Upper-body Sprint Research Articles

Prior arm-crank exercise has no effect on postprandial lipaemia in nondisabled adults

A single bout of cycling or running performed in the evening can reduce postprandial lipaemia (PPL) the following morning, although this is currently unknown for upper-body exercise. The aim of this study was to determine if a bout of arm crank exercise (high-intensity interval [HIIE] or moderate-intensity continuous [MICE]), can attenuate PPL in non-injured individuals. Eleven healthy and recreationally active participants (eight males, three females; age: 27 ± 7 yr; body mass index: 23.5 ± 2.5 kg · m-2) volunteered to participate in three trials: HIIE (10 x 60 s at 80% peak power output), MICE (50% peak power output of isocaloric duration), and a no-exercise control condition. Each exercise bout was performed at 18:00, and participants consumed a standardized evening meal at 20:00. Following an overnight fast, a 5-h mixed-macronutrient tolerance test was performed at 08:00. There were no significant differences in triglyceride incremental area under the curve between HIIE (192 ± 94 mmol. L-1 per 300 min), MICE (184 ± 111 mmol. L-1 per 300 min), and the no-exercise condition (175 ± 90 mmol. L-1 per 300 min) (P=0.46). There were no significant differences in incremental area under the curve for glucose (P=0.91) or insulin (P=0.59) between conditions. Upper-body MICE and HIIE performed in the evening do not influence PPL the following morning, in normotriglyceridemic individuals. Clinical Trials Registration: NCT04277091 Novelty: • Arm crank exercise has no effect on PPL when performed the evening prior to a mixed-macronutrient meal test • Upper-body sprint interval exercise should be investigated as a potential solution to reduce PPL.

The effect of upper body sprint interval training on golf drive performance

Improving golf fitness is one way to improve club head velocity and subsequently golf performance. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of a three-week upper-body sprint training (SIT) program on power output and golf performance. Eleven golfers (handicap: 5.5±2.8) completed the SIT intervention. This was a self-controlled experiment with three testing points (pre-control, post-control and post-intervention) where subjects completed a ballistic bench press, upper-body Wingate and golf testing session. Significant improvements were observed (13.3-15.5%) in peak and mean power production during the Wingate post-intervention in comparison to pre- and post-control time points (P<0.05). This was replicated in peak power for the ballistic bench press for both peak power (P<0.05), but significance for mean power was only observed between post-control and post-intervention (P<0.05) (improvements of 6.1-8.5%). These improvements were not seen consistently in golf performance variables measured, with no significance identified for the 7-iron and significant improvements (P<0.05) observed in Carry Distance (2.2%) and Ball Velocity (1.4%) between pre-control and post-intervention. Lack of golf performance improvements could be because of the natural variation in club-head velocity across sessions or the inability of subjects to utilise their power gains during the golf swing. Longer SIT interventions may be needed to observe improvements in golf performance.

Alterations in energy system contribution following upper body sprint interval training.

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the influence of different work-to-rest ratios on relative energy system utilization during short-term upper-body sprint interval training (SIT) protocols. Forty-two recreationally trained men were randomized into one of three training groups [10s work bouts with 2min of rest (10:2, n = 11) or 4min of rest (10:4, n = 11), or 30s work bouts with 4min of rest (30:4, n = 10)] or a control group (CON, n = 10). Participants underwent six training sessions over 2weeks with 4-6 'all-out' sprints. Participants completed an upper body Wingate test (30s 'all-out' using 0.05kgkg-1 of the participant's body mass) pre- and post-intervention from which oxygen consumption and blood lactate were used to estimate oxidative, glycolytic, and adenosine triphosphate-phosphocreatine (ATP-PCr) energy system provisions. An analysis of covariance was performed on all testing measurements collected at post with the associated pre-values used as covariates. Relative energy contribution (p = 0.026) and energy expenditure (p = 0.019) of the ATP-PCr energy system were greater in 10:4 (49.9%; 62.1kJ) compared to CON (43.1%; 47.2kJ) post training. No significant differences were found between groups in glycolytic or oxidative energy contribution over a 30s upper body Wingate test. SIT protocols with smaller work-to-rest ratios may enhance ATP-PCr utilization in a 30s upper body Wingate over a 2-week intervention.

