Relative Peak Power Research Articles

Effects of Various Work-to-rest Ratios during High-intensity Interval Training on Athletic Performance in Adolescents

To examine the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with different work-to-rest ratios on athletic performance in athletes. Forty-seven male Taekwondo athletes (aged 15-18 yrs) were randomly assigned into 3 HIIT groups and a control group. Each group performed 6 and 8 bouts of HIIT: 1) 1:2 (30:60 s), 2) 1:4 (30:120 s), and 3) 1:8 (30:240 s) groups while the control group performed only Taekwondo training program. All HIIT groups completed 10 sessions over 4 weeks. Athletic performance tests including VO2max test, Wingate anaerobic test, vertical jump, and agility T-test were measured at both pre- and post-tests. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA were applied to examine the performance changes between protocols. VO2max improved significantly in all HIIT groups (p<0.01), and the post-hoc test indicated that the only 1:4 group showed significant improvement compared to the control group. The HIIT with 1:4 ratio showed the effective protocol for enhancing anaerobic capacity including relative peak and mean power compared to control (p<0.01). Ten sessions of HIIT involving the 1:4 group, lasting over a brief 4-week period revealed the effective protocol for enhancing both aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Our findings provide practical implications to develop a performance-enhancing program specialized for adolescent Taekwondo athletes.

Correlation Between V̇O2max and Anaerobic Power in Law Enforcement SWAT Team Members

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship between maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and anaerobic power in Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team members of law enforcement. METHODS: Fourteen healthy men and one healthy woman (age: 33 ± 6 y, height: 179.6 ± 6.7 cm, body mass: 89.6 ± 10.4 kg) performed a graded exercise test to measure V̇O2max and a Wingate Anaerobic Test to measure anaerobic power on two separate occasions. V̇O2max was determined with a graded exercise test on a motorized treadmill using the Costill-Fox protocol. Anaerobic power was determined using the Wingate Anaerobic Test where participants cycled against a resistance of 9% of body mass (8 ± 1 kg) on a Wingate cycle ergometer. Pearson’s r correlations were conducted to analyze the relationship between absolute V̇O2max and absolute power as well as relative V̇O2max and relative power. RESULTS: Absolute V̇O2max was significantly positively correlated to absolute peak power (r = 0.60; p = 0.02) and absolute average power (r = 0.75; p < 0.01). Moreover, relative V̇O2max was significantly positively correlated to relative peak power (r = 0.56; p = 0.03) and relative average power (r = 0.64; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There are moderate-to-strong positive correlations between V̇O2max and anaerobic power. It is possible that adaptations that occur with high intensity anaerobic exertions might be related to changes in aerobic metabolism. Future research might consider examining the effectiveness of anaerobic power training on aerobic fitness among the tactical athlete populations.

Effects of an 8-Week In-Season Upper Limb Elastic Band Training Programme on the Peak Power, Strength, and Throwing Velocity of Junior Handball Players

Team handball is an intense sport with special requirements on technical and tactical skills as well as physical performance. The ability of handball players to make repeated powerful muscular contractions in pushing and throwing the ball is crucial to success. This study investigated the effects of elastic band training on upper body peak power output, ball throwing velocity, and local muscle volume of junior handball players. Thirty handball players (a single national-level Tunisian team) were randomly assigned to a control group (CG; n = 15) and an experimental group (EG; n = 15). Pre- and post-interventional measurements included force-velocity tests, one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press and pull-over strength, ball throwing velocity in three types of throw (jumping shot, 3-step running throw, and standing throw), and anthropometric estimates of limb volumes. The EG additionally performed an elastic band training programme twice a week for 8 weeks immediately before engaging in regular handball training. The control group underwent no additional elastic band training. The EG demonstrated greater improvements in absolute and relative peak power (p < 0.001; 49.3 ± 22.9 % and 47.9 ± 24.6 %, respectively), 1RM strength (p < 0.001; 25.3 ± 2.2 % and 44.1 ± 9.0 % for 1RM bench press and pull over, respectively), and throwing velocity in all three types of ball throws (p < 0.001; 25.1-26.1 %), compared to the CG (3.9-4.4 %). Limb volumes increased significantly (p = 0.001, 8.0 ± 7.5 %) in the EG, with no significant change (p = 0.175, 2.6 ± 7.0 %) in the CG. We conclude that additional elastic band training performed twice a week for 8 weeks improves measures relevant to game performance, particularly strength, power, and ball throwing velocity.

