Development of aerobic power in pubescent male soccer players related to hematocrit, hemoglobin and maturation. A longitudinal study

AIM

More than ever young athletes are training intensively and compete at high levels. As adolescent athletes are training in a period associated with many changes in growth and maturation longitudinal studies are important to elucidate the development in physical parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the development in aerobic power in elite as well as non-elite soccer players during the years of puberty and to relate it to maturation as well as hemoglobin and hematocrit.

METHODS

Forty-nine young male soccer players at elite and non-elite levels (10.5-13 y) were recruited as subjects. All subjects were tested 4 times over a period of 3.5 years. Anthropometrical parameters including skinfold were measured. VO2max was assessed during treadmill run, testicular volume and testosterone levels were used to estimate maturation, and hemoglobin (Hb) as well as hematocrit (Htc) was measured from blood samples.

RESULTS

A longitudinal development in VO2max (l/min) was found for all players together. The elite players have higher values and steeper increase compared to non elite-players. This difference was still present when VO2max was adjusted for body weight (ml/kg/min).

CONCLUSIONS

The general development in VO2max was significantly correlated to the development in Hb and Htc as well as maturation, but the difference between elite and non-elite players could not be explained from differences in these variables. As elite players often are selected at a very young age it is possible that training effect is present but it cannot be excluded that genetic factors may play an important role.

Anaerobic power and muscle strength characteristics of 11 years old elite and non-elite boys and girls from gymnastics, team handball, tennis and swimming

The aim of the present investigation was to study the possible effects of specificity of training on muscle strength and anaerobic power in children from different sports and at different performance levels in relation to growth and maturation status. Hundred and eighty-four children of both gender participating either in swimming, tennis, team handball or gymnastics were recruited from the best clubs in Denmark. Within each sport, the coach had divided the children into an elite (E) and non-elite (NE) group according to performance level and talent. Tanner stage assessment and body weight and height measurements were performed by a physician. The anaerobic performances were assessed by Wingate tests and jumping performance in squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) from two heights. Most of the differences between groups in Wingate performance disappeared when the data were normalised to body mass. The gymnasts were the best jumpers and their superiority were increased in the more complex motor coordination tasks like DJ. The results may indicate some influence of training specificity, especially on the more complex motor tasks as DJ and there may be an effect of training before puberty. The performance in the less complex motor tasks like cycling and SJ and CMJ may also be influenced by specific training, but not to the same extent, and heritance may be an important factor for performance in these anaerobic tasks.

Mechanical load on the low back and shoulders during pushing and pulling of two-wheeled waste containers compared with lifting and carrying of bags and bins

OBJECTIVE

Compare the mechanical load on the low back and shoulders during pushing and pulling a two-wheeled container with the load during lifting and carrying the same amount of waste.

BACKGROUND

Only little is known about risk factors and mechanical loads during push/pull operations.

DESIGN

A complete 2(3) factor push/pull experiment. A two-wheeled container with 25 or 50 kg was pushed in front of and pulled behind the body by seven waste collectors. Further, the same subjects lifted and carried a paper bag and a dustbin both loaded with 7 and 25 kg.

METHOD

All operations were video recorded and the push/pull force was measured by means of a three-dimensional force transducer. Peak Motus and Watbak software were used for digitising and calculation of torque at L4/L5 and the shoulder joints and compression and shear forces at L4/L5.

RESULTS

During pushing and pulling the compression at L4/L5 is from 605 to 1445 N. The extension torque at L4/L5 produced by the push/pull force is counteracted by the forward leaning of the upper body. The shear force is below 202 N in all situations. The torque at the shoulders is between 1 and 38 Nm.

CONCLUSION

In the present experiments the torques at the low back and the shoulders are low during pushing and pulling. No relation exists between the size of the external force and the torque at the low back and the shoulder.

RELEVANCE

Pushing and pulling are common in many workplaces and have often replaced lifting and carrying situations. This has emphasised the need for more knowledge of the internal mechanical load on the body during these activities.

