High-intensity Interval Cycling Research Articles

The Effect of Time-Equated Concurrent Training Programs in Resistance-Trained Men.

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the effects of three different concurrent training (CT) programs and a resistance training (RT) program. Twenty-three resistance trained men (age: 24 ± 3 years) were randomized into four groups: concurrent RT and high intensity interval cycling (CTH, n = 6), concurrent RT and moderate intensity continuous cycling (CTM, n = 5), RT and barbell circuit training (RTC, n = 6), or RT only (RT, n = 6). Back squat and bench press strength, quadriceps, and pectoralis muscle thickness, VO2peak, and maximum workload (Wmax, Watts) were assessed. Squat strength gains were meaningful in all groups and comparable among CTH (16.88 kg [95% CrI: 11.15, 22.63]), CTM (25.54 kg [95% CrI: 19.24, 31.96]), RTC (17.5 kg [95% CrI: 11.66, 23.39]), and RT (20.36 kg [95% CrI: 15.29, 25.33]) groups. Bench press strength gains were meaningful in all groups and comparable among CTH (11.86 kg [95% CrI: 8.28, 15.47]), CTM (10.3 kg [95% CrI: 6.49, 14.13]), RTC (4.84 kg [95% CrI: 1.31, 8.47]), and RT (10.16 kg [95% CrI: 7.02, 13.22]) groups. Quadriceps hypertrophy was meaningful in all groups and comparable among CTH (2.29 mm [95% CrI: 0.84, 3.76]), CTM (3.41 mm [95% CrI: 1.88, 4.91]), RTC (2.6 mm [95% CrI: 1.17, 4.05]), and RT (2.83 mm [95% CrI: 1.55, 4.12]) groups. Pectoralis hypertrophy was meaningful in CTH (2.29 mm [95% CrI: -0.52, 5.1]), CTM (5.14 mm [95% CrI: 2.1, 8.15]), and RTC (7.19 mm [95% CrI: 4.26, 10.02]) groups, but not in the RT group (1 mm [95% CrI: -1.59, 3.59]); further, between-group contrasts indicated less pectoralis growth in the RT compared to the RTC group. Regarding cardiovascular outcomes, only the RTH and RTM groups experienced meaningful improvements in either measure (VO2peak or Wmax). These data suggest that the interference effect on maximal strength and hypertrophy can be avoided when the aerobic training is moderate intensity cycling, high intensity cycling, or a novel barbell circuit for ~one hour per week and on non-RT days. However, the barbell circuit failed to elicit meaningful cardiovascular adaptations.

Ageing attenuates exercise-enhanced motor cortical plasticity.

Cardiorespiratory exercise is known to modulate motor cortical plasticity in young adults, but the influence of ageing on this relationship is unknown. Here, we compared the effects of a single session of cardiorespiratory exercise on motor cortical plasticity in young and older adults. We acquired measures of cortical excitatory and inhibitory activity of the primary motor cortex using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) from 20 young (mean±SD = 25.30 ± 4.00 years, 14 females) and 20 older (mean±SD = 64.10 ± 6.50 years, 11 females) healthy adults. Single- and paired-pulse TMS measurements were collected before and after a 20min bout of high-intensity interval cycling exercise or an equivalent period of rest, and again after intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS). In both young (P = 0.027, Cohen's d = 0.87) and older adults (P = 0.006, Cohen's d = 0.85), there was an increase in glutamatergic excitation and a reduction in GABAergic inhibition from pre- to postexercise. However, in contrast to younger adults, older adults showed an attenuated plasticity response to iTBS following exercise (P = 0.011, Cohen's d = 0.85). These results demonstrate an age-dependent decline in cortical plasticity and indicate that a preceding bout of high-intensity interval exercise might be less effective for enhancing primary motor cortex plasticity in older adults. Our findings align with the hypothesis that the capacity for cortical plasticity is altered in older age. KEY POINTS: Exercise enhances motor cortical plasticity in young adults, but how ageing influences this effect is unknown. Here, we compared primary motor cortical plasticity responses in young and older adults before and after a bout of high-intensity interval exercise and again after a plasticity-inducing protocol, intermittent theta burst stimulation. In both young and older adults, exercise led to an increase in glutamatergic excitation and a reduction in GABAergic inhibition. Our key result was that older adults showed an attenuated plasticity response to theta burst stimulation following exercise, relative to younger adults. Our findings demonstrate an age-dependent decline in exercise-enhanced cortical plasticity and indicate that a preceding bout of high-intensity interval exercise might be less effective for enhancing primary motor cortex plasticity in older adults.

