scholarly journals Assessment of Maximal Aerobic Capacity in Ski Mountaineering: A Laboratory-Based Study

Author(s):  
Verena Menz ◽  
Martin Niedermeier ◽  
Rainer Stehle ◽  
Hendrik Mugele ◽  
Martin Faulhaber

This study aims to evaluate the agreement in maximum oxygen consumption (V˙O2max) between a running protocol and a ski mountaineering (SKIMO) protocol. Eighteen (eleven males, seven females) ski mountaineers (age: 25 ± 3 years) participated in the study. V˙O2max, maximum heart rate (HRmax), and maximum blood lactate concentration (BLAmax) were determined in an incremental uphill running test and an incremental SKIMO-equipment-specific test. V˙O2max did not differ between the SKIMO and uphill running protocols (p = 0.927; mean difference –0.07 ± 3.3 mL/min/kg), nor did HRmax (p = 0.587, mean difference –0.7 ± 5.1 bpm). A significant correlation was found between V˙O2max SKIMO and V˙O2max running (p ≤ 0.001; ICC = 0.862 (95% CI: 0.670−0.946)). The coefficient of variation was 4.4% (95% CI: 3.3−6.5). BLAmax was significantly lower for SKIMO compared to running (12.0 ± 14.1%; p = 0.002). This study demonstrates that V˙O2max determined with a traditional uphill running protocol demonstrates good agreement with an equipment-specific SKIMO protocol.

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Rothschild ◽  
George H. Crocker

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 2-km swim on markers of subsequent cycling performance in well-trained, age-group triathletes. Fifteen participants (10 males, five females, 38.3 ± 8.4 years) performed two progressive cycling tests between two and ten days apart, one of which was immediately following a 2-km swim (33.7 ± 4.1 min). Cycling power at 4-mM blood lactate concentration decreased after swimming by an average of 3.8% (p = 0.03, 95% CI −7.7, 0.2%), while heart rate during submaximal cycling (220 W for males, 150 W for females) increased by an average of 4.0% (p = 0.02, 95% CI 1.7, 9.7%), compared to cycling without prior swimming. Maximal oxygen consumption decreased by an average of 4.0% (p = 0.01, 95% CI −6.5, −1.4%), and peak power decreased by an average of 4.5% (p < 0.01, 95% CI −7.3, −2.3%) after swimming, compared to cycling without prior swimming. Results from this study suggest that markers of submaximal and maximal cycling are impaired following a 2-km swim.


2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benedikt A. Gasser ◽  
Hans H. Hoppeler

AbstractPurpose. Recreational cross-country skiers can benefit from a performance diagnostic when planning a training program. The aim of this study was to establish a simple test protocol to measure endurance capacity and provide training recommendations. Methods. The relationship between endurance performance and cross-country skiing technique was assessed using two tests. First, a lactate threshold test whereby running speed was determined on a treadmill at 4 mmol/l blood lactate concentration. Second, participants completed a variation of the Cooper test using skating technique on flat terrain to determine the distance covered in 12 min and maximum heart rate. Results. There was a correlative (r = 0.18 respectivelly R2 = 0.43) relationship of between the distance covered in the Cooper test and treadmill running speed at 4 mmol/l blood lactate concentration. Conclusions. The two tests allow recreational athletes to rank themselves with regards to their endurance capacity within a population. The relationship between distance covered and maximum heart rate can indicate whether future training should focus on technical or physical improvement.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Wang ◽  
Haixia Fu