Effectiveness of counselling over 1 year on changes in lifestyle and coronary heart disease risk factors

Many have studied the effects of different lifestyles on disease, mortality or risk factors for a disease, but little is known about how behaviour is changed in the population. We studied the need for counselling and its effect on willingness and ability to change lifestyle, and subsequent changes in CHD risk factors. All 152 male employees in a computer company, 25-45 years of age, were invited to participate. Subjects were randomized into an intervention group (I-group) and a control group. The I-group was divided into subgroups based on baseline behaviour and risk factor status. Changes were evaluated after 1 year. After an initial health examination, participants from the I-group were counselled at baseline and after 5 months. Eighty-five (56%) males participated. Twenty-nine were assigned to a control group and 56 to an intervention group (I-group) (dropout = 8). An exercise group (E-group) was advised to exercise aerobically three times/week, a diet group to reduce the intake of saturated fat and increase fish products, and smokers to quit smoking. Forty subjects were recommended one or more behavioural changes and eight had no need. Thirty-four were willing to make behavioural changes. Compared to the control group, the fitness level increased (P < 0.01) and body weight decreased in the I-group (P < 0.05). It may be concluded that individual counselling promotes regular exercise with subsequent improvements in CHD risk factors. The diet- and smoking counselling models were less successful in terms of adherence.

Motor pattern of the knee joint muscles during side-step cutting in European team handball. Influence on muscular co-ordination after an intervention study

The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries is reported to be high in many popular team sports The most risky movement in European team handball is reported to be the side-step cutting manoeuvre. Well-rehabilitated ACL-deficient athletes have been shown to have increased co-contraction about the knee joint with this manoeuvre. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a prophylactic training programme on the co-contraction of the knee joints of non-injured European team handball players The subjects performed 'match-like' cutting manoeuvres on a force platform. EMG-signals from the involved knee joint muscles and force platform signals were simultaneously stored on a personal computer. The data collected before and after a 12-week prophylactic training program were compared. The results demonstrated that rehabilitation exercises cannot increase co-contraction about the knee joint in healthy athletes during side-step cutting. This is contradictory to the reported effect on ACL-deficient athletes.

Development of muscle strength in relation to training level and testosterone in young male soccer players

Isometric and functional strength of ninety-eight 11-yr-old male soccer players at an elite (E) and nonelite (NE) level were determined (3-4 times) through a 2-yr period, and the changes were related to growth and maturation. The initial isometric strength for extension with dominant leg [1,502 +/- 35 (E) vs. 1,309 +/- 39 (NE) N], extension with nondominant leg (1,438 +/- 37 vs. 1,267 +/- 45 N), extension with both legs (2,113 +/- 76 vs. 1,915 +/- 72 N), back muscles (487 +/- 11 vs. 414 +/- 10 N), abdominal muscles (320 +/- 9 vs. 294 +/- 8 N), and handgrip (304 +/- 10 vs. 259 +/- 8 N) increased by 15-40% during the period. Broad jump increased (P < 0. 05) by 15 (E) and 10% (NE). The E players had higher (P < 0.05) initial isometric strength and broad jump performance compared with NE players, and differences were maintained throughout the period (multiple ANOVA for repeated measures) also when adjustment was made for age, dimensions, testosterone, and insulin-like growth factor I (generalized estimating equations analyses). The development of strength for both E and NE players together was significantly (P < 0. 001) related to changes in serum testosterone concentrations. The present data indicate that testosterone is important for development of strength in young boys and that, independent of serum testosterone concentration, E players have developed greater muscle strength compared with NE players.

