Supramaximal Effort Research Articles

Mental Fatigue in Sport-From Impaired Performance to Increased Injury Risk.

The literature describing the effects of mental fatigue (MF) has grown tremendously. This is accompanied by identification of a host of performance-determining parameters affected by MF. MF results from prolonged cognitive effort and predominantly affects physical, technical, tactical, and perceptual-cognitive dimensions of sport, while physiological parameters (eg,heart rate, lactate) and physical aspects of maximal and supramaximal efforts are predominantly unaffected. The aim of this paper was to provide an overview of the parameters described in the literature as influenced by MF. By identifying the different parameters, we not only see how they affect the performance of athletes but also raise concerns about the potentially increased injury risk due to MF. Preliminary evidence suggests that subsequent disturbances in balance, motor skills, and decision-making processes could potentially increase the vulnerability to injury. An abundance of lab-based studies looked into the effects of MF on performance; however, many questions remain about the mechanisms of origin and neurophysiological causes of MF, and only small steps have been taken to translate this knowledge into practice. Thus, there is a need for more research into the underlying mechanisms of MF and the role of the brain, as well as more applied research with a high ecological validity that also takes into account the potential increased risk of injury due to MF.

Activities of daily living in heart failure patients and healthy subjects: when the cardiopulmonary assessment goes beyond traditional exercise test protocols.

Heart failure (HF) patients traditionally report dyspnoea as their main symptom. Although the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and 6 min walking test are the standardized tools in assessing functional capacity, neither cycle ergometers nor treadmill maximal efforts do fully represent the actual HF patients' everyday activities [activities of daily living (ADLs)] (i.e. climbing the stairs). New-generation portable metabolimeters allow the clinician to measure task-related oxygen intake (VO2) in different scenarios and exercise protocols. In the last years, we have made considerable progress in understanding the ventilatory and metabolic behaviours of HF patients and healthy subjects during tasks aimed to reproduce ADLs. In this paper, we describe the most recent findings in the field, with special attention to the relationship between the metabolic variables obtained during ADLs and CPET parameters (i.e. peak VO2), demonstrating, for example, how exercises traditionally thought to be undemanding, such as a walk, instead represent supramaximal efforts, particularly for subjects with advanced HF and/or artificial heart (left ventricular assist devices) wearers.

Can Hypoxia Alter the Anaerobic Capacity Measured by a Single Exhaustive Exercise?

The present study aimed to compare the MAODALT in situations of hypoxia and normoxia to confirm the method validity. Seventeen healthy and physically active men participated in this study, aged 25.2±3.2 years. All participants underwent four days of evaluation. The first day was performed a body composition test, an incremental test to exhaustion to determine the maximum oxygen uptake, familiarizing the hypoxia (H) and normoxia (N) situation and the equipment used. On the second, third and fourth days, supramaximal efforts were performed until exhaustion at 110% of maximum oxygen uptake, in a situation of hypoxia (FIO2=14.0%) and normoxia (FIO2=20.9%). The anaerobic capacity was considered the sum of energy supply of the alactic and lactic systens. The absolute or relative anaerobic capacity values were not different (H=3.9±1.1 L, N=3.8±0.9 L, p=0.69), similarly no differences were found for the alactic contribution (H=1.7±0.5 L, N=1.5±0.5 L, p=0.30) and lactic contribution (H=2.3±0.9 L, N=2.3±0.7 L, p=0.85). It can be concluded that the anaerobic capacity measured by a single exhaustive effort is not altered by hypoxia.

