Relative Maximal Oxygen Uptake Research Articles

The influence of skeletal muscle mitochondria and sex on critical torque and performance fatiguability in humans.

Critical torque (CT) represents the highest oxidative steady state for intermittent knee extensor exercise, but the extent to which it is influenced by skeletal muscle mitochondria and sex is unclear. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsy samples were collected from 12 females and 12males -matched for relative maximal oxygen uptake normalized to fat-free mass (FFM) (F: 57.3 (7.5) ml(kg FFM)-1 min-1 ; M: 56.8 (7.6) ml(kg FFM)-1 min-1 ; P=0.856) - prior to CT determination and performance fatiguability trials. Males had a lower proportion of myosin heavy chain (MHC) I isoform (40.6 (18.4)%) compared to females (59.5 (18.9)%; P=0.021), but MHC IIa and IIx isoform distributions and protein markers of mitochondrial content were not different between sexes (P > 0.05). When normalized to maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), the relative CT (F: 42.9 (8.3)%; M: 37.9 (9.0)%; P=0.172) and curvature constant, W' (F: 26.6 (11.0) Nms(Nm)-1 ; M: 26.4 (6.5) Nms(Nm)-1 ; P=0.962) were not significantly different between sexes. All protein biomarkers of skeletal muscle mitochondrial content, as well as the proportion of MHC I isoform, positively correlated with relative CT (0.48<r<0.70; P<0.05), and the proportion of MHC IIx isoform correlated positively with relative W' (r=0.57; P=0.007). Indices of performance fatiguability were not different between males and females for MVC- and CT-controlled trials (P > 0.05). Greater mitochondrial protein abundance was associated with attenuated declines in potentiated twitch torque for exercise at 60% MVC (P<0.05); however, the influence of mitochondrial protein abundance on performance fatiguability was reduced when exercise was prescribed relative to CT. Whether these findings translate to whole-body exercise requires additional research. KEY POINTS: The quadriceps critical torque represents the highest intensity of intermittent knee extensor exercise for which an oxidative steady state is attainable, but its relationship with skeletal muscle mitochondrial protein abundance is unknown. Matching males and females for maximal oxygen uptake relative to fat-free mass facilitates investigations of sex differences in exercise physiology, but studies that have compared critical torque and performance fatiguability during intermittent knee extensor exercise have not ensured equal aerobic fitness between sexes. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial protein abundance was correlated with critical torque and fatigue resistance for exercise prescribed relative to maximum voluntary contraction but not for exercise performed relative to the critical torque. Differences between sexes in critical torque, skeletal muscle mitochondrial protein abundance and performance fatiguability were not statistically significant. Our results suggest that skeletal muscle mitochondrial protein abundance may contribute to fatigue resistance by influencing the critical intensity of exercise.

Effects of six weeks of sub-plateau cold environment training on physical functioning and athletic ability in elite parallel giant slalom snowboard athletes.

Hypoxic and cold environments have been shown to improve the function and performance of athletes. However, it is unclear whether the combination of subalpine conditions and cold temperatures may have a greater effect. The present study aims to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of training in a sub-plateau cold environment on the physical function and athletic ability of elite parallel giant slalom snowboard athletes. Nine elite athletes (four males and five females) participated in the study. The athletes underwent 6 weeks of high intensity ski-specific technical training (150 min/session, six times/week) and medium-intensity physical training (120 min/session, six times/week) prior to the Beijing 2021 Winter Olympic Games test competition. The physiological and biochemical parameters were collected from elbow venous blood samples after each 2-week session to assess the athletes' physical functional status. The athletes' athletic ability was evaluated by measuring their maximal oxygen uptake, Wingate 30 s anaerobic capacity, 30 m sprint run, and race performance. Measurements were taken before and after participating in the training program for six weeks. The repeated measure ANOVA was used to test the overall differences of blood physiological and biochemical indicators. For indicators with significant time main effects, post-hoc tests were conducted using the least significant difference (LSD) method. The paired-samples t-test was used to analyze changes in athletic ability indicators before and after training. (1) There was a significant overall time effect for red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC) in males; there was also a significant effect on the percentage of lymphocytes (LY%), serum testosterone (T), and testosterone to cortisol ratio (T/C) in females (p<0.001-0.015, ). In addition, a significant time effect was also found for blood urea(BU), serum creatine kinase (CK), and serum cortisol levels in both male and female athletes (p=0.001-0.029, ). (2) BU and CK levels in males and LY% in females were all significantly higher at week 6 (p=0.001-0.038), while WBC in males was significantly lower (p=0.030). T and T/C were significantly lower in females at week 2 compared to pre-training (p=0.007, 0.008, respectively), while cortisol (C) was significantly higher in males and females at weeks 2 and 4 (p (male)=0.015, 0.004, respectively; p (female)=0.024, 0.030, respectively). (3) There was a noticeable increase in relative maximal oxygen uptake, Wingate 30 s relative average anaerobic power, 30 m sprint run performance, and race performance in comparison to the pre-training measurements (p<0.001-0.027). Six weeks of sub-plateau cold environment training may improve physical functioning and promote aerobic and anaerobic capacity for parallel giant slalom snowboard athletes. Furthermore, male athletes had a greater improvement of physical functioning and athletic ability when trained in sub-plateau cold environments.

