Prediction of Rowing Functional Threshold Power Using Body Mass, Blood Lactate and GxT Peak Power Data.

Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is a validated index of a maximal quasi steady-state cycling intensity. The central component of the FTP test is a maximal 20-min time-trial effort. A model to predict FTP from a cycling graded exercise test (m-FTP) was published that estimated FTP without the requirement of the exhaustive 20-min time-trial.

Prediction of Functional Threshold Power from Graded Exercise Test Data in Highly-Trained Individuals.

The purpose of the current investigation was to derive an equation that could predict Functional Threshold Power (FTP) from Graded Exercise Test (GxT) data. The FTP test has been demonstrated to represent the highest cycling power output that can be maintained in a quasi-steady state for 60-min. Previous investigations to determine a comparable marker derived from a Graded Exercise test have had limited success to date.

A Comparison of Physiological Response to Incremental Testing on Stationary and Dynamic Rowing Ergometers.

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to compare responses to graded exercise testing (GXT) on 2 popular commercial rowing ergometers.

Methods: A cohort of 23 subelite male rowers (age 20 [2] y, height 1.88 [0.

Do Critical and Functional Threshold Powers Equate in Highly-Trained Athletes?

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether Critical Power (CP) and Functional Threshold Power (FTP) can be used interchangeably for a highly-trained group of cyclists and triathletes. CP was ascertained using multiple fixed load trials and FTP determined from a single cycling trial. Three different models for the determination of CP were initially addressed, one hyperbolic (H) and two linear (J and I).

Comparison of Balance Variables Across Active and Retired Athletes and Age Matched Controls.

Postural control is a major falls risk factor, therefore identifying protective mechanisms is essential. Physical activity enhances postural stability but effect duration has been minimally researched. The current study investigated if prolonged early life training exposure protected neuromuscular balance processes later in life.

Is the FTP Test a Reliable, Reproducible and Functional Assessment Tool in Highly-Trained Athletes?

The aim of the current study was to assess reliability of the Functional Threshold Power test (FTP) and the corresponding intensity sustainable for 1-hour in a "quasi-steady state". Highly-trained athletes ( = 19) completed four non-randomized tests over successive weeks on a Wattbike; a 3-min incremental test (GxT) to exhaustion, two 20-min FTP tests and a 60-min test at computed FTP (cFTP). Power at cFTP was calculated by reducing 20-min FTP data by 5% and was compared with power at Dmax and lactate threshold (T).

Does Fatigue Impact Static and Dynamic Balance Variables in Athletes with a Previous Ankle Injury?

Ankle injury, resulting in deficits in static and dynamic balance, can result in significant time loss to sport, affect daily activities and potentially place athletes at greater risk of re-injury. In order to identify athletes at risk of ankle injury accurate and reliable balance assessment tools are required. The purpose of the current study was to quantify reliability of static and dynamic balance variables in currently healthy, previously injured, athletes (n = 19) and assess the impact of an intense intermittent zig-zag running protocol to volitional exhaustion, rated by RPE, on balance variables.

The effect of diurnal variation in exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is an acute, transient narrowing of the airway as a result of exercise. Diurnal variation in asthma is well-established, however, few studies have investigated diurnal variability in EIB; no study has used eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea (EVH). The aim of this study was to examine circadian variability in EIB using EVH.

Effects of acute sleep deprivation and caffeine supplementation on anaerobic performance.

Purpose: Athletes involved in team sports may be subject to varying degrees of sleep deprivation either before or after training and competition. Despite the belief among athletes and coaches of the importance of adequate sleep for ensuing performance, the effect of sleep loss on team-sport anaerobic performance remains unclear. There is conflicting evidence in the scientific literature as to the impact of acute sleep deprivation and caffeine supplementation on anaerobic performance indices.

Association between different Non-Invasively Derived Thresholds with Lactate Threshold during graded incremental exercise.

