Maximal Anaerobic Running Test Research Articles

7-day Simulated Intermittent Hypoxic Training Improves Maximal Aerobic Capacity In 400m Or 800m Runners

The effectiveness of short-term (1 week) intermittent hypoxic training for competitive athletes is unclear even though intermittent hypoxic training is currently used by some athletes to enhance performance. We demonstrated that 6 days of intermittent hypoxic exposure and interval training improved performance of maximal anaerobic running test (MART) (ACSM 2014). However, the effectiveness of intermittent hypoxic exposure independent of training is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the physiological adaptations in well-trained 400m or 800m runners following 7 days of intermittent hypoxic exposure combined with high intensity interval training. METHODS: Eight well-trained female 400m or 800m runners were assigned to either a hypoxic group (n=8) or a control group (n=8) using a cross-over design. Hypoxic group trained in normobaric hypoxia room (3000m altitude) and control group trained at sea-level (60m altitude). All Subjects trained for 7 days and performed MART and incremental maximal running test before and after the 7-day training period. The training consisted of high intensity interval training (five 30s all-out pedaling) and endurance training (30min incremental running and 30min steady pedaling). Maximal power in the MART was calculated from the running velocity in the last completed bout and running time in the exhaustion bout. VO2max was measured in the incremental running test. All subjects trained and performed tests again in the opposite condition after 5 months. RESULTS: Maximal power in the MART increased significantly (p<0.01) after training period in both groups (Hypoxic: 109.5±1.4 vs. 111.7±2.8, Control: 109.1±2.7 vs. 111.0±2.7 ml/kg/min). VO2max in the hypoxic group increased significantly (p<0.05) after training period (49.7±5.0 vs. 51.6±3.5 ml/kg/min). On the other hand, there were no significant changes in the control group (49.1±4.8 vs. 50.0±5.7 ml/kg/min). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that 7 days of intermittent hypoxic exposure combined with high intensity interval training is effective for enhanceming maximal aerobic capacity as well as anaerobic power in 400m or 800m runners.

Effects of high-intensity running training on soccer-specific fitness in professional male players.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not physiological and performance gains could be achieved with the addition of high-intensity running to an existing training programme in a group of well trained professional male soccer players. Sixteen professional male players (21.3 ± 2.1 years, stature 177.4 ± 4.2 cm, body mass 73.1 ± 8.1 kg) were randomised in training (TRA, n = 8) and control (CON, n = 8) groups. All players performed physiological assessments before and after a 6-week intervention. Outcome measures were: (i) V̇O2peak, (ii) V̇O2 kinetics during very heavy-intensity exercise, (iii) a maximal anaerobic running test, and (iv) Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 2 (YIRT2). The only aerobic parameter to change after the intervention was the phase III time constant at exercise onset for CON, which lengthened (p = 0.012) to a value similar to that of the TRA group. However, TRA showed gains in anaerobic performance (p = 0.021), time to exhaustion (p = 0.019), and maximal running speed (p = 0.023). In the YIRT2, distance run increased for TRA over time (p = 0.015), and the TRA group were also capable of running further in the YIRT2 after the intervention compared with CON (p = 0.011). This study shows it is possible to improve the soccer-specific high-intensity running capacity of professional players when high-intensity intermittent training is added to the normal training load and that this effect is only detectable in anaerobic capabilities. The observed effects are meaningful to the training practices of elite athletes seeking a competitive edge in team sports when otherwise well matched.

