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Barranco-Gil D, Alejo LB, Revuelta C, Górriz M, Pagola I, Ozcoidi LM, Lucia A, Valenzuela PL. High-dose short-term creatine supplementation without beneficial effects in professional cyclists: a randomized controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2024; 21:2340574. [PMID: 38606895 PMCID: PMC11018046 DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2024.2340574] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence supports the ergogenic effects of creatine supplementation on muscle power/strength, but its effects on endurance performance remain unclear. We assessed the effects of high-dose short-term creatine supplementation in professional cyclists during a training camp. METHODS The study followed a double-blind, randomized parallel design. Twenty-three professional U23 cyclists (19 ± 1 years, maximum oxygen uptake: 73.0 ± 4.6 mL/kg/min) participated in a 6-day training camp. Participants were randomized to consume daily either a recovery drink (containing carbohydrates and protein) with a 20-g creatine supplement (creatine group, n = 11) or just the recovery drink (placebo group, n = 12). Training loads and dietary intake were monitored, and indicators of fatigue/recovery (Hooper index, countermovement jump height), body composition, and performance (10-second sprint, 3-, 6-, and 12-minute time trials, respectively, as well as critical power and W') were assessed as study outcomes. RESULTS The training camp resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) increase of training loads (+50% for total training time and + 61% for training stress score, compared with the preceding month) that in turn induced an increase in fatigue indicators (significant time effect [p < 0.001] for delayed-onset muscle soreness, fatigue, and total Hooper index) and a decrease in performance (significant time effect [p = 0.020] for critical power, which decreased by -3.8%). However, no significant group-by-time interaction effect was found for any of the study outcomes (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS High-dose short-term creatine supplementation seems to exert no consistent beneficial effects on recovery, body composition or performance indicators during a strenuous training period in professional cyclists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lidia B. Alejo
- Universidad Europea de Madrid, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Madrid, Spain
- Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PAHERG), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Revuelta
- Universidad Europea de Madrid, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Itziar Pagola
- Universidad Europea de Madrid, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Alejandro Lucia
- Universidad Europea de Madrid, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Madrid, Spain
- Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PAHERG), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro L. Valenzuela
- Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PAHERG), Madrid, Spain
- University of Alcalá, Department of Systems Biology, Madrid, Spain
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Barranco-Gil D, Alejo LB, Revuelta C, de Paz S, Ibañez M, Lucia A, Valenzuela PL. Intensity Matters: Effect of Different Work-Matched Efforts on Subsequent Performance in Cyclists. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2024:1-6. [PMID: 39069285 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the effect of 2 work-matched efforts of different intensities on subsequent performance in well-trained cyclists. METHODS The present study followed a randomized controlled crossover design. Twelve competitive junior cyclists volunteered to participate (age, 17 [1] y; maximum oxygen uptake, 71.0 [4.7] mL·kg-1·min-1). The power-duration relationship was assessed through 2-minute, 5-minute, and 12-minute field tests under fresh conditions (control). On subsequent days and following a randomized order, participants repeated the aforementioned tests after 2 training sessions matched for mechanical work (∼15 kJ/kg) of different intensities (ie, a moderate-intensity continuous-training [60%-70% of critical power; CP] session or a session including high-intensity intervals [3-min repetition bouts at 110%-120% of the CP interspersed by 3-min rest periods]). RESULTS A significantly lower power output was found in the 2-minute test after the high-intensity training session compared not only with the control condition (-8%, P < .001) but also with the moderate-intensity continuous-training session (-7%, P = .003), with no significant differences between the latter conditions. No significant differences between conditions were found for the remaining tests. As a consequence, the high-intensity training session resulted in significantly lower W' values compared to both the control condition (-27%, P = .001) and the moderate-intensity continuous-training session (-26%, P = .012), with no differences between the 2 latter conditions and with no differences for CP. CONCLUSION A session including high-intensity intermittent efforts induces a greater fatigue, particularly in short-duration efforts and W', than a work-matched continuous-training session of moderate intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lidia B Alejo
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PAHERG), Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Revuelta
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sabbas de Paz
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ibañez
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Alimco-Campagnolo U19 Team, Vitoria, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lucia
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PAHERG), Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro L Valenzuela
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PAHERG), Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcala, Madrid, Spain
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Lee S, Choi Y, Jeong E, Park J, Kim J, Tanaka M, Choi J. Physiological significance of elevated levels of lactate by exercise training in the brain and body. J Biosci Bioeng 2023; 135:167-175. [PMID: 36681523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
