Mean Anaerobic Power Research Articles

Anaerobic power and physical function in strength-trained and non-strength-trained older adults.

Challenging daily tasks, such as transferring heavy items or rising from the floor, may be dependent on the ability to generate short bursts of energy anaerobically. The purposes of this study were to determine if strength-trained (ST) older adults have higher anaerobic power output compared with non-strength-trained (NST) older adults and to determine the relationship between anaerobic power and performance-based physical function. Thirty-five men and women (age 71.5 +/- 6.4 years, mean +/- SD; NST: n = 18, ST: n = 17) were grouped by training status. Outcome variables included relative anaerobic power (Wingate test), physical function measured with the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance Test (CS-PFP, scaled 0 to 100), and anthropometric lean thigh volume (LTV). Analysis of covariance (with age and sex as covariates) was used to determine group differences in the dependent variables listed above. Pearson's r was used to determine the relationship between anaerobic power, CS-PFP total score (TOT), and CS-PFP lower body strength domain score (LBS). The ST group had significantly higher mean anaerobic power (NST 58.9 +/- 16 W/l, ST 96.3 +/- 23 W/l), CS-PFP total (NST 61.2 +/- 13, ST 73.7 +/- 8), and LBS (NST 54.1 +/- 17, ST 70.9 +/- 8) compared with the NST group (p <.05). However, LTV was similar for both groups (NST 3.323 +/- 0.75; ST 3.179 +/- 0.79), which suggests that the ST group had higher muscle quality compared with the NST group. Anaerobic power was significantly related to TOT (r =.611, p =.001) and LBS (r =.650, p =.001). High levels of physical function in ST older adults may in part be explained by higher levels of anaerobic power associated with strength training.

Anaerobic power and achievement of VO2 plateau in pre-pubertal boys.

A low anaerobic power has been proposed as a factor that may be limiting the achievement of a plateau in VO2 of children who perform maximal aerobic power tests. This study examined the frequency of plateau achievement in pre-pubertal children and compared VO2max, peak (PP) and mean (MP) anaerobic power in subjects who either achieved a plateau (PLAT) or did not (NO PLAT). Eighteen healthy pre-pubertal (Tanner Stage, pubic hair = 1) males (age = 9.1 1.6 yrs, ht = 134.4 +/- 9.7cm, wt = 33.3 +/- 9.2kg, VO2max = 40.0 +/- 6.7 ml x kg(-1) min(-1)) were tested. All subjects completed a 30 sec Wingate Anaerobic Test and a McMaster aerobic protocol to volitional fatigue on a cycle ergometer. Only 33% of the subjects met the PLAT criterion. No differences were found for PP or MP between those who achieved a plateau and those who did not (PLAT: PP= 6.3 +/- 0.8W/kg and MP = 5.2 +/- 0.7W/kg; NO PLAT: PP= 6.3 +/- 1.2 W/kg and MP = 5.2 +/- 1.3 W/kg). We conclude that anaerobic power is not a factor limiting the achievement of a plateau in VO2 of pre-pubertal boys who perform maximal aerobic power tests.

Effects of Ginseng Supplementation on Supramaximal Exercise Performance and Short-Term Recovery

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of long-term ginseng supplementation on short, supramaximal exercise performance and short-term recovery. Using a double-blind protocol, 24 healthy, active women were randomly assigned to a ginseng (n = 12) or placebo (n = 12) treatment group. Each participant added a standardized extract of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (400 mg per day of G115) or placebo to their normal diet for 8 weeks (56-60 days). Before and after the trial period, each subject performed an all-out-effort, 30-second leg cycle ergometry test (Wingate protocol) followed by a controlled recovery under constant laboratory conditions. Nineteen subjects completed the study. Analysis of variance using pretest to posttest change scores revealed no significant difference between the ginseng and placebo study groups for the following variables measured: peak anaerobic power output, mean anaerobic power output, rate of fatigue, and immediate postexercise recovery heart rates (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the present data indicate that prolonged supplementation with ginseng (P. ginseng C.A. Meyer) has no ergogenic benefits during and in the recovery from short, supramaximal exercise.

