Design and Evaluation of a Modified Underwater Cycle Ergometer

1996 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
An A. Chen ◽  
Glen P. Kenny ◽  
Chad E. Johnston ◽  
Gordon G. Giesbrecht
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Maximal Exercise ◽  
Exercise Duration ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Gear Ratio ◽  
Upright Position ◽  
Exercise Tests ◽  
Maximal Power Output ◽  
Power Outputs ◽  
Key Words Core Temperature

An underwater cycle ergometer was designed consisting of an aluminum cycle frame in water connected with a 1:1 gear ratio to a mechanically braked standard cycle ergometer supported above the water. Three progressive maximal exercise tests were performed (n = 10): (a) the underwater ergometer in water (UEW), (b) underwater ergometer in air (UEA), and (c) a standard cycle ergometer in air (SEA). At submaximal power outputs, oxygen consumption [Formula: see text] and heart rate (HR) were generally lower in the SEA condition (p <.05), indicating that exercise in the upright position was more efficient. Exercise in water (UEW) resulted in lower total exercise duration, maximal HR, and maximal Tes than in air conditions. The upright position (SEA) resulted in greater total exercise duration and maximal power output than the semirecumbent positions. Because of positional differences between the standard and underwater ergometers, air-water comparisons should be made by using the underwater ergometer in water and on land. Key words: core temperature, esophageal temperature, skin temperature, exercise, resistance, work, power output, heat balance, heat loss, heat production, thermoregulation

Ischemic preconditioning of the muscle improves maximal exercise performance but not maximal oxygen uptake in humans

2011 ◽  
Vol 111 (2) ◽  
pp. 530-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Crisafulli ◽  
Flavio Tangianu ◽  
Filippo Tocco ◽  
Alberto Concu ◽  
Ombretta Mameli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Ischemic Preconditioning ◽  
Exercise Performance ◽  
Cell Injury ◽  
Maximal Exercise ◽  
Pulmonary Ventilation ◽  
Anaerobic Capacity ◽  
Maximal Heart Rate ◽  
Exercise Tests ◽  
Maximal Power Output

Brief episodes of nonlethal ischemia, commonly known as “ischemic preconditioning” (IP), are protective against cell injury induced by infarction. Moreover, muscle IP has been found capable of improving exercise performance. The aim of the study was the comparison of standard exercise performances carried out in normal conditions with those carried out following IP, achieved by brief muscle ischemia at rest (RIP) and after exercise (EIP). Seventeen physically active, healthy male subjects performed three incremental, randomly assigned maximal exercise tests on a cycle ergometer up to exhaustion. One was the reference (REF) test, whereas the others were performed after the RIP and EIP sessions. Total exercise time (TET), total work (TW), and maximal power output (Wmax), oxygen uptake (VO2max), and pulmonary ventilation (VEmax) were assessed. Furthermore, impedance cardiography was used to measure maximal heart rate (HRmax), stroke volume (SVmax), and cardiac output (COmax). A subgroup of volunteers ( n = 10) performed all-out tests to assess their anaerobic capacity. We found that both RIP and EIP protocols increased in a similar fashion TET, TW, Wmax, VEmax, and HRmax with respect to the REF test. In particular, Wmax increased by ∼4% in both preconditioning procedures. However, preconditioning sessions failed to increase traditionally measured variables such as VO2max, SVmax, COmax, and anaerobic capacity. It was concluded that muscle IP improves performance without any difference between RIP and EIP procedures. The mechanism of this effect could be related to changes in fatigue perception.

scholarly journals No Influence of Nonivamide-nicoboxil on the Peak Power Output in Competitive Sportsmen

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa Schörkmaier ◽  
Yvonne Wahl ◽  
Christian Brinkmann ◽  
Wilhelm Bloch ◽  
Patrick Wahl
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Endurance Performance ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Muscle Oxygenation ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Exercise Tests ◽  
Hypoxic Conditions ◽  
Placebo Cream

AbstractRecent studies have shown that the oxygenated hemoglobin level can be enhanced during rest through the application of nonivamide-nicoboxil cream. However, the effect of nonivamide-nicoboxil cream on oxygenation and endurance performance under hypoxic conditions is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of nonivamide-nicoboxil cream on local muscle oxygenation and endurance performance under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. In a cross-over design, 13 athletes (experienced cyclists or triathletes [age: 25.2±3.5 years; VO2max 62.1±7.3 mL·min−1·kg−1]) performed four incremental exercise tests on the cycle ergometer under normoxic or hypoxic conditions, either with nonivamide-nicoboxil or placebo cream. Muscle oxygenation was recorded with near-infrared spectroscopy. Capillary blood samples were taken after each step, and spirometric data were recorded continuously. The application of nonivamide-nicoboxil cream increased muscle oxygenation at rest and during different submaximal workloads as well as during physical exhaustion, irrespective of normoxic or hypoxic conditions. Overall, there were no significant effects of nonivamide-nicoboxil on peak power output, maximal oxygen uptake or lactate concentrations. Muscle oxygenation is significantly higher with the application of nonivamide-nicoboxil cream. However, its application does not increase endurance performance.