For the past 200 years, lactate has been regarded as a metabolic waste end product that causes fatigue during exercise. However, lactate production is closely correlated with energy metabolism. The lactate dehydrogenase-catalyzed reaction uses protons to produce lactate, which delays ongoing metabolic acidosis. Of note, lactate production differs depending on exercise intensity and is not limited to muscles. Importantly, controlling physiological effect of lactate may be a solution to alleviating some chronic diseases. Released through exercise, lactate is an important biomarker for fat oxidation in skeletal muscles. During recovery after sustained strenuous exercise, most of the lactate accumulated during exercise is removed by direct oxidation. However, as the muscle respiration rate decreases, lactate becomes a desirable substrate for hepatic glucose synthesis. Furthermore, improvement in brain function by lactate, particularly, through the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, is being increasingly studied. In addition, it is possible to improve stress-related symptoms, such as depression, by regulating the function of hippocampal mitochondria, and with an increasingly aging society, lactate is being investigated as a preventive agent for brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, the perception that lactate is equivalent to fatigue should no longer exist. This review focuses on the new perception of lactate and how lactate acts extensively in the skeletal muscles, heart, brain, kidney, and liver. Additionally, lactate is now used to confirm exercise performance and should be further studied to assess its impact on exercise training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjun Lee
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea; Feynman Institute of Technology, Nanomedicine Corporation, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Yonghyun Choi
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea; Feynman Institute of Technology, Nanomedicine Corporation, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunseo Jeong
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongjun Park
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Kim
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Masayoshi Tanaka
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Jonghoon Choi
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea; Feynman Institute of Technology, Nanomedicine Corporation, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Valenzuela PL, Alejo LB, Montalvo-Pérez A, Ojanguren D, Górriz M, Pagola I, Ozcoidi LM, Lucia A, Barranco-Gil D. Pre-sleep protein supplementation in professional cyclists during a training camp: a three-arm randomized controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2023; 20:2166366. [PMID: 36686220 PMCID: PMC9848340 DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2023.2166366] [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] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The effects of pre-sleep protein supplementation on endurance athletes remain unclear, particularly whether its potential benefits are due to the timing of protein intake or solely to an increased total protein intake. We assessed the effects of pre-sleep protein supplementation in professional cyclists during a training camp accounting for the influence of protein timing. Methods Twenty-four professional U23 cyclists (19 ± 1 years, peak oxygen uptake: 79.8 ± 4.9 ml/kg/min) participated in a six-day training camp. Participants were randomized to consume a protein supplement (40 g of casein) before sleep (n = 8) or in the afternoon (n = 8), or an isoenergetic placebo (40 g of carbohydrates) before sleep (n = 8). Indicators of fatigue/recovery (Hooper index, Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes, countermovement jump), body composition, and performance (1-, 5-, and 20-minute time trials, as well as the estimated critical power) were assessed as study outcomes. Results The training camp resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) increase in training loads (e.g. training stress score of 659 ± 122 per week during the preceding month versus 1207 ± 122 during the training camp), which induced an increase in fatigue indicators (e.g. time effect for Hooper index p < 0.001) and a decrease in performance (e.g. time effect for critical power p = 0.002). Protein intake was very high in all the participants (>2.5 g/kg on average), with significantly higher levels found in the two protein supplement groups compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001). No significant between-group differences were found for any of the analyzed outcomes (all p > 0.05). Conclusions Protein supplementation, whether administered before sleep or earlier in the day, exerts no beneficial effects during a short-term strenuous training period in professional cyclists, who naturally consume a high-protein diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro L. Valenzuela
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PaHerg), Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain,Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcala, Madrid, Spain
| | - 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
| | | | - Diego Ojanguren
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Itziar Pagola
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, 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
| | - David Barranco-Gil
