scholarly journals Acetaminophen ingestion improves muscle activation and performance during a 3-min all-out cycling test

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 434-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul T. Morgan ◽  
Anni Vanhatalo ◽  
Joanna L. Bowtell ◽  
Andrew M. Jones ◽  
Stephen J. Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Femoral Nerve ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Membrane Excitability ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Cycling Exercise ◽  
M Wave ◽  
Cycling Test ◽  
Work Done

Acute acetaminophen (ACT) ingestion has been shown to enhance cycling time-trial performance. The purpose of this study was to assess whether ACT ingestion enhances muscle activation and critical power (CP) during maximal cycling exercise. Sixteen active male participants completed two 3-min all-out tests against a fixed resistance on an electronically braked cycle ergometer 60 min after ingestion of 1 g of ACT or placebo (maltodextrin, PL). CP was estimated as the mean power output over the final 30 s of the test and W′ (the curvature constant of the power–duration relationship) was estimated as the work done above CP. The femoral nerve was stimulated every 30 s to measure membrane excitability (M-wave) and surface electromyography (EMGRMS) was recorded continuously to infer muscle activation. Compared with PL, ACT ingestion increased CP (ACT: 297 ± 32 W vs. PL: 288 ± 31 W, P < 0.001) and total work done (ACT: 66.4 ± 6.5 kJ vs. PL: 65.4 ± 6.4 kJ, P = 0.03) without impacting W′ (ACT: 13.1 ± 2.9 kJ vs. PL: 13.6 ± 2.4 kJ, P = 0.19) or the M-wave amplitude (P = 0.66) during the 3-min all-out cycling test. Normalised EMGRMS amplitude declined throughout the 3-min protocol in both PL and ACT conditions; however, the decline in EMGRMS amplitude was attenuated in the ACT condition, such that the EMGRMS amplitude was greater in ACT compared with PL over the last 60 s of the test (P = 0.04). These findings indicate that acute ACT ingestion might increase performance and CP during maximal cycling exercise by enhancing muscle activation.

Determination of aerobic work and power on a rope-braked cycle ergometer by direct measurement

2006 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 392-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rae S. Gordon ◽  
Kathryn L. Franklin ◽  
Julien S. Baker ◽  
Bruce Davies
Keyword(s):  
Direct Measurement ◽  
Power Estimation ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Physiological Assessment ◽  
Brake Force ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Work Done

The purpose of this study was to compare the power and work outputs of a cycle ergometer using the manufacturer’s guidelines, with calculations using direct flywheel velocity and brake torque. A further aim was to compare the values obtained with those supplied by the manufacturer. A group of 10 male participants were asked to pedal a Monark 824E ergometer at a constant cadence of 60 r/min for a period of 3 min against a resistive mass of 3 kg. The flywheel velocity was measured using a tachometer. The brake force was determined by measuring the tension in the rope on either side of the flywheel. The calculated mean power was 147.45 ± 6.5 W compared with the Monark value of 183 ± 3.7 W. The difference between the methods for power estimation was 18% and was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The mean work done by the participants during the 3 min period was found to be 26 460 ± 1145 J compared with the Monark value of 33 067 ± 648 J (p < 0.01). The Monark formulae currently used to determine the power and work done by a participant overestimates the actual values required to overcome the resistance. There findings have far-reaching implications in the physiological assessment of athletic, sedentary, and diseased populations.

scholarly journals Single and Combined Effects of Beetroot Crystals and Sodium Bicarbonate on 4-km Cycling Time Trial Performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus J. Callahan ◽  
Evelyn B. Parr ◽  
John A. Hawley ◽  
Louise M. Burke
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Bicarbonate ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Combined Effects ◽  
Beetroot Juice ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Plasma Nitrite ◽  
Mean Power Output

When ingested alone, beetroot juice and sodium bicarbonate are ergogenic for high-intensity exercise performance. This study sought to determine the independent and combined effects of these supplements. Eight endurance trained (VO2max 65 mL·kg·min-1) male cyclists completed four × 4-km time trials (TT) in a doubleblind Latin square design supplementing with beetroot crystals (BC) for 3 days (15 g·day-1 + 15 g 1 h before TT, containing 300 mg nitrate per 15 g), bicarbonate (Bi 0.3 g·kg-1 body mass [BM] in 5 doses every 15 min from 2.5 h before TT); BC+Bi or placebo (PLA). Subjects completed TTs on a Velotron cycle ergometer under standardized laboratory conditions. Plasma nitrite concentrations were significantly elevated only in the BC+Bi trial before the TT (1520 ± 786 nmol·L-1) compared with baseline (665 ± 535 nmol·L-1, p = .02) and the Bi and PLA conditions (Bi: 593 ± 203 nmol·L-1, p < .01; PLA: 543 ± 369 nmol·L-1, p < .01). Plasma nitrite concentrations were not elevated in the BC trial before the TT (1102 ± 218 nmol·L-1) compared with baseline (975 ± 607 nmol·L-1, p > .05). Blood bicarbonate concentrations were increased in the BC+Bi and Bi trials before the TT (BC+Bi: 30.9 ± 2.8 mmol·L-1; Bi: 31.7 ± 1.1 mmol·L-1). There were no differences in mean power output (386–394 W) or the time taken to complete the TT (335.8–338.1 s) between any conditions. Under the conditions of this study, supplementation was not ergogenic for 4-km TT performance.

