Monark Cycle Ergometer Research Articles

A New Single Work Bout Test to Estimate Critical Power and Anaerobic Work Capacity

The purpose of this study was to develop a 3-minute, all-out test protocol using the Monark cycle ergometer for estimating the critical power (CP) and anaerobic work capacity (AWC) with the resistance based on body weight. Twelve moderately trained adults (mean age ± SD = 23.2 ± 3.5 years) performed an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion. The CP and AWC were estimated from the original work limit (W(lim)) vs. time limit (T(lim)) relationship (CP(PT)) and a 3-minute all-out test (CP(3min)) against a fixed resistance and compared with the CP and AWC estimated from the new 3-minute tests on the Monark cycle ergometer (CP(3.5%) and CP(4.5%)). The resistance values for the CP(3.5%) and CP(4.5%) tests were set at 3.5 and 4.5% of the subject's body weight (kilograms). The results indicated that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) among mean CP values for CP(PT) (178 ± 47 W), CP(3.5%) (173 ± 40 W), and CP(4.5%) (186 ± 44 W). The mean CP(3min) (193 ± 54 W), however, was significantly greater than CP(PT) and CP(3.5%). There were no significant differences in AWC for the CP(PT) (13,412 ± 6,247 J), CP(3min) (10,895 ± 2,923 J), and CP(4.5%) (9,842 ± 4,394 J). The AWC values for the CP(PT) and CP(3min), however, were significantly greater than CP(3.5%) (8,357 ± 2,946 J). The results of this study indicated that CP and AWC could be estimated from a single 3-minute work bout test on the Monark cycle ergometer with the resistance set at 4.5% of the body weight. A single work bout test with the resistance based on the individual's body weight provides a practical and accessible method to estimate CP and AWC.

Validation of a New Cycle Ergometer

The purpose of this study was to test the concurrent validity of the ICBE compared to the Monark(®) cycle ergometer by indirect dynamic calibration. 42 men were randomly submitted to 2 maximal stress tests with increments of 50 W at 2-min intervals. One test was performed on the Monark(®) bicycle (834/E) and the other on the ICBE. Cardiovascular, perceived exertion and hemodynamic responses were compared between the 2 bicycles. No differences (p>0.05) were observed in resting heart rate (HR), maximum HR, peak oxygen uptake (VO(2P) L·min(-1) and VO(2P) mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), and number of stages completed. High correlations (r>0.85) were found between HR and VO (2P). Residual analysis indicated strong agreement between the 2 cycle ergometers in terms of VO(2P) L·min(-1) [-0.36-0.30] and VO(2P) mL·kg(-1)·min(-1) [-4.98-4.46]. Residual dispersion (r=0.25 for both) showed that the mathematical differences in VO(2P) L·min(-1) and VO(2P) mL·kg(-1)·min(-1) between cycle ergometers were independent. The correlation coefficient (r) and coefficient of determination (R(2)) between VO(2P) L·min(-1) (r=0.90; R (2)=0.80) and VO(2P) mL·kg(-1)·min(-1) (r=0.90; R(2)=0.81) obtained for the 2 cycle ergometers were high, whereas the standard error of the estimate was low (0.186 L·min(-1) and 2.56 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1), respectively). The ICBE presents concurrent validity for use in submaximal and maximal cardiopulmonary tests.

The Effect of Heavy- vs. Moderate-Load Training on the Development of Strength, Power, and Throwing Ball Velocity in Male Handball Players

The aim was to compare the effect of 2 differing 10-week resistance training programs on the peak power (PP) output, muscle volume, strength, and throwing velocity of the upper limbs in handball players during the competitive season. The subjects were 26 men (age 20.0 +/- 0.6 years, body mass 85.0 +/- 13.2 kg, height 1.86 +/- 0.06 m, and body fat 13.7 +/- 2.4%). They were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: control (C; n = 8), heavy resistance (n = 9), or moderate resistance (MR; n = 9) training, performed twice a week. A force-velocity test on an appropriately modified Monark cycle ergometer determined PP. Muscle volumes were estimated using a standard anthropometric kit. One-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press (1RMBP) and 1RM pull-over (1RMPO) scores assessed arm strength. Handball throwing velocity was measured with (TR) and without run-up (TW). Both training programs enhanced absolute PP relative to controls (p < 0.05), although differences disappeared if PP was expressed per unit of muscle volume. Heavy resistance-enhanced 1RMBP and 1RMPO compared to both MR (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and C (p < 0.001 for both tests). Heavy resistance also increased TR and TW compared to C (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Moderate resistance increased only TR compared to C (p < 0.01). Thus, during the competitive season, the PP, 1RMBP, 1RMPO, and TW of male handball players were increased more by 10 weeks of bench press and pull-over training with suitably adapted heavy loads than with moderate loads. It would seem advantageous to add such resistance exercise before customary technical and tactical handball training sessions.