Comparison of perceptual responses between different upper-body sprint interval exercise protocols

This study examined the perceptual responses to various upper-body sprint interval exercise (SIE) protocols matched for total work and work/rest ratio. Fourteen active men (24 ± 4 years, BMI = 26.2 ± 2.7 kg/m2, body fat = 11.5 ± 4.4%) participated in 3 all-out SIE protocols consisting of battling rope exercise: P10:30 (12 × 10-s bouts with 30-s recovery); P15:45 (8 × 15-s bouts with 45 s recovery); and P30:90 (4 × 30-s bouts with 90-s recovery). During exercise, affective valence (FS +5 to −5), arousal (FAS 1–6), rating of perceived exertion (RPE 6–20), and heart rate (HR) were assessed. Post-exercise, enjoyment, self-efficacy, and intentions were measured. Results revealed a significant decline in FS (p = .02; partial eta squared [η2p] = 0.27) and a progressive increase in FAS (p = .001; η2p = 0.86), RPE (p = .001; η2p = 0.88), and HR (p = .001; η2p = 0.94), but no protocol X time interaction. Affective valence reached a nadir at values equal to −0.36 ± 3.41 (Cohen's d = −0.49), −0.43 ± 3.75 (Cohen's d = −0.44), and − 0.93 ± 3.49 (Cohen's d = −0.56) in response to P10:30, P15:45, and P30:90, respectively. There were no differences between protocols for enjoyment, intention, or self-efficacy. A negative relationship exhibited between FS and RPE was moderated by participants' tolerance of exercise intensity (β = 1.84, p < .05). Further, the association between FS and future intention was mediated by self-efficacy. Overall, upper-body SIE protocols exhibit similar perceptual responses when volume and work to rest ratio (1:3) are matched. Tolerance of exercise intensity may be used to predict changes in FS during SIE.

Examining Work-to-Rest Ratios to Optimize Upper Body Sprint Interval Training

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was evaluate the effectiveness of upper body sprint interval training (SIT) protocols with varying work-to-rest ratios on both aerobic and anaerobic performance. The secondary purpose was to investigate the changes in metabolic and neuromuscular fatigue thresholds from two weeks of SIT in recreationally active men. METHODS: Forty-two recreationally trained men were randomized into one of three training groups [10s work bouts with two minutes of rest (10:2) or four minutes of rest (10:4), or 30s work bouts with four minutes of rest (30:4)] or a control group (CON). Participants underwent six training sessions over two weeks with four to six ‘all-out’ sprints. During pre- and post-intervention visits, participants underwent a graded exercise test to determine maximal oxygen consumption (V̇ O2peak) and peak power output (PPO), four constant-work rate trials to determine critical power (CP), anaerobic working capacity (W’), and electromyographic fatigue threshold (EMGFT), and an upper body Wingate test to determine peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and total work (TW). An analysis of covariance was performed on all testing measurements collected at post with the associated pre-values used as covariates. RESULTS: There were significant between group differences in post-test absolute V̇ O2peak, with an adjusted pre-test mean of 2.44L·min-1, and PPO, with an adjusted pre-test mean of 130.9W. Absolute V̇ O2peak was greater in 30:4 (2.36±0.26L·min-1, p = .007) and 10:2 (2.53±0.38L·min-1, p = .036) than CON (2.17±0.34L·min-1), and PPO was greater in 30:4 than CON (136±14 vs. 127±22W, p = .007, respectively). No differences were observed between groups in CP (p = .530), W’ (p = .900), EMGFT (p = .692), PP (p = .692), MP (p = .290), or TW (p = .291). CONCLUSION: SIT protocols with larger work-to-rest ratios appears to have enhanced V̇ O2peak in the upper body over a short-term two-week intervention.