Courtship Behavior and Advertisement Call Geographic Variation of Bokermannohyla luctuosa (Pombal Jr. and Haddad, 1993) (Hylidae, Cophomantini)

Reproduction is an important aspect of the natural history of anuran species; it includes, for example, selection of the calling site by males, mate attraction, courtship, oviposition, and subsequent parental care. Among these, courtship is one of the least studied phases of anuran reproductive biology. Therefore, we describe for the first time the complex courtship of Bokermannohyla luctuosa, which involves tactile communication and two types of vocalizations: advertisement and courtship calls. These calls have a pseudo-pulsed structure, with the courtship call being similar to the advertisement call but longer in duration and lower in dominant frequency and relative peak power. Most of the behavioral repertoire of B. luctuosa courtship matches that reported for other Cophomantini species. Additional information on the natural history of phylogenetic closely related species, besides improving autoecological knowledge, will enable the recognition of behavioral synapomorphies for specific clades.

Changes in Bench Press Velocity and Power After 8 Weeks of High-Load Cluster- or Traditional-Set Structures.

Davies, TB, Halaki, M, Orr, R, Helms, ER, and Hackett, DA. Changes in bench press velocity and power after 8 weeks of high-load cluster- or traditional-set structures. J Strength Cond Res 34(10): 2734-2742, 2020-This study investigated the effects of high-load cluster- vs. traditional-set structures using the bench press on velocity and power. Twenty-one resistance-trained individuals (male = 12, female = 9) performed a 3-week familiarization block followed by randomization into 1 of 2 upper- and lower-body split training routines performed for 8 weeks. The bench press was the only exercise manipulated with subjects using either cluster-set (CLUS, n = 11) or traditional-set (TRAD, n = 10) structures during training sessions. Subjects performed 4 sets of 5 repetitions at 85% 1 repetition maximum (1RM) with CLUS having a 30-second inter-repetition, and 3-minute interset rest while TRAD had a 5-minute interset rest. A load-velocity profile of relative loads derived from a 1RM test was used to assess velocity and power (absolute and relative to body mass) on the bench press. Significant improvements over time were found across various loads ranging from 45 to 75% 1RM for absolute and relative peak power (p = 0.006-0.041), and mean power (p = 0.001-0.032). Significant decreases over time were found at 55% 1RM and 65% 1RM for peak velocity (p = 0.027 and p = 0.012, respectively) and mean velocity (p = 0.047 and p = 0.022, respectively). There were no significant group or group by time interactions found for all outcomes. Within the context of high-load resistance training, set structure seems to be of less importance for changes in bench press velocity and power provided there is an intention to lift with maximal concentric velocity.

Ferritin Genes Overexpression in PBMC and a Rise in Exercise Performance as an Adaptive Response to Ischaemic Preconditioning in Young Men.