Relationship Between Body Composition, Leg Strength, Anaerobic Power, and On-Ice Skating Performance in Division I Men's Hockey Athletes

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between laboratory tests and on-ice skating performance in division I men's hockey athletes. Twenty-one men (age 20.7 +/- 1.6 years) were assessed for body composition, isokinetic force production in the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, and anaerobic muscle power via the Wingate 30-second cycle ergometer test. Air displacement plethysmography was used to determine % body fat (%FAT), fat-free mass (FFM), and fat mass. Peak torque and total work during 10 maximal effort repetitions at 120 degrees .s were measured during concentric muscle actions using an isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle power was measured using a Monark cycle ergometer with resistance set at 7.5% of body mass. On-ice skating performance was measured during 6 timed 89-m sprints with subjects wearing full hockey equipment. First length skate (FLS) was 54 m, and total length skate (TLS) was 89 m with fastest and average skating times used in the analysis. Correlation coefficients were used to determine relationships between laboratory testing and on-ice performance. Subjects had a body mass of 88.8 +/- 7.8 kg and %FAT of 11.9 +/- 4.6. First length skate-Average and TLS-Average skating times were moderately correlated to %FAT ([r = 0.53; p = 0.013] and [r = 0.57; p = 0.007]) such that a greater %FAT was related to slower skating speeds. First length skate-Fastest was correlated to Wingate percent fatigue index (r = -0.48; p = 0.027) and FLS-Average was correlated to Wingate peak power per kilogram body mass (r = -0.43; p = 0.05). Laboratory testing of select variables can predict skating performance in ice hockey athletes. This information can be used to develop targeted and effective strength and conditioning programs that will improve on-ice skating speed.

Relationships between Power and Strength of the Upper and Lower Limb Muscles and Throwing Velocity in Male Handball Players

This study aimed to investigate relationships between peak power (PP) as measured by upper limb (PPUL) and lower limb (PPLL) force-velocity tests, maximal upper limb force assessed by 1 repetition maximum bench press (1RMBP), and pullover (1RMPO) exercises, estimates of local muscle volume and 3-step running handball throwing velocity (T3-Steps). Fourteen male handball players volunteered for the investigation (age: 19.6+/-0.6 years; body mass: 86.7+/-12.9 kg; and height 1.87+/-0.07 m). Lower and upper limb force-velocity tests were performed on appropriately modified forms of a Monark cycle ergometer, with measurement of PPUL and PPLL, and the corresponding respective maximal forces (F0UL and F0LL) and velocities (V0UL and V0LL). T3-Steps was assessed using a radar Stalker ATS system. Muscle volumes of the upper and lower limbs were estimated with a standard anthropometric kit. T3-Steps was closely related to absolute PPUL and to F0UL (r=0.69, p<0.01 for both relationships). T3-Steps was also moderately related to 1RMBP and 1RMPO (r=0.56, p<0.05; r=0.55, p<0.05 respectively), and to PPLL and F0LL (r=0.56, p<0.05; r=0.62, p<0.05, respectively). When PPLL was expressed per unit of limb muscle volume, the relationship with T3-Steps disappeared. This suggests the importance of muscle volume to performance in throwing events. Force-velocity data may prove useful in regulating conditioning and rehabilitation programs for handball players. Our results also highlight the contribution of both the lower and the upper limbs to handball throwing velocity, suggesting the need for coaches to include upper and lower limb strength and power programs when improving the throwing velocity of handball players.

