The effect of passive versus active recovery on power output over six repeated wingate sprints

Changes of Anaerobic Power and Lactate Concentration following Intense Glycolytic Efforts in Elite and Sub-Elite 400-meter Sprinters

400-m races are based on anaerobic energy metabolism, they induce significant muscle fatigue, muscle fiber damage, and high blood lactate (LA) concentration. Despite extensive research on sprint training, our understanding of the training process that leads to world-class sprint performance is rather limited. This study aimed to determine differences in LA concentration and anaerobic power using jumping tests after an intense glycolytic effort in a group of elite and sub-elite 400-m runners. One hundred thirty male runners were divided into two groups: elite (n = 66, body mass = 73.4 ± 7.8 kg, body height = 182.1 ± 6.2 cm, age = 20.8 ± 4.0 y) running the 400-m dash below 50 s and sub-elite (n = 64, body mass = 72.0 ± 7.1 kg, body height = 182.1 ± 5.2 cm, age = 20.8 ± 4.0 y) with a 400-m personal best above 50 s. The power of the countermovement and the sequential squat jumps was measured in two sets after a warm-up, followed by two intermittent 30-s Wingate tests. LA concentration was measured eight times. It was observed that elite athletes achieved significantly higher power in both types of jumps. The maximum post-exercise LA concentration was significantly lower in the sub-elite group after the 3rd, the 6th, the 9th, and the 20th min after the cessation of two Wingate tests (p < 0.001). The rate of LA accumulation after exercise and the rate of LA utilization did not differ between the groups. It can be concluded that elite and non-elite runners differ in higher LA production but not in LA utilization. Anaerobic power and LA concentration seem to differentiate between 400 elite and sub-elite performance.

The Effects of "Physical BEMER® Vascular Therapy" on Work Performed During Repeated Wingate Sprints

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation (BEMER) on recovery and performance parameters in anaerobic exercise compared to active and passive recovery. Method: Fifteen recreationally active participants completed four sessions separated by 2-5 days between each session. The first visit involved one Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT; 30-s cycling sprint on a Monark ergometer) to familiarize participants with testing procedures. The three subsequent sessions involved four repeated WAnTs. Each sprint was followed by 4 min of either passive recovery (laying supine), active recovery (pedaling at 50 rpm at 20% of sprint workload), or BEMER recovery (laying supine on the BEMER body pad at intensity level "5-Plus."). The same recovery method was used within each testing session, and recovery method order was randomized across participants. Results: There was no difference in peak power, average power, fatigue index, or average work performed between recovery conditions. Active recovery resulted in a statistically significant decrease in ratings of pain intensity (M = -0.767, SD = 0.928) and pain unpleasantness (M = -0.608, SD = 0.915), from the first minute to the fourth minute of recovery, compared to both BEMER (Intensity: M = 0.675, SD = 0.745, Unpleasantness: M = 1.125, SD = 0.862) and passive (Intensity: M = 0.542, SD = 0.774, Unpleasantness: M = 1.018, SD = 0.872) recoveries, where pain ratings increased. Conclusions: Although no recovery method resulted in increased performance, active recovery led to a more comfortable exercise experience while still allowing comparable exercise performance.

Energy pathway contributions during 60-second upper-body Wingate test in Greco-Roman wrestlers: intermittent versus single forms

This study aimed to investigate the energy pathway contributions and physiological and performance responses between a 10 × 6-second intermittent sprint test (IST) and a 60-second single maximal test (SMT). Seventeen highly trained male Greco-Roman wrestlers participated in this study. Participants completed the 60-second upper-body Wingate tests, both intermittent and single forms. The contributions of the oxidative, glycolytic, and ATP-PCr pathways were estimated using mathematical methods based on lactate values and oxygen consumption kinetics of rest, exercise, and recovery phases. The main findings indicated that total energy expenditure (TEE) and the contribution of oxidative, glycolytic, and ATP-PCr pathways were 514 kJ, 45%, 11%, and 44% for IST (overall: sprints + rest intervals); 333 kJ, 14%, 17%, and 69% for IST (sprints only); and 159 kJ, 31%, 38%, and 31% for SMT, respectively. TEE and ATP-PCR pathway contributions were higher in the IST (both overall and sprint only), whereas glycolytic pathway contribution and delta lactate were higher in the SMT. Absolute oxidative contribution was similar, but relative oxidative contribution was higher in the SMT. Additionally, mean power was higher in the IST than SMT, whereas peak power, peak and mean heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion were similar.

