The influence of core affect on cyclo-ergometer endurance performance: Effects on performance outcomes and perceived exertion

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of ingesting either a high glycaemic index (HGI) or low glycaemic index (LGI) carbohydrate meal (preceding a 12 h overnight fast and where the meal was ingested 45-min prior to activity) on intermittent sprint and endurance exercise performance. Ten male varsity athletes from intermittent sports (age 23.6 ± 1.7 years, VO2max 51.9 ± 4.7 mL·kg−1·min−1) underwent a peak velocity (Vpeak) test and familiarisation session, followed by two experimental sessions in random order. Experimental sessions involved the ingestion of either an HGI or LGI meal, followed by the completion of the modified Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (mLIST). There was no significant difference between HGI or LGI meals on sprint times (p = 0.62) and distance to exhaustion (p = 0.54) in the mLIST. Exercise heart rate, blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion were also similar between the two meal trials throughout the mLIST (all p > 0.05). Subjective ratings of hunger, fullness, satiety and satisfaction were also not significantly different between the two meals. In conclusion, consuming either an HGI or LGI meal after a prolonged 12 h fast and ingesting the meal 45 min prior to exercise did not differ in either physiological, subjective and intermittent sprint and endurance performance outcomes.

Download Full-text

Solid, Gel, and Liquid Carbohydrate Format Effects on Gut Comfort and Performance

International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism ◽

10.1123/ijsnem.2016-0211 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 247-254 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Mathilde Guillochon ◽

David S. Rowlands

Keyword(s):

Peak Power ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Endurance Performance ◽

Cycling Performance ◽

Performance Outcomes ◽

Double Blind ◽

Fluid Ingestion ◽

Comparable Performance ◽

And Performance ◽

Format Effects

Carbohydrate sports drinks produce worthwhile benefits to endurance performance compared with noncaloric controls. However, athletes now consume carbohydrate in a range of formats, including gels and bars, but the comparable performance outcomes are unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish the relative effects of drink, gel, bar, and mixed carbohydrate formats on intense cycling performance. In a treatmentapparent randomized crossover design, 12 well-trained male cyclists completed 4 trials comprising a 140-min race simulation, followed by a double-blind slow-ramp to exhaustion (0.333 W·s-1). Carbohydrate comprising fructose and maltodextrin was ingested every 20 min via commercial drink, gel, bar, or mix of all 3, providing 80 g carbohydrate·h-1. Fluid ingestion was 705 ml·h-1. Exertion, fatigue, and gastrointestinal discomfort were measured with VAS. Performance peak power (SD) was 370 (41), 376 (37), 362 (51) and 368 W (54) for drink, gels, bars, and mix respectively. The reduction in power (-3.9%; 90%CI ±4.3) following bar ingestion vs. gel was likely substantial (likelihood harm 81.2%; benefit 0.8%), but no clear differences between drinks, gels, and the mix were evident. Bars also produced small-moderate standardized increases in nausea, stomach fullness, abdominal cramps, and perceived exertion, relative to gels (likelihood harm 95–99.5%; benefit <0.01%) and drink (75–95%; <0.01%); mix also increased nausea relative to gels (95%; <0.01%). Relative to a gel, carbohydrate bar ingestion reduced peak power, gut comfort, and ease of exertion; furthermore, no clear difference relative to drink suggests bars alone are the less favorable exogenous-carbohydrate energy source for intense endurance performance.