EMG activity of the iliopsoas muscle and leg kinetics during the soccer place kick

The purpose of the study was to develop a method to record intramuscular electromyogram (EMG) from the iliopsoas muscle and to relate this activity to the kinetics during the soccer place kick. Seven skilled soccer players performed 3 maximal velocity place kicks. The kicks were filmed with a high-speed camera (400 Hz) and EMG recordings were obtained from 5 muscles of the kicking leg, including wire electrodes inserted into the m. iliopsoas. The EMG signals were compared to the kinetics of the kicking leg, which were calculated from the digitised film. The results showed hardly any torque reversal about the hip joint before impact. Angular deceleration of the thigh segment did not increase the angular velocity of the shank (work -3.57 to 0.0%). M. iliopsoas was active during the entire kicking motion (average EMG 65.1-100.9%), even in the period when the thigh was decelerating. Wire electrodes can successfully be applied to EMG recordings of fast unloaded movements.

Choice of jumping strategy in two standard jumps, squat and countermovement jump--effect of training background or inherited preference?

Six male subjects, three professional ballet dancers and three elite volleyball players, performed maximal vertical jumps from 1) a static preparatory position (squat jump), 2) starting with a countermovement (countermovement jump) and 3) a specific jump for ballet and for volleyball, respectively. The jumps were recorded on highspeed film (500 Hz) combined with registration of ground reaction forces, and net joint moments were calculated by inverse dynamics. The purpose was to investigate the choice of strategy in two standard jumps, squat jump and countermovement jump. The volleyball jump was performed with a sequential strategy and the ballet jump was performed with a simultaneous strategy. In the two standard jumps, the choice of strategy was individual and not related to training background. This was additionally confirmed in a test of seven ballet dancers and seven volleyball players.

The effect of strength and flexibility training on skeletal muscle electromyographic activity, stiffness, and viscoelastic stress relaxation response

The present study examined whether isometric strength training alone or isometric strength training combined with flexibility training of the hamstring muscles altered the viscoelastic response during stretch. Twelve male subjects performed isometric training (strength) on one side and isometric and flexibility training (strength and flexibility) on the other side for 13 weeks; 10 other subjects served as controls. Passive torque offered by the hamstring muscle group was measure during passive knee extension using a dynamometer. The knee was passively extended to a predetermined final position at 0.0875 rad/sec (dynamic phase), where it remained stationary for 90 seconds (static phase). The slope of the line (stiffness) and the area under the curve (energy) in the dynamic phase, and the decline in passive torque (viscoelastic stress relaxation) in the static phase were analyzed. Isometric strength was determined with a dynamometer. A strength test and a stretch maneuver were administered before and after the training period. All variables were unchanged in the control group. Isometric strength increased similarly on both training sides by 43%. The stretch maneuver showed that energy, stiffness, and passive torque increased on both training sides while low-level electromyographic recordings remained constant. Furthermore, the viscoelastic stress relaxation response (31% to 33%) was unaffected by the training. The addition of flexibility exercise had no significant effect on these strength training responses. These data suggest that an increase in isometric strength is accompanied by changes in the material properties of the muscle that are unaffected by flexibility exercises.

Dynamics of the martial arts high front kick

Fast unloaded movements (i.e. striking, throwing and kicking) are typically performed in a proximo-distal sequence, where initially high proximal segments accelerate while distal segments lag behind, after which proximal segments decelerate while distal segments accelerate. The aims of this study were to examine whether proximal segment deceleration is performed actively by antagonist muscles or is a passive consequence of distal segment movement, and whether distal segment acceleration is enhanced by proximal segment deceleration. Seventeen skilled taekwon-do practitioners were filmed using a high-speed camera while performing a high front kick. During kicking, EMG recordings were obtained from five major lower extremity muscles. Based on the kinematic data, inverse dynamics computations were performed yielding muscle moments and motion-dependent moments. The results indicated that thigh deceleration was caused by motion-dependent moments arising from lower leg motion and not by active deceleration. This was supported by the EMG recordings. Lower leg acceleration was caused partly by a knee extensor muscle moment and partly by a motion-dependent moment arising from thigh angular velocity. Thus, lower leg acceleration was not enhanced by thigh deceleration. On the contrary, thigh deceleration, although not desirable, is unavoidable because of lower leg acceleration.