Effect of active versus passive recovery on performance-related outcome during high-intensity interval exercise

INTRODUCTION

It has been suggested that recovery mode may contribute to performance during high-intensity interval exercise. However, there is no consensus regarding the effects of active and passive recovery modes on subsequent performance. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of active versus passive recovery on performance during repeated high-intensity interval exercise.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Two reviewers independently conducted a search using the PRISMA systematic approach in three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Central) searching for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of recovery mode on performance (until February 2020).

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Twenty-six studies were included for analysis (17 for power output, nine for repeated-sprint ability and two for distance covered). Four studies found higher mechanical performance for passive recovery compared with active recovery. Six out of nine studies reported faster sprinting performance with passive recovery compared to active recovery. Two studies demonstrated that passive recovery resulted in a greater distance covered during intermittent sprint exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review suggests that performing high-intensity interval exercise with passive recovery results in greater performance when compared with active recovery.

Does the inclusion of ballistic exercises during warm-up enhance short distance running performance?

BACKGROUND

Warm-up is considered essential to optimize running performance, but little is known about the effect of specific warm-up tasks, specifically in the real competitive context. The current study aimed to verify the acute effects of a warm-up including ballistic exercises in 30m running performance. In addition, a second 30m trial was assessed to better understand the warm-up effects in training/competition.

METHODS

Twenty-two men (19.32±1.43 years-old) randomly completed the time-trials on separate days and after a typical warm-up (WU), a WU complemented with ballistic exercises (postactivation potentiation [PAP]) or no warm-up (NWU). Biomechanical, physiological and psychophysiological variables were assessed.

RESULTS

The participants were 1.9% faster in the first 30m sprint after WU compared with NWU, mainly increased performance in the first 15m (P=0.03, ES=0.48). WU resulted in greater stride length in the last 15m of the first sprint. PAP did not differ from NWU and WU, despite eight participants performed better after this warm-up.

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the positive effects of warm-up for sprinting, despite failed to evidence positive effects when ballistic exercises are included. In addition, the influence of warm-up in the running technique was highlighted by the changes in the running kinematics and a need for individualization of warm-up procedures.

Autologous Blood Transfusion Enhances Exercise Performance-Strength of the Evidence and Physiological Mechanisms

This review critically evaluates the magnitude of performance enhancement that can be expected from various autologous blood transfusion (ABT) procedures and the underlying physiological mechanisms. The review is based on a systematic search, and it was reported that 4 of 28 studies can be considered of very high quality, i.e. placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover studies. However, both high-quality studies and other studies have generally reported performance-enhancing effects of ABT on exercise intensities ranging from ~70 to 100% of absolute peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak) with durations of 5–45 min, and the effect was also seen in well-trained athletes. A linear relationship exists between ABT volume and change in VO_2peak. The likely correlation between ABT volume and endurance performance was not evident in the few available studies, but reinfusion of as little as 135 mL packed red blood cells has been shown to increase time trial performance. Red blood cell reinfusion increases endurance performance by elevating arterial oxygen content (C_aO₂). The increased C_aO₂ is accompanied by reduced lactate concentrations at submaximal intensities as well as increased VO_2peak. Both effects improve endurance performance. Apparently, the magnitude of change in haemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) explains the increase in VO_2peak associated with ABT because blood volume and maximal cardiac output have remained constant in the majority of ABT studies. Thus, the arterial-venous O₂ difference during exercise must be increased after reinfusion, which is supported by experimental evidence. Additionally, it remains a possibility that ABT can enhance repeated sprint performance, but studies on this topic are lacking. The only available study did not reveal a performance-enhancing effect of reinfusion on 4 × 30 s sprinting. The reviewed studies are of importance for both the physiological understanding of how ABT interacts with exercise capacity and in relation to anti-doping efforts. From an anti-doping perspective, the literature review demonstrates the need for methods to detect even small ABT volumes.