scholarly journals Sarcolemmal Excitability, M-Wave Changes, and Conduction Velocity During a Sustained Low-Force Contraction

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Rodriguez-Falces ◽  
Nicolas Place
Keyword(s):  
Conduction Velocity ◽  
Femoral Nerve ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Membrane Excitability ◽  
M Wave ◽  
Twitch Force ◽  
Sustained Contraction ◽  
Perceived Effort

This study was undertaken to investigate whether sarcolemmal excitability is impaired during a sustained low-force contraction [10% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)] by assessing muscle conduction velocity and also by analyzing separately the first and second phases of the muscle compound action potential (M wave). Twenty-one participants sustained an isometric knee extension of 10% MVC for 3min. M waves were evoked by supramaximal single shocks to the femoral nerve given at 10-s intervals. The amplitude, duration, and area of the first and second M-wave phases were computed. Muscle fiber conduction velocity, voluntary surface electromyographic (EMG), perceived effort, MVC force, peak twitch force, and temperature were also recorded. The main findings were: (1) During the sustained contraction, conduction velocity remained unchanged. (2) The amplitude of the M-wave first phase decreased for the first ~30s (−7%, p&lt;0.05) and stabilized thereafter, whereas the second phase amplitude increased for the initial ~30s (+7%, p&lt;0.05), before stabilizing. (3) Both duration and area decreased steeply during the first ~30s, and then more gradually for the rest of the contraction. (4) During the sustained contraction, perceived effort increased fivefold, whereas knee extension EMG increased by ~10%. (5) Maximal voluntary force and peak twitch force decreased (respectively, −9% and −10%, p&lt;0.05) after the low-force contraction. Collectively, the present results indicate that sarcolemmal excitability is well preserved during a sustained 10% MVC task. A depression of the M-wave first phase during a low-force contraction can occur even in the absence of changes in membrane excitability. The development of fatigue during a low-force contraction can occur without alteration of membrane excitability.

scholarly journals Neuromuscular fatigue during a long-duration cycling exercise

2002 ◽  
Vol 92 (4) ◽  
pp. 1487-1493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romuald Lepers ◽  
Nicola A. Maffiuletti ◽  
Ludovic Rochette ◽  
Julien Brugniaux ◽  
Guillaume Y. Millet
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Mechanical Response ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Quadriceps Muscle ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Vastus Lateralis Muscle ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Cycling Exercise ◽  
M Wave

The effects of prolonged cycling on neuromuscular parameters were studied in nine endurance-trained subjects during a 5-h exercise sustained at 55% of the maximal aerobic power. Torque during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the quadriceps muscle decreased progressively throughout the exercise ( P < 0.01) and was 18% less at the end of exercise compared with the preexercise value. Peak twitch torque, contraction time, and total area of mechanical response decreased significantly ( P < 0.05) after the first hour of exercise. In contrast, changes in M-wave characteristics were significant only after the fourth hour of the exercise. Significant reductions ( P < 0.05) in electromyographic activity normalized to the M wave occurred after the first hour for the vastus lateralis muscle but only at the end of the exercise for the vastus medialis muscle. Muscle activation level, assessed by the twitch interpolation technique, decreased by 8% ( P < 0.05) at the end of the exercise. The results suggest that the time course is such that the contractile properties are significantly altered after the first hour, whereas excitability and central drive are more impaired toward the latter stages of the 5-h cycling exercise.

scholarly journals Fatigue diminishes motoneuronal excitability during cycling exercise

2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (4) ◽  
pp. 1743-1751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua C. Weavil ◽  
Simranjit K. Sidhu ◽  
Tyler S. Mangum ◽  
Russell S. Richardson ◽  
Markus Amann
Keyword(s):  
Evoked Potentials ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Motor Evoked Potentials ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Femoral Nerve ◽  
Central Fatigue ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Constant Load ◽  
Corticospinal Excitability ◽  
Cycling Exercise