Objectives The proposal of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute and ten-day ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) training procedure on the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT), the ferritin H (FTH), ferritin L (FTL), and transferrin receptor 1 (TFRC) mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and anaerobic performance. Method 34 healthy men volunteers (aged 20.7 ± 1.22 years) participated in the study. The effects of bilateral upper limb IPC and sham controlled condition were assessed in two experimental protocols: (a) the influence of acute (one time) IPC based on an experimental crossover study design and (b) the influence of ten-day IPC training treatment based on a random group assignment. At the beginning and at the end of each experiment upper body WAnT was performed and blood samples were collected to assess gene expression via quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results No significant effect of one-time ischaemic preconditioning procedure was observed on upper body WAnT performance. Ten-day IPC training significantly increased upper limbs relative mean power (from 5.29 ± 0.50 to 5.79 ± 0.70 (W/kg), p < 0.05). One-time IPC caused significant decrease in FTH, FTL, and TFRC mRNA levels while 10 days of IPC resulted in significant increase of FTH and FTL mRNA (from 2 ∧254.2 to 2 ∧1678.6 (p = 0.01) for FTH and 2 ∧81.5 to 2 ∧923 (p = 0.01) for FTL) and decrease in TFRC mRNA. Conclusions Our findings suggest that ten-day IPC training intervention significantly affects upper limb relative peak power. The observed overexpression of FTH and FTL genes could be associated with adaptation response induced by prolonged IPC.

The Influence of Caffeine and the −163 A&gt;C CYP1A2 Polymorphism on Peak and Mean Power during a Wingate Test

The influence of the cytochrome P450 enzymes, specifically a polymorphism of the CYP1A2 genotype, following caffeine ingestion has been shown to influence aerobic endurance; however, the effect on short‐term anaerobic performance is inconclusive. Individuals with the AA variant are responders to caffeine and those with the AC/CC variant are non‐responders.PURPOSETo examine the effects of caffeine and specific CYP1A2 genotype on anaerobic performance.METHODS10 subjects completed two 30 second Wingate Anaerobic Tests (WAnT30) (resistance = 0.075 kg•BW−1) on the Velotron that were separated by 2 to 7 days. Relative peak power (PP) and relative mean power (MP) were computed by the Velotron software. An oral bolus of caffeine (CAF), 5mg•kg−1, or placebo (PLA), maltodextrin, was given in a randomized and counterbalanced design 60 min prior to testing. Buccal epithelial cells were collected via a mouth rinse of 0.9% NaCl. Genomic extraction was obtained using QiAmp Mini spin columns and cell lysing with proteinase k, followed by PCR amplification with Fast Taq. The restriction enzyme (ApaI) was used to cut fragments. Cut and uncut samples underwent electrophoresis in 1% agarose gel and ultraviolet light photography identified genotype. The data was analyzed using a 2 (condition) × 2 (CYP) ANOVA with repeated measures (p&gt;0.05).RESULTS5 people were AA and 5 people were AC/CC. The results revealed that CAF elicited no ergogenic effects. The main effect of condition, PLA versus CAF, showed no significant difference for PP or MP (p = 0.49). The main effect of CYP1A2, AA or AC/CC, did not reveal power differences for PP or MP (p = 0.96). Follow‐up pairwise comparisons between PLA to CAF for PP (W•kg−1) showed non‐significant D's of 1.17% in AA (10.3 and 10.42) and −0.38% for AC/CC (10.36 and 10.46, respectively). Likewise, MP resulted in non‐significant D's of 3.66% for AA (8.2 and 8.5 W•kg−1, respectively) and 2.24% for AC/CC (8.3 and 8.5, W•kg−1 respectively).CONCLUSIONCaffeine did not produce an ergogenic effect for anaerobic exercise, regardless of an individual's CYP1A2 variant. However, the larger percent increases, specifically in MP, suggest that further research should be conducted, such as increasing sample size and identifying confounding variables such as other receptor sites that may interact with caffeine.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Laboratory and Non-laboratory Assessment of Anaerobic Performance of Elite Male Wheelchair Basketball Athletes.

