The efficacy of downhill running as a method to enhance running economy in trained distance runners.

Running downhill, in comparison to running on the flat, appears to involve an exaggerated stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) due to greater impact loads and higher vertical velocity on landing, whilst also incurring a lower metabolic cost. Therefore, downhill running could facilitate higher volumes of training at higher speeds whilst performing an exaggerated SSC, potentially inducing favourable adaptations in running mechanics and running economy (RE). This investigation assessed the efficacy of a supplementary 8-week programme of downhill running as a means of enhancing RE in well-trained distance runners.

Exercise duration-matched interval and continuous sprint cycling induce similar increases in AMPK phosphorylation, PGC-1α and VEGF mRNA expression in trained individuals.

Purpose: The effects of low-volume interval and continuous 'all-out' cycling, matched for total exercise duration, on mitochondrial and angiogenic cell signalling was investigated in trained individuals.

Methods: In a repeated measures design, 8 trained males ([Formula: see text], 57 ± 7 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) performed two cycling exercise protocols; interval (INT, 4 × 30 s maximal sprints interspersed by 4 min passive recovery) or continuous (CON, 2 min continuous maximal sprint). Muscle biopsies were obtained before, immediately after and 3 h post-exercise.

Acute and chronic effect of sprint interval training combined with postexercise blood-flow restriction in trained individuals.

This investigation assessed the efficacy of sprint interval training (SIT) combined with postexercise blood-flow restriction as a novel approach to enhance maximal aerobic physiology and performance. In study 1, a between-groups design was used to determine whether 4 weeks (2 days per week) of SIT (repeated 30 s maximal sprint cycling) combined with postexercise blood-flow restriction (BFR) enhanced maximal oxygen uptake (V̇(O2max)) and 15 km cycling time-trial performance (15 km TT) compared with SIT alone (CON) in trained individuals. The V̇(O2max) increased after BFR by 4.

The correlation between running economy and maximal oxygen uptake: cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships in highly trained distance runners.

A positive relationship between running economy and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) has been postulated in trained athletes, but previous evidence is equivocal and could have been confounded by statistical artefacts. Whether this relationship is preserved in response to running training (changes in running economy and V̇O2max) has yet to be explored. This study examined the relationships of (i) running economy and V̇O2max between runners, and (ii) the changes in running economy and V̇O2max that occur within runners in response to habitual training.

Tapering strategies in elite British endurance runners.

The aim of the study was to explore pre-competition training practices of elite endurance runners. Training details from elite British middle distance (MD; 800 m and 1500 m), long distance (LD; 3000 m steeplechase to 10,000 m) and marathon (MAR) runners were collected by survey for 7 days in a regular training (RT) phase and throughout a pre-competition taper. Taper duration was [median (interquartile range)] 6 (3) days in MD, 6 (1) days in LD and 14 (8) days in MAR runners.

The valid measurement of running economy in runners.

Unlabelled: Oxygen cost (OC) is commonly used to assess an athlete's running economy, although the validity of this measure is often overlooked.

Purpose: This study evaluated the validity of OC as a measure of running economy by comparison with the underlying energy cost (EC). In addition, the most appropriate method of removing the influence of body mass was determined to elucidate a measure of running economy that enables valid interindividual comparisons.

The reliability of running economy expressed as oxygen cost and energy cost in trained distance runners.

This study assessed the between-test reliability of oxygen cost (OC) and energy cost (EC) in distance runners, and contrasted it with the smallest worthwhile change (SWC) of these measures. OC and EC displayed similar levels of within-subject variation (typical error < 3.85%).

Comparison of step-wise and ramp-wise incremental rowing exercise tests and 2000-m rowing ergometer performance.

Purpose: This study examined parameters derived from both an incremental step-wise and a ramp-wise graded rowing exercise test in relation to rowing performance.

Methods: Discontinuous step-wise incremental rowing to exhaustion established lactate threshold (LT), maximum oxygen consumption (VO(2maxSTEP)), and power associated with VO(2max) (W VO(2max)). A further continuous ramp-wise test was undertaken to derive ventilatory threshold (VT), maximum oxygen consumption (VO(2maxRAMP)), and maximum minute power (MMW).

Improvement of 800-m running performance with prior high-intensity exercise.

Unlabelled: Prior high-intensity exercise increases the oxidative energy contribution to subsequent exercise and may enhance exercise tolerance. The potential impact of a high-intensity warm-up on competitive performance, however, has not been investigated.

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that a high-intensity warm-up would speed VO2 kinetics and enhance 800-m running performance in well-trained athletes.

Training distribution, physiological profile, and performance for a male international 1500-m runner.

This case study observed the training delivered by a 1500-m runner and the physiological and performance change during a 2-y period. A male international 1500-m runner (personal best 3:38.9 min:s, age 26 y, height 1.

Altitude training for elite endurance performance: a 2012 update.

Altitude training is commonly used by endurance athletes and coaches in pursuit of enhancement of performance on return to sea level. The purpose of the current review article was to update and evaluate recent literature relevant to the practical application of altitude training for endurance athletes. Consequently, the literature can be considered in either of two categories: performance-led investigations or mechanistic advancements/insights.

Effect of a concentric warm-up exercise on eccentrically induced soreness and loss of function of the elbow flexor muscles.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of concentric warm-up exercise on eccentrically induced changes in muscle strength, range of motion, and soreness of the elbow flexors. Ten resistance-exercise naive participants performed intermittent incremental eccentric actions (42 in total) of the elbow flexor muscles of each arm to induce muscle damage. The arms of each participant were randomly assigned either to a pre-eccentric exercise warm-up involving intermittent concentric exercise (warm-up) or no prior exercise (control).

Physiological and performance effects of low- versus mixed-intensity rowing training.

Purpose: To examine the impact of low-intensity and a mixture of low- and high-intensity training on physiological and performance responses in rowing.

Methods: Eighteen experienced rowers undertook a 12-wk program of 100% < or = lactate threshold (LT) training (LOW) or 70% training at < or = LT and 30% at halfway (50%Delta) between the V O2 at LT and V O2peak (MIX). Responses were assessed before and after training by a progressive exercise test to exhaustion; multiple "square-wave" rest-to-exercise transitions of 6-min duration at 50%Delta; and a maximal 2000-m ergometer time trial.

Determinants of 800-m and 1500-m running performance using allometric models.

Purpose: To identify the optimal aerobic determinants of elite, middle-distance running (MDR) performance, using proportional allometric models.

Methods: Sixty-two national and international male and female 800-m and 1500-m runners undertook an incremental exercise test to volitional exhaustion. Mean submaximal running economy (ECON), speed at lactate threshold (speedLT), maximum oxygen uptake (.

Comparison of the oxygen uptake kinetics of club and olympic champion rowers.

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that elite rowers would possess a faster, more economic oxygen uptake response than club standard rowers.

Methods: Eight Olympic champion (ELITE) rowers were compared with a cohort of eight club standard (CLUB) rowers. Participants completed a progressive exercise test to exhaustion, repeated 6-min moderate and heavy square-wave transitions, and a maximal 2000-m ergometer time trial.