Thermal Sensation and Hand Pain During and Following Interval vs. Continuous Exercise in the Cold

The relationship between thermal sensation (an individual's ability to sense and scale thermal discomfort) and exercise in extreme environments is an area that has considerable practical application. Further, research has demonstrated that perceptual responses differ between bouts of interval (INT) and continuous (CONT) exercise in thermoneutral and hot conditions. However, research has not evaluated the effects of INT vs. CONT exercise on thermal sensation and thermal discomfort in the cold. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate thermal sensation and thermal discomfort during and following INT vs. CONT exercise in the cold (5°C). METHODS: Fourteen young men (21 ± 0.5 yrs) of average fitness (45 ± 5 ml.kg-1 min-1) and body fatness (14 ± 4 %) volunteered for the investigation. Following two days of familiarization, subjects participated in 2 experimental trials consisting of 90 min of acute cold exposure (ACE), followed by 30 minutes of exercise on a Monark cycle ergometer (INT vs. CONT) and 60 minutes of seated recovery (REC). The order in which subjects completed the experimental trials was randomized and all trials occurred between 6:00 and 9:00 in the morning. Exercise sessions were matched for energy expenditure (total work equivalent to exercising at 50% VO2max for 30 min). INT exercise consisted of ten bouts of 90 sec of pedaling at 60 rpm, followed by 90 sec of static rest. CONT exercise consisted of one bout of pedaling at 60 rpm for all 30 min. Subjects donned 1 clo but the hands remained bare for the duration of the trial. Throughout testing, volunteers were asked to rate thermal sensation (Gagge Scale and Modified Gagge Scale) and perceived hand pain (Hand Pain Scale). RESULTS: A 2 condition (INT vs. CONT) by 6 time point (7:30, 7:45, 8:00, 8:15, 8:30, 9:00) repeated measures ANVOA was conducted for each of the three scales. A main effect for time was found for the all three scales (p ≤ 0.001). However, no main effect for condition or interaction effects were observed (p≥0.242). Participants felt warmer and reported less pain during exercise. However, these feelings were short-lived, and returned to pre-exercise levels after 1 hour of REC. CONCLUSION: Both INT and CONT exercise improved thermal sensation and reduced pain in the hands in the cold, but neither condition was significantly better than the other.

The Effects Of Acute Quercetin Supplementation On Cognitive Function During Prolonged Exercise

It has been suggested that acute quercetin supplementation may have beneficial effects during prolonged exercise. Quercetin has also been shown to elicit positive effects on cognition in animal studies. PURPOSE: To identify the effects of acute quercetin supplementation on cognitive function during prolonged exercise in a hot environment. METHODS: 15 males (Age = 22.1±0.5 years; Wt: 79.6±3.0 kg; Ht: Wt: 178.0±2.0 cm; VO2Peak = 43.9±1.4 ml.kg-1.min-1) completed 3 exercise trials. During the first trial, subjects completed a graded exercise test (GXT) on a recumbent cycle ergometer in a normal environment (22°C and 50% humidity). Ventilatory threshold (VT) was determined using the results of the GXT. During the second and third trials, subjects completed 2 exercise sessions in a hot environment (32oC and 70% humidity). During these sessions, the participants completed 2 hrs of exercise on a Monark cycle ergometer at 60% of VT. Sixty minutes prior to these trials, subjects consumed either 4 soft chews containing 1000 mg quercetin (Q) or a color and taste matched placebo (P). During each session, subjects drank water (5 ml.kg-1 body weight) every 30 minutes to maintain hydration status. Subjects completed a cognitive assessment battery (CAB) before exercise and at the following times during exercise: 5 minutes, 45 minutes, and 105 minutes. The CAB included tests designed to assess grammatical reasoning (GR), code substitution (CS), math processing (MP), and tapping (TP). RESULTS: Reaction time during GR, CS, and MP improved (p<0.02) as a result of exercise. Similarly, the number of correct answers during MP improved (p=0.003) as a result of exercise (Rest=23.9+1.0; 5 min=27.0+0.9; 45 min=27.8+0.9; 105 min=29+1.0). Performance of the TP task was unchanged as a result of exercise. Q supplementation did not influence cognitive function at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this investigation suggest that acute Q supplementation of this magnitude (1000 mg) does not influence cognitive function during prolonged exercise in the heat.