Wheelchair basketball is an adaptive Paralympic sport and wheelchair basketball players are under classification in sport. Coaches are looking for useful assessment tools (field-based tests) to evaluate players’ anaerobic performance (anaerobic capacity). The aim of this study was to assess the validity of field-based tests for anaerobic performance evaluation for two functional categories of wheelchair basketball players and to create a calculator to predict mean or peak power on the basis of the selected field-based test results. Sixty-one elite male wheelchair basketball players performed the Wingate Anaerobic Test and the following field-based tests: 3 m sprint, 5 m sprint, 10 m sprint, 20 m sprint, basketball chest pass test, medicine ball (3 kg) chest pass test, bilateral handgrip, 3-6-9 m drill test, 30-s sprint test, agility drill test and 10 × 5 m sprint test. The participants were divided into two functional categories: A (classes from 1.0 to 2.5; n = 29) and B (classes from 3.0 to 4.5; n = 32) according to the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation rules. The large effect size (Cohen’s d > 0.5) was found in four tests (3 m sprint, 5 m sprint, basketball chest pass test, medicine ball chest pass test; ES 0.90, 0.53, –0.96, –1.05). There were differences between category A and category B players regarding mean power, peak power and relative peak power. Peak power correlated with four tests, while mean power correlated with eight out of eleven tests. The formulas for estimating peak power or mean power in category A and B players were created separately. All the analyses confirmed that 3 m sprint, 5 m sprint, 10 m sprint, 20 m sprint, agility drill test, bilateral handgrip, 3-6-9 m drill test, 30-s sprint test, basketball chest pass test and medicine ball chest pass test are valid for non-laboratory anaerobic performance evaluation. Using the four formulas as a tool to predict mean or peak power on the basis of the selected field-based test results and functional categories will be helpful and will allow coaches and players to prepare pre-season, post-season and in-season conditioning exercises in wheelchair basketball.

Upper-body Wingate test classificatory table for adult judo athletes.

The aims of this study were to compare the upper-body Wingate test performance of judo athletes from different weight categories and to create a classificatory table for this test. A total of 179 judo athletes performed an upper-body Wingate test, following standardized recommendations (30-sec duration, and a load equivalent to 0.06 kg/kg of body mass). Absolute and relative peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) were determined. Weight categories were compared through a one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey test. The effect size was determined by partial eta squared. There was a large effect of weight category in absolute PP and MP, with lower values for the lighter categories (P<0.05), but it is important to note that absolute PP and MP did not differ (P>0.05) between subsequent weight categories. Moreover, when the relative PP and MP were considered, no significant differences were found (P>0.05). The higher values of PP and MP achieved by heavier judo athletes compared to lighter ones during the upper-body Wingate test is likely related to the higher total muscle mass presented by the first group compared to the later. Indeed, judo athletes from different weight category presented similar relative PP and MP, likely due to the judo training demands as well as consequence of a selection of athletes with the higher potential to develop upper-body anaerobic fitness. Finally, the normative classificatory table created may be useful as a reference in judo athletes’ anaerobic evaluation.

Predictors of Linear and Multidirectional Acceleration in Elite Soccer Players.

Jonathan, N, Russell, M, Shearer, D, Cook, CJ, and Kilduff, LP. Predictors of linear and multidirectional acceleration in elite soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 514-522, 2019-Linear and multidirectional acceleration underpins success in professional soccer match play. However, the physical qualities that determine these performance indicators are poorly understood in elite players. English Premier League players (n = 26) performed isometric midthigh pulls (IMTPs), bilateral and unilateral drop jumps (from 40 and 20 cm, respectively), bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps (CMJs), and assessments of linear (5, 10, and 20 m) and multidirectional (left and right preplanned and reactive) acceleration. Regression analyses highlighted that 21% of variance in 5-m sprint time (1.02 ± 0.07 seconds) was explained by relative peak power output (PPO) in bilateral CMJ (54.5 ± 5.3 W·kg). A 5.4 W·kg increase in CMJ predicted a 0.03-second decrease in 5-m sprint time (P = 0.02). For 10-m sprint time (1.72 ± 0.09 seconds), 44% of variance was explained by isometric relative peak force ([PF]; 30.4 ± 4.9 N·kg) and bilateral relative CMJ PPO (54.5 ± 5.3 W·kg). A 5.4 W·kg increase in CMJ predicted reduced 10-m sprint times by 0.04 seconds (P = 0.01). For 20-m sprint time (2.94 ± 0.11 seconds), 55% of the total variance was explained by isometric relative PF (30.4 ± 4.9 N·kg) and relative CMJ PPO (54.5 ± 5.3 W·kg). Increases of 5.4 W·kg in bilateral CMJ predicted an improvement of 20-m sprint time by 0.06 seconds (P = 0.002). Contributions were insignificant (P > 0.05) for preplanned and reactive multidirectional acceleration. Relativized indices, especially those related to force production during CMJ and IMTP tests, likely underpin linear but not multidirectional acceleration performance in professional soccer players. When linear acceleration is a training focus, practitioners should seek to monitor CMJ and IMTP test performance.