What does a backrest actually do to the lumbar spine?

It is generally believed that a backrest facilitates lumbar lordosis. To test this, the spontaneously adopted postures of 12 healthy subjects were measured by a statometric method during 2-h sitting periods on three types of chairs in a stratified sequence. The only difference between the three workstations regarded backrest: 'A' had no backrest; 'B' had a vertical lumbar backrest; and 'C' had an anteriorly curved backrest. In general, the most lordotic postures were assumed with backrest C, whereas backrest B rather facilitated kyphosis as compared with sitting without a backrest. However, when specifically considering passive sitting, i.e. reading, both types of backrest facilitated kyphosis. Moreover, spinal shrinkage was evaluated by measuring exact height before and after each 2-h sitting period. This was done to assess spinal load. From this perspective, backrest C induced the greatest load on the spine. In conclusion, the traditional conception that a backrest facilitates lordosis is apparently not true. It seems rather that backrests actually facilitate the opportunity for the user to stabilize their lumbar spines by providing their lower backs with support, resulting in relative kyphotic increases. The practical ergonomic applications from this study are unclear. However, traditional concepts in backrest ergonomy should be re-considered.

Specificity of training velocity and training load on gains in isokinetic knee joint strength

The present study investigated the effects of three different strength training regimes on the isokinetic strength profile of the knee extensors (quadriceps, Q) and flexors (hamstrings, H) and if increases in isokinetic strength were accompanied by an enhanced performance during a more complex leg movement, the soccer kick. Twenty-two elite soccer players performed 12 weeks of strength training (three times per week) at either high resistance (HR group: 4 sets, 8 reps, 8RM loading), low resistance (LR group: 4 sets, 24 reps, 24RM loading), loaded kicking movements (LK group: 4 sets, 16 reps, 16RM loading) while one group served as controls (CO group). Isokinetic concentric and eccentric moment of force was obtained (KinCom) as peak moment (Mpeak) and moment at 50 degrees knee flexion (M50) at angular velocities of 30, 120, 240 degrees s-1. Isokinetic knee joint strength was unchanged in groups LR, LK, CO. However, after the HR strength training, concentric Mpeak (+/- SD) increased (P < 0.01) at 30 degrees s-1 (Q, 258 +/- 37 to 297 +/- 57 Nm; H, 122 +/- 22 to 140 +/- 21 Nm). Furthermore, eccentric Mpeak increased at 30, 120 and 240 degrees s-1 (Q, 274 +/- 60 to 345 +/- 57 Nm (P < 0.01), 291 +/- 56 to 309 +/- 49 Nm and 275 +/- 43 to 293 +/- 36 Nm (P < 0.05), respectively; H, 143 +/- 32 to 158 +/- 25 Nm, 152 +/- 39 to 169 +/- 31 Nm and 148 +/- 27 to 163 +/- 19 Nm (P < 0.05)). Corresponding increases (P < 0.05) were observed for M50. The H/Q ratio calculated as eccentric hamstring strength divided by concentric quadriceps strength (Hecc/Qcon, representative for knee extension) at 240 degrees s-1 increased (P < 0.05) from 107 to 118% (based on Mpeak) and from 90 to 105% (M50). Kicking performance estimated by maximal ball flight velocity was unaffected by any of the strength training regimes investigated. In conclusion, only heavy-resistance strength training induced increases in isokinetic muscle strength in the absence of learning effects. Concentric strength gains were observed at the actual velocity of training, while eccentric strength gains were found over the entire range of velocities examined. The capacity of the hamstring muscles for providing stability to the knee joint during fast extension was augmented as a result of the heavy-resistance strength training. Strength training should be integrated with other types of training involving the actual movement pattern in order to increase the performance within more complex movement patterns.