High-Intensity Interval Cycling and Running Yield a Similar Myokine and Osteokine Response in Young Adult Females

Background: The differential responses of the myokine irisin, in combination with changes in markers and regulators of bone remodeling to high-intensity interval exercise of high and low impact, were examined in 18 young adult females (22.5 ± 2.7 years). Methods: Participants performed two high-intensity interval exercise trials in random order: running on a treadmill and cycling on a cycle ergometer. Trials consisted of eight 1 min running or cycling intervals at ≥ 90% of maximal heart rate, separated by 1 min passive recovery intervals. Blood samples were collected at rest (pre-exercise) and 5 min, 1 h, and 24 h following each exercise trial. Irisin, osteocalcin, sclerostin, osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator nuclear factor kappa-β ligand (RANKL), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were analyzed in serum, with post-exercise concentrations being corrected for exercise-induced changes in plasma volume. Results: Irisin was elevated 24 h post-exercise compared to its resting values in both trials (20%, p < 0.05) and was higher after cycling compared to running (exercise mode effect, p < 0.05) with no interaction. Osteocalcin, sclerostin, PTH, and RANKL increased from pre- to 5 min post-exercise (18%, 37%, 83%, and 33%, respectively, p < 0.05), returning to baseline levels in 1 h, with no trial or interaction effects. OPG showed a time effect (p < 0.05), reflecting an overall increase at 5 min and 1 h post-exercise, which was not significant after the Bonferroni adjustment. Conclusions: In young adult females, high-intensity interval exercise induced an immediate response in markers and regulators of bone remodeling and a later response in irisin concentrations, which was independent of the gravitational impact.

D2 receptor blockade eliminates exercise-induced changes in cortical inhibition and excitation

BackgroundAlthough cardiorespiratory exercise is known to affect cortical excitatory and inhibitory activity, the neurochemical mechanisms driving this effect are poorly understood. Animal models of Parkinson's disease identify dopamine D2 receptor expression as a candidate mechanism, but the link between the D2 receptor and exercise-induced changes in cortical activity in humans is unknown. ObjectiveHere, we examined the effect of a selective dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, sulpiride, on exercise-induced changes in cortical activity. MethodsWe acquired measures of excitatory and inhibitory activity of the primary motor cortex using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) from 23 healthy adults, both before and after a 20-min bout of high-intensity interval cycling exercise. We examined the effect of D2 receptor blockade (800 mg sulpiride) on these measures within a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. ResultsSulpiride abolished exercise-induced modulation of the cortical excitation:inhibition balance relative to placebo (P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.76). Sulpiride blocked both the increase in glutamatergic excitation and reduction in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibition that was observed following exercise in the placebo condition. ConclusionOur results provide causal evidence that D2 receptor blockade eliminates exercise-induced changes in excitatory and inhibitory cortical networks, and have implications for how exercise should be prescribed in diseases of dopaminergic dysfunction.

Loss of cardiorespiratory fitness and its recovery following two weeks of head-down bed rest and the protective effects of exercise in 55- to 65-yr-old adults.

Cardiorespiratory fitness declines with age and this decline can be accelerated by inactivity and bed rest. Recovery of fitness is possible, but the timeline in 55- to 65-yr-old adults is unknown. Furthermore, the effectiveness of exercise to prevent deconditioning during bed rest is unexplored in this age group. Twenty-two adults (11 women, 59 ± 3 yr) completed 2 wk of strict 6° head-down bed rest (HDBR). Half of the participants performed approximately 1 h of daily exercises, including high-intensity interval cycling, aerobic cycling, and upper- and lower-body resistance training, whereas control participants were inactive. Step-incremental cycling tests to exhaustion were conducted pre-HDBR and at three times during the recovery phase (day 1 or 2, day 6, and 4 wk) to assess peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2). Peak V̇o2 was reduced in the control group throughout the first 6 days of recovery, but did return to pre-HDBR levels by the 4-wk recovery time point (interaction: P = 0.002). In the exercise group, peak V̇o2 was not different at any time point during recovery from pre-HDBR. Ventilatory threshold V̇o2 (interaction: P = 0.002) and heart rate at 15 W (interaction: P = 0.055) mirrored the changes in peak V̇o2 in each respective group. Overall, this study showed that approximately 1 h of daily exercise effectively protected 55- to 65-yr-old adults' cardiorespiratory fitness during 2 wk of HDBR. HDBR without exercise countermeasures caused substantial reductions in cardiorespiratory fitness, but fitness recovered within 4 wk of resuming daily activities. These findings highlight the importance of physical activity in late middle-age adults.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We report the complete time-course of cardiorespiratory fitness recovery back to baseline levels following 2 wk of head-down bed rest in 55- to 65-yr-old adults and found that multimodal training, consisting of high-intensity interval, aerobic and resistive exercises, performed throughout the 2 wk of head-down bed rest prevented reductions in cardiorespiratory fitness.