Влияние курса нейробиоуправления на максимальное потребление кислорода и показатели гемодинамики спортсменов высокой квалификации

Neurofeedback based on bioelectrical activity of the brain can serve as an additional means of sports training. However, its effect on the body of athletes is not fully understood. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of a neurofeedback course on high-level athletes based on maximal oxygen uptake and haemodynamics. Materials and methods. A placebo-controlled study of the effects of a neurofeedback course was conducted, involving 102 high-level athletes of both sexes (mean age 20.2 ± ± 1.8 years) with mean levels of spectral power of heart rate variability in the VLF, LF, and HF ranges. The main group included 69 subjects, the placebo control group, 33 subjects. The neurofeedback course included 15 sessions and was performed according to the protocol of increasing alpha power in the C3A1 lead. Results. Statistically significant effects of the neurofeedback course, exceeding the placebo effect, were established: a decrease in diastolic blood pressure and an increase in pulse pressure (PP). Diastolic blood pressure was characterized by an absolute decrease of 2.0 mm Hg in the main group and 0.7 mm Hg in the placebo group, while pulse pressure, by an absolute increase of 1.5 and 0.4 mm Hg, respectively. Moreover, statistically significant changes resulting from the neurofeedback course were identified, which, however, did not exceed the placebo effect: an increase in the mean value of the relative maximal oxygen uptake by 0.30 ml/(min∙kg) in the main group and by 0.46 ml/(min∙kg) in the placebo group; a decrease in the mean heart rate (HR) by 1.5 and 0.7 min–1, respectively, and a decrease in the mean value of the double product index by 1.9 and 1.1, respectively, without any statistically significant differences between the groups. The neurofeedback course and placebo did not produce statistically significant changes in systolic blood pressure, PP x HR coefficient, and autonomic Kérdö index.

Relationship between biological age, body dimensions and cardiorespiratory performance in young soccer players

Background: During adolescence, performance in competitive sport is influenced not only by the levels of physical activity, but also by the biological state and body dimensions. Objective: The purpose of our study was to compare cardiorespiratory performance between groups with different biological age in male adolescent soccer players. Methods: Eighty-eight young soccer players (age = 15.9 &#177; 0.5 years, body height = 176.1 &#177; 5.6 cm, body weight = 65.4 &#177; 7.2 kg) performed a vita-maxima protocol on a treadmill. Starting speed was 6 km/h and inclination 1.4%, which were increased linearly every minute, to 11 km/h and to 3.5% respectively (first 5 minutes). Then we increased inclination by 2% every minute until exhaustion. The effect of the biological age on functional indices was examined based on two grouping methods. First, the participants were classified into sub-groups by their morphological (or developmental) age, which is an expression of biological age and evaluates the developmental state of specific body dimensions (body height, body weight, shoulder width, lower arm girth, and hand circumference). Then, from anthropometric and body composition measures three clusters were created, according to the participants' developmental state. For both grouping methods, the groups were: late-maturing, average-maturing, early-maturing. Results: Based on the morphological age grouping method, biologically more advanced athletes achieved greater cardiorespiratory performance (late-maturing: 337 &#177; 33 W, average maturing: 363 &#177; 48 W, early maturing: 386 &#177; 43 W) with higher oxygen uptake (late-maturing: 3529 &#177; 336 ml/min, average-maturing: 3798 &#177; 436 ml/min, early-maturing: 3983 &#177; 541 ml/min) and oxygen pulse (late-maturing: 18.1 &#177; 1.8 ml/beat, average-maturing: 19.6 &#177; 2.5 ml/beat, early-maturing: 20.8 &#177; 2.8 ml/beat). There were no differences in time spent on the treadmill, maximal lactic acid levels, relative power, maximal heart rate, respiratory rate, tidal volume, relative maximal oxygen uptake, maximal ventilation. There were significant differences in weight, plastic index and muscle mass between all the three groups. Differences in cardiorespiratory indices between groups of different maturity status were larger when we grouped the athletes based on cluster analysis compared to the morphological age-based grouping method. Conclusions: During growth and maturation Body dimensions and body (and muscle) mass significantly affect maximal oxygen uptake in young athletes. The inclusion of body composition components in addition to body dimensions increases the explanatory power of biological age on cardiorespiratory performance.

