Shorter versus longer bouts of rowing-based interval exercise attenuate the physiological and perceptual response

High intensity interval exercise (HIIE) requires repeated bouts of near-maximal to maximal efforts (intensities \u3e 85 %HRmax) interspersed with a brief recovery. Data show superior increases in maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max) in response to chronic HIIE compared to moderate intensity continuous exercise (MICE) in healthy adults as well as clinical populations (Milanovic et al. 2015; Weston et al., 2014). PURPOSE: This study compared physiological and perceptual variables between short and long durations of rowing-based high intensity interval exercise (HIIE). METHODS: Fourteen active adults (age = 26.4 ± 7.2 yr) performed incremental rowing exercise to fatigue to measure maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max) and peak power output (PPO). The subsequent 20 min sessions required HIIE (eight 60 s efforts at 85 %PPO with 90 s of active recovery at 20 %PPO or 24 20 s efforts at 85 %PPO with 30 s of active recovery at 20 %PPO) or moderate intensity continuous exercise (MICE) at 40 %PPO. During exercise, VO 2, heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLa), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and affective valence were measured. RESULTS: Data show significantly (p \u3c 0.001) higher peak VO 2 (84 ± 7 vs. 76 ± 5 %VO 2peak, d = 0.99), peak HR (94 ± 4 %HRpeak vs. 90 ± 4 %HRpeak, d = 1.12), BLa (7.0 ± 2.5 mM vs. 4.1 ± 1.0 mM, d = 1.22), end-exercise RPE (12.8 ± 2.0 vs. 11.0 ± 1.7, d = 1.29), and lower affective valence (2.1 ± 1.6 vs. 2.9 ± 1.2, d = 0.61) with long versus short HIIE. Time spent above 85 %HRpeak was significantly higher (p \u3c 0.001) in short versus long HIIE (606 ± 259 vs. 448 ± 26 s, d = 0.91). CONCLUSION: Longer rowing-based intervals elicit greater cardiometabolic and perceptual strain versus shorter efforts, making the latter preferable to optimize perceptual responses to HIIE

SCS 6th annual meeting—EEVFA—11th international congress of biochemistry and physiology of exercise, Athens, Greece, 2023

On behalf of the Strength and Conditioning Society (SCS) and the Hellenic Society of Biochemistry and Exercise Physiology (EEVFA), we are pleased to present the abstracts of the SCS 6th Annual Meeting and EEVFA—11th International Congress of Biochemistry and Physiology of Exercise. The event was held at the Hellenic Olympic Committee headquarters in Athens, Greece, on 19–22 October 2023, and comprised several invited sessions from international and national speakers on a variety of topics related to biochemistry and exercise physiology, strength and conditioning practices and their application to health, injury prevention and sports performance. These included strength training in high-performance sports, sport science and training–competition load management in elite environments, biochemistry and exercise physiology and prescription, nutrition and biomechanics, among others. The conference also included different practical workshops conducted by renowned academics and practitioners on eccentric training, change of direction ability and strength and power training in professional team-sports, and ergospirometry and exercise prescription in specific populations. Finally, the event disseminated up-to-date strength and conditioning research by providing practitioners and researchers with the opportunity to present their most recent findings. In this regard, all abstracts of the communications presented at the SCS 6th Annual Meeting—EEVFA—11th International Congress of Biochemistry and Physiology of Exercise can be found in this Conference Report

Effects of blood flow restriction on mechanical properties of the rectus femoris muscle at rest

Introduction: This study examined the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) and reperfusion on the mechanical properties of the rectus femoris muscle at rest (frequency and stiffness).Methods: Fourteen trained men (body weight = 81.0 ± 10.3 kg; BMI = 25 ± 3.0 m/kg2; height = 181 ± 4 cm; training experience = 6.0 ± 2.2 years) participated in an experimental session involving their dominant (BFR) and non-dominant leg (control). Muscle mechanical properties were measured using Myoton’s accelerometer at the midpoint of the rectus femoris muscle at five time points. In the BFR leg, an 80% arterial occlusion pressure was applied by a cuff for 5 min. No cuff was applied in the control leg. Femoral Myoton measurements were taken from both legs 2 and 4 min after the start of BRF as well as 30 s and 2 min after the end of the occlusion period.Results: The two-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant interaction effect for stiffness and frequency (p < 0.001; η2 > 0.67). The post hoc analysis showed that both stiffness and frequency increased during BFR compared with rest and then dropped to the resting levels post BFR period. Also, stiffness and frequency were higher than control only during the BFR period, and similar during rest and post BFR.Conclusion: These results indicate that the application of BFR at rest leads to significant changes in mechanical properties of the rectus femoris muscle