Blood flow restriction during high-intensity interval cycling exacerbates psychophysiological responses to a greater extent in females than males.

This study aimed to characterize neuromuscular, perceptual, and cardiorespiratory responses to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with superimposed blood flow restriction in males and females. Twenty-four, healthy individuals (n = 12 females) completed two cycling HIIT protocols to task failure (1-min work phases at 90% of peak power output interspersed by 1-min rest phases). The blood flow restriction (BFR) and control (CON) protocols were identical except for the presence and absence of BFR during rest phases, respectively. The interpolated twitch technique, including maximal voluntary isometric knee extension (MVC) and femoral nerve electrical stimuli, was performed at baseline, every six intervals, and task failure. Perceptual and cardiorespiratory responses were recorded every three intervals and continuously during exercise, respectively. Bayesian inference was used to obtain the joint posterior distribution for all parameters and evidence of an effect was determined via the marginal posterior probability (PP). The BFR shortened task duration by 57.3% compared with CON (PP > 0.99), without a sex difference. The application of BFR exacerbated the rate of decline in neuromuscular measures (MVC and twitch force output), increase of perceptual responses (perceived effort, pain, dyspnea, fatigue), and development of cardiorespiratory parameters (minute ventilation and heart rate), compared with CON (PP > 0.95). In addition, BFR exacerbated the neuromuscular, perceptual, and cardiorespiratory responses to a greater extent in females than males (PP > 0.99). Our results suggest that superimposition of blood flow restriction exacerbates psychophysiological responses to a HIIT protocol to a greater extent in females than males.NEW & NOTEWORTHY To our knowledge, no study has explored sex differences in the neuromuscular, perceptual, and cardiorespiratory indices characterizing exercise tolerance during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with blood flow restriction (BFR) applied only during rest periods. Our results suggest that BFR elicited a decline in exercise performance that could be attributed to integration of psychophysiological responses. However, this integration was sex-dependent where females demonstrated an exacerbated rate of change in these responses compared with males.

TILT TEST TOLERANCE AFTER TWO-WEEKS BED REST IN OLDER ADULTS IS NOT PROTECTED BY DAILY AEROBIC AND RESISTANCE EXERCISE

Abstract Bed rest is associated with increased risk of orthostatic intolerance on return to upright posture and, at least in young adults, regular exercise during bed rest is proposed as protective. 22 older adults (55-65 years, half women) participated in a randomized trial with 14-days of continuous 6-degree head-down bed rest. Half completed 60 min/day of aerobic and high-intensity interval cycling plus resistance exercises (Ex) while the other half were control (Con). A passive 80-degree head-up tilt (HUT) to a maximum of 15-min assessed orthostatic tolerance while cardio- and cerebrovascular responses were monitored to a pre-syncopal level of systolic blood pressure &amp;lt; 90 mmHg. In pre-bed rest baseline, all but 3 women (Ex) completed 15-min HUT. After 14-days bed rest, only 3 men (1 Ex) and 1 woman (Ex) completed 15-min with no differences in tolerance between men and women or Ex and Con. Vasovagal syncope presented in 5 participants (2 M-Con, 1 M-Ex, 1 F-Con, 1 F-Ex), most other non-finishers had progressive reduction in stroke volume without adequate vasoconstriction. Reductions in cerebral blood velocity measured during HUT by Doppler ultrasound revealed strong linear relationships to both end-tidal PCO2 and mean arterial pressure across all participants. These data indicate that neither older men nor older women were protected from orthostatic intolerance by 60-min per day exercise including high-intensity interval training. These data contrast with previous findings in younger adults in controlled trials of bed rest pointing to the need for greater understanding of mechanisms regulating blood pressure and brain blood flow.

