The physiological effects of cycling on tandem and single bicycles.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this field study was to compare the physiological responses from cycling on a tandem road bicycle to those from cycling on a single road bicycle. METHODS: Nine pairs of experienced, recreational tandem cyclists rode a tandem or their single bicycle for 5 min at each velocity of 19.3, 22.5, 25.8, and 29.0 kph on a flat, paved surface. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and lactic acid (LA) data were collected after each interval. RESULTS: Riding a tandem resulted in lower HR, RPE, and LA mean values across the four velocities compared to the single bicycle. Mean (SD) HR, RPE, and LA for tandem and single bicycles were 126 (20.7) v 142 (20.1) bpm, 10.1 (1.7) v 11.3 (2.6), and 1.46 (1.0) mM/L v 2.36 (1.7) mM/L, respectively. No position differences were observed between the captain and stoker (front and rear positions) when both were on the tandem. Stokers had significantly lower HR, LA, and RPE values when they rode a tandem compared to a single bicycle. No statistical differences were observed between bicycles for the captains. When on the single bicycle, captains exhibited significantly lower HR, RPE, and LA values than stokers. CONCLUSION: Cycling on a tandem resulted in lower physiological stress than when cycling at the same velocity on a single bicycle. Cyclists were able to ride from 4.8-8.0 kph faster on a tandem than on a single bicycle at similar physiological stress. Apparently, stokers can add to power output on a tandem without adding significantly to wind resistance.

Responses to training in cross-country skiers.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated whether cross-country skiers who did not respond positively to a training program consisting of high volume and low intensity would improve if high-intensity training volume was doubled during a subsequent training year. METHODS: During the first year of the study, cross-country skiers (N = 14) were evaluated for VO2max, VO2threshold, lactate response, max arm power, and competitive results after a standard training program. During the second year, the athletes were divided into a control group (athletes who had responded well to the training) and a treatment group (athletes who had responded poorly to the training). The control group (N = 7) repeated the previous year's training program. The treatment group (N = 7) was given a modified training program which increased high-intensity training time as a percentage of total training from < 17% to > 35% and decreased low-intensity training volume 22%. RESULTS: The treatment group, using the high-intensity training program, demonstrated significantly improved VO2max, VO2threshold, max arm power, and competitive results (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increased volume of high-intensity training may improve competitive results in cross-country skiers who fail to respond to increased volume of low-intensity training.

Effect of music on perceived exertion, plasma lactate, norepinephrine and cardiovascular hemodynamics during treadmill running.

We examined the effects of listening to headphone music in ten well trained men (25.1 +/- 6 years) during treadmill running. Maximal oxygen consumption, determined by open circuit spirometry, was followed by two submaximal work bouts 72 hours apart. The work bouts consisted of a supine rest, a 15 minute run at 70% of maximal oxygen consumption, and a three minute active recovery period. Participants listened to music during one of the two trials. Hemodynamic variables and perceived exertion were recorded at three minute intervals during each trial. A venous blood sample, obtained prior to and following each trial, was assayed for norepinephrine and plasma lactate. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the no music versus the exercise with music trial for (aggregate data 3,6,9,12,15 minutes): heart rate 152.9 +/- 5.3 to 145.9 +/- 4.7 beats x min(-1); systolic blood pressure, 158.1 +/- 3.7 to 151.7 +/- 3.3 mmHg; rate-pressure product 242.2 +/- 11.5 to 222.1 +/- 11.4; exercise lactate 2.75 +/- 0.15 to 2.13 +/- 0.18 mmol x l(-1); and perceived exertion 14.4 +/- 0.4 to 12.9 +/- 0.4. A 17.5% lower level of norepinephrine (841.5 +/- 314.7 to 694.1 +/- 254.5 pg x ml[-1]) in the exercise and music trial was not statistically significant (p<0.05); however a moderate effect size (ES = 0.52) was calculated and may be of practical significance considering the variability of the sample. Higher values for hemodynamics and lactate in the no music trial is suggestive of a greater metabolic demand; however, oxygen consumption was not different. Perhaps the music allowed individuals to relax reducing muscle tension thereby increasing blood flow and lactate clearance while decreasing lactate production in working muscle. The combined results of this study suggest the introduction of music has a psychobiological impact on the exerciser demonstrated by changes in perceived effort, lactate and norepinephrine.