The effects of training with high-speed interval running on muscle performance are modulated by slope

© 2021 The Authors. Published by Wiley. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence. The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.14656We examined changes in selected muscle performance parameters after 8 weeks of interval training using two opposite running inclinations. We hypothesized that the uphill training will affect endurance muscle performance outcomes, whereas the downhill training will affect power muscle performance outcomes. Fourteen physically active volunteers were randomly assigned into either the Uphill group (UG; n = 7; uphill interval running at +10% incline) or the Downhill group (DG; n = 7; downhill interval running at -10% incline) and completed 16 training sessions. Each session consisted of ten 30 s treadmill runs at 90% of maximum aerobic speed (MAS) with a work to rest ratio of 1:2. Vertical jump performance, isometric (MVC) and isokinetic torque of knee extensors and flexors, and fatigue of knee extensors were evaluated pre and post-training. Moreover, body composition (via bioimpedance) and vastus lateralis muscle architecture (via ultrasonography) were assessed pre and post-training. Relative lean tissue mass, relative fat mass, and squat jump (cm) significantly (p < .05) changed from baseline values by +4.5 ± 4.0%, -11.5 ± 9.6%, and +9.5 ± 11.7%, respectively, only in the DG. Similarly, DG improved absolute values of knee extension rate of torque development and impulse (p < .05), whereas knee flexion peak torque angle significantly decreased in both groups (p < .05). On the other hand, the UG increased the number of repetitions achieved during the fatigue protocol and total work by 21.2 ± 32.6% and 13.8 ± 21.2%, respectively (p < .05). No differences were found between groups in muscle architecture. Introducing variations in slope during HIIT could be used to induce specific improvements toward muscle endurance or power performance characteristics.Published versio

Changes in the angle-force curve of human elbow flexors following eccentric and isometric exercise.

The aim of this study was to explore and compare the magnitude and time-course of the shift in the angle-force curves obtained from maximal voluntary contractions of the elbow flexors, both before and 4 consecutive days after eccentric and isometric exercise. The maximal isometric force of the elbow flexors of fourteen young male volunteers was measured at five different elbow angles between 50 degrees and 160 degrees . Subjects were then divided into two groups: the eccentric group (ECC, n=7) and the isometric group (ISO, n=7). Subjects in the ECC group performed 50 maximal voluntary eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors on an isokinetic dynamometer (30 degrees x s(-1)), while subjects in the ISO group performed 50 maximal voluntary isometric muscle contractions with the elbow flexors at a lengthened position. Following the ECC and ISO exercise protocols, maximal isometric force at the five angles, muscle soreness, and the relaxed (RANG) and flexed (FANG) elbow angles were measured at 24 h intervals for 4 days. All results were presented as the mean and standard error, and a quadratic curve was used to model the maximal isometric force data obtained at the five elbow angles. This approach not only allowed us to mathematically describe the angle-force curves and estimate the peak force and optimum angle for peak force generation, but also enabled us to statistically compare the shift of the angle-force curves between and within groups. A large and persistent shift of the angle-force curve towards longer muscle lengths was observed 1 day after eccentric exercise ( P<0.01). This resulted in a approximately 16 degrees shift of the optimum angle for force generation, which remained unchanged for the whole observation period. A smaller but also persistent shift of the angle-force curve was seen after isometric exercise at long muscle length ( P<0.05; shift in optimum angle approximately 5 degrees ). ECC exercise caused more muscle damage than ISO exercise, as indicated by the greater changes in RANG and ratings of muscle soreness ( P<0.05). It was suggested that the shift in the angle-force curve was proportional to the degree of muscle damage and may be explained by the presence of overstretched sarcomeres that increased in series compliance of the muscle

Effects of Oral Creatine Supplementation on Power Output during Repeated Treadmill Sprinting