SPRINT INTERVAL TRAINING IN HYPOXIA AND EXERCISE PERFORMANCE – A SHORT REVIEW

Hypoxia is often used during training to augment metabolic load and heighten physiological adaptations with the aim of exercise performance improvements. The recently established altitude training method »sprint interval training in hypoxia« (SIH) requires individuals to perform multiple 30 s Wingate sprints under hypoxia, interspersed with 3–5 min recovery periods. As the execution of repeated supramaximal efforts in hypoxia does not seem to be compromised, it was hypothesized that SIH might further augment exercise performance compared to sprint interval training in normoxia (SIT). To elucidate the usefulness of hypoxia during sprint interval training for exercise performance a systematic review of the available literature was conducted. The PubMed, SportDiscusTM, and Web of Science online databases were searched for original articles – published up to March 2023 – assessing changes in exercise performance following SIH and SIT. Six studies (randomized controlled trials (RCTs)) were identified, evaluating SIH interventions lasting 2–6 weeks. Currently, the available scientific literature does not suggest that SIH additively augments exercise performance in comparison to SIT. The potential changes in anaerobic thresholds after SIH, but not after SIT require further investigation to fully elucidate the subsequent effects on exercise performance. Nevertheless, there is evidence to support beneficial peripheral adaptations known to increase the oxidative and glycolytic capacity, especially in type II, fast-twitch fibers, following SIH, but not SIT. These local adaptations could potentially enable superior improvement in exercise performance after long enough SIH training protocols. Future RCTs on SIH and, particularly, on the performance-related underlying mechanisms seem warranted.

Impacts of high-intensity exercise on the metabolomics profile of human skeletal muscle tissue.

The study aimed to identify and quantify the metabolites profile and metabolic pathways in human muscle tissue engaged during exhaustive high-intensity cycling exercise. Seven healthy physically active men performed a graded exercise test and an exhaustive supramaximal effort at 115% of maximal aerobic power with muscles biopsies performed in rest and immediately after exhaustion for quantifying of muscle metabolites changes by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. The time until exhaustion (tlim) recorded was 224.7±35.5s whereas the muscle pH at exhaustion was 6.48±0.05. A total of 54metabolites were identified and quantified. The most enriched and impacted pathways included: beta oxidation of very long chain fatty acids, mitochondrial electron transport chain, alanine aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, citric acid cycle, arginine biosynthesis, propanoate metabolism, threonine and 2-oxobutanoate degradation and pyruvate metabolism. In addition, the muscle concentrations in Post exercise, compared to Pre increased significantly (p<0.0398) for fumarate (42.0%), succinate (101.2%), glucose (249.7%), lactate (122.8%), O-acetylcarnitine (164.7%), glycerol (79.3%), AMP (288.2%), 2-oxobutyrate (121.0%), and methanol (58.5%), whereas decreased significantly (p<0.010) for creatine phosphate (-70.2%), ADP (-56.5%), carnitine (-33.5%), and glutamate (-42.3%). Only the succinate was significantly correlated with tlim (r=-0.76; p=0.0497). Besides the classical expected contribution of glycolytic and phosphagen energetic pathways, it was demonstrated that the high-intensity exercise is also associated with pathways indicatives of amino acid and fatty acid oxidation metabolisms, highlighting the inverse relation between changes in the intramuscular succinate levels and tlim.

Anaerobic Capacity is Associated with Metabolic Contribution and Mechanical Output Measured During the Wingate Test.

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between anaerobic capacity, mechanical and anaerobic contribution during the 30-s Wingate Anaerobic Test (30sWAnT). After familiarization, fifteen, male recreational mountain biking practitioners underwent the following sequence of tests: 1) a graded exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake and associated intensity 2 and 3) supramaximal exhaustive effort at 115% of iVO2max and 30sWAnT, performed randomly. The glycolytic and phosphagen pathways measured during the supramaximal effort were significantly correlated with peak power (r = 0.85; p < 0.01 and r = 0.57; p = 0.02, respectively), mean power (r = 0.78; p < 0.01 and r = 0.69; p < 0.01, respectively), and total work (r = 0.78; p < 0.01 and r = 0.69; p< 0.02, respectively) measured during the 30sWAnT. A significant correlation was also found between anaerobic capacity and peak power (r = 0.88; p < 0.01), mean power (r = 0.89; p < 0.01), and total work (r = 0.89; p < 0.01). Additionally, anaerobic capacity estimated during the supramaximal effort and the anaerobic contribution measured during the 30sWAnT were not different (p = 0.44) and presented significant good reliability and association (ICC = 0.84; p = 0.001) and good agreement, evidenced by the mean of differences and 95% limits of agreement near to zero (mean bias = 0.11). The results suggest that glycolytic and phosphagen capacity were associated with mechanical performance in the 30sWAnT. In addition, anaerobic contribution during the 30sWAnT seems to be valid for estimating anaerobic capacity in recreational mountain bike cyclists, as well as to estimate the glycolytic and phosphagen contributions.