SEA-LEVEL PERFORMANCE IS ENHANCED BY ACUTE INTERMITTENT HYPOBARIC HYPOXIA

787 The goal of this project was to study to what extent intermittent exposure to altitude in a hypobaric chamber can improve performance at sea-level. Over a 10-day period, elite male triatletes trained two hours each day on a cycle ergometer placed in a hypobaric chamber (60-70% Heart Rate Reserve). Subjects trained at simulated altitude of 2.500 m (n=8) or at sea-level (n=8). Baseline measurements were done on a cycle ergometer at sea-level, which included an incremental test until exhaustion and a Wingate Anaerobic Test. Measurements were repeated 2 and 9 days after termination of the training period. Nine days after training in hypoxia, significant increases were seen in all important parameters of the maximal aerobic as well as the anaerobic test. A significant increase of 7.0% was seen in the mean maximal oxygen uptake per kg body weight (VO2max) (P<0.05), and the mean maximal power output per kg body weight (MPO) increased significantly with 7.4% (P<0.05). The mean anaerobic power (AnP) and the mean anaerobic capacity (AnC) increased both with 5.0% (P<0.05), and the Time until peak (Tpeak) decreased highly significantly with 37.7% (P<0.01). In the sea-level group, no significant changes were seen in the above mentioned parameters of both the maximal aerobic and maximal anaerobic test (resp. 3.5% increase in VO2max, 3.2%increase in MPO, 1.8% increase in AnP, 0.1% increase in AnC, and decrease in Tpeak of 13.7% at the second post-test). The results of this study indicate that intermittent hypobaric training can improve both the aerobic as well as the anaerobic energy supplying systems.

DEVELOPMENT OF LINEAR REGRESSION EQUATIONS TO PREDICT MAXIMAL ANAEROBIC POWER IN ADOLESCENT MALES

221 The purpose of this study was to develop linear regression equations to predict maximal muscular (anaerobic) power in 11-13 y.o. males. Forty volunteers (12.0 ± 0.1 yr, Mean ± SD) were subjects. Eleven anthropometric measures (height; weight; mid thigh, calf, ankle and wrist circumferences; femur and transverse pelvic widths; sum of skinfolds, circumferences and widths; and BMI) and the average of three 30 m dashes were the predictive variables. Peak anaerobic power (5 sec) and mean anaerobic power (30 sec) expressed in W/kg body weight were determined from the Wingate bicycle test. Stepwise multiple regression analyses generated the following regression equations: (Equations 1 and 2) The mean power prediction equation variables, combined, produced coefficients for R and R2 of .901 (p<0.05) and .812 respectively. The peak power prediction equation variable produced coefficients of .386 (p<0.05) and .120 for R and R2 respectively. It was concluded that the linear regression equation for mean power was more attractive for predictive purposes and could be used as a method for prediction of anaerobic power in adolescent males involved in physical activities. Supported by Faculty Research Grant, Rowan University

RELATIVE ANAEROBIC POWER ESTIMATED FROM THE WINGATE TEST AND ENDURANCE TO HIGH +Gz CENTRIFUGE EXPOSURE.

1783 Reportedly, one of the limiting factors to high +Gz endurance is muscular strength. Previously, a significant relationship was reported between absolute anaerobic power (from the Wingate Cycle Test (WCT) and +Gz endurance. This association was used to support the relationship between strength and +Gz endurance. However, the relationship between power, relative to body mass, and +Gz endurance was not significant. The study examined, in males, subject endurance to a relatively low +Gz (4.5 to 7 Gz) simulated air combat maneuver (4.5-7 SACM) and used a WCT workload not in agreement with the current literature. In another study, similar results were shown in females exposed to the 4.5-7 SACM, but again no significance was detected when the WCT data were analyzed relative to subject body mass. The present study examined the relationship between endurance to a high +Gz (5 to 9 Gz) profile (5-9 SACM) and anaerobic power(estimated by WCT) relative to body mass. Subjects (6 females, 8 males) endured a 5-9 SACM to fatigue. All subjects utilized the anti-G straining maneuver and a “best-fit” anti-G suit to endure the centrifuge exposure. SACM duration (s) was recorded. Subjects performed the WCT according to the most current published recommendations. In the sample examined, no significant relationship was found to exist between SACM endurance and either relative mean anaerobic power (r=0.27, p=0.3488) or relative peak anaerobic power (r=0.09, p=0.7625). The data suggest that anaerobic power (from most current WCT procedures) relative to body mass (recommended by WCT literature when examining subjects varying in body mass) is not significantly related to 5-9 SACM endurance. However, these results do not question the findings of previous studies which suggest that muscular strength is related to high+Gz endurance. Data from the WCT reflect muscle power and local muscle endurance and not specific muscular strength. While, in theory, the WCT variables should correlate with muscular strength, a battery of specific strength tests should be utilized to better define the role of muscular strength in +Gz endurance.