FP.06 Use of an exercise challenge system to define a universal proteomic signature of muscle injury in a diverse set of adults with inherited myopathy

Several inherited myopathies are defined by an enhanced injury response to exercise. However, current understanding of muscle injury depending on the underlying genetic lesion is poorly understood. We used an established exercise intervention along with the SOMAscan 7K platform to characterize serum proteomic signatures of exercise-induced muscle injury in a diverse set of adults with myopathy. Participants included healthy volunteers, Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies R9 (LGMDR9) and R12 (LGMDR12), and McArdle disease (McA). Muscle injury was induced by an exercise challenge consisting of high-intensity interval cycling exercise followed by a leg strength test, which has been shown to cause injury in BMD and McA. Blood samples were collected before exercise and at intervals of up to 24 hours post-exercise. We identified an indication-independent novel cluster of 27 plasma-based biomarkers that distinguished pre-exercise myopathy individuals from healthy controls. The exercise response of this distinguishing cluster revealed two subsets of proteins, those that further changed after exercise and those that were exercise-independent. Exercise-dependent biomarkers demonstrated a clear time-dependency, with >90% increasing to maximal levels at 2-4 hours post-injury. When comparing indication-specific injury responses, BMD, LGMDR9, and McA revealed a surprising degree of overlap (33 proteins), including 15 proteins that were not increased at baseline in any indication. In comparison, LGMDR12 individuals demonstrated elevated baseline signature markers but no significant injury response. The controls showed no significant biomarker response to the exercise challenge. These data not only provide several new biomarker candidates for distinguishing muscle injury but highlight significant common features between indications, suggesting a common mechanism of muscle injury and breakdown, independent of the underlying pathophysiology.

Acute Effects of Concurrent High-Intensity Interval Cycling and Bench-Press Loading on Upper- and Lower-Body Explosive Strength Performance.

This study examined the acute effects of lower-body high-intensity interval loading (HIIT) on explosive upper- and lower-body strength, as well as the combined effect of HIIT and bench-press loading versus HIIT and squat loading on the explosive upper- and lower-body strength. Fifteen physically active men completed 2 sessions consisting of HIIT (4 × 4min cycling at 80% of peak power output) immediately followed by lower- (HIIT + LBS) or upper-body (HIIT + UBS) strength loading (3 × 5 + 3 × 3 repetitions at 80% 1-repetition maximum [ie,6 sets in total]) in a randomized order. Squat and bench-press mean propulsive velocity (MPV) was assessed before HIIT (T0), immediately after HIIT (T1), immediately after the strength loading (T2), and 24hours after the experimental session (T3). Squat MPV decreased to a similar magnitude at T1 in HIIT + LBS (-5.3% [7.6%], P = .117, g = .597) and HIIT + UBS (-5.7% [6.9%], P = .016, g = .484), while bench press remained unchanged (-1.4% [4.7%], P = 1.000, g = .152, and -1.0% [7.0%], P = 1.000, g = .113, respectively). Both squat and bench-press MPV were statistically reduced at T2 compared to T0 (HIIT + LBS: -7.5% [7.8%], P = .016, g = .847, and -6.8% [4.6%], P < .001, g = .724; HIIT + UBS: -3.9% [3.8%], P = .007, g = .359, and -15.5% [6.7%], P < .001, d = 1.879). Bench-press MPV at T2 was significantly lower in HIIT + UBS when compared to HIIT + LBS (P = .002, d = 1.219). These findings indicate lower- but not upper-body explosive strength to be acutely reduced by preceding lower-body HIIT. However, lower-body HIIT combined with either upper- or lower-body strength loading resulted in a similar acute reduction of both squat and bench-press explosive strength.

Exercise Effects on Motor Skill Consolidation and Intermuscular Coherence Depend on Practice Schedule.