O2 uptake kinetics and the O2 deficit as related to exercise intensity and blood lactate

1993 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 755-762 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. J. Barstow ◽  
R. Casaburi ◽  
K. Wasserman
Keyword(s):  
Blood Lactate ◽  
Time Constant ◽  
Exercise Intensity ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
O2 Uptake ◽  
Ergometer Exercise ◽  
Lactate Levels ◽  
Power Outputs ◽  
O2 Deficit

The dynamic responses of O2 uptake (VO2) to a range of constant power output levels were related to exercise intensity [as percent maximal VO2 and as below vs. above lactic acid threshold (LAT)] and to the associated end-exercise lactate in three groups of subjects: group I, untrained subjects performing leg cycle ergometer exercise; group II, the same subjects performing arm cycle exercise; and group III, trained cyclists performing leg cycle ergometer exercise. Responses were described by a double-exponential equation, with each component having an independent time delay, which reduced to a monoexponential description for moderate (below-LAT) exercise. When a second exponential component to the VO2 response was present, it did not become evident until approximately 80–100 s into exercise. An overall time constant (tau T, determined as O2 deficit for the total response divided by net end-exercise VO2) and a primary time constant (tau P, determined from the O2 deficit and the amplitude for the early primary VO2 response) were compared. The tau T rose with power output and end-exercise lactate levels, but tau P was virtually invariant, even at high end-exercise lactate levels. Moreover the gain of the primary exponential component (as delta VO2/delta W) was constant across power outputs and blood lactate levels, suggesting that the primary VO2 response reflects a linear system, even at higher power outputs. These results suggest that elevated end-exercise lactate is not associated with any discernible slowing of the primary rise in VO2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A Prediction Model for Peak Power Output From Different Incremental Exercise Tests

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans Luttikholt ◽  
Lars R. McNaughton ◽  
Adrian W. Midgley ◽  
David J. Bentley
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Incremental Exercise ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Exercise Tests ◽  
Male Athletes ◽  
Power Profile ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Level Of Agreement

Context:There is currently no model that predicts peak power output (PPO) thereby allowing comparison between different incremental exercise test (EXT) protocols. In this study we have used the critical power profile to develop a mathematical model for predicting PPO from the results of different EXTs.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine the level of agreement between actual PPO values and those predicted from the new model.Methods:Eleven male athletes (age 25 ± 5 years, VO2max 62 ± 8 mL · kg–1 · min–1) completed 3 laboratory tests on a cycle ergometer. Each test comprised an EXT consisting of 1-minute workload increments of 30 W (EXT30/1) and 3-minute (EXT25/3) and 5-minute workload increments (EXT25/5) of 25 W. The PPO determined from each test was used to predict the PPO from the remaining 2 EXTs.Results:The differences between actual and predicted PPO values were statistically insignificant (P > .05). The random error components of the limits of agreement of ≤30 W also indicated acceptable levels of agreement between actual and predicted PPO values.Conclusions:Further data collection is necessary to confirm whether the model is able to predict PPO over a wide range of EXT protocols in athletes of different aerobic and anaerobic capacities.

The Effect of Superoxygenated Water on Blood Gases, Lactate, and Aerobic Cycling Performance

2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars R. McNaughton ◽  
Steve Kenney ◽  
Jason Siegler ◽  
Adrian W. Midgley ◽  
Ric J. Lovell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Test ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Rest Period ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Exercise Tests ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Maximal Power Output ◽  
Physiological Variables ◽  
Average Power Output