Download Full-text

Hydration, drinking and exercise performance

Swiss Sports & Exercise Medicine ◽

10.34045/ssem/2017/3 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 65 (1) ◽

Keyword(s):

Body Mass ◽

Time Trial ◽

Endurance Performance ◽

Performance Outcomes ◽

Review Article ◽

Body Mass Loss ◽

Performance Effects ◽

Ad Libitum ◽

Low Levels ◽

Trial Performance

To counter progressive dehydration and thirst, athletes drink during exercise. However, despite decades of scientific research, there is still no conclusive answer regarding how much we should drink to optimize performance. The goal of this review article is to analyze the arguments underpinning contrasting perspectives and to critically analyze the available evidence. It seems that the respective argumentations of contrasting viewpoints are based on a different selective fraction of the available evidence. In studies using time trial performance protocols in which dehydration develops during exercise, it seems that end-exercise dehydration levels of up to 4% body mass do not compromise endurance performance in temperate to hot conditions – at least as long as the athlete is not prevented from drinking. In contrast, studies that induced dehydration pre-exercise consistently report performance impacts already at low levels of dehydration, i.e., 1 to 2% body mass loss. Further factors like the perception of thirst have been suggested to influence performance, but performance effects cannot be explained solely by the perception of thirst as well. Nevertheless, no evidence was found against the hypothesis that drinking ad libitum may optimize performance outcomes. At the same time, arguments have been identified regarding why a drinking plan might assist athletes in different situations.

Download Full-text

Is There an Optimal Ischemic-Preconditioning Dose to Improve Cycling Performance?

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2017-0114 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 274-282 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Scott Cocking ◽

Mathew G. Wilson ◽

David Nichols ◽

N. Timothy Cable ◽

Daniel J. Green ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Lactate ◽

Ischemic Preconditioning ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Time Trial ◽

Endurance Performance ◽

Cycling Performance ◽

Performance Outcomes ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Cycling Time Trial ◽

Number Of Cycles

Introduction: Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) may enhance endurance performance. No previous study has directly compared distinct IPC protocols for optimal benefit. Purpose: To determine whether a specific IPC protocol (ie, number of cycles, amount of muscle tissue, and local vs remote occlusion) elicits greater performance outcomes. Methods: Twelve cyclists performed 5 different IPC protocols 30 min before a blinded 375-kJ cycling time trial (TT) in a laboratory. Responses to traditional IPC (4 × 5-min legs) were compared with those to 8 × 5-min legs and sham (dose cycles), 4 × 5-min unilateral legs (dose tissue), and 4 × 5-min arms (remote). Rating of perceived exertion and blood lactate were recorded at each 25% TT completion. Power (W), heart rate (beats/min), and oxygen uptake () (mL · kg−1 · min−1) were measured continuously throughout TTs. Magnitude-based-inference statistics were employed to compare variable differences to the minimal practically important difference. Results: Traditional IPC was associated with a 17-s (0, 34) faster TT time than sham. Applying more dose cycles (8 × 5 min) had no impact on performance. Traditional IPC was associated with likely trivial higher blood lactate and possibly beneficial lower responses vs sham. Unilateral IPC was associated with 18-s (−11, 48) slower performance than bilateral (dose tissue). TT times after remote and local IPC were not different (0 [−16, 16] s). Conclusion: The traditional 4 × 5-min (local or remote) IPC stimulus resulted in the fastest TT time compared with sham; there was no benefit of applying a greater number of cycles or employing unilateral IPC.

Download Full-text

Carbohydrate Drink Use During 30 Minutes of Variable-Intensity Exercise Has No Effect on Exercise Performance in Premenarchal Girls

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.2020-0050 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 33 (2) ◽

pp. 65-69

Author(s):

C. Eric Heidorn ◽

Brandon J. Dykstra ◽

Cori A. Conner ◽

Anthony D. Mahon

Keyword(s):