Objective Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) is a key indicator to assess health as well as sports performance. In heterogeneous, athletic populations, VO2 max is one of the most frequently measured variables in exercise physiology laboratories. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Maximal oxygen uptake with other metabolism parameters during one high-intensity activity, and provide simple solution for VO2 max prediction. Methods A total of 27 young athletes were selected. The incremental test was performed on a cycle ergometer (Monark 874 E, Sweden). Participants warmed up for 5 min at 50 watts (W); thereafter, the power output was increased 125 W every 3 min until exhaustion, which was defined as the incapacity to maintain a pedal cadence above 60 revolution per minute (rpm). Oxygen uptake (V̇O2), carbon dioxide production (V̇CO2) and other metabolism indexes were obtained breath-by-breath throughout the test using a metabolic cart (Quark b2, COSMED, Italy). Heart rate (HR) was measured throughout the test using a HR monitor (Polar Vantage NV, Finland). The main method in the VO2 prediction is the use of a mixed effects regression model. The potential explanatory variables include VO2kg (functional data with information on oxygen consumption per kg weight during the test), HR (functional data with heart rate information during the test), MHR (maximum heart rate of the athlete), VO2kgmean (average oxygen consumption during the test), VO2kgmax (maximum oxygen consumption value during the test), VCO2 (carbon dioxide emissions per minute during the test), HRmean (heart rate average), HRmax (maximum heart rate value during the test), age, height, weight. The model statistical analyses were implemented in R platform (version 3.3.3). Results (1) regression model results revealed MHR did not have stronger effects on VO2 max prediction. (2) Parameters of VO2kg, HR, HRmean, height, weight showed relative higher r2 values and lower RMSE values indicating the possible indexes for VO2 max prediction. (3) the interaction effects occurred between indicators which increase the complexity of the model. Conclusions In this study, a simple methodology for the prediction of maximum oxygen consumption has been presented. It combines a relatively simple level of base metabolism parameters. Despite the easy test and low level of exercise required the test provides an rational prediction of VO2 max, which could provide necessary information when it applied as a simple way. 


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1034-1041
Author(s):  
Maria C. Madueno ◽  
Vincent J. Dalbo ◽  
Joshua H. Guy ◽  
Kate E. Giamarelos ◽  
Tania Spiteri ◽  
...  

Purpose: To investigate the physiological and performance effects of active and passive recovery between repeated-change-of-direction sprints. Methods: Eight semiprofessional basketball players (age: 19.9 [1.5] y; stature: 183.0 [9.6] cm; body mass: 77.7 [16.9] kg; body fat: 11.8% [6.3%]; and peak oxygen consumption: 46.1 [7.6] mL·kg−1·min−1) completed 12 × 20-m repeated-change-of-direction sprints (Agility 5-0-5 tests) interspersed with 20 seconds of active (50% maximal aerobic speed) or passive recovery in a randomized crossover design. Physiological and perceptual measures included heart rate, oxygen consumption, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion. Change-of-direction speed was measured during each sprint using the change-of-direction deficit (CODD), with summed CODD time and CODD decrement calculated as performance measures. Results: Average heart rate (7.3 [6.4] beats·min−1; P = .010; effect size (ES) = 1.09; very likely) and oxygen consumption (4.4 [5.0] mL·kg−1·min−1; P = .12; ES = 0.77; unclear) were moderately greater with active recovery compared with passive recovery across sprints. Summed CODD time (0.87 [1.01] s; P = .07; ES = 0.76, moderate; likely) and CODD decrement (8.1% [3.7%]; P < .01; ES = 1.94, large; almost certainly) were higher with active compared with passive recovery. Trivial–small differences were evident for rating of perceived exertion (P = .516; ES = 0.19; unclear) and posttest blood lactate concentration (P = .29; ES = 0.40; unclear) between recovery modes. Conclusions: Passive recovery between repeated-change-of-direction sprints may reduce the physiological stress and fatigue encountered compared with active recovery in basketball players.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 225-232
Author(s):  
Paria Torkamandi ◽  
◽  
Ali Akbarnejad ◽  
Abbas Ali Gaeini ◽  
Ali Gharecheshmei Ghahremanloo ◽  
...  

