically significantly higher LUTSs score (95% CI: 3.12-4.2 vs. 2.31-3.16; p < 0.05) compared to women not practising competitive sports. Female cyclists had a statistically significantly higher overall CLSS score (95% CI: 3.99-5.61 vs. 2.79-3.97; p < 0.05). Female cyclists had a statistically significantly higher incidence and severity of urinary frequency (p < 0.05 and p < 0.02), urge (p < 0.001 and p < 0.02) and stress incontinence (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001), and pain in the bladder (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01), while physically inactive women recorded a statistically higher incidence of slow urinary stream (p < 0.01 and p < 0.04). A statistically significant association was recorded between the years of cycling and the number of hours per week spent on training and the number of symptoms and their severity. The number of natural births experienced by women involved in competitive cycling significantly affects the severity of LUT symptoms. Compared to women not practising competitive sports, competitive female cyclists are found to have a higher prevalence of LUTSs and a greater degree of severity. LUTSs in competitive female cyclists are negatively influenced by years of competitive career and weekly number of training hours and the number of natural births experienced.

Exploring the factors that influence the food choices of 14- to 16-year-old competitive cyclists in the UK

The natural growth and maturation process for young people is metabolically taxing and, for young athletes, there is added pressure to ensure sufficient energy to sustain sporting pursuits. Adolescence is also a time of increasing independence coupled with a continued dependence upon guardians. There is an increasing understanding of the physiology and expected nutritional needs of the competitive youth cyclist, however understanding of their nutrition knowledge and behaviours lags behind. The aim of this study was to explore the factors which influence the food choices of 14- to 16-year-old competitive cyclists in the UK, to inform the development of effective and sustainable nutrition support frameworks for this demographic. To do this, one-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted in-person or online with these athletes. Questions focussed on understanding the athletes’ sources of information, perspectives, and perceived level of agency surrounding their food practices. Interviews were conducted with a total of five athletes (female = 4, male = 1). Audio recordings were transcribed and inductively coded by hand to check for saturation before being compiled into a larger data set which was analysed for concepts and themes. The final codes were interrogated by an external researcher to further increase their validity. Data analysis revealed five key themes for this sample: influence, practice, personal narrative, opportunity, and optimal support. Subthemes for influence were parents, coaches, experiential learning, community, the external cycling world, peers, and externally contracted support. Subthemes for practice were fluid and hydration, carbohydrates, protein, caffeine, and food culture within cycling. Subthemes for personal narrative were application of knowledge, categorisation, lack of motivation, personal control, food as enjoyment, and superstition and ritual. Subthemes for opportunity were family support, independence, and planning. Subthemes for optimal support were guidance wanted and bespoke solutions. Though saturation was not achieved, the sample showed homogeneity across a number of areas and across sexes. Participants expressed a desire for nutrition guidance and, in particular, solutions tailored to their circumstances. They would prefer to receive nutrition support from trusted coaches who know them and their training loads, in an informal manner rather than through formal nutrition support from a professional. There was scepticism about the ability of a nutritionist to understand their unique sporting needs. Recommendations include further research into this population and also an examination of the knowledge and support required by guardians and coaches of youth cyclists to develop a practical approach that supports the athletic triangle.

The prevalence and factors associated with knee pain in a sample of cyclists within the United Kingdom: A cross sectional study

The study aimed to determine: (i) the lifetime and period prevalence of knee pain, (ii) the prevalence and nature of medical attention cycling- related injuries, (iii) and the risk factors associated with knee pain and in a sample of competitive and non-competitive cyclists in the UK. A cross-sectional questionnaire was used to collect data on knee pain, medical attention injuries, and potential risk factors associated with knee pain. Participants were competitive and non-competitive cyclists aged 18 years and older and were recruited through cycling clubs and online advertisement. Binary logistic regression was used to assess for potential risk factors associated with knee pain. Crude and adjusted odds ratios were reported in staged adjustment models, controlling for potential confounders of age and sex. Keele University Ethics Committee approved this study. A total of 115 respondents completed the questionnaire. Lifetime knee pain prevalence was 48%, with period prevalence 26.1% (past-month) and 18.3% (past-week). Aged 40 and over was the only factor found to be associated with knee pain, although this was no longer significant after adjustment for sex. The most prevalent site and type of injury was the lower back and fracture (traumatic), respectively. Knee pain prevalence is high in this sample of cyclists, particularly in those aged 40 years and over. Injury prevention strategies should target the lower back and fractures. Longitudinal research is needed to identify if there are modifiable risk factors that may reduce the occurrence of both knee pain and traumatic fractures in cyclists.

An appetite to win: Disordered eating behaviours amongst competitive cyclists

Competitive cyclists may be vulnerable to disordered eating (DE) and eating disorders (ED) due to perceived body composition optimisation and external influences within cycling culture and from stakeholders. Therefore, this study aimed to assess DE and ED risk in competitive cyclists using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), explore differences in responses based on sex, discipline and level of competition, and to gain insights into contributing factors towards DE via open-ended survey questions. In total, 203 participants completed a mixed-method questionnaire. Eating disorders were reported by 5.7% ( n = 11) of participants, with three being historic cases. The median (inter-quartile range) EAT-26 score was 8 (12) of a total possible score of 78. Disordered eating risk was observed in 16.7% of participants due to an EAT-26 score ≥20. Female participants had significantly higher scores than male participants (12.5 ± 17.5 vs. 6.5 ± 10.0; p = .004). There was no significant difference between road cyclists and off-road cyclists (7.0 ± 13.25 vs. 8.0 ± 10.5; p = .683). There was a significant difference in scores between novice/club/regional and national/elite/professional cyclists (6.0 ± 11.25 vs. 10.5 ± 12.0; p = .007). Thematic analysis of open-text responses found that the social environment of competitive cycling contributed towards DE behaviours and body image issues. These findings indicate competitive cyclists do appear to be an ‘at risk’ population for DE/ED. Therefore, there is need for stakeholders to enhance nutritional services, nutrition education and create supportive athlete environments.