Aerobic and anaerobic arm-cranking power outputs of males with lower limb impairments: relationship with sport participation intensity, age, impairment and functional classification.

Fifty individuals with lower limb impairments including spinal cord injury, polio and amputations underwent aerobic and anaerobic arm-cranking tests in a standardized laboratory setting. Based on linear regression models applied with age as dependent variable aerobic performance variable including HRmax (R = 0.395, P = 0.004), and POaer (R = 0.31, P = 0.021) were subjected to ANCOVA adjusting for age in order to determine the significance of participation intensity (competitive vs leisure) and type of physical impairment. Anaerobic performance variables were not influenced by age and thereby subjected to 1-Way ANOVA with the same independent variables. Participation intensity and type of impairment significantly discriminated (P < 0.001) between athletes in all power variables. Linear regression models have shown moderate but significant (P < 0.001) relationship with functional ability (bases on International Wheelchair Basketball Federation classification system). In anaerobic mean power (MP) classification accounted for 42% of the variance, while in anaerobic peak power (PP) and aerobic Power (POaer) for 38% and 30% respectively. By means of a post hoc Tukey analysis significant differences were observed between athletes with a high level paraplegia (class 1) and those with one leg affected by polio or amputations (classes 4, 4.5). Athletes with low level paraplegia and two legs affected by polio (classes 2-3.5) had values in-between. Based on the descriptive evaluation, a three group scheme was conceptualized and resubjected to ANOVA. Significant intergroup differences were thus obtained only for PP. Descriptive PP data for each group were transformed into a five category table in order to provide reference values for fitness-estimation in males with lower limb impairments of various etiologies.

ANAEROBIC POWER AND ACHIEVEMENT OF VO2 PLATEAU IN PRE-PUBERTAL BOYS966

A low anaerobic power has been proposed as a factor that may be limiting the achievement of a plateau in ˙VO2 of children who perform maximal aerobic power tests. This study examined the frequency of plateau achievement in pre-pubertal children and compared ˙VO2max, peak(PP) and mean (MP) anaerobic power in subjects who either achieved a plateau(PLAT) or did not (NO PLAT). Twenty healthy pre-pubertal (Tanner Stage, pubic hair=1) males (age=9.0 ± 1.6 yrs, ht=133.9 ± 9.9 cm, wt=33.3± 9.3 kg, ˙VO2max=40.1 ± 7.2 ml· kg-1·min-1) were tested. All subjects completed a 30 sec Wingate Anaerobic Test and a McMaster aerobic protocol to volitional fatigue on a cycle ergometer. ˙VO2 was measured breath by breath using a Medgraphics metabolic system. The criterion for plateau was an increase in˙VO2 in the last stage of exercise ≤ 2 S.D. of the mean increase of submaximal stages. Only 40% of the subjects met the PLAT criterion. No differences were found for PP or MP between those who achieved a plateau and those who did not (PLAT:PP=6.4 ± 0.8 W/kg and MP=5.2 ± 0.9 W/kg; NO PLAT: PP=6.2 ± 1.2 W/kg and MP=5.2 ± 1.3 W/kg. We conclude that anaerobic power may not be a factor limiting the achievement of a plateau in ˙VO2 of pre-pubertal boys who perform maximal aerobic power tests.

EFFECTS OF TWO RESISTANCE TRAINING PROTOCOLS ON LEAN MASS AND POWER IN OLDER ADULTS 71

To date, the effects of a longitudinal high intensity multijoint penodization resistance training (PRT) program on lean mass and anaerobic power in adults (50 to 60 years) have not been examined. This study examined the effects of 24 weeks of resistance training on lean mass (LM) and anaerobic power in healthy older adults. Subjects (n=42, age range=50-60 y) were randomly assigned at baseline to either the circuit resistance training (CRT) group (n=21) or (PRT) group (n=21). All subjects recruited for this study served as their own untrained controls (C) (n=42) during the first 12 weeks of the study. PRT training protocols consisted of two 12 week cycles of upper and lower extremity free weight exercises while the CRT program involved variable resistance machine exercises. Whole body lean mass (WBLM) was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (Hologic QDR-1000/W). Maximum anaerobic power(watts) was determined by a modified Wingate anaerobic power test. Results of repeated measures ANOVA indicated WBLM increased significantly in CRT (mean 59.1 ± 14.7 kg, p.<0.01) and PRT (mean = 58.8 ± 12.1 kg, p.<0.01,) but not in the C (55.7 ± 18.3 kg); however, no significant differences existed between the CRT and PRT groups after 24 weeks of intervention. A significant group by time interaction indicated that the PRT and CRT groups had greater improvement in power than C. Mean anaerobic power values (watts ± SD) were as follows: Table In conclusion healthy older adults participating in either a CRT or PRT resistance training program can increase both anaerobic power and whole body lean mass.

