DECEPTION AND EXERCISE PERFORMANCE DURING REPEATED 4-KM CYCLING TIME TRIALS

Cyclists have been shown to improve their performance in a simulated 4-km laboratory based time trial when given feedback derived from a prior performance which is surreptitiously augmented. Presently, it is unknown whether or not these performance gains are persistent after the subjects are informed of the deception. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not performance gains achieved through deception persist after the deception was revealed. A secondary aim of this study was to assess whether the subjects’ pacing strategy changed after the deception was revealed. METHODS: The subjects were trained competitive cyclists. All subjects who were admitted into the study completed a total of four (4) simulated 4-kilometer cycling time trials comprising of a familiarization trial, baseline trial (BAS), deception trial (DEC), and knowledge of deception trial (KDE) performed on separate occasions. In the DEC and KDE trials, subjects competed against an on-screen avatar set to 102% of their baseline average power output. Time to completion, average power output, mean power output for each 0.5-km segment of the distance covered, and change in blood lactate concentration from pre- to post- time trial for each time trial were recorded. RESULTS: Subjects who completed the DEC trial faster compared to BAS trial also completed the KDE trial faster compared to the BAS trial (F = 13.61, p = 0.003), but time to completion in DEC and KDE trials were not different in these subjects (95% CI = -3.3 to 4.3s). Subjects who did not complete the DEC trial faster than the BAS trial also demonstrated differences in time to completion (F = 17.31, p = 0.003), with the KDE trial being completed faster than the DEC trial (95% CI = 5.3 to 17.5 s), but not the BAS trial (95% CI = -6.3 to 15.0 s). Analysis of the pacing strategy adopted by subjects revealed no differences between trials for subjects who improved in the DEC trial (F = 1.53, p = 0.238), but significant differences were observed in subjects who did not improve in the DEC trial (F = 8.91, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Trained cyclists whose performance improves upon receiving surreptitiously augmented feedback during simulated 4-km time trials are able to retain their performance gains once the deception is revealed. They do not appear to adopt a different pacing strategy in either of the improved trials (DEC and KDE).Submitted to the faculty of the University Graduate School in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science in the Department of Kinesiology Indiana Universit

Inspiration for the Future: The Role of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Cystic Fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited, multi-system, life-limiting disease characterized by a progressive decline in lung function, which accounts for the majority of CF-related morbidity and mortality. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been proposed as a rehabilitative strategy to treat respiratory impairments associated with CF. However, despite evidence of therapeutic benefits in healthy and other clinical populations, the routine application of IMT in CF can neither be supported nor refuted due to the paucity of methodologically rigorous research. Specifically, the interpretation of available studies regarding the efficacy of IMT in CF is hampered by methodological threats to internal and external validity. As such, it is important to highlight the inherent risk of bias that differences in patient characteristics, IMT protocols, and outcome measurements present when synthesizing this literature prior to making final clinical judgments. Future studies are required to identify the characteristics of individuals who may respond to IMT and determine whether the controlled application of IMT can elicit meaningful improvements in physiological and patient-centered clinical outcomes. Given the equivocal evidence regarding its efficacy, IMT should be utilized on a case-by-case basis with sound clinical reasoning, rather than simply dismissed, until a rigorous evidence-based consensus has been reached

The Effects of PCSO-524®, a Patented Marine Oil Lipid derived from the New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus), on Pulmonary and Respiratory Muscle Function in Non-asthmatic Elite Runners