Peak Power ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Fatigue Index ◽

Mean Power ◽

Variable Intensity ◽

Performance Effects ◽

Power Peak ◽

The Mean ◽

And Performance

Purpose: This study examined the physiological, perceptual, and performance effects of a 6% carbohydrate (CHO) drink during variable-intensity exercise (VIE) and a postexercise test in premenarchal girls. Methods: A total of 10 girls (10.4 [0.7] y) participated in the study. VO2peak was assessed, and the girls were familiarized with VIE and performance during the first visit. The trial order (CHO and placebo) was randomly assigned for subsequent visits. The drinks were given before VIE bouts and 1-minute performance (9 mL/kg total). Two 15-minute bouts of VIE were completed (10 repeated sequences of 20%, 55%, and 95% power at VO2peak and maximal sprints) before a 1-minute performance sprint. Results: The mean power, peak power, heart rate (HR), %HRpeak, and rating of perceived exertion during VIE did not differ between trials. However, the peak power decreased, and the rating of perceived exertion increased from the first to the second bout. During the 1-minute performance, there were no differences between the trial (CHO vs placebo) for HR (190 [9] vs 189 [9] bpm), %HRpeak (97.0% [3.2%] vs 96.6% [3.0%]), rating of perceived exertion (7.8 [2.3] vs 8.1 [1.9]), peak power (238 [70] vs 235 [60] W), fatigue index (54.7% [10.0%] vs 55.9% [12.8%]), or total work (9.4 [2.6] vs 9.4 [2.1] kJ). Conclusion: CHO supplementation did not alter physiological, perceptual, or performance responses during 30 minutes of VIE or postexercise sprint performance in premenarchal girls.

Download Full-text

Can Intentional Distractions Affect Endurance Performance Positively?

Diversity of Research in Health Journal ◽

10.28984/drhj.v4i1.337 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 15

Author(s):

Roger Couture

Keyword(s):

Perceived Exertion ◽

Endurance Performance ◽

Residual Effects ◽

Ratings Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Future Studies ◽

Performance Time ◽

Performance Change ◽

Confounding Variables ◽

Improved Performance ◽

Active Distraction

Distractions are often associated with negative outcomes however, distractions can also benefit people. Using the hypothesis of internal-external distractions in the competition for cue, this study examined the effects of an active (controlled) and passive (uncontrolled) distraction on three endurance tasks. Participants (N=42), aged 20 to 23 years were assigned to three groups. Tasks and conditions were counterbalanced across groups to minimize the residual effects of fatigue, learning an intervention and other confounding variables. Performance time, heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion and perceived fatigue were measured. Results showed that active distraction significantly improved performance and lowered Rate of Perceived Exertion in one task. As expected, the active distraction group was the least accurate for estimating time spent. Passive distraction caused minimal performance change. More investigation is needed to understand why an active distraction only affected one trial. Future studies should delve into means for better understanding the hypothesis of competition for cue.

Download Full-text

Neither Beetroot Juice Supplementation nor Increased Carbohydrate Oxidation Enhance Economy of Prolonged Exercise in Elite Race Walkers

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13082767 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 2767

Author(s):

Louise M. Burke ◽

Rebecca Hall ◽

Ida A. Heikura ◽

Megan L. Ross ◽

Nicolin Tee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Elite Athletes ◽

Endurance Performance ◽

Beetroot Juice ◽

Future Studies ◽

Exercise Economy ◽

Parallel Group ◽

Performance Effects ◽

Race Walking ◽

The Impact ◽

Current Guidelines

Given the importance of exercise economy to endurance performance, we implemented two strategies purported to reduce the oxygen cost of exercise within a 4 week training camp in 21 elite male race walkers. Fourteen athletes undertook a crossover investigation with beetroot juice (BRJ) or placebo (PLA) [2 d preload, 2 h pre-exercise + 35 min during exercise] during a 26 km race walking at speeds simulating competitive events. Separately, 19 athletes undertook a parallel group investigation of a multi-pronged strategy (MAX; n = 9) involving chronic (2 w high carbohydrate [CHO] diet + gut training) and acute (CHO loading + 90 g/h CHO during exercise) strategies to promote endogenous and exogenous CHO availability, compared with strategies reflecting lower ranges of current guidelines (CON; n = 10). There were no differences between BRJ and PLA trials for rates of CHO (p = 0.203) or fat (p = 0.818) oxidation or oxygen consumption (p = 0.090). Compared with CON, MAX was associated with higher rates of CHO oxidation during exercise, with increased exogenous CHO use (CON; peak = ~0.45 g/min; MAX: peak = ~1.45 g/min, p < 0.001). High rates of exogenous CHO use were achieved prior to gut training, without further improvement, suggesting that elite athletes already optimise intestinal CHO absorption via habitual practices. No differences in exercise economy were detected despite small differences in substrate use. Future studies should investigate the impact of these strategies on sub-elite athletes’ economy as well as the performance effects in elite groups.