Postural Stability Balance Comparisons among Select Collegiate Women Athletes

Balance is important in athletics for optimal performance and injury prevention. Various sports require different levels and types of balance. PURPOSE: To compare the postural stability balance among select collegiate women athletes. METHODS: 95 healthy women volunteers were assessed for postural stability balance on the Biodex Balance System (BBS). Prior to the balance assessment participants completed a: 1) five minute Monark cycle ergometer warm-up, 2) one minute practice at 30 seconds of the highest stability level (level 12) and 30 seconds at a lower stability level (level 8) on the BBS, and 3) 30 second free walk. The BBS test consisted of three 20 second trials separated by a 10 second rest. During each test trial the BBS gradually became less stable at four second intervals from level 12 to level 8. Data obtained were: overall stability index (OSI), anterior-posterior stability index (APSI), and medial-lateral stability index (MLSI). Data were analyzed using a MANOVA with team as the independent variable. Bonferroni was the post-hoc test of choice. Confidence level was set at 0.05. RESULTS:TABLEPost-hoc analyses demonstrated differences in OSI and APSI. That is, OSI differences existed between gymnastics and basketball, lacrosse, and control groups. APSI differences existed between gymnastics and control. All other comparisons were similar across groups. CONCLUSIONS: Gymnasts' overall postural stability balance scores were better and truly different than balance scores exhibited by basketball, lacrosse and control participants.

The Development and Reliability of a Repeated Anaerobic Cycling Test in Female Ice Hockey Players

The purpose of this study was to develop and assess the reliability of a repeated anaerobic power cycling test designed to mimic the repeated sprinting nature of the sport of ice hockey. Nineteen female varsity ice hockey players (mean X +/- SD age, height and body mass = 21 +/- 2 yr, 166.6 +/- 6.3 cm and 62.3 +/- 7.3) completed 3 trials of a repeated anaerobic power test on a Monark cycle ergometer on different days. The test consisted of "all-out" cycling for 5 seconds separated by 10 seconds of low-intensity cycling, repeated 4 times. The relative load factor used for the resistance setting was equal to 0.095 kg per kilogram body mass. There was no significant difference between the peak 5-second power output (PO), mean PO, or the fatigue index (%) among the 3 different trials. The peak 5-second PO was 702.6 +/- 114.8 w and 11.3 +/- 1.1 w x kg, whereas the mean PO across the 4 repeats was 647.1 +/- 96.3 w and 10.4 +/- 1.0 w x kg averaged for the 3 different tests. The fatigue index averaged 17.8 +/- 6.5%. The intraclass correlation coefficient for peak 5-second, mean PO, and fatigue index was 0.82, 0.86, and 0.82, respectively. This study reports the methodology of a repeated anaerobic power cycling test that was reliable for the measurement of PO and calculated fatigue index in varsity women ice hockey players and can be used as a laboratory-based assessment of repeated anaerobic fitness.

&amp;OV0312;o2 Max And Lactate Recovery Are Related To Repeat Sprint Ability In College Hockey Players

Hockey is a repeat sprint sport with shifts lasting 30-90 seconds. Hockey players will perform 60-90 sprints per game depending on position and level of play. It has been suggested that aerobic fitness and blood lactate removal ability plays a role in recovery between sprints and the ability to maintain speed or power output during repeat sprint activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between repeat sprint ability and aerobic fitness and lactate removal in elite hockey players. Data collected on 21 Division I male hockey players, forwards and defencemen, during fitness testing at preseason training camp was used in the study. Testing was conducted in two sessions, a week apart. In the first session the subjects performed the Reed Repeat Sprint Test, an on ice test that involves skating from the goal line to the far goal line and back to the near blue line, covering 300 feet. A repeat is performed every 30s seconds for a total of six repeats. Subjects are electronically timed for each repeat. After the final repeat heart rate recovery is measured every 30s for the first two minutes of the recovery period. Blood lactate samples are taken 60,180, and 300 seconds after the final repeat. In the second session all subjects completed a multistage ramp test on a Monark bicycle ergometer to determine o2max. Expired gases were collected throughout the test and analyzed on a SensormedicsV-Max metabolic cart. The test was terminated when the subjects could not maintain the required workoload. Mean time for each repeat can be seen in table 1. The average time for the six trials was 13.37 ± 0.50s. The average drop off, the difference between the best and worst time was 2.70 ± 1.14 seconds. The Fatigue Index, the drop off divided by the best time was 22.7% ± 0.10. Lactate recovery was calculated as the difference between the peak lactate from the 60s or 180s post sample and the 300s post sample. Mean lactate recovery was -−1.37 ± 1.78 mMol. The mean o2max was 59.6 ± 5.48 ml/kg/min. Significant correlations were found between o2max and drop off, r = −0.47 (p < 0.05); drop off percentage, r = −0.455 (p < 0.05) and worst time, r = −0.49 (p < 0.05). Lactate recovery was significantly correlated to drop off (r = −0.49; p < 0.05) and drop off percentage (r = −0.54; p < 0.05) but not worst time. These results indicate that aerobic fitness and lactate removal are related to repeat sprint abilities in ice hockey players perform an on ice repeat sprint test. Even though ice hockey is often considered an anaerobic repeat sprint sport, the development of aerobic fitness should be considered an important part of a hockey players training program.