ASSESSING THE SPECIFIC FACTORS OF EXERCISE CAPACITY IN PERFORMANCE JUDO

A relatively young Olympic discipline, judo is characterised by spectacularity, combative spirit and complexity in the execution of specific techniques. The technical training model and reaching the sports shape are the main objectives in the preparation of performance judo athletes. Maximal and supramaximal demands in modern competitions, which are determined by the specific biomechanics of technical actions, require the adaptation of athletes to supramaximal effort and the continuous increase of their exercise capacity. This paper aims to determine the relationship between the specific factors of aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity in senior performance judo athletes participating in national and international competitions. The research subjects are performance and high-performance male and female athletes aged 19 to 21 years, members of the Romanian Judo Federation. To conduct the research, general and specific methods of assessing and developing aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity are used. The assessment of subjects in the three training mesocycles was based on lactacidaemia, glycaemia and laboratory spectrophotometry as methods of determining their anaerobic adaptation. To assess their specific anaerobic capacity, methods of determining blood lactate and laboratory spectrophotometry are used. Aerobic capacity is determined by spirometry and digitised pulse oximetry methods. Maximum oxygen consumption, blood haemoglobin and pulse oxygen levels are graphically represented and interpreted, together with the comparative calorimetric and thermographic assessment of the tested subjects. The research findings highlight the importance of assessing aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity in the training of performance judo athletes through modern assessment and analysis methods.

Backward extrapolation technique: analysis of different criteria after supramaximal exercise in cycling

Backward extrapolation technique (BE) was used to estimate V̇O<inf>2</inf> from postexercise measuring, eliminating oronasal mask (OM) during the efforts. Despite its advantage, literature presents discrepancy in applied methods. Thus, the first aim of this study was to compare different mathematical criteria to estimate values of V̇O<inf>2</inf> during a supramaximal effort (V̇O<inf>2PEAK</inf>), while the second aim was to verify the effects of OM on cycling performance. Twenty-four male cyclists (35±6 years, 81.3±8.9 kg, 180±6 cm) performed three days of tests, with at least 24 h of interval between each test. Firstly, a graded exercise test was applied to determine V̇O<inf>2max</inf> and your correspondent intensity (MAP). The second and the third day were destined to supramaximal efforts at 120% of MAP, performed with (Supra<inf>mask</inf>) and without (Supra<inf>be</inf>) oronasal mask (OM) in a randomized order. After Supra<inf>be</inf>, OM was coupled, and BE was applied. Sixty-six values of V̇O<inf>2</inf> were obtained based on a linear regression fitting. V̇O<inf>2peak</inf> can be estimated using different curve lengths. However, only curves between 20 and 60 s with extrapolation to 3 s or lesser shows at least one consistent criterion. The 60 s curve extrapoled to -3 s was the most accurate criteria (P=0.723; ES=-0.055; r=0.824; Bias=-0.36 and LoA=7.72 mL.kg.min-1). Performance was not impaired with OM and was similar in both condition (P=0.84, ES=0.04). We conclude that it was possible to accurately estimate V̇O<inf>2</inf> values of a supramaximal effort without any respiratory apparatus with a time-efficient analysis. Therefore, we recommended the use of a 60 seconds V̇O<inf>2</inf> curve analysis with a negative extrapolation for 3 seconds.

Transcriptional Activation Of Hypoxia Sensitive Genes Following Repeated Sprint Exercise In Hypoxia

