PREDICTING PERFORMANCE IN SPEED CLIMBING: ACCURACY OF THE FORCE-VELOCITY TEST ON A CYCLE ERGOMETER

The present study examined the validity of the force-velocity (F-V) mechanical parameters of the lower limbs as a predictors of the competitive performance in junior male speed climbing. The second aim was to evaluate F-V characteristics in competitive speed climbers in the junior male category. Ten junior male speed climbers (age: 18±0.5 years; BH: 174.7±4.5 cm; BW: 66.4±6.6 kg; with mean best climbing time from the competition BCT: 7.29±0.66 s) were participants in the research. All they were participants in the Youth European Cup in speed climbing. F-V characteristics were measured using a cycle ergometer test according to the Vandewalle’s protocol. To evaluate of the validity between BCT (criterion) and mechanical parameters (practical measures) from F-V test a standard error of the estimate (expressed as a raw and standardized typical error, TE) and correlation coefficients (rx,y) were used. Moreover, the validity of BCT as a potentially predictor of final competition rank (as a criterion for BCT) was evaluated. Additionally the mean value and standard deviation were calculated for all measured variables. Validity of the BCT as a competition place predictor was largely overestimated (TE=0.73 and rx,y=0.81, p p≤0.05). Accuracy of the BCT prediction for somatic and mechanical variables were very largely error biased. The standardized values of TE for these variables were: 1.93÷7.25. The rx,y were in the range of -0.18 to -0.46. The level of the mechanical variables from the F-V cycle ergometer as a predictors of the BCT in speed climbing may be largely error biased. Application of the cycle ergometer F-V test of prediction BCT values in speed climbing may have low practical value. Moreover, BCT variable may be a poor predictor of the final competition result. Coaches should take these suggestions into account during preparations to speed climbing competitions.

Applicability of Maximal Ergometer Testing and Sprint Performance in Adolescent Endurance and Sprint Trained Swimmers

Sprint swimming is a short duration, high intensity sport requiring a relatively greater contribution of energy from anaerobic metabolism. Understanding energy system utilization for the classification of a competitive swimmer (sprint or distance) may be useful for both training prescription and event specialization. The relationship between anaerobic swim ergometer testing and adolescent sprint swimming performance has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance and physiological responses during a maximal all-out ergometer test as well as the maximal anaerobic lactate test in a group of sprint vs. middle-distance specialized swimmers. Sixteen (n = 16) competitive swimmers (mean ± standard deviation (SD), age 16.8 ± 0.7 year; body mass 67.3 ± 9.8 kg) were categorized into two gender matched groups: sprint (n = 8) and middle-distance (n = 8). Each athlete performed (1) a 45 s swim ergometer maximal test to determine peak and mean power output (Watts (W)), (2) a MANLT test to determine peak and average velocity as well as the post-exercise lactate response, and (3) a 50 m swim time trial. The sprint group showed a higher mean (p = 0.026) and peak (p = 0.031) velocity during the MANLT. In addition, blood lactate concentration was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in the sprint vs. middle-distance trained group at 3 and 12 min after completion of the MANLT (3-min post 11.29 ± 2.32 vs. 9.55 ± 3.48 mmol/L; 12-min post 8.23 ± 2.28 vs. 7.05 ± 2.47 mmol/L). The power output during the 45 s all-out swimming ergometer test was higher in the sprint trained group. The results of this study demonstrate the anaerobic contribution to sprint swimming measured during an all-out dryland ergometer test.

Blood Pressure Response and Vascular Function of Professional Athletes and Controls

Workload-indexed blood pressure response (wiBPR) to exercise has been shown to be superior to peak systolic blood pressure (SBP) in predicting mortality in healthy men. Thus far, however, markers of wiBPR have not been evaluated for athletes and the association with vascular function is unclear. We examined 95 male professional athletes (26±5 y) and 30 male controls (26±4 y). We assessed vascular functional parameters at rest and wiBPR with a graded bicycle ergometer test and compared values for athletes with those of controls. Athletes had a lower pulse wave velocity (6.4±0.9 vs. 7.2±1.5 m/s, p=0.001) compared to controls. SBP/Watt slope (0.34±0.13 vs. 0.44±0.12 mmHg/W), SBP/MET slope (6.2±1.8 vs. 7.85±1.8 mmHg/MET) and peak SBP/Watt ratio (0.61±0.12 vs. 0.95±0.17 mmHg/W) were lower in athletes than in controls (p<0.001). The SBP/Watt and SBP/MET slope in athletes were comparable to the reference values, whereas the peak SBP/Watt-ratio was lower. All vascular functional parameters measured were not significantly correlated to the wiBPR in either athletes or controls. In conclusion, our findings indicate the potential use of the SBP/Watt and SBP/MET slope in pre-participation screening of athletes. Further, vascular functional parameters, measured at rest, were unrelated to the wiBPR in athletes and controls.