Cardiorespiratory or aerobic exercise immediately after practice of an upper-extremity motor skill task can facilitate skill consolidation, as demonstrated by enhanced performances at 24 h and 7-day retention tests. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acute cardiorespiratory exercise on motor skill consolidation when skill practice involved low and high levels of contextual interference introduced through repetitive and interleaved practice schedules, respectively. Forty-eight young healthy adults were allocated to one of four groups who performed either repetitive or interleaved practice of a pinch grip motor sequence task, followed by either a period of seated rest or a bout of high-intensity interval cycling. At pre- and post-practice and 24 h and 7-day retention tests, we assessed motor skill performance and β-band (15–35 Hz) intermuscular coherence using surface electromyography (EMG) collected from the abductor pollicis brevis and first dorsal interosseous. At the 7-day retention test, off-line consolidation was enhanced in the cardiorespiratory exercise relative to the rest group, but only among individuals who performed interleaved motor skill practice (p = 0.02). Similarly, at the 7-day retention test, β-band intermuscular coherence increased to a greater extent in the exercise group than in the rest group for those who performed interleaved practice (p = 0.02). Under the present experimental conditions, cardiorespiratory exercise preferentially supported motor skill consolidation and change in intermuscular coherence when motor skill practice involved higher rather than lower levels of contextual interference.

Acute Effects of High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Motor Cortical Excitability and Inhibition in Sedentary Adults.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation studies have demonstrated increased cortical facilitation and reduced inhibition following aerobic exercise, even when examining motor regions separate to the exercised muscle group. These changes in brain physiology following exercise may create favorable conditions for adaptive plasticity and motor learning. One candidate mechanism behind these benefits is the increase in brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) observed following exercise, which can be quantified from a venous blood draw. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in motor cortex excitability and inhibition of the upper limb, and circulating BDNF, following high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on a stationary bicycle. Nineteen sedentary adults participated in a randomized crossover design study involving a single bout of high-intensity interval cycling for 20 min or seated rest. Venous blood samples were collected, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to stimulate the extensor carpi radialis (ECR), where motor evoked potentials (MEP) were recorded pre- and post-condition. Following exercise, there was a significant increase (29.1%, p < 0.001) in corticospinal excitability measured at 120% of resting motor threshold (RMT) and a reduction in short-interval cortical inhibition (SICI quantified as 86.2% increase in the SICI ratio, p = 0.002). There was a non-significant (p = 0.125) 23.6% increase in BDNF levels. Collectively, these results reflect a net reduction in gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic synaptic transmission and increased glutamatergic facilitation, resulting in increased corticospinal excitability. This study supports the notion that acute high-intensity exercise provides a potent stimulus for inducing cortical neuroplasticity, which may support enhanced motor learning.

High Intensity Interval Training Leads to Similar Inflammatory Activation as Seen With Traditional Training in Chronic Heart Failure.

BackgroundInflammatory activation has been associated with the severity and progression of chronic heart failure (CHF). Although cardiac rehabilitation is an important therapy, acute bouts of exercise may lead to increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines with exercise intensity mediating these changes.ObjectiveTo evaluate the acute inflammatory response in patients living with CHF during a randomized trial following Steady State (SS) or High Intensity Interval (HIIT) training.MethodsPatients living with CHF (n = 14) were stratified (for body mass and aerobic power) and randomized into SS and HIIT cycle exercise. The HIIT exercise training involved 2 min work:recovery phases at 90:40% heart rate reserve. The SS exercise training involved continuous exercise at 65% of heart rate reserve (matched total work). Acute inflammatory markers were evaluated (via ELISA) at baseline, immediately following the bout, and at 6, 24, and 48 h post-exercise.ResultsThere was limited differences in the changes in inflammatory biomarkers across time between the HIIT and SS groups. Both groups experienced a significant (p < 0.05) change in Interleukin-6 immediately post-exercise.ConclusionsA single bout of HIIT or SS does not result in excessive inflammatory activation in CHF patients. Acute HIIT and SS result in similar changes in inflammatory markers. These findings have important implications for exercise training and rehabilitation programs in persons living with CHF.

Heart-Rate Acceleration Is Linearly Related to Anaerobic Exercise Performance.

To prescribe training loads to improve performance, one must know how an athlete is responding to loading. The maximal rate of heart-rate increase (rHRI) during the transition from rest to exercise is linearly related to changes in endurance exercise performance and can be used to infer how athletes are responding to changes in training load. Relationships between rHRI and anaerobic exercise performance have not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate relationships between rHRI and anaerobic exercise performance. Eighteen recreational strength and power athletes (13 male and 5 female) were tested on a cycle ergometer for rHRI, 6-second peak power output, anaerobic capacity (30-s average power), and blood lactate concentration prior to (PRE), and 1 (POST1) and 3 (POST3) hours after fatiguing high-intensity interval cycling. Compared with PRE, rHRI was slower at POST1 (effect size [ES] = -0.38, P = .045) but not POST3 (ES = -0.36, P = .11). PPO was not changed at POST1 (ES = -0.12, P = .19) but reduced at POST3 (ES = -0.52, P = .01). Anaerobic capacity was reduced at POST1 (ES = -1.24, P < .001) and POST3 (ES = -0.83, P < .001), and blood lactate concentration was increased at POST1 (ES = 1.73, P < .001) but not at POST3 (ES = 0.75, P = .11). rHRI was positively related to PPO (B = 0.19, P = .03) and anaerobic capacity (B = 0.14, P = .005) and inversely related to blood lactate concentration (B = -0.22, P = .04). rHRI is linearly related to acute changes in anaerobic exercise performance and may indicate how athletes are responding to training to guide the application of training loads.