Resposta cronotrópica ao teste anaeróbio máximo de corrida - MART

INTRODUCTION: Heart rate (HR) in maximal anaerobic running test (MART) expresses the cardiac autonomic behavior in exercise. It has not been investigated whether such responses are associated with chronotropic aerobic and anaerobic performance. OBJECTIVE: To describe the cardiac chronotropic response during the MART in seconds of stimulation (HRON) and recovery (HROFF), and establish the association between chronotropic variables with aerobic and anaerobic performance. METHODS: Thirteen male volunteers were asymptomatic and physically active, with 25.1 ± 4.9 years, 76.8 ± 12.5 kg, 178.4 cm and 50.6 ± 9.0 ± 4.1 mL×kg-1×min-1. On the first visit after the interview and anthropometric measurements, we performed a cardiopulmonary exercise testing (TCPE) with direct monitoring of expired gases. The second visit was carried to familiarize the MART and the third, the test was performed until exhaustion MART. RESULTS: Heart rate recovery (58 ± 20 bpm) compared to the peak HR achieved in the first and last stage of MART (39 ± 14 bpm) had a higher slope, resulting in greater range of variation over the test, characterizing differences (P = 0.0017). The HRON presented between the time the initial, middle and end of the MART significant differences (start versus final, p = 0.007). To HROFF significant differences were found starting with the middle (p = 0.035) and the starting to the final (p = 0.005) test. The chronotropic correlations between variables, including decrease in HR, and TCPE performance were not statistically significant (P < 0.05), as nor as the performance variables. CONCLUSION: The MART model seems to be a physiological overload suitable for investigation of cardiac autonomic modulation. There was action of the parasympathetic system even in supramaximal loads by the end of the test.

Effect of resistance training regimens on treadmill running and neuromuscular performance in recreational endurance runners

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of heavy resistance, explosive resistance, and muscle endurance training on neuromuscular, endurance, and high-intensity running performance in recreational endurance runners. Twenty-seven male runners were divided into one of three groups: heavy resistance, explosive resistance or muscle endurance training. After 6 weeks of preparatory training, the groups underwent an 8-week resistance training programme as a supplement to endurance training. Before and after the 8-week training period, maximal strength (one-repetition maximum), electromyographic activity of the leg extensors, countermovement jump height, maximal speed in the maximal anaerobic running test, maximal endurance performance, maximal oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O2max), and running economy were assessed. Maximal strength improved in the heavy (P = 0.034, effect size ES = 0.38) and explosive resistance training groups (P = 0.003, ES = 0.67) with increases in leg muscle activation (heavy: P = 0.032, ES = 0.38; explosive: P = 0.002, ES = 0.77). Only the heavy resistance training group improved maximal running speed in the maximal anaerobic running test (P = 0.012, ES = 0.52) and jump height (P = 0.006, ES = 0.59). Maximal endurance running performance was improved in all groups (heavy: P = 0.005, ES = 0.56; explosive: P = 0.034, ES = 0.39; muscle endurance: P = 0.001, ES = 0.94), with small though not statistically significant improvements in [Vdot]O2max (heavy: ES = 0.08; explosive: ES = 0.29; muscle endurance: ES = 0.65) and running economy (ES in all groups < 0.08). All three modes of strength training used concurrently with endurance training were effective in improving treadmill running endurance performance. However, both heavy and explosive strength training were beneficial in improving neuromuscular characteristics, and heavy resistance training in particular contributed to improvements in high-intensity running characteristics. Thus, endurance runners should include heavy resistance training in their training programmes to enhance endurance performance, such as improving sprinting ability at the end of a race.

Anaerobic contribution during maximal anaerobic running test: correlation with maximal accumulated oxygen deficit

The aims of this study were: (i) to measure energy system contributions in maximal anaerobic running test (MART); and (ii) to verify any correlation between MART and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD). Eleven members of the armed forces were recruited for this study. Participants performed MART and MAOD, both accomplished on a treadmill. MART consisted of intermittent exercise, 20 s effort with 100 s recovery, after each spell of effort exercise. Energy system contributions by MART were also determined by excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, lactate response, and oxygen uptake measurements. MAOD was determined by five submaximal intensities and one supramaximal intensity exercises corresponding to 120% at maximal oxygen uptake intensity. Energy system contributions were 65.4±1.1% to aerobic; 29.5±1.1% to anaerobic a-lactic; and 5.1±0.5% to anaerobic lactic system throughout the whole test, while only during effort periods the anaerobic contribution corresponded to 73.5±1.0%. Maximal power found in MART corresponded to 111.25±1.33 mL/kg/min but did not significantly correlate with MAOD (4.69±0.30 L and 70.85±4.73 mL/kg). We concluded that the anaerobic a-lactic system is the main energy system in MART efforts and this test did not significantly correlate to MAOD.