Comparison Of A Monark Cycle Ergometer And A Velotron In Measuring Physiologic Responses In Trained Cyclists.

Comparison Of A Monark Cycle Ergometer And A Velotron In Measuring Physiologic Responses In Trained Cyclists.

Physiological, Biochemical and Mechanical Issues Relating to Resistive Force Selection During High-intensity Cycle Ergometer Exercise

High-intensity cycle ergometry of 30 seconds duration has been widely employed to assess indices of muscle performance during maximal exercise. Traditionally, the resistive force established for such a test is determined from total body mass (TBM) for a friction-loaded Monark cycle ergometer, i.e. 75 g·kg−1. More recent studies have shown that traditional forces may be too light to elicit maximal performances and that optimization protocols can produce higher peak power outputs. Conceptually, selecting the optimal resistive force according to TBM may not be the best approach. Fat-free mass or active muscle tissue may be a more preferable alternative. Because body mass, and not composition, is the most commonly used index to determine cycle ergometer resistive force, over-or underestimations in power calculations may occur. The aim of this paper is to outline friction-loaded cycle ergometer performance using resistive forces derived from TBM and fat-free mass, to quantify the upper body contribution to high-intensity cycle ergometry. A further aim is to outline mechanical issues related to cycle ergometer design and to quantify discrepancies in resistive force application.

Gross cycling efficiency is not altered with and without toe-clips

The aim of this study was to examine the claim that reductions of 8 – 18% in submaximal oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O2) could be due to changing components on a Monark ergometer, from standard pedals without toe-clips or straps (flat pedals) to racing pedals of that era, which included toe-clips and straps (toe-clip pedals). This previously untested assertion was evaluated using 11 males (mean age 22.3 years, s = 1.2; height 1.82 m, s = 0.07; body mass 82.6 kg, s = 8.8) who completed four trials in a randomized, counterbalanced order at 60 rev · min−1 on a Monark cycle ergometer. Two trials were completed on flat pedals and two trials on toe-clip pedals. The Douglas bag method was used to assess [Vdot]O2 and gross efficiency during successive 5-min workloads of 60, 120, 180, and 240 W. The mean [Vdot]O2 was 2.1% higher for toe-clip pedals than flat pedals and there was a 99% probability that toe-clip pedals would not result in an 8% lower [Vdot]O2. These results indicate that toe-clip pedals do not reduce [Vdot]O2.

Accurate assessment of work done and power during a Wingate anaerobic test

A Monark cycle ergometer is used in physiological studies to measure work done and power. In this paper, the accuracy of a Monark rope-braked cycle ergometer was examined for a Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT). The traditional method of determining brake torque fails to take into account rope-brake theory and, as the brake torque is used to determine the moment of inertia of the flywheel, a second error is introduced into the calculation to determine the work done or power. In this study, the rope tensions were measured to determine the actual brake torque. A deceleration test was carried out to determine the moment of inertia of the system. The work done by subjects of different masses was calculated for various accelerations and it was found that the traditional calculations overestimate work done and power by between 12% and 14.7%.