Download Full-text

Effects of Adding Small Combat Games to Regular Taekwondo Training on Physiological and Performance Outcomes in Male Young Athletes

Frontiers in Physiology ◽

10.3389/fphys.2021.646666 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Ibrahim Ouergui ◽

Emerson Franchini ◽

Hamdi Messaoudi ◽

Hamdi Chtourou ◽

Anissa Bouassida ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Exertion ◽

Lactate Concentration ◽

Blood Lactate Concentration ◽

Random Order ◽

Performance Outcomes ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Control Group ◽

Metabolic Demand ◽

Before And After ◽

Post Hoc

This study investigated the effect of area sizes (4 × 4, 6 × 6, and 8 × 8 m) and effort-pause ratios (free combat vs. 1:2) variation on the physiological and perceptive responses during taekwondo combats (Study 1). In a second study, the effects on physical performance of 8 weeks of small combat-based training added to regular taekwondo training were investigated (Study 2). In random order, 32 male taekwondo athletes performed six (i.e., two effort-to-pause ratios × three area sizes conditions) different 2-min taekwondo combats (Study 1). Thereafter (Study 2), they were randomly assigned to three experimental groups (4 × 4, 6 × 6, and 8 × 8 m) and an active control group (CG). Regarding Study 1, blood lactate concentration [La] before and after each combat, mean heart rate (HRmean) during each combat, and rating of perceived exertion (CR-10) immediately after each combat were assessed. Regarding Study 2, progressive specific taekwondo (PSTT) to estimate maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), taekwondo-specific agility, and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests were administered before and after 8 weeks of training. Study 1 results showed that 4 × 4 m elicited lower HRmean values compared with 6 × 6 m (d = −0.42 [small], p = 0.030) and free combat induced higher values compared with the 1:2 ratio (d = 1.71 [large], p < 0.001). For [La]post, 4 × 4 m area size induced higher values than 6 × 6 m (d = 0.99 [moderate], p < 0.001) and 8 × 8 m (d = 0.89 [moderate], p < 0.001) and free combat induced higher values than 1:2 ratio (d = 0.69 [moderate], p < 0.001). Higher CR-10 scores were registered after free combat compared with 1:2 ratio (d = 0.44 [small], p = 0.007). For Study 2, VO2max increased after training [F(1, 56) =30.532, p < 0.001; post-hoc: d = 1.27 [large], p < 0.001] with higher values for 4 × 4 m compared with CG (d = 1.15 [moderate], p = 0.009). Agility performance improved after training [F(1, 56) = 4.419, p = 0.04; post-hoc: d = −0.46 [small], p = 0.04] and 4 × 4 m induced lower values in comparison with 6 × 6 m (d = −1.56 [large], p = 0.001) and CG (d = −0.77 [moderate], p = 0.049). No training type influenced CMJ performance. Smaller area size elicited contrasting results in terms of metabolic demand compared with larger sizes (i.e., lower HRmean but higher [La] and CR-10), whereas free combat induced variables' consistently higher values compared with imposed 1:2 ratio (Study 1). Taekwondo training is effective to improve VO2max and agility (Study 2), but small combat training modality should be investigated further.