We compared lactate threshold (T) with non-invasive markers of an aerobic-anaerobic transition; namely, ventilatory (VT) and tissue saturation index (TSI) thresholds. While identification of a breakpoint in blood lactate concentration ([BLa]) is common for determination of an aerobic-anaerobic transition, non-invasive measures, VT and NIRS, have also received attention as a means of determining this critical exercise intensity. We hypothesised that one or other of these non-invasive measures would have a strong association with T.

Effect of Seat Tube Angle and Exercise Intensity on Muscle Activity Patterns in Cyclists.

Previous studies have reported improved efficiency at steeper seat tube angle (STA) during ergometer cycling; however, neuromuscular mechanisms have yet to be fully determined. The current study investigated effects of STA on lower limb EMG activity at varying exercise intensities. Cyclists (n=11) were tested at 2 workloads; 160W and an individualised workload (IWL) equivalent to lactate threshold (T) minus 10%δ (derived from maximal incremental data), using 3 STA (70, 75 and 80°).

Acute Effects of 24-h Sleep Deprivation on Salivary Cortisol and Testosterone Concentrations and Testosterone to Cortisol Ratio Following Supplementation with Caffeine or Placebo.

Caffeine has become a popular ergogenic aid amongst athletes and usage to improve athletic performance has been well documented. The effect of caffeine on anabolic and catabolic hormones in a sleep-deprived s tate has had little investigation to date. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the potential of caffeine to offset the effects, if any, of short-term sleep deprivation and exercise on an athlete's testosterone and cortisol concentrations via salivary technique.

Barefoot running and hip kinematics: good news for the knee?

Purpose: Patellofemoral pain and iliotibial band syndromes are common running injuries. Excessive hip adduction (HADD), hip internal rotation (HIR), and contralateral pelvic drop (CLPD) during running have been suggested as causes of injury in female runners. This study compared these kinematic variables during barefoot and shod running.

Acute differences in foot strike and spatiotemporal variables for shod, barefoot or minimalist male runners.

This study compared stride length, stride frequency, contact time, flight time and foot-strike patterns (FSP) when running barefoot, and in minimalist and conventional running shoes. Habitually shod male athletes (n = 14; age 25 ± 6 yr; competitive running experience 8 ± 3 yr) completed a randomised order of 6 by 4-min treadmill runs at velocities (V1 and V2) equivalent to 70 and 85% of best 5-km race time, in the three conditions. Synchronous recording of 3-D joint kinematics and ground reaction force data examined spatiotemporal variables and FSP.

A comparison of electromyography and stroke kinematics during ergometer and on-water rowing.

This study assessed muscle recruitment patterns and stroke kinematics during ergometer and on-water rowing to validate the accuracy of rowing ergometry. Male rowers (n = 10; age 21 ± 2 years, height 1.90 ± 0.

Including arm exercise during a cold water immersion recovery better assists restoration of sprint cycling performance.

Sprint (high-intensity) exercise performance is reduced when immediately preceded by cold water immersion (CWI). We aimed to investigate whether this performance effect could be attenuated by combining an active recovery (arm exercise) with hip-level CWI, and whether this attenuation may be related to an effect on core temperature (Tcore ). Participants (n = 8) completed three Wingate tests before (Ex1) and after (Ex2) four different 30-min recovery interventions: CWI at 15 °C (CW15), arm exercise during CWI at 15 °C (CW15+AE), arm exercise during thermoneutral immersion at 34 °C (TW34+AE) and non-immersed arm exercise (AE).

Cycling time to failure is better maintained by cold than contrast or thermoneutral lower-body water immersion in normothermia.

Purpose: To examine the effects of four commonly used recovery treatments applied between two bouts of intense endurance cycling on the performance of the second bout in normothermia (~21 °C).

Methods: Nine trained men completed two submaximal exhaustive cycling bouts (Ex1 and Ex2: 5 min at ~50 % [Formula: see text] peak, followed by 5 min at ~60 % [Formula: see text] peak and then ~80 % [Formula: see text] peak to failure) separated by 30 min of (a) cold water immersion at 15 °C (C15), (b) contrast water therapy alternating 2.5 min at 8 °C and 2.