Effects of low intensity resistance training of blood flow restriction with different occlusion pressure on lower limb muscle and cardiopulmonary function of college students

Objective: The study compared the effects of low intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) with different occlusion pressure on lower limb muscle and cardiopulmonary function. Methods: Twenty-seven college students were randomly divided into three groups by different occlusion pressure: 0 mmHg (group C), 120 mmHg (group L) and 180 mmHg (group H). Before and after training (3 times a week for 12 weeks) with an inflatable cuff (20% 1RM, half squat), the muscle thickness(MTH)of rectus femoris and medius femoris, relative peak knee extensor moment(rM), peak power(P), relative maximal oxygen uptake(rVO2max), stroke volume(SV), cardiac output(CO), ejection fraction(EF) and other indicators were measured for all subjects. Results: When compared with pre-training, and rectus femoris, the MTH of medius femoris, rM, rVO2max, SV, CO and EF were significantly increased in group L and group H after 12 weeks training(P＜0.05, P＜0.01), as well as compared with group C after training(P＜0.05, P＜0.01). There was no significant difference between group L and group H after training. Conclusion: BFR training protocols under 120 mmHg or 180 mmHg pressure were effective in improving muscle and cardiopulmonary function.

Repeated sprint in hypoxia as a time-metabolic efficient strategy to improve physical fitness of obese women

To investigate the training and detraining effects of two different hypoxic high-intensity protocols on cardiorespiratory fitness, maximal fat oxidation and energy contribution in obese women. 82 obese women completeda 12-week training of: (1) interval training in hypoxia (IHT; n = 19; 3min at 90%Wmax: 3min at 55-65%Wmax; FiO2 = 17.2%), (2) interval training in normoxia (INT; n = 20; 3min at 90%Wmax: 3min at 55-65%Wmax), (3) repeated sprint training in hypoxia (RSH; n = 22; 30s at 130%Wmax: 3min at 55-65%Wmax; FiO2 = 17.2%), and (4) repeated sprint training in normoxia (RSN; n = 21; 30s at 130%Wmax: 3min at 55-65%Wmax). VO2max, workload, time to exhaustion and heart ratewere assessed at baseline, after completion of 36 training sessions over 12weeks and after 4weeks of detraining. Hypoxic training (IHT and RSH) showed a significant positive effect on absolute (p < 0.001) and relative maximal oxygen uptake (p < 0.001) as well as VT2 (%VO2max; p < 0.001). Both IHT and RSH showed significantly higher values of absolute VO2max (IHT: + 26.63%; RSH: + 19.79%) and relative VO2max (IHT: + 27.95%; RSH: + 19.94%) between baseline and post-exercise (p < 0.001). VO2max (IHT: + 21.74%; RSH: + 17.65%) and relative VO2max (IHT: + 23.53%; RSH: + 17.15%) remained significantly higher after detraining in IHT and RSH (p < 0.001). A larger improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness has been observed after high-intensity interval training under normobaric hypoxia. As interval training or repeated sprint trainingdid not show a significant effect, RSH might provide a time-metabolic effective strategy in this population.