Exercise-induced fatigue influences the excitability of the motor pathway during single-joint isometric contractions. This study sought to investigate the influence of fatigue on corticospinal excitability during cycling exercise. Eight men performed fatiguing constant-load (80% Wpeak; 241 ± 13 W) cycling to exhaustion during which the percent increase in quadriceps electromyography (ΔEMG; vastus lateralis and rectus femoris) was quantified. During a separate trial, subjects performed two brief (∼45 s) nonfatiguing cycling bouts (244 ± 15 and 331 ± 23W) individually chosen to match the ΔEMG across bouts to that observed during fatiguing cycling. Corticospinal excitability during exercise was quantified by transcranial magnetic, electric transmastoid, and femoral nerve stimulation to elicit motor-evoked potentials (MEP), cervicomedullary evoked potentials (CMEP), and M waves in the quadriceps. Peripheral and central fatigue were expressed as pre- to postexercise reductions in quadriceps twitch force (ΔQtw) and voluntary quadriceps activation (ΔVA). Whereas nonfatiguing cycling caused no measureable fatigue, fatiguing cycling resulted in significant peripheral (ΔQtw: 42 ± 6%) and central (ΔVA: 4 ± 1%) fatigue. During nonfatiguing cycling, the area of MEPs and CMEPs, normalized to M waves, similarly increased in the quadriceps (∼40%; P < 0.05). In contrast, there was no change in normalized MEPs or CMEPs during fatiguing cycling. As a consequence, the ratio of MEP to CMEP was unchanged during both trials ( P > 0.5). Therefore, although increases in muscle activation promote corticospinal excitability via motoneuronal facilitation during nonfatiguing cycling, this effect is abolished during fatigue. We conclude that the unaltered excitability of the corticospinal pathway from start of intense cycling exercise to exhaustion is, in part, determined by inhibitory influences on spinal motoneurons obscuring the facilitating effects of muscle activation.

The Effects of Wearing Lower Body Compression Garments During a Cycling Performance Test

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 300-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew W. Driller ◽  
Shona L. Halson
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Physiological Effect ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Medical Setting ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Compression Garments

Purpose:Compression garments have been commonly used in a medical setting as a method to promote blood flow. Increases in blood flow during exercise may aid in the delivery of oxygen to the exercising muscles and, subsequently, enhance performance. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of wearing lower body compression garments during a cycling test.Methods:Twelve highly trained cyclists (mean ± SD age 30 ± 6 y, mass 75.6 ± 5.8 kg, VO2peak 66.6 ± 3.4 mL · kg−1 · min−1) performed two 30-min cycling bouts on a cycle ergometer in a randomized, crossover design. During exercise, either full-length lower body compression garments (COMP) or above-knee cycling shorts (CON) were worn. Cycling bouts involved 15 min at a fixed workload (70% of VO2max power) followed by a 15-min time trial. Heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (BL) were measured during the fixed-intensity component of the cycling bout to determine the physiological effect of the garments. Calf girth (CG), thigh girth (TG) and perceived soreness (PS) were measured preexercise and postexercise.Results:COMP produced a trivial effect on mean power output (ES = .14) compared with CON (mean ± 95% CI 1.3 ±1.0). COMP was also associated with a lower HR during the fixed-workload section of the test (−2.6% ± 2.3%, ES = −.38). There were no differences between groups for BL, CG, TG, and PS.Conclusion:Wearing compression garments during cycling may result in trivial performance improvements of ~1% and may enhance oxygen delivery to the exercising muscles.

Periodic Carbohydrate Replacement during 50 Min of High-Intensity Cycling Improves Subsequent Sprint Performance

1995 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas C. Ball ◽  
Samuel A. Headley ◽  
Paul M. Vanderburgh ◽  
John C. Smith
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Anaerobic Power ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Liver Glycogen ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Sprint Performance ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Flavored Water ◽  
Simulated Time ◽  
Mean Heart Rate

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 7% carbohydrate-electrolyte (CE) drink on sprint capacity immediately following 50 min of high-intensity cycling. After an overnight 12-hr fast, 8 trained male cyclists performed two 50-min simulated time trials on a Monark stationary cycle ergometer. Subjects consumed either the CE or a flavored water placebo (PL) at 10, 20, 30, and 40 min during the time trial. At the conclusion of each 50-min time trial, subjects immediately performed a Wingate Anaerobic Power Test. Peak power, mean power, and minimum power were significantly higher for the CE trials, whereas mean RPE was significantly lower. Mean heart rate and fatigue index were not different between trials. These results suggest that sprint performance following a high-intensity simulated time trial of only 50 min can be improved with periodic consumption of CE during the ride, particularly following an overnight fast, when liver glycogen is likely to be low. These findings have implications for competitive cycling, where sprint capacity at the conclusion of a race is an important determinant of success.