12 weeks of simulated barefoot running changes foot-strike patterns in female runners.

To investigate the effect of a transition program of simulated barefoot running (SBR) on running kinematics and foot-strike patterns, female recreational athletes (n=9, age 29 ± 3 yrs) without SBR experience gradually increased running distance in Vibram FiveFingers SBR footwear over 12 weeks. Matched controls (n=10, age 30 ± 4 yrs) continued running in standard footwear. A 3-D motion analysis of treadmill running at 12 km/h(-1) was performed by both groups, barefoot and shod, pre- and post-intervention.

Effects of an eight week military training program on aerobic indices and psychomotor function.

This study assessed the effects of eight weeks of military training on aerobic fitness indices, military skills and neuropsychological function. Thirty five (n = 35) male Irish Defence Forces personnel, divided into training (n = 20) and control (n = 15) subgroups, completed tests of military aptitude (Kim's games, judging distance, fire order, map reading, weapon assembly) and neuropsychological function (Symbol digit modalities test (SDMT), Trail making test, Stroop test and grooved pegboard test) pre- and post-intervention. The repeated measures study design sought to account for any learning effect.

Effects of Carbohydrate-Protein Ingestion Post-Resistance Training in Male Rugby Players.

Evidence suggests that carbohydrate-protein (CHO-PRO) drinks post-exercise are an advantageous nutritional recovery intervention. Resistance trained (n = 14, mean ± SD; age 19 ± 1 yr, mass 95 ± 9 kg, % fat 17 ± 4 % and BMI 28.5 ± 1.

Effect of Kayak Ergometer Elastic Tension on Upper Limb EMG Activity and 3D Kinematics.

Despite the prevalence of shoulder injury in kayakers, limited published research examining associated upper limb kinematics and recruitment patterns exists. Altered muscle recruitment patterns on-ergometer vs. on-water kayaking were recently reported, however, mechanisms underlying changes remain to be elucidated.

A biomechanical assessment of ergometer task specificity in elite flatwater kayakers.

The current study compared EMG, stroke force and 2D kinematics during on-ergometer and on-water kayaking. Male elite flatwater kayakers (n = 10) performed matched exercise protocols consisting of 3 min bouts at heart and stroke rates equivalent to 85% of VO2peak (assessed by prior graded incremental test). EMG data were recorded from Anterior Deltoid (AD), Triceps Brachii (TB), Latissimus Dorsi (LD) and Vastus Lateralis (VL) via wireless telemetry.

Sprint cycling performance is maintained with short-term contrast water immersion.

Purpose: Given the widespread use of water immersion during recovery from exercise, we aimed to investigate the effect of contrast water immersion on recovery of sprint cycling performance, HR and, blood lactate.

Methods: Two groups completed high-intensity sprint exercise before and after a 30-min randomized recovery. The Wingate group (n = 8) performed 3 × 30-s Wingate tests (4-min rest periods).

Only lower limb controlled interactive computer gaming enables an effective increase in energy expenditure.

Limited research documents if new and existing interactive computer gaming "exergaming" increase energy expenditure and cardio-respiratory costs comparable to common exercise modalities. To address this, healthy male volunteers (n = 15) completed six by 12-min test elements: PlayStation2 (PS2(hand)), Nintendo Wii boxing, walk at 5.6 km h(-1), cycle at 120 W, playing an adapted lower limb controlled PS2 (PS2(limb)) and run at 9.

Physiological changes following a 12 week gym based stair-climbing, elliptical trainer and treadmill running program in females.

Aim: Despite the growing popularity in recent years of the elliptical trainer aerobic exercise modality the physiological changes induced following a training program using elliptical trainers remains unknown. The present study investigated the metabolic and cardiorespiratory improvements following a 12-week aerobic training program using elliptical trainer, treadmill or stair-climbing modalities.

Methods: Twenty-two moderately active females (28.