Changes in muscle tendon unit stiffness with increasing running speed

The spring mass model of running proposes that with increases in running speed there will be decreases in ground contact time and concomitant increases in muscle tendon unit (MTU) stiffness. Previous studies examining these relationships have used either a limited number of running speeds or low numbers of participants. To date equivocal results have been found between changes in MTU stiffness and running speed. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in MTU stiffness with changes in running speed. After institutional ethical approval 18 physically active males (aged 20.8±0.9 years; stature 1.77±0.18 m; body mass 75.4±11.1 kg) completed the maximal anaerobic running test (MART). The MART test began at 11.9 km/h with each stage increasing by 1.37 km/h until participants could no longer complete a 20 s stage. Throughout the test ground contact time (Tc) was recorded at 1000 Hz using the Optojump Next system. Ground Tcs were used to calculate MTU stiffness using the method of Morinet al1. Regression analysis revealed near perfect relationships with running speed for both Tc (F 1, 8=295.101; p&lt;0.001; R2=0.970; SEE=0.007 ms) and MTU stiffness (F 1, 8=725.844; p&lt;0.001; R2=0.988; SEE=0.798 kN/m). This study has used more participants and a wider range of participants than previous literature. These results provide strong supporting evidence for the spring mass model of running.

Kinematic Determinants and Physiological Response of Cross-Country Skiing at Maximal Speed

The scope of the study was to a) transfer the maximal anaerobic running test (MART) to a treadmill-based cross-country roller skiing test protocol for skating and classic style, b) analyze the development and determinants of kinematic and physiological parameters from submaximal to maximal skiing speeds, c) analyze the effects of fatigue on skiing technique, and d) test the hypotheses that maximal skiing speed is related to cycle length and that the fastest skiers show shorter thrust combined with longer swing phases. Up to 24 elite skiers performed MART tests in double poling, diagonal stride and V2 skating, with roller skis on a treadmill. Anthropometrics, blood lactate, HR, and kinematics were determined. When compared with former studies, faster skiing speeds of up to 34% were reported. Skiers improved speed by increasing cycle rate while trying to maintain cycle length. In the diagonal stride and V2 skating at maximal skiing speeds, skiers used contrary technical strategies to maintain the speed, whereas in double poling, a tendency toward an optimum in cycle length and cycle rate was established. Duration for the pole thrusts was around 180 ms for V2 skating and 210 ms for double poling. Highest relation to performance was found for the duration of the swing phases of arms and legs. The increase in skiing speed and cycle length, compared with former studies and the positive relation between swing phase duration, stresses the importance of effective thrust phases within a short period. Therefore, it is recommended to increase the proportion of training aimed at the improvement of specific explosive strength and maximal power to increase the impulse of force.

Determinants of time limit at velocity corresponding to VO2max in physically active individuals

The objective of the present study was to determine the relationship between time limit (Tlim) at VO2Max velocity (VVO2Max) and the variables VO2Max, VVO2Max, running economy (RE), ventilatory threshold (VT), strength test (9-10 maximum repetitions), velocity at maximal anaerobic running test (VMART), vertical jump test and body fat percentage. The sample was composed of 18 male volunteers, aged between 18 and 45 years old, non-athletes, but physically active. The study was carried out during fi ve visits, on non-consecutive days and at approximately the same time each day: visit 1 - signature of informed consent form, medical history, anthropometric assessment, aerobic power test and familiarization with Tlim test; visit 2 - RE test and Tlim test; visit 3 - familiarization with VMART test; visit 4 - familiarization with vertical jump and 9-10 maximum repetition tests and VMART test; visit 5 - vertical jump and 9-10 maximum repetition tests. Low (r = 0.220 to – 0.359) and non-signifi cant correlations (p = 0.281 to 0.935) were observed between Tlim and the selected variables, characterizing the low predictive value of Tlim for the sample studied. Thus, and because of the considerable inter-individual variability in Tlim, no variable was identifi ed that was capable of satisfactorily predicting Tlim.