Optimize Performance Using A Hydration Biosensor

The rising engagement in recreational and competitive cycling amongst older adults calls for an invention that monitors safety and maximizes performance. Nix Hydration Biosensors measure electrolyte levels and personalize athlete hydration plans through galvanic biosensors, aiding athletes of all ages to reach personal cycling goals.

Acute physiological responses of blood flow restriction between high-intensity interval repetitions in trained cyclists.

Blood flow restriction (BFR) is increasingly being used to enhance aerobic performance in endurance athletes. This study examined physiological responses to BFR applied in recovery phases within a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session in trained cyclists. Eleven competitive road cyclists (mean±SD, age: 28±7years, body mass: 69±6kg, peak oxygen uptake: 65±9mL ·kg-1· min-1) completed two randomised crossover conditions: HIIT with (BFR) and without (CON) BFR applied during recovery phases. HIIT consisted of six 30-s cycling bouts at an intensity equivalent to 85% of maximal 30-s power (523±93W), interspersed with 4.5-min recovery. BFR (200mmHg, 12cm cuff width) was applied for 2-min in the early recovery phase between each interval. Pulmonary gas exchange (V̇O2, V̇CO2, and V̇E), tissue oxygen saturation index (TSI), heart rate (HR), and serum vascular endothelial growth factor concentration (VEGF) were measured. Compared to CON, BFR increased V̇CO2 and V̇E during work bouts (both p<0.05, dz<0.5), but there was no effect on V̇O2, TSI, or HR (p>0.05). In early recovery, BFR decreased TSI, V̇O2, V̇CO2, and V̇E (all p<0.05, dz>0.8) versus CON, with no change in HR (p>0.05). In late recovery, when BFR was released, V̇O2, V̇CO2, V̇E, and HR increased, but TSI decreased versus CON (all p<0.05, dz>0.8). There was a greater increase in VEGF at 3-h post-exercise in BFR compared to CON (p<0.05, dz>0.8). Incorporating BFR into HIIT recovery phases altered physiological responses compared to exercise alone.

Nano-alumina islands enabling superior capacitive lithium-ion storage of pitaya configuration

Currently, high-temperature thermal failure hinders the development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Interfacial side reaction of electrolyte and electrode is the main cause of thermal failure at high temperature. Explicitly, suppressing interfacial side reactions at high temperatures can help the research of capacitive energy storage electrodes. While, thermo-electrochemical inert alumina can be facilitated to solve this problem. In this paper, pitaya configuration of nano-alumina islands uniformly dispersed in carbon matrix can be achieved from NOTT-300(Al). Nano-alumina contributes to the structural stability of porous carbon during carbonization and lithium deintercalation. And nano-alumina islands are effective in suppressing interfacial side reactions at high temperatures. Thus, NC-3 exhibits competitive specific capacity (717.1 mAh/g) and cycling stability (99.15% after 500 cycles). NC-3's capacity was confirmed to be mainly attributed to capacitive energy storage mechanism. This study provides a new research paradigm for nano-alumina to improve the high-temperature thermal stability management of LIBs.

Acute response in circulating microRNAs following a single bout of short-sprint and heavy strength training in well-trained cyclists.

Background: Heavy strength (HS) and short-sprint (SS) are commonly used training methods for competitive road cyclists, with the aim to improve the anaerobic power and short time cycling performance. Knowledge of how such training methods affects biochemical as well as molecular factors, are particularly important for determining individual recovery and long-term adaptations. The primary aim of the current study was to investigate the expression levels of small non-coding RNAs in response to HS and SS training in elite cyclists as potential biomarkers for individual optimal restitution time. Methods: Eleven well trained cyclists performed one session of HS training and one session of SS training on separate days. Blood samples were taken at baseline and 5min, 1h and 21h post training. Along with physiological measurements and biochemical factors (serum creatine kinase, myoglobin, human growth hormone and plasma lactate), real-time quantitative PCR was used to explore whether HS and/or SS training influenced the abundance of 24 circulating miRNAs, in serum, associated with muscle development, angiogenesis, and/or inflammation. Results: Based on complete miRNA profiles from nine cyclists, the miRNAs showing most altered expression after both training sessions included the three striated muscle-specific miRNAs (myomiRs) miR-1-3p, 133a-3p and 133b-3p. While all three miRNAs showed significantly highest expression at 1h post HS session, the acute effect of the SS session included a significantly higher level of miR-1-3p alone, at 5min (highest), as well as at 1h and 21h post session. Correlation (negative) with biochemical markers was only shown for miR-133a-3p and CK (r = -0.786, p = 0.041) and between miR-133b-3p and [La-] (r = -0.711, p = .032), at 21h post SS session. Conclusion: Our findings support that unique myomiRs are regulated by HS and SS training. Such knowledge may be important for individually adjusted restitution times.