Effects of short‐term normobaric hypoxia on haematology, muscle phenotypes and physical performance in highly trained athletes

This study aimed to determine the impact of short-term normobaric hypoxia on physiology and performance in highly trained athletes. Twelve (7 male and 5 female) athletes were randomly assigned into two groups and spent 8 h per night for two consecutive nights a week over 3 weeks under either short-term normobaric hypoxia (simulating 3636 m altitude, inspired O2=13%) or in normobaric normoxia in a single-blind study. Following a 3 week washout period, athletes were then exposed to the other condition. Athletes were tested for maximal oxygen consumption and time to exhaustion on an electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer before and after each treatment in addition to being tested for anaerobic performance (Wingate test) on a modified Monark cycle ergometer. Blood samples were taken throughout the experiment and vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were taken before and after each treatment. Increases in red blood cell count, haematocrit, haemoglobin, platelet number and erythropoietin concentration were observed following short-term normobaric hypoxia. Except for a modest decrease in phosphofructokinase activity following short-term normobaric hypoxia, no changes were observed in muscle enzyme activities, buffer capacity, capillary density or morphology. No performance measures were changed following short-term normobaric hypoxia or normobaric normoxia. Although short-term normobaric hypoxia exposure increased levels of a number of haematological parameters, this was not associated with improved aerobic or anaerobic performance in highly trained athletes.

The Load Of The Wingate Test: According To The Body Weight Or Lean Body Mass?

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine if it was more appropriate assignment of the load of the Wingate test according to the lean body mass in young males. Methods: Wingate tests were performed on a Monark cycle ergometer by using loads of 75, 85, 95 g.kg-1 for the body weight and 90, 100, 110 g.kg-1 for the lean body mass on 24 untrained young males. These loads were applied randomly to the participants. Pedal revolutions for every 5-second were counted during the test and the peak power, the mean power and the fatigue index were calculated. Results: The peak power outputs of the Wingate tests in which 100 and 110 g.kg-1 loads were used for the lean body mass were significantly higher than the peak power outputs obtained from the tests in which 75 g.kg-1 loads were used for the body weight. None of the mean power outputs obtained from the loads was significantly higher than the others. Conclusion: We concluded that assignment of the load of the Wingate test according to the lean body mass would be more appropriate in young males. 100 or 110 g.kg-1 loads for the lean body mass can be used as they result in significantly higher peak power outputs.

COMPARISON OF THE WINGATE AND BOSCO ANAEROBIC TESTS

The purpose of this study was to compare the Wingate cycling and Bosco repeated jumps anaerobic tests. Eleven men (21.36 ± 1.6 years; 179.1 ± 9.3 cm; 78.7 ± 11.0 kg) and 9 women (21.89 ± 3.66 years; 171.8 ± 10.0 cm; 75.9 ± 21.4 kg), all university athletes, volunteered to participate. Subjects performed each test in random order. The tests consisted of a 30-second Wingate test and a 60-second Bosco test. The Wingate test was conducted using a Monark cycle ergometer and the Bosco test was conducted on a force platform. Following the performance of each test, peak lactate concentrations were determined. Average and peak power values were statistically greater in men and on the Bosco test. Peak lactate values were statistically greater in men but did not differ based on test. Correlations between peak lactate concentrations between tests and lactate values with peak or average power were not statistically significant. The relationship between peak power between tests was statistically significant among men, but not women. The results of the study indicated that the Bosco and Wingate tests, which both measure anaerobic characteristics, appear to measure different aspects of anaerobic power and capacity. The Bosco test also may be inappropriate for athletes who are not well trained in jumping.

Accurate assessment of the brake torque on a rope-braked cycle ergometer

A Monark cycle ergometer is a device globally used in physiological studies to measure the work and energy levels of exercising humans. In this paper a rope-braked cycle ergometer is examined to determine accurate measures of work and power. The work done is generally assumed, by physiologists, to be the load (masses suspended in a basket to apply tension to the rope) multiplied by the distance through which a flywheel braked by the load is moved (Astrand). In this case the flywheel of the ergometer is designed such that any point on the circumference moves through 6 m for one complete revolution of the pedals. This is a simplistic approach and fails to take into account rope-brake theory and mechanical analysis of the brake mechanism. The dynamic coefficient of friction between the steel flywheel and nylon rope was determined experimentally to be 0.175. The physical dimensions of the ergometer brake system were taken and the theoretical brake torque calculated for a series of loads. It was found that this calculated brake torque was 10.8% less than the assumed brake torque. This error means that the work and power measurements obtained from the ergometer are overestimated by 10.8% for steady speed tests.