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of creatine (Cr) supplementation on power output during repeated sprints on a non-motorized treadmill. Sixteen recreationally active males volunteered for this study (age 25.5 &plusmn; 4.8 y, height 179 &plusmn; 5 cm, body mass 74.8 &plusmn; 6.8 kg). All participants received placebo supplementation (75 mg of glucose&middot;kg&minus;1&middot;day&minus;1) for 5 days and then performed a baseline repeated sprints test (6 &times; 10 s sprints on a non-motorised treadmill). Thereafter, they were randomly assigned into a Cr (75 mg of Cr monohydrate&middot;kg&minus;1&middot;day&minus;1) or placebo supplementation, as above, and the repeated sprints test was repeated. After Cr supplementation, body mass was increased by 0.99 &plusmn; 0.83 kg (p = 0.007), peak power output and peak running speed remained unchanged throughout the test in both groups, while the mean power output and mean running speed during the last 5 s of the sprints increased by 4.5% (p = 0.005) and 4.2% to 7.0%, respectively, during the last three sprints (p = 0.005 to 0.001). The reduction in speed within each sprint was also blunted by 16.2% (p = 0.003) following Cr supplementation. Plasma ammonia decreased by 20.1% (p = 0.037) after Cr supplementation, despite the increase in performance. VO2 and blood lactate during the repeated sprints test remained unchanged after supplementation, suggesting no alteration of aerobic or glycolytic contribution to adenosine triphosphate production. In conclusion, Cr supplementation improved the mean power and speed in the second half of a repeated sprint running protocol, despite the increased body mass. This improvement was due to the higher power output and running speed in the last 5 s of each 10 s sprint

Effects of physical activity and inactivity on muscle fatigue

The aim of this review was to examine the mechanisms by which physical activity and inactivity modify muscle fatigue. It is well known that acute or chronic increases in physical activity result in structural, metabolic, hormonal, neural and molecular adaptations that increase the level of force or power that can be sustained by a muscle. These adaptations depend on the type, intensity and volume of the exercise stimulus, but recent studies have highlighted the role of high intensity, short duration exercise as a time-efficient method to achieve both anaerobic and aerobic/endurance type adaptations. The factors that determine the fatigue profile of a muscle during intense exercise include muscle fibre composition, neuromuscular characteristics high energy metabolite stores, buffering capacity, ionic regulation, capillarization and mitochondrial density. Muscle fiber type transformation during exercise training is usually towards the intermediate type IIA at the expense of both type I and type IIx myosin heavy chain isoforms. High intensity training results in increases of both glycolyic and oxidative enzymes, muscle capilarization, improved phosphocreatine resynthesis and regulation of K+, H+ and lactate ions. Decreases of the habitual activity level due to injury or sedentary lifestyle result in partial or even compete reversal of the adaptations due to previous training, manifested by reductions in fibre cross-sectional area, decreased oxidative capacity and capillarization. Complete immobilization due to injury results in markedly decreased force output and fatigue resistance. Muscle unloading reduces electromyographic activity and causes muscle atrophy and significant decreases in capillarization and oxidative enzymes activity. The last part of the review discusses the beneficial effects of intermittent high intensity exercise training in patients with different health conditions to demonstrate the powerful effect exercise on health and well being

The Effects of a Five-Month Lockdown Due to COVID-19 on Physical Fitness Parameters in Adolescent Students: A Comparison between Cohorts

Background: This study examined the effects of a five-month lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic on physical fitness parameters in urban adolescent male and female students. Methods: Two hundred and ninety-three male and female students (age: 15.8 &plusmn; 0.3 years) who attended the fourth grade of the same high school during the years 2016&ndash;2017 (first control group), 2018&ndash;2019 (second control group) and 2020&ndash;2021 (lockdown group) took part in the present study. Results: The percentage of overweight and obese students, according to body mass index, increased in males from 16.0% (2016&ndash;2017) and 14.6% (2018&ndash;2019), to 36.7% in 2020&ndash;2021 (p &lt; 0.01), and in females from 8.6% (2016&ndash;2017) and 7.0% (2016&ndash;2017), to 25.6% in 2020&ndash;2021 (p &lt; 0.01). Lower body fitness, as assessed by jumping, sprinting and agility tests, was impaired for both males and females after the lockdown compared with the 2016&ndash;2017 and 2018&ndash;2019 cohorts (vertical jumps: 10.4&ndash;15.1%; p &lt; 0.01; d = 0.58&ndash;1.01, 30 m sprint: 3.7&ndash;4.9%; p &lt; 0.01; d = 0.62&ndash;0.74; 505 agility test: from 6.1% to 9.4%; p &lt; 0.01; d = 0.80&ndash;1.04). However, flexibility and performance in upper-body fitness tests (handgrip maximum isometric strength and medicine ball throws with different loads) was significantly reduced only in males after the lockdown (p &lt; 0.05 to 0.01). Conclusions: These results suggest that a five-month lockdown negative influenced the physical fitness of adolescent students. Notably, greater reductions were observed in upper body strength, power and flexibility in males than in females. These results highlight the need to maintain strength, power and body mass during long periods of inactivity in adolescent populations