Change in Anthropometrics and Physical Fitness in Norwegian Cadets During 3Years of Military Academy Education.

High physical fitness is associated with increased occupational performance, better health, and reduced risk of injuries in military personnel. Thus, the military emphasizes physical training to maintain or develop physical fitness in their soldiers. It is important to monitor the effect of the physical training regime, but such information is lacking for Norwegian military cadets. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to investigate changes in anthropometrics and physical fitness among male and female army, navy and air force cadets during 3years of military academy education. 260 male and 29 female Norwegian cadets from the army, navy, and air force academies volunteered to participate. Anthropometrics, muscular power, muscular endurance, and maximal oxygen uptake were measured at entry (T0) and end of each year (T1, T2, and T3). Linear mixed models were used to examine the development in anthropometrics and physical fitness. We applied to the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics to review the study before start-up, but the study was considered exempted from notification. The study was reviewed and approved by the Norwegian Social Science Data Services. Male and female cadets significantly increased their body weight, fat-free mass, body mass index, and percent body fat by 1 to 5% from T0 to T3. Skeletal muscle mass was unchanged. Muscular power (medicine ball throw and vertical jump) and muscular endurance (pull-ups and push-ups) increased by 3 to 20% in male cadets, while female cadets only increased results significantly for the medicine ball throw (10%). Relative maximal oxygen uptake decreased by 4% in both sexes, while absolute maximal oxygen uptake only decreased significantly (by 2%) in male cadets. Most of the observed changes were classified as trivial or small, according to calculated effect sizes. The observed changes were generally of similar magnitude for male and female cadets, and similar among the three academies. Anthropometrics and physical fitness were relatively stable in Norwegian male and female army, navy, and air force cadets during 3years of military academy education. Observed changes were typically classified as trivial or small. The initial gap in physical fitness between male and female cadets did not narrow during the education years. Norwegian male and female cadets displayed relatively good physical fitness profiles, compared to sex-matched cadets and soldiers from previously studied military populations.

OR-025 Association study between Chinese excellent long-distance female athletes’ PGC-1β genetic polymorphism and aerobic capacity

Objective Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1β (PGC-1β) is mainly expressed in mitochondria-rich tissues, which involved in skeletal muscle mitochondrial biosynthesis and energy metabolism processes such as fatty acid transport and oxidation, hepatic gluconeogenesis. PGC-1β is Previous studies have shown that this genetic polymorphism is associated with the athletic ability of elite endurance athletes. Therefore, based on the previous research, the relationship between PGC-1β gene polymorphism and aerobic exercise ability of elite female long-distance runners was discussed to provide new effective indicators for athletes' selection of materials, and improve the accuracy and advancement of athletes' selection of materials.&#x0D; Methods 56 Chinese elite female long-distance runners were selected, and venous blood was extracted to analyze the gene polymorphism of specific gene locus. The subjects were tested for aerobic endurance index and lung function index, wherein the aerobic endurance index included maximum oxygen uptake, relative maximal oxygen uptake relative value, anaerobic threshold and anaerobic threshold relative value, and lung function indicators including vital capacity, Time lung capacity, minute ventilation and maximum ventilation . Subsequently, the cross-sectional association study method was used to analyze the association between four genotypes locus of PGC-1β including rs32579, rs2161257, rs1544744 and rs10783180 in 56 subjects.&#x0D; Results 1) All four polymorphic locus were tested by H-W balance, indicating that the subjects were representative of the population. 2) rs32579 locus: There were no significant differences in lung function indicators and aerobic exercise capacity between different genotype athletes. 3) rs2161257 locus: There were no significant differences in lung function indicators and aerobic exercise capacity between different genotype athletes. 4) rs1544744 locus: There were no significant differences in lung function indicators and aerobic exercise capacity between different genotype athletes. 5) rs10783180 locus: There is a significant difference in the relative values of anaerobic threshold and anaerobic threshold between different genotype athletes. The anaerobic threshold of AG genotype athletes was 2156.35±227.69 ml/min and the anaerobic threshold of athletes with GG genotype was 2143.41±217.30 ml/min. So the anaerobic threshold of AG genotype athletes was significantly greater than the anaerobic threshold of GG genotype athletes. The Anaerobic threshold relative value for AG genotype athletes was 50.99±3.99 ml/kg/min, while the anaerobic threshold relative value for athletes with GG genotype was 48.12±4.25 ml/kg/min. The anaerobic threshold relative value of AG genotype athletes was significantly greater than that of GG genotype athletes&#x0D; Other indicators showed no significant difference.&#x0D; Conclusions The rs10783180 polymorphism is associated with the athletic ability of elite endurance athletes. The population carrying AG genotype may have higher anaerobic threshold value and relative value of anaerobic threshold, which may become more excellent endurance athletes. Rs10783180 polymorphic locus AG genotype can be used as a molecular genetic marker to predict the relative value of anaerobic threshold and anaerobic threshold of Chinese Han women's long-distance runners in northern China.