Repeated sprint training in hypoxia (RSTH) utilizes short supramaximal efforts followed by incomplete rest intervals. RSTH has been shown to improve repeated sprint performance compared to repeated sprint training in normoxia. Because of the relatively short exposure to hypoxia compared to live high, train low approaches, the benefits of RSTH have been attributed to local muscular adaptations rather than hypoxia-induced erythropoiesis. Repeated activation of the hypoxia sensitive transcription factors HIF-1α and PGC-1α, and regulation of their gene targets related to angiogenesis (VEGF), mitophagy (BNIP3, PINK1), and glucose metabolism (PDK-M, GLUT4) may underlie these muscular adaptations. PURPOSE: To investigate the transcriptional activation of HIF-1α, PGC-1α and several HIF-1α-target genes following repeated sprint exercise in normoxia and hypoxia. METHODS: Eight recreationally active males (n=8) and one female (n=1) performed 20, 10s all-out sprints in normoxia (1600m) and hypobaric hypoxia (4600m) on a cycle ergometer on two days separated by 2 weeks. Skeletal muscle samples from the vastus lateralis were analyzed for mRNA levels of HIF-1α, PGC-1α, BNIP3, PINK1, VEGF, PDK-M, and GLUT4 pre, post and 3h post exercise in hypoxia and normoxia. Comparisons between condition and time were made using two-way repeated measures ANOVAs. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in mRNA levels for HIF-1α (fold change: 2.6±1.8) and VEGF (fold change: 3.0±1.6) 3h post-exercise in hypoxia (p<.05) but not normoxia. PGC-1α, was higher 3h post-exercise in both hypoxia (fold change: 9.2±4.6) and normoxia (fold change: 6.2±3.8; p<.05). No significant effect of time or group was observed for BNIP3, PINK1, PDK-M, or GLUT4. CONCLUSIONS: Acute sprint exercise in both hypoxia and normoxia induces an increase in the transcription of PGC-1α. However, hypoxia sensitive genes HIF-1α and VEGF were only greater following sprint exercise in hypoxia. Collectively, these findings suggest that sprint exercise stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis, but an additional hypoxic stress is required to induce changes in hypoxia sensitive genes. The downstream effect of these transcriptional activations may increase angiogenesis and mitochondrial signaling in response to RSTH, which may in part explain the benefits of RSTH.

Creatine Supplementation Improves Phosphagen Energy Pathway During Supramaximal Effort, but Does Not Improve Anaerobic Capacity or Performance.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of short-duration creatine monohydrate supplementation on anaerobic capacity (AC), anaerobic energy pathways, and time-to-exhaustion during high-intensity running. Fourteen healthy men underwent a graded exercise test (GXT) followed by a O2max confirmation test, 5 submaximal efforts, and 4 supramaximal running bouts at 115% of O2max intensity (the first two supramaximal sessions were applied as familiarization trials) to measure the AC using two procedures; the maximum accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) and non-oxidative pathways energetics sum (AC[La-]+EPOCfast). The investigation was conducted in a single-blind and placebo-controlled manner, with participants performing the efforts first after being supplemented with a placebo (dextrose 20 g⋅day-1 for 5 days), and then, after a 7 day “placebo” washout period, they started the same procedure under creatine supplementation (20 g⋅day-1 for 5 days. This order was chosen due to the prolonged washout of creatine. MAOD was not different between placebo (3.35 ± 0.65 L) and creatine conditions (3.39 ± 0.79 L; P = 0.58) and presented a negligible effect [effect size (ES) = 0.08], similar to, AC[La-]+EPOCfast (placebo condition (3.66 ± 0.79 Land under creatine ingestion 3.82 ± 0.85 L; P = 0.07) presenting a small effect (ES = 0.20). The energetics from the phosphagen pathway increased significantly after creatine supplementation (1.66 ± 0.40 L) compared to the placebo condition (1.55 ± 0.42 L; P = 0.03). However, the glycolytic and oxidative pathways were not different between conditions. Furthermore, time to exhaustion did not differ between placebo (160.79 ± 37.76 s) and creatine conditions (163.64 ± 38.72; P = 0.49). Therefore, we can conclude that creatine supplementation improves the phosphagen energy contribution, but with no statistical effect on AC or time to exhaustion in supramaximal running.

Differences between genders in anaerobic capacity during a supramaximal effort

Abstract Aim: The present study aimed to verify if there is a difference between genders in anaerobic capacity estimated by energetic equivalents of glycolytic and phosphagen pathways (AC[La-]+EPOCfast). Methods: In this way, 8 men and 8 women (physical education students) were subjected to the following sequence of tests: session 1) graded exercise test to measure the maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2max) and intensity associated with V˙O2max(iV˙O2max); sessions 2 to 3) familiarization with supramaximal effort at 115% of iV˙O2max; session 4) supramaximal effort at 115% of iV˙O2max to measure AC[La-]+EPOCfast. Results: The AC[La-]+EPOCfast was lower in women compared to men when expressed in absolute and relative values (-38.11%; p=0.01 and -25.71%; p=0.03, respectively). A non-significant difference was observed in performance in the supramaximal effort (-12.08%; p=0.15), besides which, a likely negative inference was observed when comparing women to men. In addition, energetic equivalents of the glycolytic pathway (e[La-]) were also lower in women when expressed in relative and absolute values (-47.01%; p=0.001 and -36.71%; p=0.001, respectively), however no statistical difference was found for energetic equivalents of the phosphagen pathway (ePCr) (p>0.05). Conclusion: The AC[La-]+EPOCfast is lower in women compared to men, mainly due to differences in the glycolytic pathway.