Determinantes do tempo limite na velocidade correspondente a VO2máx em indivíduos fisicamente ativos

The objective of the present study was to determine the relationship between time limit (Tlim) at VO2Max velocity (VVO2Max) and the variables VO2Max, VVO2Max, running economy (RE), ventilatory threshold (VT), strength test (9-10 maximum repetitions), velocity at maximal anaerobic running test (VMART), vertical jump test and body fat percentage. The sample was composed of 18 male volunteers, aged between 18 and 45 years old, non-athletes, but physically active. The study was carried out during fi ve visits, on non-consecutive days and at approximately the same time each day: visit 1 - signature of informed consent form, medical history, anthropometric assessment, aerobic power test and familiarization with Tlim test; visit 2 - RE test and Tlim test; visit 3 - familiarization with VMART test; visit 4 - familiarization with vertical jump and 9-10 maximum repetition tests and VMART test; visit 5 - vertical jump and 9-10 maximum repetition tests. Low (r = 0.220 to – 0.359) and non-signifi cant correlations (p = 0.281 to 0.935) were observed between Tlim and the selected variables, characterizing the low predictive value of Tlim for the sample studied. Thus, and because of the considerable inter-individual variability in Tlim, no variable was identifi ed that was capable of satisfactorily predicting Tlim.

Predicting Intermittent Running Performance: Critical Velocity versus Endurance Index

The aim of the present study was to examine the ability of the critical velocity (CV) and the endurance index (EI) to assess endurance performance during intermittent exercise. Thirteen subjects performed two intermittent runs: 15-s runs intersected with 15 s of passive recovery (15/15) and 30-s runs with 30-s rest (30/30). Runs were performed until exhaustion at three intensities (100, 95 and 90 % of the speed reached at the end of the 30 - 15 intermittent fitness test, V (IFT)) to calculate i) CV from the slope of the linear relationship between the total covered distance and exhaustion time (ET) (iCV); ii) anaerobic distance capacity from the Y-intercept of the distance/duration relationship (iADC); and iii) EI from the relationship between the fraction of V (IFT) at which the runs were performed and the log-transformed ET (iEI). Anaerobic capacity was indirectly assessed by the final velocity achieved during the Maximal Anaerobic Running Test (VMART). ET was longer for 15/15 than for 30/30 runs at similar intensities. iCV (15/15) and iCV (30/30) were not influenced by changes in ET and were highly dependent on V (IFT). Neither iADC (15/15) nor iADC (30/30) were related to VMART. In contrast, iEI (15/15) was higher than iEI (30/30), and corresponded with the higher ET. In conclusion, only iEI estimated endurance capacity during repeated intermittent running.

Concurrent Endurance and Explosive Type Strength Training Improves Neuromuscular and Anaerobic Characteristics in Young Distance Runners