[The general and specific mechanisms of adaptation of the body to extreme exposures]

The authors studied the dynamic of changes in auditory-vestibular system as well as the mechanisms of general and specific adaptation of organism to different extreme effects. 94 volunteers were examined in conditions of hyperbarism, hypobarism, hypergravitation and sea extreme factors. For registration of morphological changes and their correlation with biochemical and electrophysiological changes, experiments were performed on 272 animals using the same extreme factors. Complex clinical, biochemical, electrophysiological psychophysiological, and in the animals-morphological studies were performed. The state of the auditory-vestibular, cardiovascular, nerve, respiratory systems as well as the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, mineral-electrolytes and biogenic amines are followed up. It is well known that the immediate adaptation to extreme effects occurs on three levels-biochemical, anatomo-physiological and nerve-psychic. These levels are comparatively independent but also mutually related and determining each other. It was found out that in the different types of extreme effects the leading role is played by a different level. For example in sea extreme effects the nerve psychic adaptation level is dominating while in hyperbaric overstrain the anatomo-physiologic level plays the leading role. It is found out that 70% of the incidents during divers' experience is due to changes mainly in the middle year and in the labyrinth. Attention is paid on the role of genotype characteristics of adaptation as well as on the organism's tolerance towards the nitrous narcosis and oxidative intoxication. An interesting finding is that the animals and volunteers who decrease the blood serotonin values following the extreme effect are with higher stability and the immediate adaptation occurs quicker and is more effective. There is no data in the literature on this topic. These results could be used for prognosing the stability of the organism and for decreasing the health risk for the working under extreme effects, for their prevention and treatment as well as in the professional selection.

Isokinetic hamstring/quadriceps strength ratio: influence from joint angular velocity, gravity correction and contraction mode

This study investigated isokinetic peak- and angle-specific hamstring/quadriceps strength ratios (conventional H/Q ratio) obtained during concentric and eccentric muscle contraction and examined the influence of joint angular velocity and the effect of gravity correction on these ratios. Also, a 'functional' H/Q ratio was defined by calculating eccentric hamstring strength relative to concentric quadriceps strength (Hecc/Qcon' representative for knee extension) and calculating concentric hamstring strength relative to eccentric quadriceps strength (Hcon/Qecc' representative for knee flexion). The H/Q ratio was calculated based on isokinetic peak moment and 50 degree-moment (0 degree = full extension) obtained at joint angular velocities 30, 120 and 240 degrees s-1. Gravity corrected conventional H/Q ratio remained constant across speeds and contraction mode, ranging from 0.47 to 0.54 and from 0.49 to 0.56 based on peak and 50 degree moment, respectively. In contrast, non-corrected H/Q ratio increased during concentric contraction from 0.58 at 30 degrees s-1 to 0.74 at 240 degree s-1 (P < 0.01). For knee extension at 240 degrees s-1 an Hecc/Qcon of 1.05 (peak) and 0.89 (50 degrees) was observed while for flexion at 240 degrees s-1 an Hcon/Qecc of 0.27 (peak) and 0.28 (50 degrees) was observed. In conclusion, gravity correction had high influence on the change in H/Q ratio with variation in extension velocity. A potential 1:1 hamstring/quadriceps strength relationship was demonstrated for fast knee extension, indicating a significant functional capacity of the hamstring muscles for providing muscular stability at the knee joint in such situations.