Context:Recently, superoxygenated-water beverages have emerged as a new purported ergogenic substance.Purpose:This study aimed to determine the effects of superoxygenated water on submaximal endurance performance.Methods:Eleven active male subjects, VO2max 52.6 ± 4.8 mL · kg−1 · min−1, height 180.0 ± 2.0 cm, weight 76.0 ± 7.0 kg, age 24 ± 1.0 y (mean ± SD), completed a 45-min cycle-ergometry exercise test at 70% of their previously predicted maximal power output with a 10-min rest period, followed by a 15-min time trial (TT). Thirty minutes before the exercise test subjects consumed 15 mL of either superoxygenated water (E) or placebo (P; water mixed with low-chlorine solution). Subjects then completed the test again a week later for the other condition (double-blind, randomized). The physiological variables measured during exercise were VO2, VCO2, respiratory-exchange ratio (RER), VE, PO2, PCO2, blood lactate (bLa–), and heart rate (HR). Mean distance covered and the average power output for the 15-min TT were also measured as performance indicators.Results:There were no significant differences in VO2, VCO2, RER, VE, bLa−, PO2, and HR (P > .05) during the exercise tests. Neither were there any significant improvements in the total distance covered (P 9.01 ± 0.74 km vs E 8.96 ± 0.68 km, P > .05) or the average power output (P 186.7 ± 35.8 W vs E 179.0 ± 25.9 W, P > .05) during the 15-min TT.Conclusion:Based on these results the authors conclude that consuming 15 mL of superoxygenated water does not enhance submaximal or maximal TT cycling performance.

scholarly journals Human muscle metabolism during intermittent maximal exercise

1993 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 712-719 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. C. Gaitanos ◽  
C. Williams ◽  
L. H. Boobis ◽  
S. Brooks
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Maximal Exercise ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
High Plasma ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Vastus Lateralis Muscle ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Muscle Lactate ◽  
Atp Production

Eight male subjects volunteered to take part in this study. The exercise protocol consisted of ten 6-s maximal sprints with 30 s of recovery between each sprint on a cycle ergometer. Needle biopsy samples were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle before and after the first sprint and 10 s before and immediately after the tenth sprint. The energy required to sustain the high mean power output (MPO) that was generated over the first 6-s sprint (870.0 +/- 159.2 W) was provided by an equal contribution from phosphocreatine (PCr) degradation and anaerobic glycolysis. Indeed, within the first 6-s bout of maximal exercise PCr concentration had fallen by 57% and muscle lactate concentration had increased to 28.6 mmol/kg dry wt, confirming significant glycolytic activity. However, in the tenth sprint there was no change in muscle lactate concentration even though MPO was reduced only to 73% of that generated in the first sprint. This reduced glycogenolysis occurred despite the high plasma epinephrine concentration of 5.1 +/- 1.5 nmol/l after sprint 9. In face of a considerable reduction in the contribution of anaerobic glycogenolysis to ATP production, it was suggested that, during the last sprint, power output was supported by energy that was mainly derived from PCr degradation and an increased aerobic metabolism.

The Na+-K+-ATPase α2 gene and trainability of cardiorespiratory endurance: the HERITAGE Family Study

2000 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 346-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuomo Rankinen ◽  
Louis Pérusse ◽  
Ingrid Borecki ◽  
Yvon C. Chagnon ◽  
Jacques Gagnon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Maximal Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Endurance Performance ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Electrolyte Balance ◽  
Exercise Tests ◽  
Maximal Power Output ◽  
Length Polymorphisms ◽  
Ergometer Exercise ◽  
Exon 1 ◽  
N 93

The Na+-K+-ATPase plays an important role in the maintenance of electrolyte balance in the working muscle and thus may contribute to endurance performance. This study aimed to investigate the associations between genetic variants at the Na+-K+-ATPase α2 locus and the response (Δ) of maximal oxygen consumption (V˙o 2 max) and maximal power output (W˙max) to 20 wk of endurance training in 472 sedentary Caucasian subjects from 99 families. V˙o 2 max andW˙max were measured during two maximal cycle ergometer exercise tests before and again after the training program, and restriction fragment length polymorphisms at the Na+-K+-ATPase α2 (exons 1 and 21–22 with Bgl II) gene were typed. Sibling-pair linkage analysis revealed marginal evidence for linkage between the α2 haplotype and ΔV˙o 2 max ( P= 0.054) and stronger linkages between the α2 exon 21–22 marker ( P = 0.005) and α2 haplotype ( P = 0.003) and ΔW˙max. In the whole cohort, ΔV˙o 2 max in the 3.3-kb homozygotes of the exon 1 marker ( n = 5) was 41% lower than in the 8.0/3.3-kb heterozygotes ( n = 87) and 48% lower than in the 8.0-kb homozygotes ( n = 380; P = 0.018, adjusted for age, gender, baselineV˙o 2 max, and body weight). Among offspring, 10.5/10.5-kb homozygotes ( n = 14) of the exon 21–22 marker showed a 571 ± 56 (SE) ml O2/min increase inV˙o 2 max, whereas the increases in the 10.5/4.3-kb ( n = 93) and 4.3/4.3-kb ( n= 187) genotypes were 442 ± 22 and 410 ± 15 ml O2/min, respectively ( P = 0.017). These data suggest that genetic variation at the Na+-K+-ATPase α2 locus influences the trainability ofV˙o 2 max in sedentary Caucasian subjects.