Physiological characteristics and performance of top U.S. biathletes.

Success in biathlon involves skiing fast and shooting accurately. The purpose of this study was to determine whether physiological laboratory test results relate to success in biathlon. Tests included treadmill run and double-pole lactate profile and VO2peak tests, and a double-pole peak power test (UBP). 1993 National Points Rank (NR), racing ski time (ST), and shooting percentage (SP) from 1993 World Team Trials and laboratory test results (1993; N = 11 males, 10 females) were examined. Of athletes tested, six males and six females were top 10 U.S. ranked. Significance was identified between NR and ST (males, r = -0.88; females, r = -0.91). NR and SP were related for females (r = 0.75). Maximum run time during the VO2peak test was the only parameter related to NR (r = 0.72) or ST (r = -0.80) for males. Significance was identified for an uphill 1 km on snow double-pole time trial to NR (r = -0.84) and SP (r = -0.79) (subgroup; N = 8 males). For females, NR was related to running VO2peak (r = 0.81) and UBP (r = 0.95). Double-pole and running VO2peak were related to SP for women. This study suggests that SP is more important to NR for females than for males, and gender-specific tests might better predict success in elite biathlon skiers.

Intermediate and long-term anaerobic performance of elite Alpine skiers.

Physiological requirements of Alpine skiing, demanding power from both aerobic and anaerobic sources, were first reported in 1965 by Bengt Saltin and coworkers. An update on the physiology of Alpine skiing was presented by Karlsson and colleagues in 1978, and their work remains a benchmark for most current research dealing with Alpine skiers. These works have identified muscular strength and complex motor skill abilities as essential to the competitive ski racer. The energy demands of Alpine ski racing dominate the range between 45 and 2 min. Since the late 1970s, many researchers have reported a variety of tests that associate test scores to skiing performance. Traditionally, short tests of anaerobic power such as the 30-s Wingate test have been used to reflect anaerobic capacity. Only recently have researchers and coaches begun to question whether a test that is shorter in duration than most skiing performances can estimate anaerobic power as it relates to Alpine ski racing. This study reviews current literature relative to physiological requirements for Alpine skiing as well as relating 18 nationally ranked male (N = 10) and female (N = 8) Alpine ski racers' USSA national points lists for slalom and giant slalom to power measures from 30-s and 90-s Wingate cycle ergometer tests. Further directions of physiological research in Alpine skiing are also offered.