Examining work-to-rest ratios to optimize upper body sprint interval training

The objective was to compare the metabolic influence of varying work-to-rest ratios during upper body sprint interval training (SIT). Forty-two recreationally-trained men were randomized into a training group [10 s work - 2 min of rest (10:2) or 4 min of rest (10:4), or 30 s work - 4 min of rest (30:4)] or a control group (CON). Participants underwent six training sessions over two weeks. Assessments consisted of a graded exercise test [maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and peak power output (PPO)], four constant-work rate trials [critical power, anaerobic working capacity, and electromyographic fatigue threshold], and an upper body Wingate test (mean/peak power and total work). Post-training absolute and relative VO2peak was greater than pre-training for 30:4 (p = .005 and p = .009, respectively), but lower for CON (p = .001 and p = .006, respectively). Post-training PPO was greater in 30:4 (p < .001). No differences were observed during the constant-work rate trials or Wingate test. Traditional SIT appears to have enhanced VO2peak in the upper body over a short-term two-week intervention.

The Effect of Previous Wingate Performance Using one Body Region on Subsequent Wingate Performance Using a Different Body Region.

The 30 second Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) is the gold standard measure of anaerobic performance. The present investigation aimed to determine if a previous WAnT using one body region significantly affected a subsequent WAnT using a different body region. Twelve male university students (n = 12, 23 ± 2 years, 84 ± 16.1 kg, 178.5 ± 7.4 cm) volunteered to complete two repeated WAnT protocols (either lower body WAnT followed by an upper body WAnT or vice versa) on two separate testing occasions. The upper body WAnT was conducted on a modified electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer using a flywheel braking force corresponding to 5% bodyweight. The lower body WAnT was conducted on an electronically braked cycle ergometer using a flywheel braking force corresponding to 7.5% bodyweight. Participants had a 1 minute rest period for transition between WAnTs. Data are reported as mean ± standard deviation. No significant differences were identified in power indices for the lower body between 30 s WAnTs. When the upper body WAnT was performed 2nd, absolute peak power (p < 0.01), mean power (p < 0.001) and relative mean power (p < 0.001) were significantly lower compared to when the upper body WAnT was performed 1st. The value of maximum revolutions per minute was significantly lower (p < 0.001) when the upper body WAnT was performed after the lower body WAnT, compared to when it was performed 1st (193.3 ± 11.4 1st vs 179.8 ± 14.4 2nd). Previous upper body sprint exercise does not significantly affect lower body sprint exercise; however, previous lower body sprint exercise severely compromises subsequent upper body sprint performance.

Performance and energy systems contributions during upper-body sprint interval exercise.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the performance and energy systems contribution during four upper-body Wingate tests interspersed by 3-min intervals. Fourteen well-trained male adult Judo athletes voluntarily took part in the present study. These athletes were from state to national level, were in their competitive period, but not engaged in any weight loss procedure. Energy systems contributions were estimated using oxygen uptake and blood lactate measurements. The main results indicated that there was higher glycolytic contribution compared to oxidative (P<0.001) during bout 1, but lower glycolytic contribution was observed compared to the phosphagen system (adenosine triphosphate-creatine phosphate, ATP-PCr) contribution during bout 3 (P<0.001), lower glycolytic contribution compared to oxidative and ATP-PCr (P<0.001 for both comparisons) contributions during bout 4 and lower oxidative compared to ATP-PCr during bout 4 (P=0.040). For the energy system contribution across Wingate bouts, the ATP-PCr contribution during bout 1 was lower than that observed during bout 4 (P=0.005), and the glycolytic system presented higher percentage contribution in the first bout compared to the third and fourth bouts (P<0.001 for both comparisons), and higher percentage participation in the second compared to the fourth bout (P<0.001). These results suggest that absolute oxidative and ATP-PCr participations were kept constant across Wingate tests, but there was an increase in relative participation of ATP-PCr in bout 4 compared to bout 1, probably due to the partial phosphocreatine resynthesis during intervals and to the decreased glycolytic activity.