The Effects of a Five-Month Lockdown Due to COVID-19 on Physical Fitness Parameters in Adolescent Students: A Comparison between Cohorts

Background: This study examined the effects of a five-month lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic on physical fitness parameters in urban adolescent male and female students. Methods: Two hundred and ninety-three male and female students (age: 15.8 +/- 0.3 years) who attended the fourth grade of the same high school during the years 2016-2017 (first control group), 2018-2019 (second control group) and 2020-2021 (lockdown group) took part in the present study. Results: The percentage of overweight and obese students, according to body mass index, increased in males from 16.0% (2016-2017) and 14.6% (2018-2019), to 36.7% in 2020-2021 (p &lt; 0.01), and in females from 8.6% (2016-2017) and 7.0% (2016-2017), to 25.6% in 2020-2021 (p &lt; 0.01). Lower body fitness, as assessed by jumping, sprinting and agility tests, was impaired for both males and females after the lockdown compared with the 2016-2017 and 2018-2019 cohorts (vertical jumps: 10.4-15.1%; p &lt; 0.01; d = 0.58-1.01, 30 m sprint: 3.7-4.9%; p &lt; 0.01; d = 0.62-0.74; 505 agility test: from 6.1% to 9.4%; p &lt; 0.01; d = 0.80-1.04). However, flexibility and performance in upper-body fitness tests (handgrip maximum isometric strength and medicine ball throws with different loads) was significantly reduced only in males after the lockdown (p &lt; 0.05 to 0.01). Conclusions: These results suggest that a five-month lockdown negative influenced the physical fitness of adolescent students. Notably, greater reductions were observed in upper body strength, power and flexibility in males than in females. These results highlight the need to maintain strength, power and body mass during long periods of inactivity in adolescent populations

ACUTE EFFECTS OF TWO DIFFERENT WARM-UP PROTOCOLS ON FLEXIBILITY AND LOWER LIMB EXPLOSIVE PERFORMANCE IN MALE AND FEMALE HIGH LEVEL ATHLETES

This study examined the effects of two different warm-up protocols on lower limb power and flexibility in high level athletes. Twenty international level fencers (10 males and 10 females) performed two warm-up protocols that included 5-min light jogging and either short (15s) or long (45s) static stretching exercises for each of the main leg muscle groups (quadriceps, hamstrings and triceps surae), followed by either 3 sets of 3 (short stretching treatment), or 3 sets of 5 tuck jumps (long stretching treatment), in a randomized crossover design with one week between treatments. Hip joint flexion was measured with a Lafayette goniometer before and after the 5-min warm-up, after stretching and 8 min after the tuck jumps, while counter movement jump (CMJ) performance was evaluated by an Ergojump contact platform, before and after the stretching treatment, as well as immediately after and 8 minutes after the tuck jumps. Three way ANOVA (condition, time, gender) revealed significant time (p < 0.001) and gender (p < 0.001) main effects for hip joint flexion, with no interaction between factors. Flexibility increased by 6. 8 ± 1.1% (p < 0.01) after warm-up and by another 5.8 ± 1.6% (p < 0.01) after stretching, while it remained increased 8 min after the tuck jumps. Women had greater ROM compared with men at all time points (125 ± 8° vs. 94 ± 4° p<0.01 at baseline), but the pattern of change in hip flexibility was not different between genders. CMJ performance was greater in men compared with women at all time points (38.2 ± 1.9 cm vs. 29.8 ± 1.2 cm p < 0.01 at baseline), but the percentage of change CMJ performance was not different between genders. CMJ performance remained unchanged throughout the short stretching protocol, while it decreased by 5.5 ± 0.9% (p < 0.01) after stretching in the long stretching protocol However, 8 min after the tuck jumps, CMJ performance was not different from the baseline value (p = 0.075). In conclusion, lower limb power may be decreased after long periods of stretching, but performance of explosive exercises may reverse this phenomeno