Mechanical and muscular factors influencing the performance in maximal vertical jumping after different prestretch loads

The objective of the present work was to study the interaction between the tendon elasticity, the muscle activation-loading dynamics, specific actions of the biarticular muscles, preloading and jumping performance during maximal vertical jumping. Six male expert jumpers participated in the study. They performed maximal vertical jumps with five different preloads. The kinematics and dynamics of the jumping movements were analysed from force plate and high speed film recordings. The amount of elastic energy stored in the tendons of the leg extensor muscles was calculated by a generalised tendon model, and the muscle coordination was analysed by surface EMG. The best jumping performances were achieved in the jumps with low preloads (counter movement jumps and drop jumps from 0.3 m). A considerable amount of the energy imposed on the legs by prestretch loading was stored in the tendons (26 +/- 3%), but the increased performance could not be explained by a contribution of elastic energy to the positive work performed during the push off. During the preloading, the involved muscles were activated at the onset of the loading. Slow prestretches at the onset of muscle activation under relatively low average stretch loads, as observed during counter movement jumps and drop jumps from 0.3 m, prevented excessive stretching of the muscle fibres in relation to the tendon length changes. This consequently conserved the potential of the muscle fibres to produce positive work during the following muscle-tendon shortening in concert with the release of the tendon strain energy. A significant increase in the activity of m. rectus femoris between jumps with and without prestretch indicated a pronounced action of m. rectus femoris in a transport of mechanical energy produced by the proximal monoarticular m. gluteus maximus at the hip to the knee and thereby enhanced the transformation of rotational joint work to translational work on the mass centre of the body. The changes in muscle activity were reflected in the net muscle powers. Vertical jumping is like most movements constrained by the intended direction of the movement. The movements of the body segments during the prestretches induced a forward rotation and during the take off, a backward rotation of the body. A reciprocal shift in the activities of the biarticular m. rectus femoris and m. semitendinosus indicated that these rotations were counteracted by changes in the direction of the resultant ground reaction vector controlled by these muscles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Moment and power generation during maximal knee extensions performed at low and high speeds

In the present study a method was developed to determine knee joint moment and power generated at low to very high velocities of knee extension. A group of 21 male subjects performed maximal knee extensions at four levels of external loading provided by a flywheel system. Knee extension was performed with no restrictions on joint angular velocity and acceleration. An interpolation procedure was employed to obtain moment and power at standard velocities. During each single knee extension peak velocity, peak moment, peak power and moment and power at 50 degrees knee flexion were determined (0 degree = full extension). While maximal recorded angular velocity averaged 693 degrees.s-1 (range 479-1030), maximal recorded moment and power were 226 N.m (157-278) and 1140 W (573-1688), respectively, which were generated at velocities of 55 degrees.s-1 (12-148) and 523 degrees.s-1 (327-846). Isokinetic moment and power were obtained for comparison. The velocity range applied was larger using the flywheel method (21-1030 degrees.s-1 individual range) than that achieved isokinetically (30-240 degrees.s-1). Significant differences were observed between flywheel and isokinetic measurements. These discrepancies may be ascribed to differences in the time course of muscle length change and contractile force generation imposed by the two measuring methods. However, by the nonisokinetic measuring method presently employed, knee extension moment and power could be determined from low to very high angular extension velocity, at loading and contraction conditions comparable to those encountered during sport and exercise.

Effects of different strength training regimes on moment and power generation during dynamic knee extensions

This study examined the effect of different training regimes on moment and power generation during maximal knee extensions at low to very high extension velocities (0-1000 degrees.s-1 individual range). A group of 24 soccer players performed 12 weeks of progressively adjusted strength training of the knee extensors at either high resistance (HR, n = 7), low resistance (LR, n = 6), loaded kicking movements (FU, n = 6), while one group served as controls (n = 5). Moment and power generation of the knee extensors were determined before and after the training period with a nonisokinetic measuring method recently described. Following HR training, knee extension moment increased 9%-10% at knee angular velocities 0 (isometric) and 30 degrees.s-1 (P < 0.05), peak moment increased 20% at 240-300 degrees.s-1 (P < 0.05), while power generation increased 5%-29% at 240-480 degrees.s-1 (P < 0.01). In addition, in the HR group maximal recorded power increased 45% (P < 0.01). After FU training a 7%-13% increase in moment and power was observed at 30-180 degrees.s-1 (P < 0.05). Following LR training, peak moment increased 9% at 120 degrees.s-1 (P < 0.05). Improvements in knee extension moment and power were generally related to the angular velocities employed during training. However, as evaluated using the present measuring method, moment and power increased not only at very low but also at high knee angular velocities following the high-resistance strength training.