The physiological responses to repeated upper-body sprint exercise in highly trained athletes.

To study performance, physiological and biomechanical responses during repeated upper-body sprint exercise. Twelve male elite cross-country skiers performed eight 8-s maximal poling sprints with a 22-s recovery while sitting on a modified SkiErg poling ergometer. Force, movement velocity, cycle rate, work per cycle, oxygen saturation in working muscles and pulmonary oxygen uptake were measured continuously. A 3-min all-out ergometer poling test determined VO2peak, and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) strength was determined in a movement-specific pull-down. Average sprint power was 281±48W, with the highest power on the first sprint, a progressive decline in power output over the following four sprints, and a sprint decrement of 11.7±4.1%. Cycle rate remained unchanged, whereas work per cycle progressively decreased (P<0.05). m. triceps brachii and m. latissimus dorsi were highly desaturated already after the first sprint (all P<0.05), whereas the response was delayed for m. biceps brachii and m. vastus lateralis. Correspondingly, increases in VO2 mainly occurred over the first two sprints (P<0.05) and plateaued at approximately 75% of VO2peak. 1RM correlated with power during the first four sprints and with average sprint power (r=0.71-0.80, all P<0.05), whereas VO2peak correlated with power in the last three sprints (r=0.60-0.71, all P<0.05). The main decrement in upper-body sprint performance was evident in the first five sprints, followed by highly desaturated muscles and a plateau in pulmonary oxygen uptake already after the first 2-3 sprints. While high maximal strength seems important for producing power, aerobic capacity correlates with power in the last sprints.

On the Relationship Between Upper-Body Strength, Power, and Sprint Performance in Ice Sledge Hockey

Ice sledge hockey is a popular paralympic team sport where players rely entirely on their upper body to propel themselves rapidly across the ice surface. The isolated and repetitive poling movements provide a good model for examining upper-body sprint ability and the related movement and strength characteristics. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between upper-body maximal strength, power, and sprint performance in ice sledge hockey. Thirteen male ice sledge hockey players from the Norwegian national team performed three 30-m maximal sprint tests recorded by fixed light sensors. The best 30-m time for each subject was used for further analyses, and the sprint was analyzed more in detail for the first and last 10-m split times and kinematics (cycle length and rate) using photocells and 2-dimensional video analysis. One repetition maximum (1RM) strength and peak power were assessed in the bench press, bench pull, and pull-down exercises using a barbell and a linear encoder. Both 1RM strength and peak power for all the 3 strength exercises correlated significantly with the total sprint time (-0.75 < r < - 0.86, all p < 0.005), the first (0.60 < r < 0.72, all p < 0.05), and the last (0.74 < r < 0.83, all p < 0.05) 10-m split times in the 30-m sprint test. There were no significant relationships between sprint kinematics and 1RM strength and peak power. Overall, these results demonstrate that there are close relationships between upper-body strength, power, and sprint performance in highly trained athletes and that the ability to produce propulsion and high frequency in combination is important for the sprint abilities in ice sledge hockey.