Associations of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase gene single nucleotide polymorphisms with sport performance and relative maximal oxygen uptake

ABSTRACTTo observe the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) gene and sport performance and to analyse genotype associations of the associated SNPs with sport performance and relative maximal oxygen uptake ().Participants were selected from 685 Chinese Han male college students. The completion times of a 1000-m run and a 50-m run were used to reflect sport performance, respectively. Nineteen tagSNPs were genotyped with Polymerase chain reaction–ligase detection reaction. Relative was directly determined with a cardiopulmonary function analyser.A significant association was found between rs2256292 and 1000-m run performance, but no significant association was found between any tagSNPs and 50-m run performance. The genotype associations of rs2256292 with 1000-m run performance and with relative were both significant under the recessive model (CC vs. CG + GG).No tagSNP in NNMT is significantly associated with 50-m run performance but rs2256292 is significantly associated with 1000-m run performance. The genotype associations of rs2256292 with sport performance are significant under recessive model, and a higher relative may be the physiological reason for minor homozygote CC carriers being of the better 1000-m runners.

Making whole blood available in austere medical environments: donor performance and safety.

To provide whole blood on the battlefield can be a challenge, but a buddy system protocol is both an elegant and the only currently available means to supply blood to a Special Forces team in far-forward locations. Our aim was to investigate donor-safety associated with such a protocol. This study was a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial that aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of a 450 cc blood donation on physical performance in fatigued and dehydrated Special Forces soldiers. The primary outcome variables were absolute and relative maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max ), exercise tolerance time (ETT) and heart rate (HR). Relative VO2max decreased by 7.1% in the donation group between pre and posttest, compared to no change in the control group. Absolute VO2max decreased by 11.2 and 3.6% between pre and posttest in the donation and control groups, respectively. Mean ETT in the donation group was on average 92 seconds shorter compared to baseline, which represents a decrease of 9.5%. Donating blood after a week of strenuous physical activity is feasible for Special Forces personnel. While the donation results in some diminishment of VO2max , a 3.6%-11.2% decrease in relative VO2max , and in elevation of submaximal HR levels highly trained personnel continue to perform well both at both sub-maximal and maximal effort levels.

Anaerobic and aerobic performance of elite female and male snowboarders

The physiological adaptation to training is specific to the muscle activity, dominant energy system involved, muscle groups trained, as well as intensity and volume of training. Despite increasing popularity of snowboarding only little scientific data is available on the physiological characteristics of female and male competitive snowboarders. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the aerobic capacity and maximal anaerobic power of elite Polish snowboarders with untrained subjects. Ten snowboarders and ten aged matched students of Physical Education performed two exercise tests. First, a 30-second Wingate test was conducted and next, a cycle ergometer exercise test with graded intensity. In the first test, peak anaerobic power, the total work, relative peak power and relative mean power were measured. During the second test, relative maximal oxygen uptake and lactate threshold were evaluated. There were no significant differences in absolute and relative maximal oxygen uptake between snowboarders and the control group. Mean maximal oxygen uptake and lactate threshold were significantly higher in men than in women. Significant differences were found between trained men and women regarding maximal power and relative maximal power. The elite snowboarders demonstrated a high level of anaerobic power. The level of relative peak power in trained women correlated negatively with maximal oxygen uptake. In conclusion, our results seem to indicate that the demanding competition program of elite snowboarders provides a significant training stimulus mainly for anaerobic power with minor changes in anaerobic performance.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index values in 9‐year‐old rural Norwegian children