Response of patients with coronary artery disease stratified by ejection fraction following short-term training.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the response of patients with ischemic heart disease and varied left ventricular function following 6 weeks of exercise training. We studied the oxygen consumption (VO2), and central hemodynamic and metabolic responses of 14 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). There were two groups of patients: normal EF (NEF), EF = 64 +/- 9.9 (mean +/- S.E.M.); n = 7, and diminished EF (DEF), EF = 36 +/- 11.6; n = 7. The patients ranged in age from 42 to 72 years (54.9 +/- 2.2), and were evaluated prior to and then following training. Measures of VO2, cardiac output (Qt) stroke volume (SV), heart rate (HR), exercise duration (XTIME) and intensity (XI), as well as plasma lactate (LA), and the catecholamines epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) were obtained in response to maximal cycle ergometry. Subjects trained three times per week, 30 min per session, at an intensity equal to 70% of their peak oxygen consumption. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no interaction between groups suggesting a similar training response. Significant post-training changes (P < 0.05) were observed in peak VO2 (VO2peak) NEF, 11.8% increase, (16.0 +/- 1.3 to 17.9 +/- 1.1 ml/kg/min) and DEF, 9.3% increase (15.1 +/- 1.6 to 16.5 +/- 1.2 ml/kg/min); submaximal HR, 4% decrease in the NEF (95.57 +/- 4.58 to 92 +/- 4.43 beats/min) and a 6% decrease in the DEF (107.29 +/- 7.44 to 101.43 +/- 6.77 beats/min); XTIME NEF, 11.2% increase (7.8 +/- 0.57 to 8.67 +/- 0.61 min) and DEF, 16.6% increase (7.3 +/- 0.91 to 8.51 +/- 0.69 min); and XI NEF, 19.2% increase (104.3 +/- 11.3 to 124.3 +/- 12.9 W) DEF, 21.2% increase (94.3 +/- 18.5 to 114.3 +/- 16.9 W), and a 15% decrease in resting NE (350 +/- 26 to 296.9 +/- 19 pg/ml). There were no changes in Qt, SV, LA, E, peak NE or peak HR for either group. These findings suggest short-term endurance training at 70% VO2peak provide the necessary stimulus for individuals with CAD and NEF or DEF to display an improvement in XI, XTIME, and VO2peak. The lack of a significant enhancement in Qt with short-term training may indicate that the mechanism by which both study groups were able to attain significantly higher levels of VO2peak may have been attributable to peripheral mechanisms rather than any alterations in Qt, a central mechanism.

Carbohydrate drinks and cycling performance.

We compared the effects of similarly tasting orange flavored drinks containing 0% (P), 6.4% (E1), and 10% (E2) carbohydrate (CHO) using 12 well-trained cyclists (VO2max = 5.0 l/min-1) on metabolic responses to exercise (EX) and a sprint type performance ride (PR). Each subject completed 3 separate 2 h EX bouts at 65% VO2max followed by a PR identified as the time in sec to complete 500 revolutions at a constant belt resistance of 29.4 N (ANOVA*). The CHO feedings or placebo of 3 ml/kg body weight were given double blind and counter-balanced at 0 min and every 20 min thereafter during EX. Blood samples were drawn and core temperature (Tr) was recorded at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min of EX and 1 min post PR. Blood samples were analyzed for glucose (G) and lactate [LA-]. Blood G at 0 min were similar; however, at 120 min, G was 3.96 mM for P*, 4.57 mM for E1, and 4.77 mM for E2. Blood [LA-] remained similar throughout EX averaging (P, 2.6 mM; E1, 2.9 mM; E2, 2.5 mM). Tr at 120 min was also similar (P, 38.5 degrees C; E1, 38.6 degrees C; E2, 38.3 degrees C). Mean PR times for P(264.4 s)**, E1 (255.3 s)*, E2 (252.4 s)* indicate consumption of a CHO drink during EX improves PR. Furthermore, a 10% CHO drink improves PR more than a 6.4% CHO drink.

Metabolic cost of ice and in-line skating in Division I collegiate ice hockey players.

This study compared the metabolic cost of ice skating and in-line skating in Division I collegiate hockey players. Heart rate and oxygen uptake were compared between the two conditions at three skating velocities: 12.5 km.h-1, 16.5 km.h-1, and 20 km.h-1. Twelve subjects were tested on two occasions: on ice (ice skating) and off ice (in-line skating). They skated for 3 min at each velocity, with heart rate recording and gas collection taking place during the final 30 s of each stage. A two-factor repeated measures ANOVA revealed that the chosen velocities affected the two conditions differently for heart rate (p < .01). No interaction between condition and velocity was found for absolute (p < .43) and relative (p < .15) oxygen uptake. In-line skating produced significantly greater heart rate values and absolute oxygen uptake values than ice skating at all three velocities (p < .05). In-line skating also generated significantly greater relative oxygen uptake values at 16.5 km.h-1 and 20 km.h-1. Results suggest that the metabolic cost of in-line skating is greater than that of ice skating for collegiate ice hockey players when skating at three velocities similar to those skated during game conditions.