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on supramaximal intermittent exercise performance

Abstract Aim: Our purpose was to determine whether Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) improves performance in untrained individuals for supramaximal intermittent exercise. Methods: In a cross-over design, 11 healthy male subjects (26.8 ± 4.6 years) performed four Wingate trials after 20 minutes of anodal or sham tDCS over the left Insular Cortex (IC). For performance indexes, Relative Peak Power (RPP), Relative Average Power (RAP) and Fatigue Index (FI) were computed. Also, a Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and Electromyography (EMG) signal were used to assess central and muscle fatigue development. Results: There was a significant difference over trials on all performance indexes, but there were no significant condition x trial interactions for any of the indexes. RPE increased significantly over trials, but there was no condition x trial interaction. There was no significant difference over trials on EMG for the rectus femoris and vastus medialis muscles; however, EMG decreased over trials for the vastus lateralis muscle. Furthermore, there was no condition x trial interaction on the EMG signal for any of the muscles. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the anodal tDCS technique has no impact on physical performance, perceived exertion nor muscle fatigue development for supramaximal intermittent exercise.

Effects of immediate post-exercise recovery after a high intensity exercise on subsequent cycling performance

The aim of the study is to investigate the comparative effect of compression sleeves, rest and active recovery on performance and immediate recovery from high-intensity cycling performance (HICP). Eight recreationally trained male cyclists completed three trials, each separated by one week. Each trial consisted of two 10-min high intensity exercise task (30-20-10 s maximal HICP bouts with 3 min 1 W/kg recovery) separated by application one of the three 24-min recovery strategies (active – cycling 1W/kg, ACT; passive – supine position, PAS; passive – sitting with compression sleeves; PAS+CS). Applied recovery strategy effectiveness was assessed via changes in blood lactate clearance (LA), acid-base changes and performance parameters (fatigue index, FI; peak power, PP and relative peak power). Fatigue index was significantly improved by ACT for 30s and 20s HICP. There was a significant decrease in FI for PAS + CS (p = 0.041) and PAS (p = 0.026) showing a negative impact of PAS + CS and PAS for keeping PP during 10s task. The rate of decrease in plasma LA concentration over the 24-min recovery period was significantly higher in ACT (0.50 ± 0.1 mmol/min) compared to PAS and PAS+CS (0.31 ± 0.07 mmol/l, p = 0.001, 0.37 ± 0.09 mmol/min, p = 0.024, respectively). The passive recovery strategies decreased the ability of keeping repeated maximal intensity cycling performance in contrast to active recovery. The use of compression calf sleeves has no significant additional effect on plasma lactate clearance after high intensity anaerobic exercise above resting condition.

Effects of Eurycoma Longifolia Jack Supplementation Combined with Resistance Training on Isokinetic Muscular Strength and Power, Anaerobic Power, and Urinary Testosterone: Epitestosterone Ratio in Young Males.