Download Full-text

On- Versus Off-Bike Power Training in Professional Cyclists: A Randomized Controlled Trial

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2020-0305 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Pedro L. Valenzuela ◽

Jaime Gil-Cabrera ◽

Eduardo Talavera ◽

Lidia B. Alejo ◽

Almudena Montalvo-Pérez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Ventilatory Threshold ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Time Trial ◽

Endurance Performance ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Power Training ◽

Sprint Training

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of resistance power training (RPT, training with the individualized load and repetitions that maximize power output) and cycling power training (CPT, short sprint training) in professional cyclists. Methods: The participants (20 [2] y, peak oxygen uptake 78.0 [4.4] mL·kg−1·min−1) were randomly assigned to perform CPT (n = 8) or RPT (n = 10) in addition to their usual training regime for 7 weeks (2 sessions/wk). The training loads were continuously registered using the session rating of perceived exertion. The outcomes included endurance performance (8-min time trial and incremental test), as well as measures of muscle strength/power (1-repetition maximum and mean maximum propulsive power on the squat, hip thrust, and lunge exercises) and body composition (assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Results: No between-group differences were found for training loads or for any outcome (P > .05). Both interventions resulted in increased time-trial performance, as well as in improvements in other endurance-related outcomes (ie, ventilatory threshold, respiratory compensation point; P < .05). A significant or quasi-significant increase (P = .068 and .047 for CPT and RPT, respectively) in bone mineral content was observed after both interventions. A significant reduction in fat mass (P = .017), along with a trend (P = .059) toward a reduced body mass, was observed after RPT, but not CPT (P = .076 for the group × time interaction effect). Significant benefits (P < .05) were also observed for most strength-related outcomes after RPT, but not CPT. Conclusion: CPT and RPT are both effective strategies for the improvement of endurance performance and bone health in professional cyclists, although the latter tends to result in greater improvements in body composition and muscle strength/power.

Download Full-text

Performance Effects of Carbohydrate Ingestion Between Bouts of Intense Aerobic Interval Exercise

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2019-0239 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 262-267

Author(s):

Devin G. McCarthy ◽

Lawrence L. Spriet

Keyword(s):

Oxygen Consumption ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Peak Oxygen Consumption ◽

Trial Duration ◽

Carbohydrate Ingestion ◽

Subsequent Performance ◽

Performance Effects ◽

Improved Performance ◽

Post Hoc ◽

Glycogen Stores

Background: Rest between training sessions can be short for athletes. In these situations, consuming carbohydrate (CHO) postexercise replenishes glycogen stores, which is important for recovery and subsequent performance. Purpose: This study tested whether CHO intake during a 2-hour rest between exercise bouts improved performance in the subsequent bout. Methods: In a randomized, single-blinded, crossover design, 10 recreationally active participants (23 [4] y, 70.8 [6.6] kg, 47.0 [5.4] mL·O2·min−1·kg·body·mass−1) arrived at the lab postprandial and completed 2 exercise bouts separated by a 2-hour rest. Bouts included 5 × 4-minute intervals at ∼80% peak oxygen consumption separated by 2 minutes at ∼40% peak oxygen consumption and ended with an endurance trial to voluntary exhaustion at ∼90% peak oxygen consumption. During intervals 1 and 4 in each bout, expired gases were collected and O2 deficit was estimated. Immediately following bout 1, either a CHO (1.2 g CHO·kg·body·mass−1) or placebo solution was consumed. Results: Endurance trial duration decreased in bout 2 versus 1 in both conditions (P < .01) but was ∼35% longer in bout 2 with CHO versus placebo (interaction, P = .03; post hoc, P = .03). Oxygen uptake increased during interval 4 versus 1 in both bouts (P < .01) but was unaffected by CHO (P ≥ .58). O2 deficit was unaffected by CHO (P = .93), bout, or interval (P ≥ .15). Perceived exertion was higher in bout 2 versus 1 (P < .001) and reduced in intervals 2 and 4 in CHO (P ≤ .01). Conclusions: When rest between training sessions is 2 hours, athletes may improve subsequent performance by consuming CHO during recovery.

Download Full-text