Nine weeks of high-intensity indoor cycling training induced changes in the microbiota composition in non-athlete healthy male college students

BackgroundThe gut microbiota constitutes a dynamic microbial system constantly challenged by environmental conditions, including physical exercise. Limited human studies suggest that exercise could play a beneficial role for gut health, increasing microbial diversity, even if the effects of exercise on gut microbial microorganisms depends on its intensity and duration. This study aimed to investigate the effects of nine weeks of high-intensity interval exercise on gut microbiota composition in healthy young adults.MethodsThe gut microbiota composition of seventeen healthy male college students was analysed before and after nine weeks of high-intensity interval cycling training by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. PERMANOVA for repeated measures was used to test pre-post differences in the relative abundance of all taxonomic levels, and correlations between variations in microbial composition and physical and dietary features were also assessed.ResultsPhysical exercise induced changes in microbiota composition, at all taxonomic levels analysed (phyla: F [1, 32]=3.97, p=0.029; classes: F [1, 32]=3.39, p=0.033, orders: F [1, 32]=3.17, p=0.044, families: F [1, 32]=1.54, p=0.037, genera: F [1, 32]=1.46, p=0.015, species: F [1, 32]=1.38, p=0.007). Conversely, no differences were found between pre and post-training conditions for microbial community richness (Chao1: V=105, p=0.06) or diversity (Shannon index: V=62, p=0.52; Simpson index: V=59, p=0.43). Changes in the relative abundance of eighteen genera were correlated to changes of twenty environmental factors grouped in physical features, sport-related features, and dietary features.ConclusionsNine weeks of high-intensity exercise induced modifications in gut microbiota composition in healthy male college students, shifting the gut microbial population towards a healthier microbiome with benefit to human health in general.

Acute Effects of Two Doses of a Coffeeberry Extract on Mental Energy-Related Feelings and Cycling Performance After Cognitive and Physical Work

ObjectivesTo assess the acute effects of two doses of coffeeberry extract use on (i) mental energy-related feelings (primary outcome) and (ii) cycling performance (secondary outcome). MethodsTwenty-eight active adults (14 females & 14 males: mean age = 20.6 ± 1.0 & 21.8 ± 3.8 years; VO2peak = 38.6 ± 5.2 & 44.7 ± 6.9 ml.kg.min–1) completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Treatments were a base beverage supplemented with a coffeeberry® extract (VDF FutureCeuticals, Inc.) at doses of 100 mg (CB100) and 300 mg (CB300). The base beverage alone was the placebo (PL) and the positive control was the base beverage with 75 mg caffeine (CAF). Participants consumed one of the four beverages during visits separated by at least five days. Before (BL) and one hour post-treatment, a battery of five cognitive tests and visual analog scales assessing the mood states of alertness, energy and fatigue were completed, taking 55-minutes. Two hours post-treatment, a 20-minute high intensity interval cycling protocol was performed followed by a 3-minute time trial; heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, and feelings of fatigue were measured. Bonferroni corrected t-tests tested differences in cycling performance (P < .001). Repeated measures ANOVAs tested for other treatment effects. Mean differences from BL are presented below. ResultsThere was a significant Beverage x Time interaction for alertness (P = .008), energy (P = .009), and fatigue (P = .008). Post-hoc analysis indicated from BL to POST CAF significantly improved alertness (PL: –2.2 ± 15.3; CB100: –.3 ± 11.2; CB300: 1.0 ± 11.7; CAF: 9.1 ± 12.5); energy (PL: –9.4 ± 54.7; CB100: –5.6 ± 36.4; CB300: 1.9 ± 35.9; CAF: 26.2 ± 40.8), and fatigue (PL: 11.8 ± 52.6; CB100: 6.5 ± 41.0; CB300: –.9 ± 43.9; CAF: –26.8 ± 42.9). ConclusionsConsumption of a beverage with 100 mg or 300 mg coffeeberry extract one hour before a cognitive test or two hours before a high intensity exercise bout does not influence feelings of alertness, energy, and fatigue or cycling performance. Consumption of a beverage with 75 mg caffeine had no impact on cycling performance but improved feelings of alertness, energy, and fatigue. Funding SourcesPepsiCo R&D. The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of PepsiCo, Inc.