To study effects of concurrent explosive strength and endurance training on aerobic and anaerobic performance and neuromuscular characteristics, 13 experimental (E) and 12 control (C) young (16 - 18 years) distance runners trained for eight weeks with the same total training volume but 19% of the endurance training in E was replaced by explosive training. Maximal speed of maximal anaerobic running test and 30-m speed improved in E by 3.0 +/- 2.0% (p < 0.01) and by 1.1 +/- 1.3% (p < 0.05), respectively. Maximal speed of aerobic running test, maximal oxygen uptake and running economy remained unchanged in both groups. Concentric and isometric leg extension forces increased in E but not in C. E also improved (p < 0.05) force-time characteristics accompanied by increased (p < 0.05) rapid neural activation of the muscles. The thickness of quadriceps femoris increased in E by 3.9 +/- 4.7% (p < 0.01) and in C by 1.9 +/- 2.0% (p < 0.05). The concurrent explosive strength and endurance training improved anaerobic and selective neuromuscular performance characteristics in young distance runners without decreases in aerobic capacity, although almost 20% of the total training volume was replaced by explosive strength training for eight weeks. The neuromuscular improvements could be explained primarily by neural adaptations.

Comparison of maximal anaerobic running tests on a treadmill and track

To develop a track version of the maximal anaerobic running test, 10 sprint runners and 12 distance runners performed the test on a treadmill and on a track. The treadmill test consisted of incremental 20-s runs with a 100-s recovery between the runs. On the track, 20-s runs were replaced by 150-m runs. To determine the blood lactate versus running velocity curve, fingertip blood samples were taken for analysis of blood lactate concentration at rest and after each run. For both the treadmill and track protocols, maximal running velocity (v max), the velocities associated with blood lactate concentrations of 10 mmol · l−1 ( v 10 mM) and 5 mmol · l−1 ( v 5 mM), and the peak blood lactate concentration were determined. The results of both protocols were compared with the seasonal best 400-m runs for the sprint runners and seasonal best 1000-m time-trials for the distance runners. Maximal running velocity was significantly higher on the track (7.57 ± 0.79 m · s−1) than on the treadmill (7.13 ± 0.75 m · s−1), and sprint runners had significantly higher v max, v 10 mM, and peak blood lactate concentration than distance runners (P<0.05). The Pearson product – moment correlation coefficients between the variables for the track and treadmill protocols were 0.96 (v max), 0.82 (v 10 mM), 0.70 (v 5 mM), and 0.78 (peak blood lactate concentration) (P<0.05). In sprint runners, the velocity of the seasonal best 400-m run correlated positively with v max in the treadmill (r = 0.90, P<0.001) and track protocols (r = 0.92, P<0.001). In distance runners, a positive correlation was observed between the velocity of the 1000-m time-trial and v max in the treadmill (r = 0.70, P<0.01) and track protocols (r = 0.63, P<0.05). It is apparent that the results from the track protocol are related to, and in agreement with, the results of the treadmill protocol. In conclusion, the track version of the maximal anaerobic running test is a valid means of measuring different determinants of sprint running performance.

Multidimensional analysis of metabolism contributions involved in running track tests

It is difficult to interpret the training induced changes in middle-distance running, since numerous aerobic and anaerobic determinants of the performance are interdependent. Several aerobic and anaerobic tests are available but their results, particularly those from anaerobic tests, may be discordant, not providing univocal interpretation of training. The purpose of this study is to use a multidimensional approach to distinguish aerobic and anaerobic capacities assessed by two running tests on a track: the maximal anaerobic running test (MART) and V(O2max) tests. Eleven runners carried out two maximal tests on a synthetic track before and after a 4-week training period: (i) a maximal test to determine V(O2max), the velocity associated with V(O2max) (vV(O2max)) and the velocity at the lactate threshold (v(LT)), (ii) a maximal anaerobic running test to estimate anaerobic capacity. An all-out test run at v(LT)+50% of the difference between v(LT) and vV(O2max), known to be affected by both aerobic and anaerobic energy production, was used to test this approach. A principal components analysis (PCA) shows that two components (i.e., aerobic and anaerobic) explained 79% of the variation in the physiological variables. The PCA suggests that V(O2max) and MART tests assess the aerobic and the anaerobic capacities, respectively. In contrast, the performance in the all-out test is affected by both aerobic and anaerobic energy production. The PCA shows that v(LT) and DeltaP (difference between the maximal power of the MART and V(O2max)) are clear markers of the long-term endurance and the anaerobic capacity, respectively. This multidimensional approach can be a useful way to disentangle the aerobic and anaerobic components of track tests.

