Exercise tolerance through severe and extreme intensity domains

The Characteristics of Endurance Events with a Variable Pacing Profile-Time to Embrace the Concept of "Intermittent Endurance Events"?

A variable pacing profile is common in different endurance events. In these races, several factors, such as changes in elevation or race dynamics, lead participants to perform numerous surges in intensity. These surges are so frequent that certain events, such as cross-country (XC) skiing, mountain biking (MTB), triathlon, and road cycling, have been termed "intermittent endurance events". The characteristics of these surges vary depending on the sport: MTB and triathlon require athletes to perform numerous short (<10 s) bouts; XC skiing require periods of short- and moderate-(30 s to 2 min) duration efforts, while road cycling is comprised of a mix of short-, moderate-, and long-duration (>2 min) bouts. These bouts occur at intensities above the maximal metabolic steady state (MMSS), with many efforts performed at intensities above the athletes' maximal aerobic power or speed (MAP/MAS) (i.e., supramaximal intensities). Given the factors that influence the requirement to perform surges in these events, athletes must be prepared to always engage in a race with a highly stochastic pace. The aim of this review is to characterize the variable pacing profile seen in endurance events and to discuss how the performance of multiple maximal and supramaximal surges in intensity can affect how athletes fatigue during a race and influence training strategies that can lead to success in these races.

Performance and perceived fatigability across the intensity spectrum: role of muscle mass during cycling

The role of muscle mass in modulating performance and perceived fatigability across the entire intensity spectrum during cycling remains unexplored. We hypothesized that at task failure (Tlim), muscle contractile function would decline more following single- (SL) versus double-leg (DL) cycling within severe and extreme intensities, but not moderate and heavy intensities. After DL and SL ramp-incremental tests, on separate days, 11 recreationally active males (V̇o2max: 49.5 ± 7.7 mL·kg-1·min-1) completed SL and DL cycling until Tlim within each intensity domain. Power output for SL trials was set at 60% of the corresponding DL trial. Before and immediately after Tlim, participants performed an isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) coupled with one superimposed and three resting femoral nerve stimulations [100 Hz; 10 Hz; single twitch (Qtw)] to measure performance fatigability. Perceived fatigue, leg pain, dyspnea, and effort were collected during trials. Tlim within each intensity domain was not different between SL and DL (all P > 0.05). MVC declined more for SL versus DL following heavy- (-42 ± 16% vs. -30 ± 18%; P = 0.011) and severe-intensity cycling (-41 ± 12% vs. -31 ± 15%; P = 0.036). Similarly, peak Qtw force declined more for SL following heavy- (-31 ± 12% vs. -22 ± 10%; P = 0.007) and severe-intensity cycling (-49 ± 13% vs. -40 ± 7%; P = 0.048). Except for heavy intensity, voluntary activation reductions were similar between modes. Similarly, except for dyspnea, which was lower for SL versus DL across all domains, ratings of fatigue, pain, and effort were similar at Tlim between exercise modes. Thus, the amount of muscle mass modulates the extent of contractile function impairment in an intensity-dependent manner.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We investigated the modulatory role of muscle mass on performance and perceived fatigability across the entire intensity spectrum. Despite similar time-to-task failure, single-leg cycling resulted in greater impairments in muscle contractile function within the heavy- and severe-intensity domains, but not the moderate- and extreme-intensity domains. Perceived fatigue, pain, and effort were similar between cycling modes. This indicates that the modulatory role of muscle mass on the extent of performance fatigability is intensity domain-dependent.

Sex differences in muscle contraction-induced limb blood flow limitations

PURPOSE

To determined sex differences in absolute- and %-reductions in blood flow during intermittent muscular contractions as well as relationships between blood flow reductions and time to task failure (TTF).

METHODS

Thirteen males (25 ± 4 years) and 13 females (22 ± 5 years) completed intermittent isometric trapezoidal forearm flexion at 50% maximal voluntary contraction until task failure. Doppler ultrasound was used to measure brachial artery blood flow (BABF) during the 12-s plateau phase and 12-s relaxation phase.