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(3): 669-680, 2018. Habitual endurance training may be associated with mild airway inflammation and subsequent deterioration in lung function. PCSO-524™ (Lyprinol®/Omega-XL®), a supplement extracted from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), has been shown to moderate airway inflammation in asthmatic subjects. The purpose of this study was to determine whether supplementation with PCSO-524™ improves pulmonary and respiratory muscle function in non-asthmatic elite runners. Sixteen male, non-asthmatic elite runners were randomly assigned to either a treatment (PCSO-524™; 1 capsule contains 50 mg n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and 100 mg olive oil, n=8) or placebo (1 capsule contains 150 mg olive oil; n=8) group. During the supplementation period, subjects ingested 8 capsules of either treatment or placebo per day for 12 weeks. Resting pulmonary and respiratory muscle function testing were assessed at baseline and every two weeks throughout the 12 week supplementation period. No significant between- or within-subjects main effects were observed in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1-second, forced expiratory flow from 25-75% of lung volume (FEF25-75), peak expiratory flow, maximal voluntary ventilation, maximal inspiratory mouth pressure, and closing volume (p\u3e0.05). A significant within-subjects main effect was observed in maximal expiratory mouth pressure (PEmax) (p=0.024) and lung diffusion capacity (DLCO) (pPEmax and DLCO (p\u3e0.05). A significant treatment by time interaction was observed in FEF25-75 (p=0.026) and DLCO (p=0.024), but no other significant interactions were observed (all p\u3e0.05). Supplementation with PCSO-524™ (Lyprinol®/Omega-XL®) does not improve pulmonary or respiratory muscle function in non-asthmatic elite runners

Interactive Feedforward for Improving Performance and Maintaining Intrinsic Motivation in VR Exergaming

Exergames commonly use low to moderate intensity exercise protocols. Their effectiveness in implementing high intensity protocols remains uncertain. We propose a method for improving performance while maintaining intrinsic motivation in high intensity VR exergaming. Our method is based on an interactive adaptation of the feedforward method: a psychophysical training technique achieving rapid improvement in performance by exposing participants to self models showing previously unachieved performance levels. We evaluated our method in a cycling-based exergame. Participants competed against (i) a self model which represented their previous speed; (ii) a self model representing their previous speed but increased resistance therefore requiring higher performance to keep up; or (iii) a virtual competitor at the same two levels of performance. We varied participants' awareness of these differences. Interactive feedforward led to improved performance while maintaining intrinsic motivation even when participants were aware of the interventions, and was superior to competing against a virtual competitor

Time to Move Beyond a “One-Size Fits All” Approach to Inspiratory Muscle Training

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been studied as a rehabilitation tool and ergogenic aid in clinical, athletic, and healthy populations. This technique aims to improve respiratory muscle strength and endurance, which has been seen to enhance respiratory pressure generation, respiratory muscle weakness, exercise capacity, and quality of life. However, the effects of IMT have been discrepant between populations, with some studies showing improvements with IMT and others not. This may be due to the use of standardized IMT protocols which are uniformly applied to all study participants without considering individual characteristics and training needs. As such, we suggest that research on IMT veer away from a standardized, one-size-fits-all intervention, and instead utilize specific IMT training protocols. In particular, a more personalized approach to an individual’s training prescription based upon goals, needs, and desired outcomes of the patient or athlete. In order for the coach or practitioner to adjust and personalize a given IMT prescription for an individual, factors, such as frequency, duration, and modality will be influenced, thus inevitably affecting overall training load and adaptations for a projected outcome. Therefore, by integrating specific methods based on optimization, periodization, and personalization, further studies may overcome previous discrepancies within IMT research

Inspiratory muscle training improves exercise capacity with thoracic load carriage

Thoracic load carriage (LC) exercise impairs exercise performance compared to unloaded exercise, partially due to impaired respiratory mechanics. We investigated the effects of LC on exercise and diaphragmatic fatigue in a constant‐load exercise task; and whether inspiratory muscle training (IMT) improved exercise capacity and diaphragmatic fatigue with LC. Twelve recreationally active males completed three separate running trials to exhaustion (Tlim) at a fixed speed eliciting 70% of their urn:x-wiley:2051817X:media:phy213558:phy213558-math-0001O2max. The first two trials were completed either unloaded (UL) or while carrying a 10 kg backpack (LC). Subjects then completed 6 weeks of either true IMT or placebo‐IMT. Posttraining, subjects completed an additional LC trial identical to the pretraining LC trial. Exercise metabolic and ventilatory measures were recorded. Diaphragm fatigue was assessed as the difference between preexercise and postexercise twitch diaphragmatic pressure (Pdi, tw), assessed by bilateral stimulation of the phrenic nerve with esophageal balloon‐tipped catheters measuring intrathoracic pressures. Tlim was significantly shorter (P 0.05). Minute ventilation and breathing mechanics were unchanged post‐IMT (P > 0.05). Six weeks of flow‐resistive IMT improved exercise capacity, but did not mitigate diaphragmatic fatigue following submaximal, constant‐load running to volitional exhaustion with LC