Effect of Caffeine on Upper-Body Anaerobic Performance in Wrestlers in Simulated Competition-Day Conditions

Peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) attained in upper body sprint performance test are considered important factors for competitive success in wrestling. This study aimed to determine whether acute caffeine ingestion would better maintain PP and MP across a simulated competition day in wrestling. In a double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover study, 14 trained wrestlers ingested either placebo or 5 mg/kg caffeine and completed four 6-min upper body intermittent sprint performance tests with 30-min recovery periods between consecutive tests. PP and MP were recorded during and blood lactate concentration was measured before and after each test. Ratings of perceived fatigue (RPF) and exertion (RPE) were recorded before and after each test, respectively. Heart rate (HR) was monitored across the whole testing period. Mean power decreased across four tests in both trials (p < .05), but the reduction in PP (from 277.2 ± 34.6 W to 257.3 ± 45.1 W; p < .05) only occurred in caffeine trial. Both pretest blood lactate concentration and HR were higher in caffeine than in placebo trial (p < .05) in the third and fourth tests. No between-trial differences occurred in RPF or RPE. Under simulated competition day conditions mimicking four consecutive wrestling matches, acute caffeine ingestion has a partially detrimental effect on upper body intermittent sprint performance in trained wrestlers. Elevated HR and blood lactate levels observed between tests after caffeine ingestion suggest that caffeine may impair recovery between consecutive maximal efforts.

REPRODUCIBILITY OF POWER PRODUCTION DURING SPRINT ARM ERGOMETRY

Sprint tests are frequently used to evaluate between- subject differences and can provide a valuable insight into performance capacity. The present study determined the reproducibility of peak and mean power output during upper-body sprints. After familiarization 25 men (mean [± SD] age 29 [6] years, body mass 82.8 [12.7] kg and height 1.76 [0.05] m) completed 2 20-second upper-body sprint tests using an adapted cycle ergometer. Mean (± SD) values of all power (uncorrected and corrected) measurements achieved during the 2 tests were checked for systematic bias using separate paired t-tests. Test- retest reproducibility was examined using coefficients of variation and single-measure intraclass correlation coefficients, as well as an assessment of the typical (random) error and the 95% limits of agreement. The value of corrected peak power (628 [167] W) was higher (p < 0.05) compared with the uncorrected value (509 [109] W). Values of corrected (465 [95] W) and uncorrected (444 [87] W) mean power were similar (p > 0.05). The mean bias value for all power parameters equated to less than =1% of the absolute values of power measured. Intraclass correlation coefficients for all data sets ranged from 0.97 to 0.98. Coefficients of variation for uncorrected and corrected values of peak power were 2.8 and 4.5%, while corresponding values for mean power were 2.9 and 3.2%, respectively. The reproducibility of all power indices was below 5%. The results of this study indicate that both uncorrected and corrected measurements of peak power output and mean power output can be used to assess performance during sprint arm ergometry.

Reproducibility of Power Production During Sprint Arm Ergometry

Sprint tests are frequently used to evaluate between-subject differences and can provide a valuable insight into performance capacity. The present study determined the reproducibility of peak and mean power output during upper-body sprints. After familiarization 25 men (mean [+/- SD] age 29 [6] years, body mass 82.8 [12.7] kg and height 1.76 [0.05] m) completed 2 20-second upper-body sprint tests using an adapted cycle ergometer. Mean (+/- SD) values of all power (uncorrected and corrected) measurements achieved during the 2 tests were checked for systematic bias using separate paired t-tests. Test-retest reproducibility was examined using coefficients of variation and single-measure intraclass correlation coefficients, as well as an assessment of the typical (random) error and the 95% limits of agreement. The value of corrected peak power (628 [167] W) was higher (p < 0.05) compared with the uncorrected value (509 [109] W). Values of corrected (465 [95] W) and uncorrected (444 [87] W) mean power were similar (p > 0.05). The mean bias value for all power parameters equated to less than +/-1% of the absolute values of power measured. Intraclass correlation coefficients for all data sets ranged from 0.97 to 0.98. Coefficients of variation for uncorrected and corrected values of peak power were 2.8 and 4.5%, while corresponding values for mean power were 2.9 and 3.2%, respectively. The reproducibility of all power indices was below 5%. The results of this study indicate that both uncorrected and corrected measurements of peak power output and mean power output can be used to assess performance during sprint arm ergometry.