Aerobic exercise intensity does not affect the anabolic signaling following resistance exercise in endurance athletes

This study examined whether intensity of endurance stimulus within a concurrent training paradigm influenced the phosphorylation of signaling proteins associated with the mTOR and AMPK networks. Eight male cyclists completed (1) resistance exercise (RES), 6 × 8 squats at 80% 1-RM; (2) resistance exercise and moderate intensity cycling of 40 min at 65% V̇O2peak, (RES + MIC); (3) resistance exercise and high intensity interval cycling of 40 min with 6 alternating 3 min intervals of 85 and 45% V̇O2peak (RES + HIIC), in a cross-over design. Muscle biopsies were collected at rest and 3 h post-RES. There was a main effect of condition for mTORS2448 (p = 0.043), with a greater response in the RES + MIC relative to RES condition (p = 0.033). There was a main effect of condition for AMPKα2T172 (p = 0.041), with a greater response in RES + MIC, relative to both RES + HIIC (p = 0.026) and RES (p = 0.046). There were no other condition effects for the remaining protein kinases assessed (p > 0.05). These data do not support a molecular interference effect in cyclists under controlled conditions. There was no intensity-dependent regulation of AMPK, nor differential activation of anabolism with the manipulation of endurance exercise intensity.

Comparing the Effects of Immersed Versus Land-Based High-Intensity Interval Cycling on Energy Intake, Appetite Sensations and Perceived Exertion Among Healthy Men.

Immersed exercise has been shown to induce higher energy expenditure and no difference or increase in food intake compared with similar exercise on land. In this study, we compared the effects of acute high-intensity cycling performed on land versus when immersed on subsequent energy intake (EI), appetite sensations and perceived exertion (RPE) in healthy men. Ten participants in a postprandial condition completed three experimental visits in a randomized order: a control condition (CONT); a high-intensity interval cycling exercise performed on land (HIIE-L) and the same exercise while immersed in water (HIIE-A) with a similar targeted heart rate. We observed no difference in energy and macronutrient intake and in area under the curve (AUC) for appetite sensations between sessions. The RPE at the end of HIIE-L was negatively correlated with EI (r=-0.67; p < 0.05), AUC for hunger (r=-0.86, p < 0.01), desire to eat (r=-0.78, p < 0.05) and prospective food consumption (r=-0.86, p < 0.01). Conversely, the RPE at the end of HIIE-L was positively correlated with AUC for fullness (r = 0.76, p < 0.05). No such correlations were observed for HIIE-A. The present study was the first to observe that immersion did not influence EI after HIIE cycling, but immersion blunted the relationship between session RPE and subsequent energy intake and appetite sensations relative to HIIE on land.

Impact of exercise training and supplemental oxygen on submaximal exercise performance in patients with COPD.

Functional impairment caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) impacts on activities of daily living and quality of life. Indeed, patients’ submaximal exercise capacity is of crucial importance. It was the aim of this study to investigate the effects of an exercise training intervention with and without supplemental oxygen on submaximal exercise performance. This is a secondary analysis of a randomized, controlled, double‐blind, crossover trial. 29 COPD patients (63.5 ± 5.9 years; FEV1 46.4 ± 8.6%) completed two consecutive 6‐week periods of high‐intensity interval cycling and strength training, which was performed three times/week with either supplemental oxygen or medical air (10 L/min). Submaximal exercise capacity as well as the cardiocirculatory, ventilatory, and metabolic response were evaluated at isotime (point of termination in the shortest cardiopulmonary exercise test), at physical work capacity at 110 bpm of heart rate (PWC 110), at the anaerobic threshold (AT), and at the lactate‐2 mmol/L threshold. After 12 weeks of exercise training, patients improved in exercise tolerance, shown by decreased cardiocirculatory (heart rate, blood pressure) and metabolic (respiratory exchange ratio, lactate) effort at isotime; ventilatory response was not affected. Submaximal exercise capacity was improved at PWC 110, AT and the lactate‐2 mmol/L threshold, respectively. Although supplemental oxygen seems to affect patients’ work rate at AT and the lactate‐2 mmol/L threshold, no other significant effects were found. The improved submaximal exercise capacity and tolerance might counteract patients’ functional impairment. Although cardiovascular and metabolic training adaptations were shown, ventilatory efficiency remained essentially unchanged. The impact of supplemental oxygen seems less important on submaximal training effects.