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,CONTACT David Barranco-Gil Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Pallares JG, Hernández-Belmonte A, Valenzuela PL, Muriel X, Mateo-March M, Barranco-Gil D, Lucia A. Field-Derived Maximal Power Output in Cycling: An Accurate Indicator of Maximal Performance Capacity? Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2022; 17:1558-1564. [PMID: 35894875 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the validity of field-derived mean maximum power (MMP) values for monitoring maximal cycling endurance performance. METHODS Twenty-seven male professional cyclists performed 3 timed trials (TTs) of 1-, 5-, and 20-minute duration that were used as the gold standard reference. Field-based power output data (3336 files; 124 [25] per cyclist) were registered during the preparatory (60 d pre-TT, including training data only) and specific period of the season (60 d post-TT, including both training and competitions). Comparisons were made between TT performance (mean power output) and MMP values obtained for efforts of the same duration as TT (MMP of 1-, 5-, and 20-min duration). The authors also compared TT- and MMP-derived values of critical power (CP) and anaerobic work capacity. RESULTS A large correlation (P < .001, r > .65) was found between MMP and TT performance regardless of the effort duration or season period. However, considerable differences (P < .05, standard error of measurement [SEM] > 5%) were found between MMP and TT values for all effort durations in the preparatory period, as well as for the derived CP and anaerobic work capacity. Significant differences were also found between MMP and TT of 1 minute in the specific period, as well as for anaerobic work capacity, yet with no differences for MMP of 5- and 20-minute duration or the derived CP (P > .05, SEM < 5%). CONCLUSION MMP values (for efforts ≥5 min) and the associated CP obtained from both training sessions and competitions can be considered overall accurate indicators of the cyclist's maximal capabilities, but specific tests might be necessary for shorter efforts or when considering training sessions only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús G Pallares
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Human Performance and Sports Science Laboratory, University of Murcia, Murcia,Spain
| | | | - Pedro L Valenzuela
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PaHerg), Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid,Spain
| | - Xabier Muriel
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Human Performance and Sports Science Laboratory, University of Murcia, Murcia,Spain
| | - Manuel Mateo-March
- Sport Science Department, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche,Spain
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, European University of Madrid, Madrid,Spain
| | | | - Alejandro Lucia
- Physical Activity and Health Research Group (PaHerg), Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid,Spain
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, European University of Madrid, Madrid,Spain
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Abstract
The elegant concept of a hyperbolic relationship between power, velocity, or torque and time to exhaustion has rightfully captivated the imagination and inspired extensive research for over half a century. Theoretically, the relationship's asymptote along the time axis (critical power, velocity, or torque) indicates the exercise intensity that could be maintained for extended durations, or the "heavy-severe exercise boundary". Much more than a critical mass of the extensive accumulated evidence, however, has persistently shown the determined intensity of critical power and its variants as being too high to maintain for extended periods. The extensive scientific research devoted to the topic has almost exclusively centered around its relationships with various endurance parameters and performances, as well as the identification of procedural problems and how to mitigate them. The prevalent underlying premise has been that the observed discrepancies are mainly due to experimental 'noise' and procedural inconsistencies. Consequently, little or no effort has been directed at other perspectives such as trying to elucidate physiological reasons that possibly underly and account for those discrepancies. This review, therefore, will attempt to offer a new such perspective and point out the discrepancies' likely root causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffy Dotan
- Kinesiology Department, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada.
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Taylor IM, Whiteley S, Ferguson RA. The disturbance of desire-goal motivational dynamics during different exercise intensity domains. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2022; 32:798-806. [PMID: 35037710 PMCID: PMC9305115 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14129] [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: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The desire-goal motivational conflict helps explain endurance performance, however, the physiological concomitants are unknown. The present study examined disturbances in desire to reduce effort and performance goal value across moderate, heavy, and severe exercise intensity domains, demarcated by the first (LT1) and second (LT2) lactate thresholds. In addition, the within-person relationships between blood lactate concentration, heart rate and desire-goal conflict were examined. METHODS Thirty participants (53% female, Mage = 21.03 years; SD = 2.06 years) completed an incremental cycling exercise test, in which work-rate was increased by 25 watts every four minutes, until voluntary exhaustion or sufficient data from the severe intensity domain had been collected. Desire to reduce effort, performance goal value, blood lactate concentration (for determination of LT1 and LT2) and heart rate were measured at the end of each stage and analyzed using multilevel models. RESULTS The desire to reduce effort increased over the exercise test with additional shifts and accelerations after each lactate threshold. The performance goal did not show general declines, nor did it shift at LT1. However, the performance goal value shifted at LT2, and the rate of change increased at both thresholds. Within-person variation in blood lactate concentration positively correlated with the desire to reduce effort and negatively correlated with the performance goal. Within-person variation in heart rate correlated with desire to reduce effort but not the performance goal. CONCLUSION Transitioning through both lactate thresholds are important phases for motivation during progressive exercise, particularly for the desire to reduce effort. Within-person variation in blood lactate concentration is more influential for motivation, compared to heart rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M Taylor
- School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom, LE11 3TU
| | - Summer Whiteley
- School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom, LE11 3TU
| | - Richard A Ferguson
- School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom, LE11 3TU
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