Effect of anthropometric characteristics and socio-economic status on physical performances of pre-pubertal children living in Bolivia at low altitude

We have previously observed that 11-year-old children of low socio-economic status (LSES) showed a delayed physical growth of approximately 2 years and developed lower normalized short-term power output than children of high socio-economic status (HSES) of the same age. In contrast, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) per unit of fat free mass was no different in either group. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of anthropometric characteristics between HSES and LSES prepubertal children in aerobic and anaerobic performance. To compare children of the same body dimensions, 11-year-old boys (n = 30) and girls (n = 31) of LSES and 9-year-old boys (n = 21) and girls (n = 27) of HSES were studied. Anthropometric measurements, VO2max (direct test), maximal anaerobic power (Pmax, force-velocity test) and mean anaerobic power (P, Wingate test) were determined. In these children having the same body dimensions: mean VO2max were the same in LSES and HSES children [1.2 (SD 0.2) l.min-1]; Pmax and P were lower in LSES subjects [154.0 (SD 33.2) vs 174.6 (SD 38.4) W and 116.3 (SD 23.3) vs 128.2 (SD 28.0) W, respectively]; the linear relationships between VO2max and fat free mass were the same in LSES and HSES boys but, in the girls, the LSES group had lower values. For anaerobic performance, the relationships were significantly different: the slopes were the same but LSES values for the both sexes were lower. These results would suggest that factors other than differences in body dimensions alone were responsible for the lower performance of LSES girls and boys. Cultural factors and motor learning, structural and functional alterations of muscle induced by marginal malnutrition have been discussed.

Mood, neuromuscular function, and performance during training in female swimmers.

The effect of seasonal changes in training load on mood, neuromuscular function, and measures of physical power were examined in 12 collegiate women swimmers. These subjects were studied at three training stages during a competitive swim season: baseline (5,000 m.d-1), peak training (8,300 m.d-1), and taper (2,300 m.d-1). Mood was evaluated with the Profile of Mood States. Neuromuscular function was measured via the soleus Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex). Anaerobic swimming power was assessed with a 30-s tethered swim test, and maximal aerobic power was determined following a maximal 378-m swim. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed that at peak training H-reflex and peak anaerobic swimming power were reduced (P < 0.05) below baseline values by 8.6% and 9.4%, respectively, and total mood disturbance was elevated above baseline (P < 0.01). These variables returned to baseline values at the taper assessment. H-reflex values were correlated with peak (r = 0.52, P < 0.01) and mean (r = 0.39, P < 0.05) anaerobic swimming power. Total mood disturbance was correlated (r = -0.34, P < 0.05) with mean swimming power. The results suggest that neurological mechanisms play a role in the adaptations that result from periodized training.

Mood, neuromuscular function, and performance during training in female swimmers

The effect of seasonal changes in training load on mood, neuromuscular function, and measures of physical power were examined in 12 collegiate women swimmers. These subjects were studied at three training stages during a competitive swim season: baseline (5,000 m·d-1), peak training(8,300 m·d-1), and taper (2,300 m·d-1). Mood was evaluated with the Profile of Mood States. Neuromuscular function was measured via the soleus Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex). Anaerobic swimming power was assessed with a 30-s tethered swim test, and maximal aerobic power was determined following a maximal 378-m swim. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed that at peak training H-reflex and peak anaerobic swimming power were reduced(P < 0.05) below baseline values by 8.6% and 9.4%, respectively, and total mood disturbance was elevated above baseline (P < 0.01). These variables returned to baseline values at the taper assessment. H-reflex values were correlated with peak (r = 0.52, P < 0.01) and mean (r = 0.39, P < 0.05) anaerobic swimming power. Total mood disturbance was correlated (r = -0.34, P < 0.05) with mean swimming power. The results suggest that neurological mechanisms play a role in the adaptations that result from periodized training.