The impact of preconditioning exercise on the vascular response to an oral glucose challenge.

Exercise elicits direct benefits to insulin sensitivity but may also indirectly improve glucose uptake by hemodynamic conditioning of the vasculature. The purpose of this study was to examine the modifying effect of 3 different types of exercise on the vascular response to an oral glucose challenge. Twenty healthy adults (9 women, 11 men; aged 23 ± 3 years) completed a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at rest, as well as 1.5 hours after moderate continuous cycling exercise (30min; 65% peak oxygen consumption), high-intensity interval cycling exercise (10 × 1 min at 90% peak heart rate), and lower-load higher-repetition resistance exercise (25-35 repetitions/set, 3 sets). Brachial and superficial femoral artery blood flow, conductance, and oscillatory shear index were measured throughout the OGTT. Regardless of rested state or exercise preconditioning, the OGTT induced reductions in brachial artery blood flow and conductance (p< 0.001), and transient increases in brachial and superficial femoral artery oscillatory shear index and retrograde blood flow (p< 0.01). Continuous cycling and resistance exercise were followed with a small degree of protection against prolonged periods of oscillatory flow. Our findings imply transient peripheral vasoconstriction and decreased limb blood flow during a standard OGTT, for which prior exercise was unable to prevent in healthy adults. Novelty: We investigated the impact of continuous, interval, and resistance exercise on the hemodynamic response to an OGTT. Our findings suggest decreased upper-limb blood flow during an OGTT is not prevented by prior exercise in healthy adults.

High-Intensity Interval Cycle Ergometer Training in Parkinson's Disease: Protocol for Identifying Individual Response Patterns Using a Single-Subject Research Design.

Background: People with Parkinson's disease (PD) experience not only motor problems but also non-motor problems that seriously impede their daily functioning and quality of life. The current pharmacologic treatment of PD is symptomatic, and alternative rehabilitation treatments, which preferably also have a disease-modifying effect and promote neuroplasticity, are needed. Recent studies suggest that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is promising for promoting neuroplasticity in human PD, with short training time and reduced burden. Biomarkers for neuroplasticity such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurodegeneration (including neurofilament NfL and α-synuclein) may play a role, but their response to HIIT is not well-investigated.Objectives: The aims of this study were (1) to study the effects of 4 weeks of HIIT compared with 4 weeks of continuous aerobic exercise on motor and non-motor outcomes of PD and (2) to investigate the association between HIIT, motor/non-motor performances changes, and blood biomarker levels for neuroplasticity and neurodegeneration.Study Design: Single-subject research design with alternating treatment setup (ABACA) and frequent repeated measurements was used. Each participant received different intervention conditions (B/C) interspersed with baseline periods (A, i.e., ABACA or ACABA), and frequent repeated assessment of outcome measures is done to quantify within-subject, individual response patterns with sufficient power for data analysis. Blood samples were collected once a week in the baseline and training phases (A1 and B/C) and once every 2 weeks in the washout phases (A2 and A3).Intervention: Four subjects with PD on stable dopaminergic medication, two in Hoehn–Yahr stage 1–2, and two in Hoehn–Yahr stage 2.5–3 followed an ABACA or ACABA schedule, consisting of blocks with 30-min sessions of “B” (HIIT) or 50-min sessions of “C” [continuous aerobic exercise (CAE)] 3×/week for 4 weeks, separated by baseline “A” periods of 8 weeks for a total duration of 28 weeks.Outcome Measures: Outcome measures include disease status [Movement Disorder Society-sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS)], blood biomarkers (BDNF, Nfl, and α-synuclein), measures for functional mobility (including an activity tracker), and activities of daily living, as well as cognition, mood, biorhythm (sleeping problems), and quality of life.Data Analysis: Visual analysis of trends in level, slope, and variability in response patterns was carried out, confirmed by longitudinal regression analysis with phase (ABACA) as the independent variable.