Neuromuscular factors determining 5 km running performance and running economy in well-trained athletes

This study investigated the effects of the neuromuscular and force-velocity characteristics in distance running performance and running economy. Eighteen well-trained male distance runners performed five different tests: 20 m maximal sprint, running economy at the velocity of 4.28 m s(-1), 5 km time trial, maximal anaerobic running test (MART), and a treadmill test to determine VO2max. The AEMG ratio was calculated by the sum average EMG (AEMG) of the five lower extremity muscles during the 5 km divided by the sum AEMG of the same muscles during the maximal 20 m sprinting. The runners' capacity to produce power above VO2max (MART VO2gain) was calculated by subtracting VO2max from the oxygen demand of the maximal velocity in the MART (V MART). Velocity of 5 km (V 5K) correlated with V MART (r=0.77, p<0.001) and VO2max (r=0.49, p<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that MART VO2gain and VO2max explained 73% of the variation in V 5K. A significant relationship also existed between running economy and MART VO2gain (r=0.73, p<0.01). A significant correlation existed between V 5K and AEMG ratio during the ground contact phase at the 3 km (r=0.60, p<0.05) suggesting that neural input may affect distance running performance. The results of the present study support the idea that distance running performance and running economy are related to neuromuscular capacity to produce force and that the V MART can be used as a determinant of distance-running performance.

Muscle power factors and VO2max as determinants of horizontal and uphill running performance.

This study was carried out to investigate the importance of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and so-called muscle power factors relating to neuromuscular and anaerobic characteristics as determinants of peak horizontal and uphill treadmill running velocity (Vmax). Muscle power factors were measured as peak velocity (VMART) and blood lactate concentration (BlaMART) in a maximal anaerobic running test and as maximal 30-m run velocity (V30m). Seven middle-distance runners, eight triathletes and eight cross-country skiers performed an incremental VO2max-test at horizontal (subscript max0) and 7 degrees uphill (subscript max7) and the MART at 3 degrees uphill on a treadmill and V30m-test on a track. The MART consisted of n x 20-s runs with a 100-s recovery between the runs and the velocity was increased by 0.41 m x s(-1) for each consecutive run until exhaustion. At 0 degrees Vmax was significantly higher but VO2max, ventilation and Bla were significantly lower than at 7 degrees inclination. Vmax0 correlated with VMART (r=0.85, P<0.001), Blamax0 (r=0.49, P<0.05) and V30m (r=0.78, P<0.001) but not with VO2max0. Vmax7 correlated with VO2max7 (r=0.78, P<0.001), VMART (r=0.61, P<0.01) and V30m (r=0.53, P<0.05). VMART correlated with BlaMART (r=0.71, P<0.01) and V30m (r=0.96, P<0.001) but not with VO2max0 or VO2max7. Middle-distance runners had a significantly (P<0.001) higher Vmax0, VMART BlaMART and V30m than triathletes and cross-country skiers, but no significant differences were found between the three groups in VO2max0, VO2max7 or Vmax7. We conclude that so-called muscle power factors, e.g. VMART, V30m and BlaMART, contribute to peak treadmill running performance and especially to horizontal running performance and that VO2max contributes more to uphill than horizontal running performance.

