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Buxton JD, Grose HM, DeLuca JD, Donofrio TP, LePre VR, Parrish CW, Gerhart HD, Prins PJ. The Effects of Slow Breathing during Inter-Set Recovery on Power Performance in the Barbell Back Squat. J Hum Kinet 2024; 93:93-103. [PMID: 39132422 PMCID: PMC11307190 DOI: 10.5114/jhk/185935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Slow breathing (SB) reduces sympathetic nervous system activity, the heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) and increases parasympathetic nervous system activity, HR variability, and oxygen saturation which may lead to quicker recovery between bouts of exercise. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether a SB technique using the 4-7-8 method between sets of barbell back squats (SQs) would attenuate drops in power and bar velocity. In a randomized, crossover design, 18 healthy resistance-trained college-aged males (age: 20.7 ± 1.4 years, body height: 178.6 ± 6.4 cm, body mass: 82.2 ± 15.0 kg, 4.5 ± 2.4 years of experience) performed 5 sets of 3 repetitions of SQs with normal breathing (CON) or SB during the 3-min recovery between sets. Peak and average power and bar velocity were assessed using a linear positioning transducer. HR recovery (RHR), systolic BP recovery (RBP), the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and the rating of perceived recovery score (RS) were assessed after each set. There were no significant differences between conditions for peak and average power and bar velocity, RBP, RPE, and RS (p > 0.211). SB led to a greater RHR after set 2 (SB: 51.0 ± 14.9 bpm vs. CON: 44.5 ± 11.5 bpm, p = 0.025) and 3 (SB: 48.3 ± 13.5 bpm vs. CON: 37.7 ± 11.7 bpm, p = 0.006) compared to the CON condition. SB was well tolerated, did not hinder nor improve training performance and improved RHR after the middle sets of SQs. Further investigations are warranted to examine the effects of other SB techniques and to determine SB's effects on different training stimuli as well as its effects over an entire workout and post-workout recovery metrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D. Buxton
- Department of Exercise Science/Grove City College, Grove City, PA, USA
| | - Holly M. Grose
- Department of Exercise Science/Grove City College, Grove City, PA, USA
| | - Joseph D. DeLuca
- Department of Exercise Science/Grove City College, Grove City, PA, USA
| | - Troy P. Donofrio
- Department of Exercise Science/Grove City College, Grove City, PA, USA
| | - Vincent R. LePre
- Department of Exercise Science/Grove City College, Grove City, PA, USA
| | | | - Hayden D. Gerhart
- Department of Exercise Science/Grove City College, Grove City, PA, USA
| | - Philip J. Prins
- Department of Exercise Science/Grove City College, Grove City, PA, USA
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Valenzuela PL, Alejo LB, Lucia A, Barranco-Gil D. What Does It Take to Become a Professional Cyclist? A Laboratory-Based Longitudinal Analysis in Competitive Young Riders. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18:1275-1282. [PMID: 37611911 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0083] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Laboratory-based indicators are commonly used for performance assessment in young cyclists. However, evidence supporting the use of these indicators mostly comes from cross-sectional research, and their validity as predictors of potential future performance remains unclear. We aimed to assess the role of laboratory variables for predicting transition from U23 (under 23 y) to professional category in young cyclists. METHODS Sixty-five U23 male road cyclists (19.6 [1.5] y) were studied. Endurance (maximal graded test and simulated 8-min time trial [TT]), muscle strength/power (squat, lunge, and hip thrust), and body composition (assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) indicators were determined. Participants were subsequently followed and categorized attending to whether they had transitioned ("Pro") or not ("Non-Pro") to the professional category during the study period. RESULTS The median follow-up period was 3 years. Pro cyclists (n = 16) showed significantly higher values than Non-Pro riders (n = 49) for ventilatory thresholds, peak power output, peak oxygen uptake, and TT performance (all P < .05, effect size > 0.69) and lower levels of fat mass and bone mineral content/density (P < .05, effect size > 0.63). However, no significant differences were found for muscle strength/power indicators (P > .05, effect size < 49). The most accurate individual predictor was TT performance (overall predictive value = 76% for a cutoff value of 5.6 W·kg-1). However, some variables that did not reach statistical significance in univariate analyses contributed significantly to a multivariate model (R2 = .79, overall predictive value = 94%). CONCLUSIONS Although different "classic" laboratory-based endurance indicators can predict the potential of reaching the professional category in U23 cyclists, a practical indicator such as 8-minute TT performance showed the highest prediction accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro L Valenzuela
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PaHerg), Research Institute of the University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid,Spain
- Biology Systems Department, University of Alcalá, Madrid,Spain
| | - Lidia B Alejo
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid,Spain
| | - Alejandro Lucia
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PaHerg), Research Institute of the University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid,Spain
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid,Spain
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Alejo LB, Montalvo-Pérez A, Valenzuela PL, Revuelta C, Ozcoidi LM, de la Calle V, Mateo-March M, Lucia A, Santalla A, Barranco-Gil D. Comparative analysis of endurance, strength and body composition indicators in professional, under-23 and junior cyclists. Front Physiol 2022; 13:945552. [PMID: 35991188 PMCID: PMC9388719 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.945552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To compare endurance, strength and body composition indicators between cyclists of three different competition age categories. Methods: Fifty-one male road cyclists classified as either junior (n = 13, age 16.4 ± 0.5 years), under-23 [(U23), n = 24, 19.2 ± 1.3 years] or professional (n = 14, 26.1 ± 4.8 years) were studied. Endurance (assessed through a maximal incremental test and an 8-minute time-trial), strength/power (assessed through incremental loading tests for the squat, lunge and hip thrust exercises) and body composition (assessed through dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) were determined on three different testing sessions. Results: U23 and, particularly professional, cyclists attained significantly (p < 0.05) higher values than juniors for most of the analyzed endurance indicators [time-trial performance, maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), peak power output (PPO), respiratory compensation point (RCP), and ventilatory threshold (VT)]. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between U23 and professionals were also found for time-trial performance, PPO and VT, but not for other markers such as VO2max or RCP. Professional cyclists also showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower relative fat mass and higher muscle mass levels than U23 and, particularly, juniors. No consistent differences between age categories were found for muscle strength/power indicators. Conclusion: Endurance (particularly time-trial performance, PPO and VT) and body composition (fat and muscle mass) appear as factors that best differentiate between cyclists of different age categories, whereas no consistent differences are found for muscle strength/power. These findings might help in performance prediction and/or talent identification and may aid in guiding coaches in the design of training programs focused on improving those variables that appear more determinant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia B. Alejo
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PaHerg), Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Montalvo-Pérez
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Almudena Montalvo-Pérez,
| | - Pedro L. Valenzuela
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PaHerg), Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Revuelta
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Manuel Mateo-March
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Sport Science Department, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lucia
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PaHerg), Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfredo Santalla
- Department of Sport and Computer Science, Section of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
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The Relationship Between Neuromuscular Function and the W' in Elite Cyclists. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2021; 16:1656-1662. [PMID: 33873151 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2020-0861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the association between the W' and measures of neuromuscular function relating to the capacity of skeletal muscle to produce force in a group of elite cyclists. METHODS Twenty-two athletes specializing in a range of disciplines and competing internationally volunteered to participate. Athletes completed assessments of maximum voluntary torque (MVT), voluntary activation, and isometric maximum voluntary contraction to measure rate of torque development (RTD). This was followed by assessment of peak power output (PPO) and 3-, 5-, and 12-minute time trials to determine critical power. Pearson correlation was used to examine associations with critical power and W'. Goodness of fit was calculated, and significant relationships were included in a linear stepwise regression model. RESULTS Significant positive relationships were evident between W' and MVT (r = .82), PPO (r = .70), and RTD at 200 milliseconds (r = .59) but not with RTD at 50 milliseconds and voluntary activation. Correlations were also observed between critical power and RTD at 200 milliseconds and MVT (r = .54 and r = .51, respectively) but not with PPO, voluntary activation, or RTD at 50 milliseconds. The regression analysis found that 87% of the variability in W' (F1,18 = 68.75; P < .001) was explained by 2 variables: MVT (81%) and PPO (6%). CONCLUSIONS It is likely that muscle size and strength, as opposed to neural factors, contribute meaningfully to W'. These data can be used to establish training methods to enhance W' to improve cycling performance in well-trained athletes.
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de Oliveira Júnior GN, de Sousa JDFR, Carneiro MADS, Martins FM, Santagnello SB, Orsatti FL. Resistance training-induced improvement in exercise tolerance is not dependent on muscle mass gain in post-menopausal women. Eur J Sport Sci 2020; 21:958-966. [PMID: 32684108 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1798511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Menopause transition may impair muscle function, decreasing exercise tolerance. The torque-duration relationship (hyperbolic curve) forms a practical framework within which exercise tolerance may be explored. In this regard, resistance training (RT) increases the curvature constant of this relationship (W'). Muscle hypertrophy and strength gains have been suggested as possible mediators of RT-induced improvement in W', however, it is unclear what the main mediator is. Higher-volume RT (HV-RT), beyond that recommended by RT-guidelines (i.e. three sets per exercise), may promote greater hypertrophy, but not higher strength gains. Hence, this study aimed to investigate whether greater hypertrophy in HV-RT maximises W' gain when compared to LVRT in postmenopausal women (PW). Fifty-eight PW were randomised to the control group (CTRL), HV-RT (six sets per exercise) or LV-RT (three sets per exercise). They underwent a 12-week RT program and were assessed for W', thigh lean body mass (TLBM) and maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC). The TLBM gain was higher (P < 0.001) in the HV-RT (9.4%) than LV-RT (3.7%). However, both HV-RT and LV-RT similarly increased MIVC (9.7% vs. 16.5%, P = 0.063) and W' (26.4% vs. 34.6% P = 0.163). Additionally, the changes in W' were associated with the changes in TLBM (31%, P = 0.003) and MIVC (52%, P= <0.001). However, when the changes in TLBM and MIVC were inserted into the predictive model, only the MIVC (33%, P = 0.002) was a predictor of W'. Thus, although HV-RT promoted greater hypertrophy than LV-RT, HV-RT does not seem to maximise W' in PW.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcelo Augusto da Silva Carneiro
- Exercise Biology Research Group (BioEx), Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Metabolism, Nutrition, and Exercise Laboratory, Physical Education and Sport Center, Londrina State University, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Maria Martins
- Exercise Biology Research Group (BioEx), Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Fábio Lera Orsatti
- Exercise Biology Research Group (BioEx), Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Department of Sport Sciences, Health Science Institute, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), Minas Gerais, Brazil
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