Correction: Anaerobic capacity estimated by the sum of both oxygen equivalents from the glycolytic and phosphagen pathways is dependent on exercise mode: Running versus cycling.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203796.].

Relationships Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Parameters With Game Technical Performance in Elite Goalball Athletes.

Our aims were to compare physiological parameters from the laboratory environment (LaB) and simulated goalball games (GaM), test relationships between physiological parameters in the laboratory and game technical performance (GTP), and examine the associations between physiological and technical responses during games. Seven elite athletes from the Brazilian National Team performed in LaB environment; (i) an incremental test to determine peak oxygen consumption (O2PEAK), its corresponding speed, and peak blood lactate concentration and (ii) submaximal and supramaximal efforts to estimate maximal anaerobic contribution (AnC). In GaM condition, simulated games were also performed to determine physiological responses throughout the game, and to analyze the GTP (number of throws, defenses, recovery, and density of actions). No correlations (unclear) were found between laboratory and games analyses for O2PEAK [47.3 (17.2) vs. 25.8 (18.2) mL⋅Kg-1⋅min-1], peak blood lactate concentrations [10.2 (5.4) vs. 2.0 (0.7) mM], and total AnC [21.0 (14.0) vs. 4.8 (6.1) mL Kg-1]. O2PEAK in the laboratory condition presented very likely correlations with throw and recovery frequency in games (r = -0.87 and confidence interval [CI] = 0.41; r = -0.90 and CI = 0.35; respectively). Oxygen consumption remained above baseline while blood lactate concentration remained unchanged during the games. The very likely correlation between anaerobic alactic contribution and action density (r = 0.95 and CI = 0.25) highlights the importance of the alactic metabolism. In general, our study demonstrates that goalball can be characterized as a high-intensity intermittent effort, where athlete performance is based on aerobic metabolism predominance while determinant actions are supplied by the anaerobic alactic metabolism. Specifically, higher values of LaB vs. GaM highlighted the need for standardization of specific protocols for goalball evaluation, mainly for the reproduction of ecologically valid values. In addition, O2PEAK correlated with recovery frequency in the LaB condition, demonstrating that passive or low-intensity recovery between actions is fundamental to maintain performance.

3-min all-out effort on cycle ergometer is valid to estimate the anaerobic capacity by measurement of blood lactate and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of a single 3-min all-out maximal effort to estimate anaerobic capacity (AC) through the lactate and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) response methods (AC[La−]+EPOCfast) on a cycle ergometer. Eleven physically active men (age = 28.1 ± 4.0 yrs, height = 175.1 ± 4.2 cm, body mass = 74.8 ± 11.9 kg and ⩒O2max = 40.7 ± 7.3 mL kg−1 min−1), participated in the study and performed: i) five submaximal efforts, ii) a supramaximal effort at 115% of intensity of ⩒O2max, and iii) a 3-min all-out maximal effort. Anaerobic capacity was estimated using the supramaximal effort through conventional maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) and also through the sum of oxygen equivalents from the glycolytic (fast component of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption) and phosphagen pathways (blood lactate accumulation) (AC[La−]+EPOCfast), while during the 3-min all-out maximal effort the anaerobic capacity was estimated using the AC[La−]+EPOCfast procedure. There were no significant differences between the three methods (p > 0.05). Additionally, the anaerobic capacity estimated during the 3-min all-out effort was significantly correlated with the MAOD (r = 0.74; p = 0.009) and AC[La−]+EPOCfast methods (r = 0.65; p = 0.029). Therefore, it is possible to conclude that the 3-min all-out effort is valid to estimate anaerobic capacity in physically active men during a single cycle ergometer effort.