The Effects of Daily Dietary Blueberry Supplementation on Vitamin E and C Intake and Serum Levels

1170 PURPOSE: This study tested the hypotheses that daily dietary supplementation with blueberries will affect serum levels of vitamins E-alpha, E-gamma, and C before and after exercise and would affect dietary intake of the vitamins. METHODS: Twelve university athletes (aged 18 yr to 24 yr) were randomly assigned to a blueberry beverage (BB) or placebo (P) group (single-blind). Eight ounces of the beverages were taken daily for 30 days (D). Vitamin intake was assessed with the Harvard-Willett Food Frequency Questionaire on D1 and D30. Ten ml blood samples were drawn a total of six times: pre-beverage ingestion & pre-exercise, post-beverage ingestion & pre-exercise, and post exercise on D1 and D30. Serum samples were analyzed for the vitamins by reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography. Subjects exercised on a Monark bicycle ergometer for a 15 min. warmup then directly into 30 min. at 85% of their age predicted max heart rates on D1 and D30. RESULTS: One-way ANOVA for repeated measures (SPSS) revealed non-significant differences for serum vitamins. ANOVA revealed a significant (p < .05) interaction for vitamin E-alpha intake. Pairwise comparisons revealed that BB E-alpha intake (23.91 ± 9.31 mg) was significantly (p < .05) higher than P E-alpha intake (7.59 ± 0.95 mg) on D1 but was not significantly different at D30 (BB:E-alpha = 9.04 ± 2.35 mg, P: E-alpha = 11.46 ± 3.65 mg). Vitamins C and E-gamma intake results were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: Blueberry supplementation may not affect serum vitamin C and E levels before or after exercise and may not affect vitamin C and E-gamma intake; however, trends were apparent and the small sample size may have resulted in type II error. Finally, supplementation may reduce E-alpha intake in those starting with higher E-alpha intake. Supported in part by the Wild Blueberry Association of North America and the Al & Lorraine Richards Neighborhood Support Fund.

The Effects of Daily Dietary Blueberry Supplementation on Vitamin E and C Intake and Serum Levels

1170 PURPOSE: This study tested the hypotheses that daily dietary supplementation with blueberries will affect serum levels of vitamins E-alpha, E-gamma, and C before and after exercise and would affect dietary intake of the vitamins. METHODS: Twelve university athletes (aged 18 yr to 24 yr) were randomly assigned to a blueberry beverage (BB) or placebo (P) group (single-blind). Eight ounces of the beverages were taken daily for 30 days (D). Vitamin intake was assessed with the Harvard-Willett Food Frequency Questionaire on D1 and D30. Ten ml blood samples were drawn a total of six times: pre-beverage ingestion & pre-exercise, post-beverage ingestion & pre-exercise, and post exercise on D1 and D30. Serum samples were analyzed for the vitamins by reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography. Subjects exercised on a Monark bicycle ergometer for a 15 min. warmup then directly into 30 min. at 85% of their age predicted max heart rates on D1 and D30. RESULTS: One-way ANOVA for repeated measures (SPSS) revealed non-significant differences for serum vitamins. ANOVA revealed a significant (p < .05) interaction for vitamin E-alpha intake. Pairwise comparisons revealed that BB E-alpha intake (23.91 ± 9.31 mg) was significantly (p < .05) higher than P E-alpha intake (7.59 ± 0.95 mg) on D1 but was not significantly different at D30 (BB:E-alpha = 9.04 ± 2.35 mg, P: E-alpha = 11.46 ± 3.65 mg). Vitamins C and E-gamma intake results were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: Blueberry supplementation may not affect serum vitamin C and E levels before or after exercise and may not affect vitamin C and E-gamma intake; however, trends were apparent and the small sample size may have resulted in type II error. Finally, supplementation may reduce E-alpha intake in those starting with higher E-alpha intake. Supported in part by the Wild Blueberry Association of North America and the Al & Lorraine Richards Neighborhood Support Fund.