Changes in muscle strength and speed of an unloaded movement after various training programmes

The effect of three different training programmes on the maximal speed of an unloaded movement (a karate punch) was studied. Three movement variables were selected: maximal speed of the hand (Vh,max), maximal speed of the shoulder (Vs,max) and elbow extension speed (theta E) simultaneous with Vh.max. The programmes were: training group 1 (TG 1, n = 8) - karate students, dynamic heavy progressive resistance exercise (incline situp and incline bench press) + punch bag exercise; training group 2 (TG 2, n = 8)-karate students, punch bag training; training group 3 (TG 3, n = 5)-no karate experience, dynamic heavy progressive resistance exercise (as in TG 1). The movement variables were calculated from chrono-cyclo photographic recordings of the punches (100 Hz). The level of significance was set at 5%. Sixteen weeks of training gave the following results: significant increases in dynamic strength in all the training groups (14%-53%). In TG 1 the Vh.max increased significantly from 8.49 m.s-1, SD 1.19 to 9.35 m.s-1, SD 1.29 (10%); Vs.max increased significantly in TG 1 by 32% (2.18 m.s-1, SD 0.56 to 2.87 m.s-1, SD 0.98) and in TG 2 by 14% (2.40 m.s-1, SD 0.61 to 2.74 m.s-1, SD 0.52), and in TG 3 theta E at Vh,max increased significantly from 28.6 rad.s-1, SD 4.3 to 32.2 rad.s-1, SD 4.5 (13%). No significant relationships between the changes in maximal muscle strength and the changes in movement speed were found.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Forearm oxygen uptake during maximal forearm dynamic exercise

This study was undertaken in an attempt to determine the maximal oxygen uptake in a small muscle group by measuring directly the oxygen expenditure of the forearm. Five healthy medical students volunteered. The subjects' maximal forearm work capacity was determined on a spring-loaded hand ergometer. Exercise was continued until exhaustion by pain or fatigue. Two weeks later intra-arterial and intravenous catheters were placed in the dominant arm. Blood samples for measurement of oxygen concentration were collected via the catheters. Forearm blood flow was measured by means of the indicator dilution technique. Oxygen uptake was determined according to the Fick principle. The forearm oxygen uptake attained at maximal work loads was a mean of 201 (SD +/- 56) mumol.min-1.100 ml-1. It was impossible at maximal exercise to discern a plateau of the oxygen uptake curve in relation to work output. It is suggested that a plateau in the oxygen uptake curve is not a useful criterion for maximal oxygen uptake in a small muscle group. Skeletal muscle may have an unused capacity for oxygen consumption even at maximal exercise intensity where muscle work cannot be continued due to muscle pain and fatigue.

Effects of acute hypoxia and CO2 inhalation on systemic and peripheral oxygen uptake and circulatory responses during moderate exercise