A systematic review examining the physiological, perceptual, and performance effects of active and passive recovery modes applied between repeated-sprints

INTRODUCTION

Repeated-sprinting involves performing frequent short sprints (≤10 s) interspersed with brief recovery periods (≤60 s). Studies involving repeated-sprint protocols have typically employed active or passive recovery modes applied between running and cycling sprints. This review synthesized the literature to determine the acute physiological, perceptual, and performance effects of recovery mode applied between repeated-sprints during running and cycling protocols.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Articles were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and MEDLINE databases. Studies were eligible if they: 1) compared active and passive recovery applied between repeated-sprints; 2) examined sprints lasting ≤10 s, and; 3) included ≤60 s recovery between sprints. Nine studies were included in this review. Five of the included studies examined running and four studies examined cycling.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Passive recovery induced less physiological stress (heart rate, oxygen consumption, and changes in oxyhemoglobin), lower perceptual stress (rating of perceived exertion), and reduced performance decrement (sprint time, speed, and sprint decrement) compared to active recovery in all running studies. Findings were equivocal in cycling.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of passive recovery between running repeated-sprints is recommended to reduce performance decrement than passive recovery. Alternatively, active recovery applied between running repeated-sprints provides greater physiological stress than passive recovery and may be a useful training overload strategy to promote physiological adaptation. The mixed findings for physiological and performance measures in cycling studies suggest further research is required to reach definitive conclusions regarding application of recovery modes between cycling repeated-sprints.

The effect of running versus cycling high-intensity intermittent exercise on local tissue oxygenation and perceived enjoyment in 18-30-year-old sedentary men

BACKGROUND

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been proposed as a time-efficient exercise format to improve exercise adherence, thereby targeting the chronic disease burden associated with sedentary behaviour. Exercise mode (cycling, running), if self-selected, will likely affect the physiological and enjoyment responses to HIIT in sedentary individuals. Differences in physiological and enjoyment responses, associated with the mode of exercise, could potentially influence the uptake and continued adherence to HIIT. It was hypothesised that in young sedentary men, local and systemic oxygen utilisation and enjoyment would be higher during a session of running HIIT, compared to a session of cycling HIIT.

METHODS

A total of 12 sedentary men (mean ± SD; age 24 ± 3 years) completed three exercise sessions: a maximal incremental exercise test on a treadmill (MAX) followed by two experiment conditions, (1) free-paced cycling HIIT on a bicycle ergometer (HIITCYC) and (2) constant-paced running HIIT on a treadmill ergometer (HIITRUN). Deoxygenated haemoglobin (HHb) in the gastrocnemius (GN), the left vastus lateralis (LVL) and the right vastus lateralis (RVL) muscles, oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and physical activity enjoyment (PACES) were measured during HIITCYC and HIITRUN.

RESULTS

There was a higher HHb in the LVL (p = 0.001) and RVL (p = 0.002) sites and a higher VO2 (p = 0.017) and HR (p < 0.001) during HIITCYC, compared to HIITRUN. RPE was higher (p < 0.001) and PACES lower (p = 0.032) during HIITCYC compared to HIITRUN.

DISCUSSION

In sedentary individuals, free-paced cycling HIIT produces higher levels of physiological stress when compared to constant-paced running HIIT. Participants perceived running HIIT to be more enjoyable than cycling HIIT. These findings have implications for selection of mode of HIIT for physical stress, exercise enjoyment and compliance.

Creatine-electrolyte supplementation improves repeated sprint cycling performance: A double blind randomized control study

Background

Creatine supplementation is recommended as an ergogenic aid to improve repeated sprint cycling performance. Furthermore, creatine uptake is increased in the presence of electrolytes. Prior research examining the effect of a creatine-electrolyte (CE) supplement on repeated sprint cycling performance, however, did not show post-supplementation improvement. The purpose of this double blind randomized control study was to investigate the effect of a six-week CE supplementation intervention on overall and repeated peak and mean power output during repeated cycling sprints with recovery periods of 2 min between sprints.

Methods

Peak and mean power generated by 23 male recreational cyclists (CE group: n = 12; 24.0 ± 4.2 years; placebo (P) group: n = 11; 23.3 ± 3.1 years) were measured on a Velotron ergometer as they completed five 15-s cycling sprints, with 2 min of recovery between sprints, pre- and post-supplementation. Mixed-model ANOVAs were used for statistical analyses.

Results

A supplement-time interaction showed a 4% increase in overall peak power (pre: 734 ± 75 W; post: 765 ± 71 W; p = 0.040; η_p² = 0.187) and a 5% increase in overall mean power (pre: 586 ± 72 W; post: 615 ± 74 W; p = 0.019; η_p² = 0.234) from pre- to post-supplementation for the CE group. For the P group, no differences were observed in overall peak (pre: 768 ± 95 W; post: 772 ± 108 W; p = 0.735) and overall mean power (pre: 638 ± 77 W; post: 643 ± 92 W; p = 0.435) from pre- to post-testing. For repeated sprint analysis, peak (pre: 737 ± 88 W; post: 767 ± 92 W; p = 0.002; η_p² = 0.380) and mean (pre: 650 ± 92 W; post: 694 ± 87 W; p < 0.001; η_p² = 0.578) power output were significantly increased only in the first sprint effort in CE group from pre- to post-supplementation testing. For the P group, no differences were observed for repeated sprint performance.

