Anaerobic capacity and adaption of endurance-trained runners

Demonstrates that anaerobic capacity, using the accumulated oxygen deficit technique, can be measured rapidly and with a high degree of precision, however significant difficulties remain to be addressed. Significant further insights into some of the underlying cellular mechanisms associated with increases in anaerobic capacity were also obtained.

Feed restriction and a diet's caloric value: The influence on the aerobic and anaerobic capacity of rats

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Anaerobic capacity may not be determined by critical power model in elite table tennis players

The aim of the present study was to verify the applicability of anaerobic work capacity (AWC) determined from the critical power model in elite table tennis players. Eight male international level table tennis players participated in the study. The tests undertaken were: 1) A critical frequency test used to determinate the anaerobic work capacity; 2) Wingate tests were performed using leg and arm ergometers. AWC corresponded to 99.5 +/- 29.1 table tennis balls. AWC was not related to peak (r = -0.25), mean (r = -0.02), relative peak (r = -0.49) or relative mean power (r = 0.01), nor fatigue index (r = -0.52) (Wingate leg ergometer). Similar correlations for peak (r = -0.34), mean (r = -0.04), relative peak (r = -0.49), relative mean power (r = -0.14) and peak blood lactate concentration (r = -0.08) were determined in the Wingate arm ergometer test. Based on these results the AWC determined by a modified critical power test was not a good index for measurement of anaerobic capacity in table tennis players.

Determination of critical velocity and anaerobic capacity of running rats

The aim of this study was to validate a non-invasive protocol to determine aerobic and anaerobic capacity of treadmill running rats. Thirteen male Wistar rats (90 days old) were submitted to 4 exercise tests, consisting of running at 25, 30, 35 and 40 m min-1, continuously until exhaustion. For the critical velocity (CV) and anaerobic running capacity (ARC) estimations, the hyperbolic curve (velocity versus time to exhaustion (tlim)) was linearized to V= CV+ARC/tlim, where the CV and ARC were linear and slope coefficients, respectively. In order to verify if the CV was the maximal aerobic intensity, the rats were submitted to the maximal lactate steady state test (MLSS) composed of three 25-minute tests of continuous running trials at 15, 20 and 25 m min-1, with blood collection every 5 minutes. The CV was obtained at 22.8±0.7 m min-1 and the ARC, at 26.80±2.77 m. The MLSS was observed at 20m min-1, with blood lactate 3.84 ± 0.31 mmol L-1. There was a progressive increase in lactate concentration at 25 m min-1. The CV and MLSS were different, but presented a high and significant correlation (r=0.81). These results indicate that the non-invasive protocol can be used for physical evaluation of aerobic running rats, but the ARC should still be further investigated.

Anaerobic running capacity determined from the critical velocity model is not significantly associated with maximal accumulated oxygen deficit in army runners

Purpose: The aim of this study was to verify whether there is an association between anaerobic running capacity (ARC) values, estimated from two-parameter models, and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) in army runners. Methods: Eleven, trained, middle distance runners who are members of the armed forces were recruited for the study (20 ± 1 years). They performed a critical velocity test (CV) for ARC estimation using three mathematical models and an MAOD test, both tests were applied on a motorized treadmill. Results: The MAOD was 61.6 ± 5.2 mL/kg (4.1 ± 0.3 L). The ARC values were 240.4 ± 18.6 m from the linear velocity-inverse time model, 254.0 ± 13.0 m from the linear distance-time model, and 275.2 ± 9.1 m from the hyperbolic time-velocity relationship (nonlinear 2-parameter model), whereas critical velocity values were 3.91 ± 0.07 m/s, 3.86 ± 0.08 m/s and 3.80 ± 0.09 m/s, respectively. There were differences (P < 0.05) for both the ARC and the CV values when compared between velocity-inverse time linear and nonlinear 2-parameter mathematical models. The different values of ARC did not significantly correlate with MAOD. Conclusion: In conclusion, estimated ARC did not correlate with MAOD, and should not be considered as an anaerobic measure of capacity for treadmill running. © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

