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Ambrosini L, Presta V, Vitale M, Menegatti E, Guarnieri A, Bianchi V, De Munari I, Condello G, Gobbi G. A Higher Kick Frequency Swimming Training Program Optimizes Swim-to-Cycle Transition in Triathlon. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:976-984. [PMID: 38373077 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Ambrosini, L, Presta, V, Vitale, M, Menegatti, E, Guarnieri, A, Bianchi, V, De Munari, I, Condello, G, and Gobbi, G. A higher kick frequency swimming training program optimizes swim-to-cycle transition in triathlon. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 976-984, 2024-The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an 8-week swimming training program on biomechanical and physiological responses during a swim-to-cycle simulation. Fifteen triathletes were randomly allocated to 3 groups: a 6-beat-kick group (K6), a 4-beat-kick group (K4), and a control group (CG). Biomechanical and physiological parameters were evaluated during a 400-m swim and a 10-minute cycle segment before (Pretraining) and after (Posttraining) the program. A lower stroke frequency ( p = 0.004) and a higher stroke length ( p = 0.002) was found in K6 compared with CG at Posttraining. A reduction in the K6 emerged between Pretraining and Posttraining during cycling for heart rate ( p = 0.005), V̇O 2 ( p = 0.014), and energy expenditure ( p = 0.008). A positive association emerged between swim kick index and cycling cadence in the K6 group. The improvement in stroke frequency and length observed in the K6 group could be explained as an improvement in swimming technique. Similarly, the reduction in energy expenditure during cycling at Posttraining for the K6 group suggests an improvement in the working economy. Triathlon coaches and athletes should consider the inclusion of high swim kick into their training programs to enhance swim and cycling performance, which can ultimately lead to an improvement in the swim-to-cycle transition and the overall triathlon performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ambrosini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Anatomy Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Presta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Anatomy Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Anatomy Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Laboratory of Movement Analysis (LAM), Parma University Hospital, Parma, Italy
| | - Erica Menegatti
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; and
| | - Alessandro Guarnieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Anatomy Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Bianchi
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Ilaria De Munari
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Condello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Anatomy Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giuliana Gobbi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Anatomy Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Koizumi J, Ohya T. Effects of High-Intensity Inspiratory Muscle Warm-Up on High-Intensity Exercise Performance and Muscle Oxygenation. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2024; 19:347-355. [PMID: 38215734 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE An inspiratory muscle warm-up (IMW) improves inspiratory muscle function, but the effects of high-intensity exercise are inconsistent. We aimed to determine the effects of high-intensity IMW on high-intensity exercise performance and muscle oxygenation. METHODS Ten healthy men (maximal oxygen uptake [V˙O2max] 52.2 [5.0] mL·kg-1·min-1) performed constant-load exercise to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer at V˙O2max under 2 IMW conditions: a placebo condition (PLA) and a high-intensity IMW condition (HIGH). The inspiratory loads were set at 15% and 80% of maximal inspiratory pressure, respectively. Maximal inspiratory pressure was measured before and after IMW. Oxyhemoglobin was measured in the vastus lateralis by near-infrared spectroscopy during exercise. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for a leg was measured after 1 and 2 minutes of exercise. RESULTS Exercise tolerance was significantly higher under HIGH than PLA (228 [49] s vs 218 [49] s, P = .003). Maximal inspiratory pressure was significantly increased by IMW under HIGH (from 125 [20] to 136 [25] cm H2O, P = .031). Oxyhemoglobin was significantly higher under HIGH than PLA at 80% of the total duration of exercise (P = .048). RPE for the leg was significantly lower under HIGH than PLA after 2 minutes of exercise (P = .019). CONCLUSIONS Given that oxyhemoglobin is an index of local oxygen supply, the results of this study suggest that high-intensity IMW increases the oxygen supply to active limbs. It may also reflect a reduction in RPE in the leg. In addition, high-intensity IMW may improve exercise performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Koizumi
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Chukyo University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Ohya
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Chukyo University, Aichi, Japan
- School of Health and Sport Science, Chukyo University, Aichi, Japan
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Perrey S, Quaresima V, Ferrari M. Muscle Oximetry in Sports Science: An Updated Systematic Review. Sports Med 2024; 54:975-996. [PMID: 38345731 PMCID: PMC11052892 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01987-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last 5 years since our last systematic review, a significant number of articles have been published on the technical aspects of muscle near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), the interpretation of the signals and the benefits of using the NIRS technique to measure the physiological status of muscles and to determine the workload of working muscles. OBJECTIVES Considering the consistent number of studies on the application of muscle oximetry in sports science published over the last 5 years, the objectives of this updated systematic review were to highlight the applications of muscle oximetry in the assessment of skeletal muscle oxidative performance in sports activities and to emphasize how this technology has been applied to exercise and training over the last 5 years. In addition, some recent instrumental developments will be briefly summarized. METHODS Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidelines were followed in a systematic fashion to search, appraise and synthesize existing literature on this