Introduction:This study investigated the effects of resistance training and Eurycoma longifolia Jack supplementation on isokinetic muscular strength and power, Wingate anaerobic power, and testosterone: epitestosterone (T/E) ratio in young males.Methods:Forty young males were weight-matched and assigned into four groups: control (C), Eurycoma longifolia jack (ElJ), resistance training (RT), and Eurycoma longifolia Jack plus resistance training group (ElJ & RT). Participants in ElJ and ElJ & RT groups consumed 200 mg Eurycoma longifolia Jack daily, whereas participants in the C and RT groups consumed placebo capsules daily for 8 weeks. Resistance training program which consisted of 10 different exercises was conducted three times per week for 8 weeks. Participants' isokinetic muscular strength and power, anaerobic power, and urinary TE ratio were measured before and after the intervention period. This is a randomized placebo-controlled intervention study. Paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis.Results:The mean average power of knee flexion at 300°/s in the RT and ElJ & RT groups was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the posttest compared with pretest. Wingate relative peak power in the RT group increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with respective pretest value, whereas peak power in the combined ElJ & RT group was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in posttest compared with pretest. There was no significant difference in T/E ratio between pre- and posttests in all the groups.Conclusions:The prescribed resistance training program, either with or without ElJ supplementation, improved isokinetic power of the lower limb. Resistance training alone improved relative anaerobic power, whereas combined Eurycoma longifolia Jack and resistance training improved peak power output. ElJ consumption of 200 mg daily for 8 weeks did not affect the urinary T/E ratio.

Acute effects of pre-workout supplement on aerobic and anaerobic performance in basketball players

Background and aim of the study : In recent years, the use of ergogenic aid has become widespread in order to improve performance among the athletes and to achieve success more easily. Pre-workout nutritional supplements that attract the attention of many athletes as a legal ergogenic aid are used by both aerobic and anaerobic branch athletes. The aim of this study is to examine the acute effect of the pre-workout supplement on aerobic and anaerobic performance in basketball players. Material and Method: Twenty male college basketball players who have played regularly at least for 5 years participated in the study voluntarily (mean ± SD 22.00 ± 1.70 years, height 1.83 ± 0.07 cm, weight 85.15 ± 10.78 kg, BMI 25.32 ± 3.10). Double-blind placebo-controlled, cross-over method was used for the collection of data. The players were divided into two groups as placebo (PL, n= 10) and pre-workout (PRW, n= 10). Placebo and pre-workout groups were replaced 48 hours after the initial measurements and the same tests were repeated. The pre-workout group was given 17 gr (Bigjoy Predator) in 200 mg of additive-free juice 1 hour before the test, only 200 mg of additive free juice was given to the placebo group. Countermovement Jump (CMJ) and Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) were used to measure the anaerobic performance of the athletes, and Yoyo Intermittent Recovery Test 1(Yo-Yo IRL1) was used to measure aerobic capacities. Results: A significant difference was found concerning the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test results (p= 0, 004), Relative peak power (p= 0.001) and Relative average power (p= 0.012) values obtained from RAST test data. There was no significant difference in fatigue index (p = 0.79) and VO2 max (p= 0.492) values. Conclusion: While pre-workout supplementation has an acute effect on anaerobic power data, it has been observed that there is no acute effect on the data obtained from fatigue index and aerobic endurance test.

Repeated anaerobic tests predict performance among a group of advanced CrossFit-trained athletes.

High-intensity functional training (HIFT) (i.e., CrossFit (CF) training) uses a combination of movements and self-selected time periods of work and rest. However, little is known about the physiological responses to an acute bout of HIFT exercise or about the physical parameters that distinguish performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological responses in advanced CF athletes to consecutive Wingate trials with short, active recovery periods. Twenty-nine advanced-level CF-trained athletes volunteered for this study. The participants were required to complete 4 consecutive Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnTs) and a 15-min CF-style workout. Across the 4 WAnT trials, significant (p < 0.001) changes were observed in oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, and heart rate. Significant (p ≤ 0.001) differences among WAnT trials were observed in all anaerobic performance measures. Compared with all other trials, greater peak power (p < 0.04), relative peak power (p < 0.02), average power (p < 0.001), relative average power (p < 0.001), and total work (p < 0.001), together with a lower fatigue index (p < 0.01), were observed during WAnT 1. Overall, the 4 consecutive WAnT trials resulted in a significant (F = 177.0, p < 0.001) increase in blood lactate response. Stepwise regression revealed that the ability to predict total repetitions completed during the 15-min trial to complete as many repetitions as possible improved as the participants progressed from the first to the third WAnT trial. Our data suggest that, combined with the ability to better maintain performance across high-intensity exercise bouts, the ability to quickly recover between bouts is the most important factor in CF performance.