The effect of warm-up intensity on range of motion and anaerobic performance

Although there is a paucity of scientific support for the benefits of warm-up, athletes commonly warm up prior to activity with the intention of improving performance and reducing the incidence of injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of warm-up intensity on both range of motion (ROM) and anaerobic performance. Nine males (age = 21.7 +/- 1.6 years, height = 1.77 +/- 0.04 m, weight = 80.2 +/- 6.8 kg, and VO2max = 60.4 +/- 5.4 ml/kg/min) completed four trials. Each trial consisted of hip, knee, and ankle ROM evaluation using an electronic inclinometer and an anaerobic capacity test on the treadmill (time to fatigue at 13 km/hr and 20% grade). Subjects underwent no warm-up or a warm-up of 15 minutes running at 60, 70 or 80% VO2max followed by a series of lower limb stretches. Intensity of warm-up had little effect on ROM, since ankle dorsiflexion and hip extension significantly increased in all warm-up conditions, hip flexion significantly increased only after the 80% VO2max warm-up, and knee flexion did not change after any warm-up. Heart rate and body temperature were significantly increased (p < 0.05) prior to anaerobic performance for each of the warm-up conditions, but anaerobic performance improved significantly only after warm-up at 60% VO2max (10%) and 70% VO2max (13%). A 15-minute warm-up at an intensity of 60-70% VO2max is therefore recommended to improve ROM and enhance subsequent anaerobic performance.

Anaerobic performance in ice hockey : the effect of skate blade radius of hollow

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of skate blade radius of hollow (ROH) on anaerobic performance, specifically during the acceleration and stopping phases of an on-ice skating test. Fifteen, male Junior B hockey players (mean age 19 y ± 1.46) were recruited to participate. On-icc testing required each participant to complete an on-ice anaerobic performance test [Reed Repeat Skate (RRS)) on three separate days. During each on-ice test, the participant's skate blades were sharpened to one of three, randomly assigned, ROH values (0.63 cm, 1.27 cm, 1.90 cm). Performance times were recorded during each RRS and used to calculate anaerobic variables [anaerobic power (W), anaerobic capacity (W), and fatigue index (s, %)). Each RRS was video recorded for the purpose of motion analysis. Video footage was imported into Peak Motus™ to measure kinematic variables of the acceleration and stopping phases. The specific variables calculated from the acceleration phase were: average velocity over 6 m (m/s), average stride length (m), and mean stride rate (strides/s). The specific variables calculated from the stopping phase were: velocity at initiation of stopping (rn/s), stopping distance (m), stopping time (s). A repeated measures ANOV A was used to assess differences in mean performance and kinematic variables across the three selected hollows. Further analysis was conducted to assess differences in trial by trial performance and kinematic variables for all hollows. The primary findings of the study suggested that skate blade ROH can have a significant effect on kinematic variables, namely stride length and stride rate during the acceleration phase and stopping distance and stopping time during the stopping phase of an on-ice anaerobic performance test. During the acceleration phase, no significant difdifferences were found in SR and SL across the three selected hollows. Mean SR on the 1.27 cm hollow was significantly slower than both the 0.63 cm and 1.90 cm hollows and SL was significantly longer when skating on the 1.27 cm hollow in comparison to the 1.90 cm hollow. During the stopping phase, stopping distance on the 0.63 cm hollow (4.12 m ± 0.14) was significantly shorter than both the 1.27 cm hollow (4.43 m ± 0.08) (p < 0.05) and the 1.90 cm ho])ow (4.35 m ± 0.12) (p < 0.05). Mean ST was also significantly shorter when stopping on the 0.63 cm hollow then both the 1.27 cm and 1.90 cm hollows. Trial by trial results clearly illustrated the affect of fatigue on kinematic variables; AV, SR, IV decreased from trial 1 to 6. There was no significant effect on anaerobic performance variables during the RRS. Altering the skate blade ROH has a significant and practical affect on accelerating and stopping performance will be discussed in this paper.

The relationship between repeated sprint ability and the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems

A large number of team games require participants to repeatedly produce maximal or near maximal sprints of short duration with brief recovery periods. The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationship between a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test that is specific to the energy demands of Australian Rules football (ARF), and the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. 

Anaerobic contribution during maximal anaerobic running test: correlation with maximal accumulated oxygen deficit

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Running-based anaerobic sprint test as a procedure to evaluate anaerobic power

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of the running anaerobic sprint test (RAST) as a predictor of anaerobic capacity, compare it to the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) and to compare the RAST's parameters with the parameters of 30-s all-out tethered running on a treadmill. 39 (17.0±1.4 years) soccer players participated in this study. The participants underwent an incremental test, 10 submaximal efforts [50-95% of velocity correspondent to VO2MAX (vVO2MAX)] and one supramaximal effort at 110% of vVO2MAX for the determination of MAOD. Furthermore, the athletes performed the RAST. In the second stage the 30-s all-out tethered running was performed on a treadmill (30-s all-out), and compared with RAST. No significant correlation was observed between MAOD and RAST parameters. However, significant correlations were found between the power of the fifth effort (P5) of RAST with peak and mean power of 30-s all-out (r=0.73 and 0.50; p<0.05, respectively). In conclusion, the parameters from RAST do not have an association with MAOD, suggesting that this method should not be used to evaluate anaerobic capacity. Although the correlations between RAST parameters with 30-s all-out do reinforce the RAST as an evaluation method of anaerobic metabolism, such as anaerobic power.