topic. Electronic databases such as Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed and SPORTDiscus were searched from March 2017 up to March 2023. Potential inclusions were screened against eligibility criteria relating to recreationally trained to elite athletes, with or without training programmes, who must have assessed physiological variables monitored by commercial oximeters or NIRS instrumentation. RESULTS Of the identified records, 191 studies regrouping 3435 participants, met the eligibility criteria. This systematic review highlighted a number of key findings in 37 domains of sport activities. Overall, NIRS information can be used as a meaningful marker of skeletal muscle oxidative capacity and can become one of the primary monitoring tools in practice in conjunction with, or in comparison with, heart rate or mechanical power indices in diverse exercise contexts and across different types of training and interventions. CONCLUSIONS Although the feasibility and success of the use of muscle oximetry in sports science is well documented, there is still a need for further instrumental development to overcome current instrumental limitations. Longitudinal studies are urgently needed to strengthen the benefits of using muscle oximetry in sports science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Perrey
- EuroMov Digital Health in Motion, University of Montpellier, IMT Mines Ales, Montpellier, France
| | - Valentina Quaresima
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Marco Ferrari
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Rowland SN, Da Boit M, Tan R, Robinson GP, O’Donnell E, James LJ, Bailey SJ. Dietary Nitrate Supplementation Enhances Performance and Speeds Muscle Deoxyhaemoglobin Kinetics during an End-Sprint after Prolonged Moderate-Intensity Exercise. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 12:antiox12010025. [PMID: 36670889 PMCID: PMC9854517 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Short-term dietary nitrate (NO3−) supplementation has the potential to enhance performance during submaximal endurance, and short-duration, maximal-intensity exercise. However, it has yet to be determined whether NO3− supplementation before and during submaximal endurance exercise can improve performance during a short-duration, maximal-intensity end-sprint. In a randomised, double-blind, crossover study, 9 recreationally active men ingested NO3−-rich (BR: 8 mmol NO3−/day) and NO3−-depleted (PL: 0.75 mmol NO3−/day) beetroot powder for 7 days. On day 7, participants completed 2 h of moderate-intensity cycling, which immediately transitioned into a 60 s maximal-intensity end-sprint, with supplements ingested 2 h before and 1 h into the moderate-intensity exercise bout. Plasma [NO3−] and [NO2−] were higher in BR compared to PL pre- and post-exercise (p < 0.05). Post-exercise plasma [NO3−] was higher than pre-exercise (562 ± 89 µM vs. 300 ± 73 µM; p < 0.05) and plasma [NO2−] was not significantly different pre- (280 ± 58 nM) and post-exercise (228 ± 63 nM) in the BR condition (p > 0.05). Mean power output during the final 30 s of the end-sprint was greater after BR (390 ± 38 W) compared to PL (365 ± 41 W; p < 0.05). There were no differences between BR and PL in any muscle oxygenation variables during moderate-intensity cycling (p > 0.05), but muscle [deoxyhaemoglobin] kinetics was faster during the end-sprint in BR (6.5 ± 1.4 s) compared to PL (7.3 ± 1.4 s; p < 0.05). These findings suggest that NO3− supplementation has the potential to improve end-sprint performance in endurance events when ingested prior to and during exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha N. Rowland
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Mariasole Da Boit
- Health and Life Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
| | - Rachel Tan
- Department of Sports Medicine, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA 90263, USA
| | - George P. Robinson
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Emma O’Donnell
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Lewis J. James
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Stephen J. Bailey
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
- Correspondence:
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Valiulin D, Purge P, Mäestu J, Jürimäe J, Hofmann P. Effect of Short-Duration High-Intensity Upper-Body Pre-Load Component on Performance among High-Level Cyclists. Sports (Basel) 2022; 10:sports10030032. [PMID: 35324641 PMCID: PMC8950235 DOI: 10.3390/sports10030032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of upper-body high-intensity exercise priming on subsequent leg exercise performance. Specifically, to compare maximal 4000 m cycling performance with upper-body pre-load (MPThigh) and common warm-up (MPTlow). In this case, 15 high-level cyclists (23.3 ± 3.6 years; 181 ± 7 cm; 76.2 ± 10.0 kg; V˙O2max: 65.4 ± 6.7 mL·kg−1·min−1) participated in the study attending three laboratory sessions, completing an incremental test and both experimental protocols. In MPThigh, warm-up was added by a 25 s high-intensity all-out arm crank effort to the traditional 20-min aerobic warm-up. Both 4000 m maximal bouts started with a 12 s all-out start. Heart rate, blood lactate concentration [La) and spirometric data were measured and analyzed. Overall MPThigh time was slower by 5.3 ± 1.2 s (p < 0.05). [La] at the start was 5.5 ± 1.5 mmol·L−1 higher for MPThigh (p < 0.001) reducing anaerobic energy contribution which was higher in MPTlow during the first and third 1000 m split (p < 0.05). Similarly, MPTlow maintained higher total average power during the entire performance (p < 0.05, d = 0.7). Although the MPThigh condition performed less effectively due to decreased anaerobic capacity, pre-load effect may have the potential to enhance performance at longer distances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri Valiulin
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, 51008 Tartu, Estonia; (P.P.); (J.M.); (J.J.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Priit Purge
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, 51008 Tartu, Estonia; (P.P.); (J.M.); (J.J.)
| | - Jarek Mäestu
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, 51008 Tartu, Estonia; (P.P.); (J.M.); (J.J.)
| | - Jaak Jürimäe
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, 51008 Tartu, Estonia; (P.P.); (J.M.); (J.J.)
| | - Peter Hofmann
- Training & Training Therapy Research Group, Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport & Health, Exercise Physiology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
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