RESULTS

Target torque was less in females than males (24 ± 5 vs. 42 ± 7 Nm; p < 0.001); however, TTF was not different between sexes (F: 425 ± 187 vs. M: 401 ± 158 s; p = 0.72). Relaxation-phase BABF at end-exercise was less in females than males (435 ± 161 vs. 937 ± 281 mL/min; p < 0.001) but contraction-phase BABF was not different (127 ± 46 vs. 190 ± 99 mL/min; p = 0.42). Absolute- and %-reductions in BABF by contraction were less in females than males (309 ± 146 vs. 747 ± 210 mL/min and 69 ± 10 vs. 80% ± 6%, respectively; both p < 0.01) and were associated with target torque independent of sex (r = 0.78 and 0.56, respectively; both p < 0.01). Absolute BABF reduction per target torque (mL/min/Nm) and TTF were positively associated in males (r = 0.60; p = 0.031) but negatively associated in females (r = - 0.61; p = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that females incur less proportional reduction in limb blood flow from muscular contraction than males at a matched relative intensity suggesting females may maintain higher levels of muscle oxygen delivery and metabolite removal than males across the contraction-relaxation cycle of intermittent exercise.

Sex differences in the intensity-duration relationships of the severe- and extreme-intensity exercise domains

Extreme-intensity exercise is described by W'ext (analogous to J' for isometric exercise) that is smaller than W' of severe-intensity exercise (W'sev) in males. Sex differences in exercise tolerance appear to diminish at near-maximal exercise, however, there is evidence of greater contributions of peripheral fatigue (i.e. potentiated twitch force; Qpot) in males during extreme-intensity exercise. Therefore, the current study tested the hypotheses that J'ext would not be different between males and females, however, males would exhibit a greater reduction in neuromuscular function (i.e. maximal voluntary contraction, MVC; Qpot) following extreme-intensity exercise. Seven males and 7 females completed three severe- (Tlim: 2-4 min, S3; 5-8 min, S2; 9-15 min, S1) and three extreme-intensity (70, 80, 90%MVC) knee-extension bouts. MVC and Qpot relative to baseline were compared at task failure and at 150 s of recovery. J'ext was significantly less than J'sev in males (2.4 ± 1.2kJ vs 3.9 ± 1.3kJ; p = 0.03) and females (1.6 ± 0.8kJ vs 2.9 ± 1.7kJ; p = 0.05); however, there were no sex differences in J'ext or J'sev. MVC (%Baseline) was greater at task failure following extreme-intensity exercise (76.5 ± 20.0% vs 51.5 ± 11.5% in males, 75.7 ± 19.4% vs 66.7 ± 17.4% in females), but was not different at 150 s of recovery (95.7 ± 11.8% in males, 91.1 ± 14.2% in females). Reduction in Qpot, however, was greater in males (51.9 ± 16.3% vs 60.6 ± 15.5%) and was significantly correlated with J'ext (r2 = 0.90, p < 0.001). Although there were no differences in the magnitude of J'ext, differences in MVC and Qpot are evidence of sex-specific responses and highlight the importance of appropriately characterizing exercise intensity regarding exercise domains when comparing physiological responses in males and females.Highlights We have previously shown evidence that extreme-intensity dynamic exercise is described by W'ext in males and smaller than W'sev. We currently tested for potential sex differences in J'ext (isometric analogue to W') and neuromuscular responses (i.e. maximal voluntary contraction, MVC; potentiated twitch force, Qpot) during extreme-intensity exercise.J'ext and extreme-intensity exercise tolerance was not different between males and females. The reduction in MVC was not different across extreme-intensity exercise across males and females, whereas the reduction in Qpot was greater in males following all extreme-intensity exercises, although not after exercise at 90%MVC.Together, although extreme-intensity exercise tolerance is not different, these data highlight differences in the contributing mechanisms of fatigue during severe- and extreme-intensity exercise between males and females.