To describe cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index (BMI) values in a representative population of 9-year-old Norwegian children in two rural communities and compare present values with previous findings. Two hundred and fifty-nine 9-year-old children were invited, and 256 participated in this study. Maximal oxygen uptake was directly measured during a continuous progressive treadmill protocol. Body mass and height were also measured. The mean +/- SD relative maximal oxygen uptake was 52.8 +/- 6.5 for boys and 46.9 +/- 7.2 mL/kg/min for girls. Eight percent of the boys and 16.8% of the girls were classified as overweight, and 1.6% of the boys and 6.9% of the girls as obese. Mean age, body mass, height and Ponderal index were not significantly different between sexes. Girls had a higher BMI than boys (p = 0.05). Compared to earlier Norwegian studies, children's BMI values seem to have increased substantially. This increase is most pronounced in girls. When assessing these differences using the PI, this increase is less marked. Comparing maximal oxygen uptake data with that in earlier Nordic studies, there is no evidence that fitness has declined among 9-year olds. However, the limitations of the few earlier studies make reliable comparisons difficult.

Skeletal Muscle Morphology and Aerobic Capacity in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome

Background: Despite the fact that patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) often have symptoms at the level of skeletal muscle such as fatigue, the question of whether the structural, cellular and functional properties of limb skeletal muscles are affected has not been fully examined. Objective: The aim was to examine physiological and muscular parameters in patients with OSAS and to assess the relationship between these parameters and the clinical symptoms. Method: Eighteen patients with OSAS and 16 controls participated. Aerobic capacity was assessed using a submaximal test. Fibre type distribution and fibre area were analyzed on muscle biopsies taken from the tibialis anterior. The microvascularization was assessed using the following parameters: (1) the number of capillaries per fibre (CAF), (2) CAF per fibre area (CAFA), (3) capillary to fibre perimeter exchange (CFPE) index, which represents the interface between muscle fibre and capillaries, and (4) length of capillary/perimeter of the fibre (LC/PF) index or capillary tortuosity, which represents the percent of muscle fibre perimeter in contact with the wall of the microvessel. Results: The OSAS group had significantly lower predicted relative maximal oxygen uptake (p = 0.0047) which was inversely correlated to the apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI; r = –0.6, p = 0.017). There was a significantly higher CFPE index for slow type I fibres (p = 0.007) and fast type II fibres (p = 0.0126) and a significantly higher LC/PF index for type I fibres (p = 0.0003) and type II fibres (p = 0.0285) in OSAS patients compared to controls. Conclusion: OSAS patients have a higher muscle microvascularization and a lower aerobic capacity than controls. Furthermore the aerobic capacity was inversely correlated to AHI.

Validation of the Adult OMNI Scale of Perceived Exertion for Walking/Running Exercise

Concurrent and construct validity of the OMNI-Walk/Run Scale of Perceived Exertion was examined using young adult women and men (18-36 yr). Concurrent validity was established by correlating OMNI-Walk/Run Scale ratings of perceived exertion (RPE-OMNI) with oxygen uptake (VO2), relative maximal oxygen uptake (%VO2(max)), ventilation (VE), respiratory rate (RR), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and heart rate (HR) to a graded exercise test on a treadmill. Construct validity was established by correlating RPE-OMNI with RPE from the Borg (6-20) Scale (RPE-BORG). Measurements were made every min throughout the test. The range of exercise responses across the incremental walking/running test for the female and male groups were: VO2 = 0.99-3.9 L x min(-1), HR = 98-190 beats x min(-1) and RPE-OMNI = 1.3-9.4. Correlation/regression analyses indicated that RPE-OMNI distributed as a positive linear function for all criterion measures; r = 0.67 to 0.88 (P < 0.05). RPE-OMNI was positively and linearly related to the RPE-BORG; r = 0.96 (P < 0.01) for both the female and male groups. Concurrent and construct evidence supports use of the OMNI-Walk/Run Scale by adult women and men to estimate RPE during graded exercise test on a treadmill.