Respiratory effects of thoracic load carriage exercise and inspiratory muscle training as a strategy to optimize respiratory muscle performance with load carriage

Many occupational and recreational settings require the use of protective and/or load-bearing apparatuses worn over the thoracic cavity, known as thoracic load carriage (LC). Compared to normal, unloaded exercise, thoracic LC exercise places an additional demand on the respiratory and limb locomotor systems by altering ventilatory mechanics as well as circulatory responses to exercise, thus accelerating the development of fatigue in the diaphragm and accessory respiratory muscles compared to unloaded exercise. This may be a consequence of the unique demands of thoracic LC, which places an additional mass load on the thoracic cavity and can restrict chest wall expansion. Therefore it is important to find effective strategies to ameliorate the detrimental effects of thoracic LC. Inspiratory muscle training is an intervention that aims to increase the strength and endurance of the diaphragm and accessory inspiratory muscle and may therefore be a useful strategy to optimize performance with thoracic LC

Effect of flow-resistive inspiratory loading on pulmonary and respiratory muscle function in sub-elite swimmers

© 2014 Edizioni Minerva Medica. BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week swim training and inspiratory muscle training program on respiratory muscle and pulmonary function in competitively trained sub-elite swimmers. METHODS: A double-blind, parallel-group experimental design was employed to compare the effects of swim training alone, swim training with sham-inspiratory muscle training, and swim training with true inspiratory muscle training. Twenty-four competitively trained sub-elite swimmers combined swim training with either flow-resistive inspiratory muscle training set at 80% sustained maximal inspiratory pressure with progressively increased work-rest ratios until task failure for 3 days/week (swim training with inspiratory muscle training, N.=8), or swim training with sham-inspiratory muscle training (N.=8), or acted as controls (swim training only, N.=8). Measures of pulmonary and respiratory muscle function were assessed at the beginning and end of the 12-week study period. RESULTS: At baseline, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in respiratory muscle and pulmonary function between groups. Following the 12-week training period, the swim training with inspiratory muscle training group demonstrated improvements in maximal inspiratory pressure, sustained maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal inspiratory muscle power output, inspiratory muscle work capacity, inspiratory time of contraction, time to fatigue, maximal voluntary ventilation in 12 seconds, and forced inspiratory volume in 1-second (P 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Inspiratory muscle training in conjunction with swim training improves respiratory muscle function in sub-elite swimmers when compared to swim training only

Effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on peak power output: influence of supplementation strategy and population

Increasing evidence indicates that dietary nitrate supplementation has the potential to increase muscular power output during skeletal muscle contractions. However, there is still a paucity of data characterizing the impact of different nitrate dosing regimens on nitric oxide bioavailability and its potential ergogenic effects across various population groups. This review discusses the potential influence of different dietary nitrate supplementation strategies on nitric oxide bioavailability and muscular peak power output in healthy adults, athletes, older adults and some clinical populations. Effect sizes were calculated for peak power output and absolute and/or relative nitrate doses were considered where applicable. There was no relationship between the effect sizes of peak power output change following nitrate supplementation and when nitrate dosage when considered in absolute or relative terms. Areas for further research are also recommended including a focus on nitrate dosing regimens that optimize nitric oxide bioavailability for enhancing peak power at times of increased muscular work in a variety of healthy and disease populations.</p