Sprinting for the Win: Distribution of Power Output in Women’s Professional Cycling

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1237-1242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremiah J. Peiffer ◽  
Chris R. Abbiss ◽  
Eric C. Haakonssen ◽  
Paolo Menaspà
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Maximal Power Output ◽  
Variable Nature ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Road Cyclists ◽  
Distribution Of Power ◽  
Power Outputs ◽  
Professional Cycling

Purpose:To examine the power-output distribution and sprint characteristics of professional female road cyclists.Methods:A total of 31 race files, representing top 5 finishes, were collected from 7 professional female cyclists. Files were analyzed for sprint characteristics, including mean and peak power output, velocity, and duration. The final 20 min before the sprint was analyzed to determine the mean maximal power output (MMP) consistent with durations of 5, 15, 30, 60, 240, and 600 s. Throughout the race, the number of efforts for each duration exceeding 80% of its corresponding final 20-min MMP (MMP80) was determined. The number of 15-s efforts exceeding 80% of the mean final sprint power output (MSP80) was determined.Results:Sprint finishes lasted 21.8 (6.7) s with mean and peak power outputs of 679 (101) and 886 (91) W, respectively. Throughout the race, additional 5-, 15-, and 30-s efforts above MMP80were completed in the 5th compared with the 1st–4th quintiles of the race. The 60-s efforts were greater during the 5th quintile compared with the 1st, 2nd, and 4th quintiles, and during the 3rd compared with the 4th quintile. More 240-s efforts were recorded during the 5th compared with the 1st and 4th quintiles. About 82% of the 15-s efforts above MSP80were completed in the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th quintiles of the race.Conclusions:These data demonstrate the variable nature of women’s professional cycling and the physical demands necessary for success, thus providing information that could enhance in-race decision making and the development of race-specific training programs.

Effects of incomplete pulmonary gas exchange on VO2 max

1989 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 2491-2495 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. K. Powers ◽  
J. Lawler ◽  
J. A. Dempsey ◽  
S. Dodd ◽  
G. Landry
Keyword(s):  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Maximal Exercise ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Pulmonary Gas Exchange ◽  
Endurance Athletes ◽  
Healthy Male ◽  
Exercise Tests ◽  
Ergometer Exercise ◽  
Exercise Induced

Recent evidence suggests that heavy exercise may lower the percentage of O2 bound to hemoglobin (%SaO2) by greater than or equal to 5% below resting values in some highly trained endurance athletes. We tested the hypothesis that pulmonary gas exchange limitations may restrict VO2max in highly trained athletes who exhibit exercise-induced hypoxemia. Twenty healthy male volunteers were divided into two groups according to their physical fitness status and the demonstration of exercise-induced reductions in %SaO2 less than or equal to 92%: 1) trained (T), mean VO2max = 56.5 ml.kg-1.min-1 (n = 13) and 2) highly trained (HT) with maximal exercise %SaO2 less than or equal to 92%, mean VO2max = 70.1 ml.kg-1.min-1 (n = 7). Subjects performed two incremental cycle ergometer exercise tests to determine VO2max at sea level under normoxic (21% O2) and mild hyperoxic conditions (26% O2). Mean %SaO2 during maximal exercise was significantly higher (P less than 0.05) during hyperoxia compared with normoxia in both the T group (94.1 vs. 96.1%) and the HT group (90.6 vs. 95.9%). Mean VO2max was significantly elevated (P less than 0.05) during hyperoxia compared with normoxia in the HT group (74.7 vs. 70.1 ml.kg-1.min-1). In contrast, in the T group, no mean difference (P less than 0.05) existed between treatments in VO2max (56.5 vs. 57.1 ml.kg-1.min-1). These data suggest that pulmonary gas exchange may contribute significantly to the limitation of VO2max in highly trained athletes who exhibit exercise-induced reductions in %SaO2 at sea level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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