Introduction: The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of different musical intensities on performance and cardiovascular responses after incremental exercise in male athletes. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study with a cross-over design, 15 male athletes were voluntarily selected. The study subjects performed Bruce protocol, along with listening to progressive music, slow music, and without music until exhaustion. Results: This study indicated that systolic and diastolic blood pressure, maximum oxygen consumption, maximum heart rate, and time to exhaustion insignificantly decreased while listening to slow music, compared to the no music (P=0.134, P=0.993, P=0.999, P=0.160, P=0.819, respectively). Furthermore, while listening to progressive music, compared to no music, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as maximum heart rate insignificantly increased (P=0.735, P=0.999, P=0.496, respectively); the maximum oxygen consumption and the time of exhaustion significantly increased in the study subjects (P=0.043, P=0.008 respectively). Moreover, while listening to progressive music, compared to slow music, the systolic blood pressure, maximum oxygen consumption, maximum heart rate, and the time of exhaustion significantly increased (P=0.004, P=0.009, P=0.002, P=0.001 respectively); however, diastolic blood pressure presented an insignificant decrease (P=0.253). Conclusion: The obtained findings revealed that listening to progressive music can affect physiological factors and performance during exercising. It increases the athlete’s motivation and postpones the time to exhaustion to continue exercising; however, listening to slow music creates a state of relaxation during exercise and reduces heart rate. As a result, individuals with hypertension can decline their blood pressure during endurance exercise by listening to soft music.


Author(s):  
Stijn V. Mentzel ◽  
Bjoern Krenn ◽  
Dennis Dreiskaemper ◽  
Bernd Strauss

This study examines the influence of wearing and perceiving colors in a cycling setting while also examining cortisol, heart rate, estimated maximum oxygen consumption, and subjective performance ratings. A total of 99 individuals completed the study, consisting of cortisol measurements, which compared baseline values to those after changing into a red or blue outfit, and a maximum cycling task performed wearing the same outfit while competing against a video opponent in red or blue. Each participant completed the protocol twice on separate days. Wearing a colored outfit showed no influence on cortisol levels. Regarding the cycling task, the participants wearing red had higher maximum heart rate values than when wearing blue. In addition, the results revealed increased maximum heart rate and maximum oxygen consumption values when perceiving an opponent in blue, especially when the participant also wore blue. No differences were found for the median heart rate or performance ratings.


Author(s):  
R. Afroundeh ◽  
P. Hofmann ◽  
S. Esmaeilzadeh ◽  
M. Narimani ◽  
A.J. Pesola

AbstractWe examined the agreement between heart rate deflection point (HRDP) variables with maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) in a sample of young males categorized to different body mass statuses using body mass index (BMI) cut-off points. One hundred and eighteen young males (19.9 ± 4.4 years) underwent a standard running incremental protocol with individualized speed increment between 0.3 and 1.0 km/h for HRDP determination. HRDP was determined using the modified Dmax method called S.Dmax. MLSS was determined using 2-5 series of constant-speed treadmill runs. Heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentration (La) were measured in all tests. MLSS was defined as the maximal running speed yielding a La increase of less than 1 mmol/L during the last 20 min. Good agreement was observed between HRDP and MLSS for HR for all participants (±1.96; 95% CI = −11.5 to +9.2 b/min, ICC = 0.88; P < 0.001). Good agreement was observed between HRDP and MLSS for speed for all participants (±1.96; 95% CI = −0.40 to +0.42 km/h, ICC = 0.98; P < 0.001). The same findings were observed when participants were categorized in different body mass groups. In conclusion, HRDP can be used as a simple, non-invasive and time-efficient method to objectively determine submaximal aerobic performance in nonathletic young adult men with varying body mass status, according to the chosen standards for HRDP determination.


Author(s):  
Martins Veispals ◽  
Antra Gulbe ◽  
Andris Konrads

One of the criteria for exercise intensity in sport science is heart rate. Reduced heart rate in exercise indicates heart’s ability to work more effectively. 12 high class flat-water kayakers (Latvian national team members) took part in this study. The main aims of the study were to evaluate the improvements of the heart regeneration rate and the functional condition of the athletes over the time period of 4 years - where all participant repeated a maximum oxygen consumption test on rowing ergometer 43 times (2-6 times per athlete). Heart rate recovery drop was obtained in the first 4 minutes after the maximum oxygen consumption test. For reflection on functional condition, speed on kayak ergometer at lactate concentration in blood values of 1 mmol/l and 3 mmol/l was measured (low-intensity load and submaximal intensity load). Speed on kayak ergometer at a blood lactate value 3 mmol/l show an average increase of 0.96 km/h (By Student’s t – test for related samples and Wilcoxon’s criteria). For heart rate regeneration Wilcoxon’s criterion shows an average increase of 0.46%.