Determination of lactate threshold by respiratory gas exchange measures and blood lactate levels during incremental load work.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was the determination of the lactate threshold (LT) by selected respiratory gas exchange measures and venous blood lactate levels during incremental load work on a mechanically braked cycle ergometer. DESIGN: Repeated measures design. SETTING: Human Performance Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Eight healthy trained soccer players (mean age 21.9 +/- 3.0 yr, mean VO2max = 59.2 +/- 3.6 ml.kg.min-1). OUTCOME MEASURE: Subjects conducted two incremental load work tests. Incremental load work was increased by 1 kilopond (kp) every third minute at 60 rpm until voluntary exhaustion. Blood samples from a forearm vein were collected during the second trial (T2) only and analyzed for lactic acid [LA-]. RESULTS: One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures indicated no statistically significant difference between the two tests for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), maximal carbon dioxide production (VCO2max), maximal heart rate (HRmax), maximal pulmonary ventilation (VEBTPSmax) and lowest ventilatory equivalent of oxygen (VE/VO2), respectively; however, there was a significant difference among the oxygen uptake (VO2) values at the LT for the four determination methods. In our subjects, the measured (mean +/- SD) VE/VO2 in relation to VO2 for the first trial (T1) of 22.9 +/- 1.9 occurred at VO2 of 1.27 +/- 0.8 l.min-1. The lowest VE/VO2 and the onset of [LA-] accumulation calculated from individual exponential equations relating VE to VO2 yielded VO2 values of 1.77 +/- 0.18 and 1.74 +/- 0.25 l.min-1 for the T2. Utilizing natural log for lactate ln [LA-] to natural log for ln (VO2) equations, the LT for T2 occurred at VO2 of 1.30 +/- 0.70 l.min-1. CONCLUSION: LT was best predicted by the measured lowest VE/VO2 and the plot of the ln [LA-] to ln VO2 relationship. The methods used in this study provide a valid estimate of the LT and support the use of measured lowest VE/VO2 as an indirect measure of the LT.

Activity-based pacing: comparison of a device using an accelerometer versus a piezoelectric crystal.

The EXCEL VR, an accelerometer-based pacemaker (AC), and the Legend, a pacemaker utilizing a piezoelectric crystal (PZ), were compared under ergometric conditions and during stair climbing to assess the appropriateness of their rate responses. The pacemakers, programmed to the manufacturers' nominal settings in order to compare different technologically based sensors under identical conditions, were strapped over subjects' left mid-pectoral region. Placement of the devices was randomized to control for positional effects. Ten healthy subjects (55-72 years) completed a graded exercise treadmill test to 80% of maximum predicted heart rate (HR). An additional group of ten subjects (50-66 years) completed exercise protocols involving bicycle ergometry and stair climbing. Throughout all tests, pacemaker pulse rates and subjects' intrinsic HR were monitored continuously. For the treadmill exercise, the average correlations between the AC and PZ pacemakers' pulse rate and HR for the group as a whole were r = 0.92 and r = 0.82, respectively. Individual subject comparisons were also made between each pacemaker rate and intrinsic HR. The mean difference from intrinsic rate was 11 ppm for the AC pacemaker and 24 ppm for the PZ pacemaker. In addition, the PZ pacemaker's maximal pulse rate was significantly lower (105 +/- 9.6 ppm) than the other two rates (AC 137 +/- 6 ppm; intrinsic HR 129 +/- 2 beats/min). Throughout the bicycle ergometry testing, the intrinsic HR was higher than the AC and PZ pacing rates. However, the AC's rate was significantly higher than the PZ's rate. When subjects ascended stairs, the intrinsic HR and AC rate were closely correlated, but the PZ rate was significantly lower.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)