Prediction of Exercise Tolerance in the Severe and Extreme Intensity Domains by a Critical Power Model

This study aimed to assess the predictive capability of different critical power (CP) models on cycling exercise tolerance in the severe- and extreme-intensity domains. Nineteen cyclists (age: 23.0 ± 2.7 y) performed several time-to-exhaustion tests (Tlim) to determine CP, finite work above CP (W'), and the highest constant work rate at which maximal oxygen consumption was attained (IHIGH). Hyperbolic power-time, linear power-inverse of time, and work-time models with three predictive trials were used to determine CP and W'. Modeling with two predictive trials of the CP work-time model was also used to determine CP and W'. Actual exercise tolerance of IHIGH and intensity 5% above IHIGH (IHIGH+5%) were compared to those predicted by all CP models. Actual IHIGH (155 ± 30 s) and IHIGH+5% (120 ± 26 s) performances were not different from those predicted by all models with three predictive trials. Modeling with two predictive trials overestimated Tlim at IHIGH+5% (129 ± 33 s; p = 0.04). Bland-Altman plots of IHIGH+5% presented significant heteroscedasticity by all CP predictions, but not for IHIGH. Exercise tolerance in the severe and extreme domains can be predicted by CP derived from three predictive trials. However, this ability is impaired within the extreme domain.

Neuromuscular and perceptual mechanisms of fatigue accompanying task failure in response to moderate-, heavy-, severe-, and extreme-intensity cycling

A comprehensive characterization of neuromuscular and perceptual mechanisms of fatigue at task failure following exercise across the entire intensity spectrum is lacking. This study evaluated the extent of peripheral and central fatigue, and corresponding perceptual attributes, at task failure following cycling within the moderate-(MOD), heavy-(HVY), severe-(SVR), and extreme-(EXT) intensity domains. After a ramp-incremental test, eleven young males performed four constant-power output trials to the limit of tolerance (T_lim) at four distinct domain-specific workloads. These trials were preceded and followed by 5-s knee-extension maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and femoral nerve electrical stimuli to quantify peripheral and central fatigue. Additionally, perceptual measures including ratings of global fatigue, legs pain, dyspnea and perceived effort (RPE) were also collected. At T_lim, reductions in MVC were independent of intensity (P>0.05). However, peripheral fatigue was greater following EXT and SVR and progressively, but distinctively, lower following HVY and MOD (P<0.05). Central fatigue was similar after SVR, HVY, and MOD, but absent after EXT (P<0.05). At T_lim, subjective ratings of global fatigue were progressively higher with lower exercise intensities, while ratings of legs pain and dyspnea were progressively higher with higher exercise intensities. On the other hand, RPE was maximal following HVY, SVR, and EXT, but not MOD. The findings demonstrate that at T_lim the extent of peripheral fatigue is highly domain-specific whereas the extent of central fatigue is not. Sensations such as fatigue, pain, and dyspnea may integrate with mechanisms of sense of effort to determine task failure in a manner specific to each intensity domain.

Neuromuscular recovery from severe- and extreme-intensity exercise in men and women

Maximal voluntary contraction force (MVC), potentiated twitch force (Q_pot), and voluntary activation (%VA) recover to baseline within 90 s following extreme-intensity exercise. However, methodological limitations mask important recovery kinetics. We hypothesized reductions in MVC, Q_pot, and %VA at task failure following extreme-intensity exercise would be less than following severe-intensity exercise, and Q_pot and MVC following extreme-intensity exercise would show significant recovery within 120 s but remain depressed following severe-intensity exercise. Twelve subjects (6 men) completed 2 severe-intensity (40, 50% MVC) and 2 extreme-intensity (70, 80% MVC) isometric knee-extension exercise bouts to task failure (T_lim). Neuromuscular function was measured at baseline, T_lim, and through 150 s of recovery. Each intensity significantly reduced MVC and Q_pot compared with baseline. MVC was greater at T_lim (p < 0.01) and at 150 s of recovery (p = 0.004) following exercise at 80% MVC compared with severe-intensity exercise. Partial recovery of MVC and Q_pot were detected within 150 s following T_lim for each exercise intensity; Q_pot recovered to baseline values within 150 s of recovery following exercise at 80% MVC. No differences in %VA were detected pre- to post-exercise or across recovery for any intensity. Although further analysis showed sex-specific differences in MVC and Q_pot, future studies should closely examine sex-dependent responses to extreme-intensity exercise. It is clear, however, that these data reinforce that mechanisms limiting exercise tolerance during extreme-intensity exercise recover quickly. Novelty: Severe- and extreme-intensity exercise cause independent responses in fatigue accumulation and the subsequent recovery time courses. Recovery of MVC and Q_pot occurs much faster following extreme-intensity exercise in both men and women.