Conclusion

A CE supplement improves overall and repeated short duration sprint cycling performance when sprints are interspersed with adequate recovery periods.

Active recovery intervals restore initial performance after repeated sprints in swimming

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of active recovery (AR) and passive recovery (PR) using short (2-min) and long (4-min) intervals on swimming performance. Twelve male competitive swimmers completed a progressively increasing speed test of 7 × 200-m swimming repetitions to locate the speed before the onset of curvilinear increase in blood lactate concentration (LT₁). Subsequently, performance time of 6 × 50-m sprints was recorded during four different conditions: (i) 2-min PR (PR-2), (ii) 4-min PR (PR-4), (iii) 2-min AR (AR-2) and (iv) 4-min AR (AR-4) intervals. Blood lactate concentration was measured before the first and after the last 50-m repetition. AR was applied at an intensity corresponding to LT₁. Performance as indicated by the time needed to complete 6 × 50-m sprints was impaired after AR-4 compared to PR-4 (AR-4: 28.65 ± 1.04, PR-4: 28.17 ± 0.72 s; mean% difference: MD% ±s; ±90% confidence limits: 90%CL, 1.71 ± 3.01%; ±1.43%, p = .01) but was not different between AR-2 compared to PR-2 conditions (AR-2: 28.68 ± 0.85, PR-2: 28.69 ± 0.82 s; MD%: 0.03 ± 1.61%; 90%CL ± 0.77%, p = .99). Performance in sprint-6 was improved after AR compared to PR independent of interval duration (AR: 28.55 ± 0.81, PR: 29.01 ± 1.03 s; MD%: 1.52 ± 2.61%; 90%CL ± 1.2%; p = .03). Blood lactate concentration was lower after AR-4 compared to PR-4 but did not differ between AR-2 and PR-2 conditions. In conclusion, AR impaired performance after a 4-min but not after a 2-min interval. A better performance during sprint-6 after AR could be attributed to a faster metabolic recovery or anticipatory regulatory mechanisms towards the end of the series especially when adequate 4-min active recovery interval is applied.

The Effect of Active versus Passive Recovery Periods during High Intensity Intermittent Exercise on Local Tissue Oxygenation in 18 - 30 Year Old Sedentary Men

PURPOSE

High intensity interval training (HIIT) has been proposed as a time-efficient format of exercise to reduce the chronic disease burden associated with sedentary behaviour. Changes in oxygen utilisation at the local tissue level during an acute session of HIIT could be the primary stimulus for the health benefits associated with this format of exercise. The recovery periods of HIIT effect the physiological responses that occur during the session. It was hypothesised that in sedentary individuals, local and systemic oxygen utilisation would be higher during HIIT interspersed with active recovery periods, when compared to passive recovery periods.

METHODS

Twelve sedentary males (mean ± SD; age 23 ± 3 yr) completed three conditions on a cycle ergometer: 1) HIIT with passive recovery periods between four bouts (HIITPASS) 2) HIIT with active recovery periods between four bouts (HIITACT) 3) HIITACT with four HIIT bouts replaced with passive periods (REC). Deoxygenated haemoglobin (HHb) in the vastus lateralis (VL) and gastrocnemius (GN) muscles and the pre-frontal cortex (FH), oxygen consumption (VO2), power output and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously during the three conditions.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in HHb at VL during bouts 2 (p = 0.017), 3 (p = 0.035) and 4 (p = 0.035) in HIITACT, compared to HIITPASS. Mean power output was significantly lower in HIITACT, compared to HIITPASS (p < 0.001). There was a significant main effect for site in both HIITPASS (p = 0.029) and HIITACT (p = 0.005). There were no significant differences in VO2 and HR between HIITPASS and HIITACT.

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in HHb at VL and the lower mean power output during HIITACT could indicate that a higher level of deoxygenation contributes to decreased mechanical power in sedentary participants. The significant differences in HHb between sites indicates the specificity of oxygen utilisation.