Acclimatization to altitude and normoxic training improve 400-m running performance at sea level

To investigate the benefits of ‘living high and training low' on anaerobic performance at sea level, eight 400-m runners lived for 10 days in normobaric hypoxia in an altitude house (oxygen content = 15.8%) and trained outdoors in ambient normoxia at sea level. A maximal anaerobic running test and 400-m race were performed before and within 1 week of living in the altitude house to determine the maximum speed and the speeds at different submaximal blood lactate concentrations (3, 5, 7, 10 and 13 mmol· l-1) and 400-m race time. At the same time, ten 400-m runners lived and trained at sea level and were subjected to identical test procedures. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated that the altitude house group but not the sea-level group improved their 400-m race time during the experimental period (P ≪ 0.05). The speeds at blood lactate concentrations of 5–13 mmol· l-1 tended to increase in the altitude house group but the response was significant only at 5 and 7 mmol·l-1 (P ≪ 0.05). Furthermore, resting blood pH was increased in six of the eight altitude house athletes from 0.003 to 0.067 pH unit (P ≪ 0.05). The results of this study demonstrate improved 400-m performance after 10 days of living in normobaric hypoxia and training at sea level. Furthermore, the present study provides evidence that changes in the acid–base balance and lactate metabolism might be responsible for the improvement in sprint performance.

Intermittent running: muscle metabolism in the heat and effect of hypohydration.

This study reports two studies that investigated the reason for a poorer intermittent supramaximal running performance previously found in the heat (Maxwell et al., The effect of climatic heat stress on intermittent supramaximal running performance in humans. Exp. Physiol. 81:833-845, 1996). The first study tested the hypothesis that it was due to different rates of substrate metabolism. The second study tested whether a greater level of hypohydration led to an earlier exhaustion time. A maximal anaerobic running test (MART) was the exercise model used. This involved repeated 20-s runs, each at increasing intensities, with 100 s of passive recovery between runs. In study 1, eight male subjects performed the MART on two occasions at either 32.8+/-0.3 degrees C, 80.5+/-1.6% relative humidity (RH), or 21.3+/-0.4 degrees C, 48.8+/-2.2% RH. Needle biopsy samples were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle before and immediately after the MART. In study 2, 11 male subjects performed the MART in a moderately hypohydrated (HYPO) and euhydrated (EUH) state while in a cool environment. In study 1, performance was significantly worse in the hot compared with the cool environment (138+/-7 vs. 150+/-6 s, respectively, P<0.05). No differences were observed in the change in muscle glycogen (100.3+/-15.1 vs. 107.0+/-15.6 mmol glucosyl units x kg dry muscle(-1)) or muscle lactate (102.9+/-18.2 vs. 100.5+/-16.6 mmol x kg dry muscle(-1)) between the hot and cool environments, respectively. In study 2, performance was worse in the HYPO (148+/-9 s) compared with the EUH (154+/-9 s) trial (P<0.05). These results indicate that a reduced intermittent supramaximal running performance in the heat is not caused by greater muscle glycogenolysis or lactate accumulation. Further, a poorer intermittent sprinting performance is experienced in a hypohydrated compared with a euhydrated state.

MAXIMAL ANAEROBIC RUNNING TEST CAN BE USED TO DETECT CHANGES IN 400-M RUNNING PERFORMANCE

791 This study investigated whether maximal anaerobic running test (MART) can be used to detect changes in 400-m running performance during competitive season. Thirteen 400-m runners and three 400-m hurdlers ran the MART as well as 400 m or 400 m hurdles race twice within three weeks. The MART consisted of n · 20-s runs on a treadmill with 100-s recovery at the constant slope of 3 °. The velocity of the treadmill was increased by 0.41 m · s-1 after each consecutive run until exhaustion. Fingertip blood samples were taken after each run to determine blood lactate vs. running velocity curve. Acid-base status of the blood and blood gases were determined at rest and 5 min after the MART. Maximal velocity (Vmax), velocities at 13 mM and 5 mM blood lactate levels (V13mM and V5mM, respectively) were determined by the MART. Ten of the sprinters (Group 1) improved their 400-m time from 50.30 ± 2.27 s to 49.95 ± 2.26 s and six of them (Group 2) impaired it from 49.80 ± 1.98 s to 50.26± 1.96 s. Group 1 also improved their Vmax from 7.89 ± 0.31 m · s-1 to 8.08 ± 0.26 m · s-1 (p = 0.001) while no changes were observed in Group 2 (7.99 ± 0.37 m· s-1 vs. 8.00 ± 0.31 m · s-1; interaction p = 0.007). Furthermore, correlation analysis of the pooled data showed that the change in 400-m time correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with the changes in Vmax (r = 0.75), V13mM (r = 0.56), V5mM (r = 0.54) and actual base excess change during the MART (r = 0.57). The results of the present study showed that the MART is a sensitive laboratory test method for determining changes in 400-m race performance in sprint runners.