W' reconstitution rate at different intensities above critical torque: the role of muscle size and maximal strength

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Do muscle size, maximal force and exercise intensity influence the recovery time constant for the finite impulse above critical torque (τ_IET' )? What is the main finding and its importance? Muscle size and maximal strength have different influences on the parameters of the hyperbolic torque-time to task failure relationship. Greater muscle size and maximal strength, as well as exercise at an intensity of 60% MVC, prolong τ_IET' during intermittent isometric exercise.

ABSTRACT

Muscle perfusion and O₂ delivery limitations through muscle force generation appear to play a major role in defining the hyperbolic torque-time to task failure (T_lim ) relationship. Therefore, we aimed to determine the influence of muscle size and maximal strength on the recovery time constant for the finite impulse above critical torque (τ_IET' ). Ten men participated in the study and performed intermittent isometric tests until task-failure (T_lim ) for the knee-extensors (KE) (35% and 60% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)) and plantar flexors (PF) (60% MVC). The τ_IET' was determined for each of these T_lim tests using the IET'_BAL model. The IET' (9738 ± 3080 vs. 2959 ± 1289 N m s) and end-test torque (ET)(84.5 ± 7.1 vs. 74.3 ± 12.7 N m) were significantly lower for PF compared to KE (P < 0.05). Exercise tolerance (T_lim ) was significantly longer for PF (239 ± 81 s) than KE (150 ± 55 s) at 60% MVC, and significantly longer for KE at 35% MVC (641 ± 158 s) than 60% MVC. The τ_IET' was significantly faster at 35% MVC (641 ± 177 s) than 60% MVC (1840 ± 354 s) for KE, both of which were significantly slower than PF at 60% MVC (317 ± 102 s). This study showed that τ_IET' during intermittent isometric exercise is slower with greater muscle size and maximal strength.

Exercise tolerance through severe and extreme intensity domains

The power‐duration relationship accurately predicts exercise tolerance for constant power exercise performed in the severe intensity domain. However, the accuracy of the prediction of time to task failure (T_lim) is currently unclear for work rates (WR) above severe intensities; that is, within the extreme intensity domain (T_lim < 2 min). We hypothesized that T_lim would be shorter for WRs within the extreme intensity domain than predicted from the linear 1/time relationship of the severe intensity domain which would suggest mechanisms limiting exercise are different between intensity domains. Six men completed 7 knee‐extension tests. T_lim of extreme intensity exercise (60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% 1RM; T_lim < 2 min) were compared to the predicted T_lim from the slope of the S1–S3 (T_lim ≥ 2–15 min) regression. Twitch force (Q_tw) and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) were measured on the right vastus lateralis before and after each test. T_lim at 70–90% 1RM were shorter than the T_lim predicted by the severe domain 1/time model (P < 0.05); however, T_lim at 60% 1RM was not different than the predicted severe T_lim, suggesting the mechanisms limiting extreme exercise manifest ≥60% 1RM. A significant linear relationship for 60–90% 1RM was observed which suggested a curvature constant unique to the extreme domain (Wext′) that was smaller than the W ′ of the severe domain (1.5 ± 0.6 vs. 5.9 ± 1.5 kJ, P < 0.001). Q_tw and MVC were significantly decreased following severe exercise, however, Q_tw and MVC were not significantly decreased following 80% and 90% 1RM, giving evidence that mechanisms causing task failure were recovered by the time post‐exercise measurements were made (~90 sec).