Lactate and catecholamine responses in male and female sprinters during a Wingate test

A total of six male and six female sprinters at the same national competition level and aged 18-20 years performed a force/velocity test and a 30-s supramaximal exercise test (Wingate test) on 2 different days, separated by a maximal interval of 15 days. The maximal anaerobic power (Wmax) was determined from the force/velocity test, and the mean anaerobic power (W) from the Wingate test. Immediately after the Wingate test, a 5-ml venous blood sample was drawn via a heparinized catheter in an antebrachial vein for subsequent catecholamine (adrenaline and noradrenaline) analysis. After 5 min recovery a few microliters of capillary blood were also taken for an immediate lactate determination. Even expressed per kilogram lean body mass, Wmax and W were significantly lower in women. The lactate and adrenaline responses induced by the Wingate test were also less pronounced in this group whereas the noradrenaline levels were not significantly different in men and women. Above all, very different relationships appeared between lactate, adrenaline, noradrenaline and W according to sex. Thus, as reported by other authors, the adrenergic response to a supramaximal exercise seemed to be lower in women than in men. Nevertheless a different training status between the two groups, even at same national competition level, could not be excluded and might contribute, at least in part, to the gender differences observed in the present study.

Longitudinal Changes in Peak Aerobic and Anaerobic Mechanical Power of Circumpubertal Boys

A mixed cross-sectional longitudinal design was used to study the effect of growth and physical maturation on peak aerobic and anaerobic mechanical power. Subjects were divided into three groups based on Tanner staging: 16 prepubertal (PP, Stage 1), 15 midpubertal (MP, Stages 2, 3, 4), and 5 late pubertal (LP, Stage 5). Aerobic and anaerobic power were observed every 6 months for IS months. Peak mechanical aerobic power and peak oxygen consumption were determined using a progressive cycle ergometer test. Anaerobic power indices were derived from the Wingate Anaerobic Test. There was no difference in peak mechanical aerobic power (in W · kg−1) among the maturation groups, nor with chronological age. There was a significant difference in peak and mean anaerobic power (in W · kg−1) among maturation groups, but the increase with chronological age was not statistically significant. There was a significant correlation between aerobic and anaerobic power (in Watt) during each session among the PP and MP boys but not among the LP boys. This may suggest that the child’s metabolic specialization into either an aerobic or anaerobic performer begins in late puberty.

Seasonal variation of selected performance parameters in épée fencers.

In this study, anthropometric measurements were carried out on seven British international male épée fencers, using a maximal treadmill running test, a 20-s Wingate-type test, and isokinetic dynamometry. Testing was conducted on two occasions, 5 to 6 months apart, during mid-off-season (preparation) and mid-in-season (competition) periods. Maximal oxygen intake (VO2max) and maximal respiratory exchange ratio (Rmax) were among the parameters obtained from the treadmill test, while peak and mean anaerobic power outputs were measured during a 20-s maximal effort. Knee extensor and flexor muscle forces from both dominant (leading) and non-dominant (trailing) legs were assessed at 1.04, 3.14 and 4.19 rad sec-1. Statistical analyses revealed lower mean VO2max (P < 0.05) and mean Rmax values (P < 0.02) at the in-season assessments compared with off-season. In-season testing also demonstrated significantly lower peak torques for both dominant and non-dominant knee extensors compared with off-season assessments at all velocities (P < 0.05 to P < 0.004). Furthermore, in-season peak torque for the non-dominant leg flexors was lower (P < 0.03) at 4.19 rad sec-1 than off-season. We conclude that current training practices may account for the observed seasonal variations in performance related physiological parameters in fencers.

Physiological and performance characteristics of United States championship class orienteers

The purpose of this investigation was to study the anaerobic and aerobic power of female and male United States championship orienteers and relate these data to competitive performance. In addition, it was considered valuable to obtain a general physical description of the athletes. Anthropometrically, neither the females (n=5) nor the males (n=13) conformed to a somatotype classification typical of endurance athletes. Although the mean anaerobic power values for the females (76.6 kg.m.sec-1) and the males (106.6 kg.m.sec-1) were consistent with what is known for distance runners, the respective aerobic powers of 46.1 and 61.6 ml.kg-1.min-1 were considerably below expectations for national class competitors. The explanation for this latter finding was attributed to their reported training programs. Partial residual plots and multiple regression procedures were used to determine the relationship between aerobic power and gender, respectively, with speed of competitive performance. The final equation to predict performance was P = -13.10 + 0.62(VO2max) + 0.26 (Experience, years) - 0.03 (Anaerobic power) + 1.21 (gender) - 0.01 (VO2max)2 with an R-square of 0.73 and P less than 0.01.