Determining Physiological and Energetic Demands during High-Level Pommel Horse Routines Using a Modified Method Based on Heart Rate-Oxygen Uptake Functions

This study aimed (1) to assess the validity of a modified method (Mmod) based on heart rate (HR)-oxygen uptake (VO2) regression functions to calculate total energy costs (Wtotal) and aerobic (Waer) and anaerobic alactic energy contribution (Wpcr) and (2) to analyse the physiological and energetic demands of high-level pommel horse routines (PH routines). The Mmod was developed because VO2 measurements are limited during high-level PH routines. Answering Part 1, nine male artistic gymnasts performed a PH routine where energy costs were calculated from VO2 measurements and then compared with energy costs determined from the HR- VO2 regressions of Mmod's two additional tests. Using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Deming regression, Waer (CCC = 0.955), Wpcr (CCC = 0.999), and Wtotal (CCC = 0.990) show substantial to almost perfect validity without constant or proportional bias. Data from eight further gymnasts performing a high-level PH routine and a graded exercise test (GXT), as well as four data sets from Part 1, were used to determine physiological and energetic demands using Mmod. VO2 and HR during PH routines reached 86.1% and 90.4% of the maximal values during GXT. Wpcr was 47.0%, anaerobic lactic energy contribution (Wblc) was 29.7%, and Waer was 23.3% of Wtotal required during PH routines. Summarising the energetic demands of high-level PH routines, they are mainly anaerobic, where Wpcr provides the largest energy share. Waer provides a substantial part of Wtotal and should therefore also be specifically trained.

Physiological and Energetic Demands During Still-Rings Routines of Elite Artistic Gymnasts

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to analyze physiological and energetic demands of elite gymnasts during still-rings routines (SRRs).

METHODS

Eleven male gymnasts (mean [SD] 23.6 [3.9] y, 65.9 [5.6] kg, 171.1 [6.7] cm) performed a maximal graded exercise test and an individual SRR, during which respiratory gas and heart rate (HR) were measured using a mobile spiroergometer and a paired HR sensor. Metabolic energy and the energy contribution in terms of aerobic, anaerobic lactic, and anaerobic alactic were determined by oxygen uptake (VO2) during exercise, net lactate production, and the fast component of postexercise VO2 kinetics.

RESULTS

Mean routine duration of the SRRs was 48.3 (4.5) seconds. VO2 and HR during SRRs were shown to be 86.9% (5.9%) and 91.0% (3.3%), respectively, of the maximal values measured during the graded exercise test. The anaerobic alactic, aerobic, and anaerobic lactic systems provided 50.9% (6.6%), 28.6% (4.8%), and 20.5% (5.2%), respectively, of the total energy required during SRRs. The energy contribution of the anaerobic lactic system correlated negatively with individual anaerobic threshold (r = -.715) and maximal VO2 (r = -.682).

CONCLUSIONS

The anaerobic alactic system is the predominant energy source for ATP resynthesis during SRRs. The high relative VO2 and HR values reached during SRRs show that these routines strongly stress the cardiovascular system.

Associations of Blood and Performance Parameters with Signs of Periodontal Inflammation in Young Elite Athletes-An Explorative Study

This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to explore interactions between signs of periodontal inflammation and systemic parameters in athletes. Members of German squads with available data on sports medical and oral examination were included. Groups were divided by gingival inflammation (median of papillary bleeding index, PBI ≥ median) and signs of periodontitis (Periodontal Screening Index, PSI ≥ 3). Age, gender, anthropometry, blood parameters, echocardiography, sports performance on ergometer, and maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) were evaluated. Eighty-five athletes (f = 51%, 20.6 ± 3.5 years) were included (PBI < 0.42: 45%; PSI ≥ 3: 38%). Most associations were not statistically significant. Significant group differences were found for body fat percentage and body mass index. All blood parameters were in reference ranges. Minor differences in hematocrit, hemoglobin, basophils, erythrocyte sedimentation rates, urea, and HDL cholesterol were found for PBI, in uric acid for PSI. Echocardiographic parameters (n = 40) did not show any associations. Athletes with PSI ≥ 3 had lower VO2max values (55.9 ± 6.7 mL/min/kg vs. 59.3 ± 7.0 mL/min/kg; p = 0.03). In exercise tests (n = 30), athletes with PBI < 0.42 achieved higher relative maximal load on the cycling ergometer (5.0 ± 0.5 W/kg vs. 4.4 ± 0.3 W/kg; p = 0.03). Despite the limitations of this study, potential associations between signs of periodontal inflammation and body composition, blood parameters, and performance were identified. Further studies on the systemic impact of oral inflammation in athletes, especially regarding performance, are necessary.