1993 ◽  
Vol 179 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. M. Williams ◽  
W. A. Friedl ◽  
J. E. Haun

Despite speculation about the swimming efficiency of cetaceans, few studies have investigated the exercise physiology of these mammals. In view of this, we examined the physiological responses and locomotor energetics of two exercising adult Tursiops truncatus. Oxygen consumption, heart rate, respiratory rate and post-exercise blood lactate concentration were determined for animals either pushing against a load cell or swimming next to a boat. Many of the energetic and cardiorespiratory responses of exercising dolphins were similar to those of terrestrial mammals. Average heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen consumption for dolphins pushing against a load cell increased linearly with exercise levels up to 58 kg for a female dolphin and 85 kg for a male. Oxygen consumption did not increase with higher loads. Maximum rate of oxygen consumption (VO2max) ranged from 19.8 to 29.4 ml O2 kg-1 min-1, which was 7–11 times the calculated standard metabolic rate (VO2std) of the dolphins. Blood lactate concentration increased with exercise loads that exceeded VO2max. The maximum lactate concentration was 101.4 mg dl-1 (11.3 mmol l-1) for the male, and 120.6 mg dl-1 (13.6 mmol l-1) for the female. When swimming at 2.1 m s-1, heart rate, respiratory rate and post-exercise blood lactate concentration of the dolphins were not significantly different from values at rest. The cost of transport at this speed was 1.29 +/− 0.05 J kg-1 min-1. The energetic profile of the exercising bottlenose dolphin resembles that of a relatively sedentary mammal if the exercise variables defined for terrestrial mammals are used. However, the energetic cost of swimming for this cetacean is low in comparison to that of other aquatic and semi-aquatic mammals.


Author(s):  
Yu.G. Solonin ◽  
T.P. Loginova ◽  
I.O. Garnov ◽  
A.L. Markov ◽  
A.A. Chernykh ◽  
...  

The aim of the study is to examine the impact of training status on ski racers (Komi Republic) at rest and under bicycle ergometry evaluating their cardiorespiratory system parameters. Materials and Methods. The authors examined male ski racers with different training status: 22 first-rank sportsmen, 22 candidates for Master of Sports and 22 Masters of Sports. Athletes underwent bicycle ergometry loads up to refusal. Oxycon Pro system (Germany) was used. Then authors studied the complex of cardiorespiratory parameters, calculating maximum oxygen consumption and unit physiological cost. Results. At rest and under standard physical load (200 W) Masters of Sports demonstrate significantly increased training status among ski racers in such cardiorespiratory system parameters as heart rate, rate pressure product and oxygen pulse. Under standard physical load (200 W) statistically significant differences between first-rank sportsmen and candidates for Master of Sports are detected by heart rate, rate pressure product, respiration rate, respiratory minute volume and oxygen utilization coefficient. Such deviations indicate differences in training status. Under maximum load, the highest training status is found in Masters of Sports: bicycle ergometry load power and duration; unit pulse, pressor and cardiac cost, bulk and unit values of maximum oxygen consumption. Heart rate values, unit pulse and heart-vent cost indicate a high training status in candidates for Master of Sports under load up to refusal, if compared with first-rank sportsmen. Athletes’ organism under load up to refusal works more efficiently than under moderate load (200 W). The training status in ski racers (Komi Republic) is manifested in the saving cardiorespiratory system functions, both at rest and under standard bicycle ergometry, as well as in parameters of unit physiological cost under loads up to refusal and increased values of maximum oxygen consumption. Keywords: ski racers, Komi Republic, training status, bicycle ergometry loads, cardiorespiratory system, maximum oxygen consumption.


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