Effects of Caffeine Ingestion on Anaerobic Capacity in a Single Supramaximal Cycling Test.

The aim of this study was to verify the effects of caffeine on anaerobic capacity estimated by the sum of the estimated glycolytic [E[La]] and phosphagen [EPCr] metabolism based on blood lactate and excess post-oxygen consumption responses (AC[La−]+EPOCfast). Fourteen male cyclists were submitted to a graded exercise test to determine the maximal oxygen uptake () and intensity associated with (i). Subsequently, the participants performed two supramaximal efforts at 115% of i to determine the AC[La−]+EPOCfast, after previous supplementation with caffeine (6 mg·kg−1) or a placebo (dextrose), in a cross over, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled design. The time to exhaustion was higher in the caffeine (186.6 ± 29.8 s) than in the placebo condition (173.3 ± 25.3 s) (p = 0.006) and a significant correlation was found between them (r = 0.86; P = 0.00008). Significant differences were not found between AC[La−]+EPOCfast values from the placebo (4.06 ± 0.83 L and 55.2 ± 5.7 mL·kg−1) and caffeine condition (4.00 ± 0.76 L and 54.6 ± 5.4 mL·kg−1); however, a significant correlation was observed only for AC[La−]+EPOCfast expressed in absolute values (r = 0.74; p < 0.002). The E[La] and EPCr also presented no significant differences and they were significantly correlated (r = 0.82 and r = 0.55, respectively; p < 0.05). We conclude based on the overall comparison of mean values between two treatments that acute caffeine ingestion improves the time to exhaustion but does not affect anaerobic capacity estimation.

Maximal accumulated oxygen deficit is influenced by chronological age and is related to intensity of VO2PEAK

This study aimed to verify the influence of chronological age on maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) and the correlations with maximal oxygen uptake (VO2PEAK) and intensity (vVO2PEAK). Thirty-one male athletes underwent an incremental exercise test involving 10 submaximal efforts (50–95% of velocity corresponding to VO2PEAK [vVO2PEAK]) and one supramaximal effort at 110% of vVO2PEAK to determine MAOD. We analyzed a combined group (n = 31) and two groups according to age (G1 = 15.5 ± 0.5; G2 = 36.0 ± 7.9 years). The values of absolute VO2PEAK (4.3 ± 0.4 L·min−1) and vVO2PEAK (15.9 ± 1.7 km·h−1) were higher in G2 than those in G1 (3.5 ± 0.3 L·min−1; 14.6 ± 0.9 km·h−1). Individuals in G1 had absolute and relative values of MAOD (2.4 ± 0.7 L; 35.1 ± 11.1 mL·kg−1) lower than those in G2 (3.9 ± 0.9 L; 46.8 ± 10.9 mL·kg−1). Correlations between MAOD and performance during the experimental protocol were tested; VO2PEAK and vVO2PEAK yielded correlations with performance (n = 31; r = 0.56; r = 0.60). Moreover, when corrected for chronological age, we detected correlations between absolute and relative values of MAOD and VO2PEAK (r = 0.42; r = 0.61) and vVO2PEAK (r = 0.43; r = 0.56). The MAOD is influenced by chronological age and is related to VO2PEAK and vVO2PEAK independent of age.

Hardcastle Takes a HIT! Commentary: Why Sprint Interval Training is Inappropriate for a Largely Sedentary population

Our previous paper prompted a lively debate concerning the A„žA„¸cA„‚cy of sprint interval training (SIT) [1,2]. For clarification SIT refers to protocols that involve supramaximal efforts (>100% maximal oxygen uptake) and high-intensity-intervaltraining (HIIT) involves ‘vigorous’ or ‘near-maximal’ efforts (target intensity: 80% to 100% peak heart-rate) [3]. In the current commentary, we return to the role of affect and perceived effort on exercise adherence raised in the recent commentary by Jung et al. [4]. We contend that the considerable anticipated effort required to participate in SIT and aversive psychological states experienced during such 'all out' supramaximal exercise may likely to damage adherence to such protocols.