Is the Functional Threshold Power a Valid Surrogate of the Lactate Threshold?

To analyze the relationship between functional threshold power (FTP) and the lactate threshold (LT). A total of 20 male cyclists performed an incremental test in which LT was determined. At least 48h later, they performed a 20-min time trial, and 95% of the mean power output was defined as FTP. Participants were divided into recreational (peak power output < 4.5W·kg-1; n = 11) or trained cyclists (peak power output > 4.5W·kg-1; n = 9) according to their fitness status. The FTP (240 [35]W) was overall not significantly different (effect size = 0.20; limits of agreement = -2.4% [11.5%]) from the LT (246 [24]W), and both markers were strongly correlated (r = .95; P < .0001). Accounting for the participants' fitness status, no significant differences were found between FTP and LT (effect size = 0.22; limits of agreement =2.1% [7.8%]) in trained cyclists, but FTP was significantly lower than the LT (P = .0004, effect size = 0.81; limits of agreement =-6.5% [8.3%]) in recreational cyclists. A significant relationship was found between relative peak power output and the bias between FTP and the LT markers (r = .77; P < .0001). FTP is a valid field test-based marker for the assessment of endurance fitness. However, caution should be taken when using FTP interchangeably with LT, as the bias between markers seems to depend on the athlete's fitness status. Whereas FTP provides a good estimate of LT in trained cyclists, in recreational cyclists, it may underestimate LT.

Physiological Correlates of Cycling Performance in Amateur Mountain Bikers

Research background and hypothesis. Aerobic fitness of high-performance mountain bikers explains about 40% of variance in performance. This suggests that other factors such as anaerobic power and capacity as well as technical abilities need to be considered in the physiological assessment (Impellizzeri et al., 2005 a). We found a lot studies investigating track and road cyclists, but there are no studies concerning the relationship between physiological tests and cycling performance in Lithuanian mountain bikers. The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological correlates of cycling performance in amateur mountain bikers. Research methods. Fifteen Lithuanian mountain bikers participated in the study. The 10-second test was performed to estimate special alactic anaerobic power output, whereas ae 30-second Wingate test was performed to estimate composite alactic anaerobic glycolytic power output. For the evaluation of the aerobic capacity, a progressive incremental laboratory cycling test to exhaustion was performed. Research results. We found a significant negative correlation between cycling performance and alactic anaerobic relative peak power output (r = –0.534, p &lt; 0.05) and lactate concentration after the progressive incremental cycling test to exhaustion (r = –0.625, p &lt; 0.05). However, we did not find a significant correlation between cycling performance and VO 2 max (r = –0.024, p &gt; 0.05) and composite alactic anaerobic glycolytic power output (r = –0.269, p &gt; 0.05). Discussion and conclusions. Our findings suggest that alactic anaerobic power output and active glycolysis play a very important role in off-road cycling performance. This is essential because of the fast starting phase of the race and steep climbs.Keywords: mountain bike, cycling, performance, power output, maximal oxygen uptake.

Which anthropometric and lower body power variables are predictive of professional and amateur playing status in male rugby union players?

The purpose of this study was to compare anthropometric and lower body power measurements between current professional and amateur male rugby union players. The present study also sought to determine which anthropometric and physical performance variables were predictive of playing standard. Thirty professional and 30 amateur RU players performed Wattbike 6 s maximal effort (WB6S) and countermovement (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) assessments, anthropometric measures were also taken. Dependant variables recorded and analysed including: body mass, stature, Σ8 site skinfolds, WB6S absolute and relative peak power, CMJ and SJ average concentric force, jump height, peak velocity, time to peak force, rate of force development (RFD) and absolute and relative peak force and power. Professional players were heavier, taller and leaner than their amateur counterparts ( p &lt; 0.05). Professional players performed significantly better in all physical performance measures except CMJ and SJ time to peak force, CMJ RFD and SJ relative peak force. Variables which were predictive of playing standard were: Σ8 skinfolds, CMJ peak velocity and WB6S absolute and relative peak power ( p &lt; 0.05). These findings indicate that the current body of male professional RU players is anthropometrically and physically superior to their amateur counterparts, although not all variables assessed here were predictive of playing standard. Data presented here indicate that Σ8 skinfolds, WB6S absolute and relative power and CMJ peak velocity are predictive of playing standard, whereas other anthropometric and strength and power variables are not.