EFFECT OF INCREASED TRAINING QUALITY ON RESPONSE TO SKITRAINING ON SNOW IN ELITE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIERS 1266

This study investigated the effect of increased training quality on training response during on snow skitraining when the volume of training is at its highest. VO2max-test and maximal anaerobic running test on a treadmill were performed and resting blood samples were taken before and after the first ski-training month (November). 25 elite male cross-country skiers(age 24±4 yrs, height 180±6 cm, body mass 72±6 kg) were divided into control (CG, n=17) and quality (QG, n=8) groups whose mean weekly training volumes (17±3 h·wk-1) and contents were the same except that QG replaced 2.3 h (p<0.01) of their weekly ski-training on snow by “dry-land training” (running, circuit training, swimming, stretching and ball games). Ten CG skiers included short extensive intervals in their ski-training but their results did not differ from those of the other CG-skiers. In QG VO2max increased from 77.2±2.3 to 78.4±2.6 ml·kg-1·min-1 (p<0.05) and maximal treadmill performance expressed as the VO2[Illegible Text] increased from 80.7±1.9 to 83.6±1.9 ml·kg-1·min-1 (p<0.001). QG also improved VO2 at respiratory compensation threshold (p<0.05) and the height of the counter-movement jump (p<0.05). No significant changes were observed in CG or in resting testosterone, cortisol, creatine kinase or myoglobin concentrations of the two groups. In pooled data, the change in maximal anaerobic running power was related to the volume of “dry-land training” (r=0.49, p<0.05) and circuit training (r=0.70, p<0.01) and the decrease in resting myoglobin concentration was related to the volume of “dry-land training” (r=-.60, p<0.05) and circuit training(r=0.75, p<0.01). In conclusion, the effects of skitraining on snow can be improved by replacing a small part of it by nonspecific dry-land exercises to avoid muscular overload.

Reliability and validity of the maximal anaerobic running test.

Physically active men (n = 13) twice performed the Maximal Anaerobic Running Test (MART) on a treadmill and once the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) on a cycle ergometer. The MART consisted of n 20-s runs with 100-s recovery between the runs. The speed of the first run was 14.6 km.h-1 and the inclination 4 degrees. Thereafter, the speed was increased by 1.37 km.h-1 every run until exhaustion. During all tests oxygen uptake was measured breath-by-breath and blood samples were taken from the fingertip 40s after each run to determine the lactate concentration (BLa). Power at submaximal BLa levels and maximal power (P5mM, P10mM and Pmax, respectively) were calculated and P was expressed as the oxygen demand of running according to the American College of Sports Medicine equation. In the MART the Pmax was 108 ml.kg-1.min-1 and peak BLa was 15.6 mM. The reliability for the power indices in the MART were as follows: r = 0.92 (p < 0.001) for Pmax r = 0.80 (p < 0.001) for P10mM and r = 0.67 (p = 0.01) for P5mM. The average contribution of anaerobic energy expenditure was calculated to be 68% but it ranged from 64% to 72% during the MART. Although four out of seven of the correlations between the corresponding variables of the MART and WAnT were significant (0.52 < r < 0.59) they were not high. It is concluded that the anaerobic energy production is high in the MART, the test is reliable, and that the treadmill and cycle ergometer test measure slightly different qualities.