Gender Differences in Elite Athletes Heart Rate Dynamics Following a Supra Maximal Complex Effort

Regarding the importance of recovery in sport performance assessment of post exercise Heart Rate HR Dynamics has become a useful tool to understand such an individual process Heart Rate Variability HRV analysis is widely used as a non invasive marker of Autonomic Nervous System regulation of HR where the nonlinear methods Detrended Fluctuation Analysis DFA have become a promising complementary analysis technique In order to deepen on the effects of supra maximal complex efforts integrating specific endurance and strength requirements on cardiac autonomic regulation our research group is working in different protocols looking for the analysis of specific responses under supra maximal exertion Therefore our purpose was to analyze the immediate min recovery timeline following a supra maximal specific Judo test in twenty four judokas from the Spanish National Team males and females plusmn years deepening on gender differences Consistent with previous research on supra maximal protocols both HRV indices and Short Term Scaling Exponent alpha stemmed from DFA appeared severely depressed after the test Moreover a negative correlation was found between final isometric pull up drill and both lnTP r p lt and lnLF r p lt thus suggesting a crucial role for isometric strength requirements in cardiac autonomic recovery after exercise At the same time while performance showed a large gender difference p lt d no significant gender differences were found either in HRV indices or in alpha However when analyzing distance scores to optimal value of alpha alpha men displayed significantly greater results thus implying an improved recovery ability Eventually our results corroborate that nonlinear methods compared to linear HRV indices are capable of detecting subtler changes in HR behaviour

Anaerobic Capacityestimated in A Single Supramaximal Test in Cycling: Validity and Reliability Analysis

The aim was to verify the validity (i.e., study A) and reliability (i.e., study B) of the alternative maximal accumulated oxygen deficit determined using onlya supramaximal effort (MAODALT)to estimate anaerobic capacity [i.e., estimated by the gold standard maximal accumulated oxygen deficit method (MAOD)] during cycling. In study A, the effects of supramaximal intensities on MAODALT and the comparison with the MAOD were investigated in fourteen active subjects (26 ± 6 years). In study B, the test-retest reliability was investigated, where fourteen male amateur cyclists (29 ± 5 years) performed the MAODALT twice at 115% of the intensity associated to maximal oxygen uptake (). MAODALT determined at 130 and 150% of was lower than MAOD (p ≤ 0.048), but no differences between MAODALT determined at 100, 105, 110, 115, 120 and 140% of (3.58 ± 0.53L; 3.58 ± 0.59L; 3.53 ± 0.52L; 3.48 ± 0.72L; 3.52 ± 0.61L and 3.46 ± 0.69L, respectively) with MAOD (3.99 ± 0.64L). The MAODALT determined from the intensities between 110 and 120% of presented the better agreement and concordance with MAOD. In the test-retest, the MAODALT was not different (p > 0.05), showed high reproducibility when expressed in absolute values (ICC = 0.96, p < 0.01), and a good level of agreement in the Bland-Altman plot analysis (mean differences ± CI95%:−0.16 ± 0.53L). Thus, the MAODALT seems to be valid and reliable to assess anaerobic capacity in cycling.

The sensitivity of the alternative maximal accumulated oxygen deficit method to discriminate training status

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the study was to investigate the sensitivity of an alternative maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAODALT) method to discriminate the “anaerobic” capacity while comparing: least trained (LT) participants (n = 12), moderately trained (MT) participants (n = 12), endurance trained (ET) participants (n = 16), and rugby (RG) players (n = 11). Participants underwent a graded exercise test on a treadmill and a supramaximal effort for assessing MAODALT. MAODALT was calculated as the sum of oxygen equivalents from the phosphagen and glycolytic metabolic pathways. MAODALT was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in RG (64.4 ± 12.1 mL · kg−1) than in ET (56.8 ± 5.4 mL · kg−1; effect size [ES] = 0.77; +13.5%), MT (53.8 ± 5.3 mL · kg−1; ES = 1.08; +19.8%), and LT (49.9 ± 4.5 mL · kg−1; ES = 1.50; +36.4%). In addition, the magnitude-based inference analysis revealed that MAODALT was likely (LT vs. MT), very likely (MT vs. RG, and ET vs. RG) and most likely (LT vs. ET, and LT vs. RG) different between all groups, except for MT and ET, which presented an unclear difference. In conclusion, MAODALT was sensitive enough to distinguish the “anaerobic” capacity in individuals with different training status, especially for RG players compared with LT participants and MT participants.