Physiological and Biomechanical Responses to an Acute Bout of High Kicking in Dancers.

Rice, PE, Gurchiek, RD, and McBride, JM. Physiological and biomechanical responses to an acute bout of high kicking in dancers. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2954-2961, 2018-High-kick precision competitive dance involves the integration of kicking inline, jumping, and turning during a 3-minute routine and causes a disturbance to both aerobic and anaerobic systems. However, no known study has quantified the effect of a hick-kick-specific protocol on blood lactate (BL), heart rate (HR), and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. A group of adolescent high-kick dancers (n = 20; age = 15.0 ± 1.8 years; height = 161.5 ± 8.2 cm; body mass = 56.3 ± 11.0 kg; and dance team/weight lifting experience = 2.1 ± 0.9 years) participated in this investigation. Participants' BL was collected, and 3 CMJ trials were performed before (PRE) and after (POST) completing the high-kick protocol. The high-kick protocol consisted of intermittent running and kicking in place for a total of 1:45 at a tempo of 160 b·min, while average and peak HR (HRavg; HRpeak) were recorded. Jump height (JH), maximal trunk flexion (MTF), take-off angle (TOA), and relative peak power (PP) were determined from PRE and POST CMJ trials. During kicking, HRavg and HRpeak (n = 13) were 172.4 ± 15.7 b·min and 207.0 ± 23.0 b·min, respectively. Dancers' (n = 20) BL significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased from 1.5 ± 0.5 to 8.6 ± 1.5 mmol·L, and JH and PP significantly decreased from 0.42 ± 0.08 to 0.36 ± 0.04 m and 41.3 ± 5.5 to 38.5 ± 4.0 W·kg, respectively, from PRE to POST. No significant changes occurred in MTF and TOA measurements from PRE to POST. The demands introduced during a high-kick-specific protocol can therefore be recognized as a metabolic and mechanical stimulus for fatigue; however, esthetics seem to be unaffected. Such findings may indicate that this modality of dance necessitates supplemental strength and conditioning training similar to other sports to sustain the loads of high-kick dance.

Laboratory-Based Physical and Physiological Test Results That Serve as Predictors of Male, Amateur Road Cyclists' Performance Levels.

Coetzee, B, and Malan, D. Laboratory-based physical and physiological test results that serve as predictors of male, amateur road cyclists' performance levels. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2897-2906, 2018-The purposes of this study were first, to determine the practical significant differences of laboratory-based physical and physiological test results between a selected group of successful and less successful amateur, male road cyclists from Africa; and second, to determine the significance, adequacy, accurateness, and usefulness of laboratory-based physical and physiological test results to serve as predictors of these amateur, male road cyclists' performance levels. Male road cyclists, identified as the top amateur road cyclists of the cycling federations of 13 African countries, were subjected to a test battery for the measurement of lower-body flexibility, abdominal strength, peak and average anaerobic power output as well as maximum aerobic power. Practical significant differences between the successful and less successful road cyclists were found for almost all the Wingate related variables, some of the sub-maximum parameters, and most of the maximum physiological variables. Finally, the abdominal muscle strength test value, vertical jump distance, Wingate relative peak power, and respiratory compensation point expressed as percentage of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and as relative power output were the physiological components that acted as adequate, accurate, and useful predictors of performance levels. Coaches and sport scientists should therefore include these components in testing protocols that are aimed at evaluating and improving cyclists' physical conditioning programs.