Comparison of VO2max Prediction of Submaximal Exercise Testing for Six Minute Arm Ergometer Test with Six Minute Walking Test in Untrained Healthy Young Adult Males

Background: Six-minute walking test (6-MWT) is one of the submaximal exercise testing that is commonly used. The 6-MWT has limited use in the condition of individuals with limited limbs. Therefore, a six-minute arm ergometer test (6-MAT) submaximal exercise testing was developed. The presence of 6-MAT for assessing VO2max prediction is still relatively small.Aim: To compare the predicted VO2max of 6-MWT and 6-MAT, and to see if there are differences in each predicted VO2max value.Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a consecutive sampling, involving 31 untrained healthy young adult males, aged 26-40 years old. Each subject underwent two exercise testing 6-MWT and 6-MAT, which were carried out on different days with a minimum washout period of 24 hours. VO2max prediction value was evaluated for each exercise testing on each subject.Results: There are significant differences between the predicted VO2max values of 6-MWT and 6- MAT (p = 0.00). The mean VO2max prediction values of 6-MAT is higher than 6-MWT with 2288.43 mL.min-1 and 1573.72 mL.min-1, respectively.Conclusion: The 6-MAT could be used for assessing VO2max prediction of individuals, although, there is a difference value between the predicted VO2max of the 6-MWT and 6-MAT submaximal exercise testing, with the VO2max value of the 6-MAT higher than the 6-MWT submaximal exercise testing.

Validation and Practical Applications of Performance in a 6-Min Rowing Test in the Danish Armed Forces

Personnel of the Danish Armed Forces must complete a yearly basic physical fitness test consisting of a Cooper’s 12-min run test (CRT) and four strength-related bodyweight exercises. However, there is no validated alternative to the CRT allowing injured or sailing personnel to conduct the yearly basic physical fitness test. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate performance in a 6-min rowing ergometer test (6MRT) against CRT performance. Thirty-one individuals (M/F: 20/11, age: 34 ± 12 years) employed at the Danish Armed Forces completed testing on two independent days; (I) the CRT on an outdoor track and (II) a 6MRT with pulmonary measurements of breath-by-breath oxygen uptake. In addition, 5 participants (M/F: 4/1, age: 40 ± 10 years) completed re-testing of the 6MRT. No difference was observed between VO2max estimated from the CRT and measured during the 6MRT. Absolute VO2max correlated strongly (r = 0.95; p < 0.001) to performance in the 6MRT, and moderately (r = 0.80; p < 0.001) to performance in the CRT. Bodyweight (BW) and fat free mass (FFM) correlated stronger to performance in the 6MRT compared to the CRT. 6MRT re-testing yielded similar performance results. The 6MRT is a valid and reliable alternative to the CRT, allowing injured or sailing personnel of the Danish Armed Forces to complete the basic physical fitness test as required, albeit 6MRT performance demands must be made relative to bodyweight.

Functional state dynamics in cross-country skiers in the summer and autumn preparatory phase

Background and Study Aim. To study changes in the functional state of professional Russian cross country skiers in the course of the preparatory phase and their effects on their competition ratings. Materials and methods. In this study we examined 10 cross-country skiers. The functional state was assessed through a maximal load bicycle ergometer test, coordination and special performance tests. Concentrations of lactate and cortisol were checked in the blood plasma of participants. Results. The training effects on general physical preparedness and special physical preparation in September in comparison with June were observed as an increased number of pull-ups on a pull-up bar (by 14%) and decreased time of the roller ski test (by 4%). In autumn higher systolic (by 11%) and diastolic (by 10%) arterial blood pressure levels, higher levels of plasma lactate and cortisol (by 48% and 64%, respectively) were detected (p<0.05). At anaerobic threshold the following increased: total performance capacity (by 13%), oxygen consumption (by 14%), watt pulse (by 5%), respiratory minute volume, oxygen utilization coefficient, and oxygen pulse (by 15%) (p<0.05-0.01) at rest before the ergometer test. In September upon completion of the ergometer test we observed an increase of oxygen pulse (by 7%), watt pulse (by 10%), and oxygen utilization coefficient (by 24%) (p<0.05). In autumn at the 5th minute of recovery after the ergometer test the heart rate recovered 11% faster, blood lactate – 29% faster, and the oxygen utilization rate increased by 15% (p<0.05-0.01). In June no statistically significant correlations were found between the studied indicators. In autumn statistically significant correlations appeared between indicators of the cardiorespiratory system, physical performance, and coordination test time. Conclusions. The package program for the summer-autumn training period contributes to the improvement of the functional status of the cross-country skiers and to the development of physical power, endurance, increased strength of the upper limbs, increased speed of movement on roller skis, faster and more complete recovery of physiological and biochemical parameters.

ASSESSMENT OF AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC EXERCISE CAPACITY AND SPORT LEVEL OF POLAND’S LEADING REPRESENTATIVE IN A SHORT TRACK IN A 4-YEAR OLYMPIC CYCLE

The purpose of the work was to characterize the 4-year preparation cycle for the Winter Olympic Games in Pyongyang (2018), the leading Polish speed skater M.W. Longitudinal tests included assessment of aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity determined in laboratory tests, respectively in the graded bicycle ergometer test and in the Wingate test performed with the lower extremity. The longitudinal data from exercise tests obtained in the analyzed 4-year period of preparation for the Olympic Games clearly indicate a significant improvement in the skater's exercise capacity. In the examined period of 2015-2018, the athlete obtained an increase in VO2max value by 6.5% to the level of 55.8 ml/kg/min. The nature of the observed changes in selected exercise indicators corresponded to the assumptions and implementation of training plans. The examined athlete was very well prepared for qualifying starts in October-November 2017 and she won three Olympic qualifications at distances 500, 1000 and 1500 m. During the Olympic Games, the Polish representative started the competition with starts at distances 1500 (20th place) and 500 m (28th place). At the leading distance of 1000 m, the competitor started at her level, reaching 12th place thus fulfilling the pre-start assumptions.