Heavy-intensity priming exercise extends the V̇o plateau and increases peak-power output during ramp-incremental exercise.

This study investigated whether a heavy-intensity priming exercise precisely prescribed within the heavy-intensity domain would lead to a greater peak-power output (PO) and a longer maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o) plateau. Twelve recreationally active adults participated in this study. Two visits were required: ) a step-ramp-step test [ramp-incremental (RI) control], and ) an RI test preceded by a priming exercise within the heavy-intensity domain (RI primed).

Five Weeks of Sprint Interval Training Improve Muscle Glycolytic Content and Activity But Not Time to Task Failure in Severe-Intensity Exercise.

Purpose: This study examined the impact of a 5-wk sprint interval training (SIT) intervention on time to task failure (TTF) during severe-intensity constant work rate (CWR) exercise, as well as in glycolytic enzymatic content and activity, and glycogen content.

Methods: Fourteen active males were randomized into either a SIT group ( n = 8) composed of 15 SIT sessions over 5 wk, or a control group ( n = 6). At pretraining period, participants performed i) ramp incremental test to measure the cardiorespiratory function; ii) CWR cycling TTF at 150% of the power output (PO) at the respiratory compensation point (RCP-PO) with muscle biopsies at rest and immediately following task failure.

Heart Rate Variability Thresholds: Agreement with Established Approaches and Reproducibility in Trained Females and Males.

Purpose: To determine in trained females and males i) the agreement between the gas exchange threshold (GET), lactate threshold 1 (LT1), and heart rate variability threshold 1 (HRVT1), as well as between the respiratory compensation point (RCP), lactate threshold 2 (LT2), and heart rate variability threshold 2 (HRVT2), and ii) the reproducibility of HRVT1 and HRVT2 during 2-min incremental step protocols.

Methods: Fifty-seven trained participants (24 females) completed a 2-min step incremental test to task failure. Nineteen participants (eight females) completed a second test to evaluate reproducibility.

A Ramp versus Step Transition to Constant Work Rate Exercise Decreases Steady-State Oxygen Uptake.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate whether a ramp-to-constant WR (rCWR) transition compared with a square-wave-to-constant WR (CWR) transition within the heavy-intensity domain can reduce metabolic instability and decrease the oxygen cost of exercise.

Methods: Fourteen individuals performed (i) a ramp-incremental test to task failure, (ii) a 21-min CWR within the heavy-intensity domain, and (iii) an rCWR to the same WR. Oxygen uptake (V̇O 2 ), lactate concentration ([La - ]), and muscle oxygen saturation (SmO 2 ) were measured.