Influence of high-intensity interval training on adaptations in well-trained cyclists

The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of 3 different high-intensity interval training regimens on the first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2), anaerobic capacity (ANC), and plasma volume (PV) in well-trained endurance cyclists. Before and after 2 and 4 weeks of training, 38 well-trained cyclists (VO2peak = 64.5 +/- 5.2 ml[middle dot]kg-1[middle dot]min-1) performed (a) a progressive cycle test to measure VO2peak, peak power output (PPO), VT1, and VT2; (b) a time to exhaustion test (Tmax) at their VO2peak power output (Pmax); and (c) a 40-km time-trial (TT40). Subjects were assigned to 1 of 4 training groups (group 1: n = 8, 8 3 60% Tmax at Pmax, 1:2 work-recovery ratio; group 2: n = 9, 8 x 60% Tmax at Pmax, recovery at 65% maximum heart rate; group 3: n = 10, 12 x 30 seconds at 175% PPO, 4.5-minute recovery; control group: n = 11). The TT40 performance, VO2peak, VT1,VT2, and ANC were all significantly increased in groups 1, 2, and 3 (p < 0.05) but not in the control group. However, PV did not change in response to the 4-week training program. Changes in TT40 performance were modestly related to the changes in VO2peak, VT1, VT2, and ANC (r = 0.41, 0.34, 0.42, and 0.40, respectively; all p < 0.05). In conclusion, the improvements in TT40 performance were related to significant increases in VO2peak, VT1,VT2, and ANC but were not accompanied by significant changes in PV. Thus, peripheral adaptations rather than central adaptations are likely responsible for the improved performances witnessed in well-trained endurance athletes following various forms of high-intensity interval training programs.

The effect of an eight session skate treadmill and agility training program on the degree of separation in ice hockey players

The sport of ice hockey places multiple simultaneous demands on the physiological, mechanical, and cognitive abilities of individual players. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of an eight session degree of separation (DOS) training intervention on sport specific measures of skating, stick handling and puck control movements in competitive ice hockey players. All participants completed a battery of pre and pos t skill and DOS specific tests designed to evaluate DOS abilities: Ttest of agility, a modified Cunningham Faulkner test of anaerobic capacity performed on a skate treadmill and a DOS skate treadmill test. Statistically significant differences were found between groups on the post test scores, meaning that the training intervention had a specific effect on the post test scores of the experimental group (p~O.05). Results of this investigation suggested that a DOS specific training program has the potential to enhance the integration and automation of or sequencing and coordination of uncoordinated ice hockey movements.

Cycling at 120 when compared to 80 rev/min increases the accumulated oxygen deficit but does not affect the precision of its calculation

The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of pedal rate on the precision and quantification of the accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD). Eight trained male triathletes completed a lactate threshold test, VO2 peak test, 10 x 3 min submaximal exercise bouts and a high-intensity exercise bout, all performed at 80 and 120 rev/min. For both pedal rates the intensities for the sub-maximal and high-intensity tests were relative to the lactate threshold and VO2 peak work rates. The VO2-power regressions were calculated using 5 intensities from above the lactate threshold combined with a y intercept value with VO2 measured after 3 min of exercise. For the 120 compared to the 80 rev/min tests, the lactate threshold work rate (255±13 versus 276±47 Watts) (p<0.01) and VO2 peak work rate (352±17 versus 382±20, Watts) (p<0.05) were lower at 120 rev/m. Conversely, the VO2 peak and the VO2 measured during the exhaustive exercise were the same for both pedal rates (p>0.05). Using linear regression modelling the slope of the VO2-power regression (0.0112 versus 0.010 L/Watt) (p<0.01), the estimated total energy demand (ETED) (5.13±0.75 versus 4.89±0.88 L/min) and the AOD (4.27±0.94 versus 3.66±1.25 L) (p<0.05) were greater at 120 rev/m. However, the 95% confidence interval for the ETED and the standard error of the predicted value were the same for both pedal rates (p>0.05). Our results demonstrate that pedal rate effects the size but not the precision of the calculated AOD and should therefore be considered when developing an AOD protocol.

Methodological and physiological factors influencing the accumulated oxygen deficit

The accumulated oxygen deficit is a non-invasive representation of anaerobic capacity. This thesis investigates methodological and physiological factors which influence the precision of the calculated accumulated oxygen deficit. A method was developed which improves the precision in calculating the accumulated oxygen deficit.