Effects of the Curves® Fitness Program on Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, and Maximal Aerobic Capacity

0533 PURPOSE: To examine the effects of the Curves fitness and diet program on muscular strength, muscular endurance, and maximal aerobic capacity. METHODS: 123 sedentary women (38.7 ± 8 yr; 93.2 ± 19 kg; 44.8 ± 4.8% body fat) participated in a 14- wk exercise and diet program. Subjects were randomly assigned to an exercise and no diet group (END); an exercise and high calorie mixed diet (2,600 kcals/d for 2 wks at 55% C, 15% P, 30% F; 8 wks at 40% C, 30% P, 30% F; 4 wks at 55% C, 15% P, 30% F) group (HCD); or, a low calorie high carbohydrate (HCHO), high protein (HP), or very high protein (VHP) diet group. Subjects consumed 1,200 kcal/d for 2-wks and 1,600 kcal/d for 8 wks. Subjects then ingested 2,600 kcal/d and 1,200 kcal/d diet at 3/2, 3/2, 5/2, & 10/2 day intervals in an attempt to maintain weight loss. Diets were standardized with 30% dietary fat with carbohydrate intake ranging from 40–55% on the HCD and HCO diets and protein intake ranging from 50–63% on the HP and VHP diets. Subjects participated in a supervised 30-min resistance training circuit program combined with calisthenic exercises 3-d per week. At 0, 10, and 14 weeks, subjects performed 1RM bench press and leg press, 80% of 1RM maximal repetition tests on the bench press and leg press, and a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test. Repeated measures ANOVA results are presented as means ± SD from baseline. RESULTS: Training significantly increased bench press 1RM (2.37 ± 3.8 kg, p<0.006; 0.04 ± 0.04 kg/kg, p<0.001) and leg press 1RM (15.5 ± 38 kg, p<0.002; 0.27 ± 0.39 kg/kg, p<0.001) [10–15% gain in strength]. Bench press lifting volume (80% weight × repetitions) was unchanged (9.1 ± 126 kg, p = 0.20; 0.3 ± 1.4 kg/kg, p = 0.60). However, significant interactions (p<0.05) were observed indicating the END group experienced greater gains in bench press lifting volume. Leg press lifting volume significantly increased in all groups (325 ± 1,521 kg, p = 0.03; 4.1 ± 14 kg/kg, p = 0.006) with no significant differences among groups. Relative maximal oxygen uptake was significantly increased in all groups by about 7% (1.6 ± 3.5 ml/kg/min, p<0.002) primarily due to a significant weight loss. Resting heart (−4.2 ± 14.0 bpm, p<0.01), systolic blood pressure (−3.2 ± 13 mmHg, p<0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (−2.1 ± 10 mmHg, p<0.03) decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The Curves fitness program promotes increases in muscular strength, muscular endurance, and maximal aerobic capacity while decreasing resting heart rate and blood pressure. These findings indicate that this program appears to be an effective and appropriate level exercise program for this population.

Effects of Hatha Yoga Practice on the Health-Related Aspects of Physical Fitness.

Ten healthy, untrained volunteers (nine females and one male), ranging in age from 18-27 years, were studied to determine the effects of hatha yoga practice on the health-related aspects of physical fitness, including muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and pulmonary function. Subjects were required to attend a minimum of two yoga classes per week for a total of 8 weeks. Each yoga session consisted of 10 minutes of pranayamas (breath-control exercises), 15 minutes of dynamic warm-up exercises, 50 minutes of asanas (yoga postures), and 10 minutes of supine relaxation in savasana (corpse pose). The subjects were evaluated before and after the 8-week training program. Isokinetic muscular strength for elbow extension, elbow flexion, and knee extension increased by 31%, 19%, and 28% (p<0.05), respectively, whereas isometric muscular endurance for knee flexion increased 57% (p<0.01). Ankle flexibility, shoulder elevation, trunk extension, and trunk flexion increased by 13% (p<0.01), 155% (p<0.001), 188% (p<0.001), and 14% (p<0.05), respectively. Absolute and relative maximal oxygen uptake increased by 7% and 6%, respectively (p<0.01). These findings indicate that regular hatha yoga practice can elicit improvements in the health-related aspects of physical fitness. (c)2001 CHF, Inc.