Effects of Caffeine, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Their Combined Ingestion on High-Intensity Cycling Performance

2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Kilding ◽  
Claire Overton ◽  
Jonathan Gleave
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Bicarbonate ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycling Performance ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Performance Measurements ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Cycling Time Trial

Purpose:To determine the effects of ingesting caffeine (CAFF) and sodium bicarbonate (SB), taken individually and simultaneously, on 3-km cycling time-trial (TT) performance.Method:Ten well-trained cyclists, age 24.2 ± 5.4 yr, participated in this acute-treatment, double-blind, crossover study that involved four 3-km cycling TTs performed on separate days. Before each TT, participants ingested either 3 mg/kg body mass (BM) of CAFF, 0.3 g · kg−1 · BM−1 of SB, a combination of the two (CAFF+SB), or a placebo (PLAC). They completed each 3-km TT on a laboratory-based cycle ergometer, during which physiological, perceptual, and performance measurements were determined. For statistical analysis, the minimal worthwhile difference was considered ~1% based on previous research.Results:Pretrial pH and HCO3 were higher in SB and CAFF+SB than in the CAFF and PLAC trials. Differences across treatments for perceived exertion and gastric discomfort were mostly unclear. Compared with PLAC, mean power output during the 3-km TT was higher in CAFF, SB, and CAFF+SB trials (2.4%, 2.6%, 2.7% respectively), resulting in faster performance times (–0.9, –1.2, –1.2% respectively). Effect sizes for all trials were small (0.21–0.24).Conclusions:When ingested individually, both CAFF and SB enhance high-intensity cycling TT performance in trained cyclists. However, the ergogenic effect of these 2 popular supplements was not additive, bringing into question the efficacy of coingesting the 2 supplements before short-duration high-intensity exercise. In this study there were no negative effects of combining CAFF and SB, 2 relatively inexpensive and safe supplements.

Beneficial Effects of Ice Ingestion as a Precooling Strategy on 40-km Cycling Time-Trial Performance

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Ihsan ◽  
Grant Landers ◽  
Matthew Brearley ◽  
Peter Peeling
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Time Trial ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Time Trial Performance ◽  
Cycling Time Trial ◽  
Crushed Ice ◽  
Cycling Time ◽  
Trial Performance

Purpose:The effect of crushed ice ingestion as a precooling method on 40-km cycling time trial (CTT) performance was investigated.Methods:Seven trained male subjects underwent a familiarization trial and two experimental CTT which were preceded by 30 min of either crushed ice ingestion (ICE) or tap water (CON) consumption amounting to 6.8 g⋅kg-1 body mass. The CTT required athletes to complete 1200 kJ of work on a wind-braked cycle ergometer. During the CTT, gastrointestinal (Tgi) and skin (Tsk) temperatures, cycling time, power output, heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BLa), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and thermal sensation (RPTS) were measured at set intervals of work.Results:Precooling lowered the Tgi after ICE significantly more than CON (36.74 ± 0.67°C vs 37.27 ± 0.24°C, P < .05). This difference remained evident until 200 kJ of work was completed on the bike (37.43 ± 0.42°C vs 37.64 ± 0.21°C). No significant differences existed between conditions at any time point for Tsk, RPE or HR (P > .05). The CTT completion time was 6.5% faster in ICE when compared with CON (ICE: 5011 ± 810 s, CON: 5359 ± 820 s, P < .05).Conclusions:Crushed ice ingestion was effective in lowering Tgi and improving subsequent 40-km cycling time trial performance. The mechanisms for this enhanced exercise performance remain to be clarified.

scholarly journals Growth hormone responses to repeated maximal cycle ergometer exercise at different pedaling rates

2002 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 602-608 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. A. Stokes ◽  
M. E. Nevill ◽  
G. M. Hall ◽  
H. K. A. Lakomy
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Ergometer Exercise ◽  
Hormone Responses ◽  
Sprint Cycling ◽  
Mean Power Output ◽  
Male Subjects ◽  
Serum Gh

The present study examined the growth hormone (GH) response to repeated bouts of maximal sprint cycling and the effect of cycling at different pedaling rates on postexercise serum GH concentrations. Ten male subjects completed two 30-s sprints, separated by 1 h of passive recovery on two occasions, against an applied resistance equal to 7.5% (fast trial) and 10% (slow trial) of their body mass, respectively. Blood samples were obtained at rest, between the two sprints, and for 1 h after the second sprint. Peak and mean pedal revolutions were greater in the fast than the slow trial, but there were no differences in peak or mean power output. Blood lactate and blood pH responses did not differ between trials or sprints. The first sprint in each trial elicited a serum GH response (fast: 40.8 ± 8.2 mU/l, slow: 20.8 ± 6.1 mU/l), and serum GH was still elevated 60 min after the first sprint. The second sprint in each trial did not elicit a serum GH response ( sprint 1 vs. sprint 2, P < 0.05). There was a trend for serum GH concentrations to be greater in the fast trial (mean GH area under the curve after sprint 1vs. after sprint 2: 1,697 ± 367 vs. 933 ± 306 min · mU−1 · l−1; P = 0.05). Repeated sprint cycling results in an attenuation of the GH response.

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