The effect of acute hypoxia and CO2 inhalation on leg blood flow (LBF), on leg vascular resistance (LVR) and on oxygen supply to and oxygen consumption in the exercising leg was studied in nine healthy male subjects during moderate one-leg exercise. Each subject exercised for 20 min on a cycle ergometer in four different conditions: normoxia, normoxia + 2% CO2, hypoxia corresponding to an altitude of 4000 m above sea level, and hypoxia + 1.2% CO2. Gas exchange, heart rate (HR), arterial blood pressure, and LBF were measured, and arterial and venous blood samples were analysed for PCO2, PO2, oxygen saturation, haematocrit and haemoglobin concentration. Systemic oxygen consumption was 1.83 l.min-1 (1.48-2.59) and was not affected by hypoxia or CO2 inhalation in hypoxia. HR was unaffected by CO2, but increased from 136 beat.min-1 (111-141) in normoxia to 155 (139-169) in hypoxia. LBF was 6.5 l.min-1 (5.4-7.6) in normoxia and increased significantly in hypoxia to 8.4 (5.9-10.1). LVR decreased significantly from 2.23 kPa.l-1.min (1.89-2.99) in normoxia to 1.89 (1.53-2.52) in hypoxia. The increase in LBF from normoxia to hypoxia correlated significantly with the decrease in LVR. When CO2 was added in hypoxia a significant correlation was also found between the decrease in LBF and the increase in LVR. In normoxia, the addition of CO2 caused a significant increase in mean blood pressure. Oxygen consumption in the exercising leg (leg VO2) in normoxia was 0.97 l.min-1 (0.72-1.10), and was unaffected by hypoxia and CO2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Metabolism of exercising skeletal muscle during beta 1-selective adrenoceptor blockade

Concentrations of glycogen, glucose, glucose-6-phosphate and lactate in the lateral vastus muscle were measured in seven subjects before and after dynamic muscle exercise at a work load of 75% of each subject's maximal working capacity, and with and without intravenous administration of the beta 1-selective beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent, atenolol. Pulmonary oxygen uptake was measured during exercise. Heart rate and arterial blood pressure were measured throughout the study. Arterial concentrations of glucose, lactate and free fatty acids were measured at rest and during exercise. The muscle concentration of glycogen and the extent of glycogen depletion with exercise were not influenced by the beta 1-adrenoceptor blocker. Similarly, there was no change in the muscle concentrations of glucose, glucose-6-phosphate and lactate. Heart rate decreased at rest and during exercise. Arterial blood pressure was not influenced by beta-blockade. Pulmonary oxygen uptake decreased by 6.5%. The exercise induced rise in arterial blood concentration of free fatty acids was abolished by beta 1-selective beta-blockade. It is concluded that the decrease in lactate release from exercising muscles during beta 1-adrenoceptor blockade seen in other studies cannot be explained by an impaired breakdown of muscle glycogen. It may be inferred, however, that a reduced availability of free fatty acids in the exercising muscles during beta 1-selective (and non-selective) beta-blockade may enhance the combustion of pyruvic acid and thereby decrease the production of lactate.

The shape of the spine in young males with and without back complaints

Twenty-one young male subjects without back complaints (group I) and 21 young males with back complaints (group II) were investigated in the easy standing position with the inclinometric method(1). By means of EMG recordings from the trunk muscles each of the two groups were divided into two subgroups: one (the largest) which maintained standing posture by activity in the back muscles, and another which did it by activity in the abdominal muscles. It was found that: 1) subjects with active abdominal muscles in group I had a more pronounced thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis than the other three subgroups, 2) subjects with active abdominal muscles in group II had a smaller pelvic inclination than the other three subgroups, 3) the forward inclination of the trunk was greatest in subgroups with active back muscles. It is concluded that compared to the subgroups without back complaints and active back muscles, subjects without back complaints and active abdominal muscles maintain the static equilibrium of the spine in easy standing by adjustment of the inclinations of the spine segments above the maximal lordosis, while in the corresponding subgroup with back complaints the adjustments are mainly made by a change of the pelvic inclination.

Activity of mono- and biarticular leg muscles during sprint running

A cinematographic recording of the movements of the lower limbs together with simultaneous emg tracings from nine lower limb muscles were obtained from two male track sprinters during three phases of a 100 m sprint run. The extensor muscles of the hip joint were found to be the primary movers by acceleration of the body's center of gravity (C.G.) during the ground phase of the running cycle. The extensors of the knee joint were also important in this, but to a minor extent, while the plantar flexors of the ankle joint showed the least contribution. The biarticular muscles functioned in a way different from the monoarticular muscles in the sense that they perform eccentric work during the flight and recovery phases and concentric work during the whole ground phase (support), whereas the monoarticular muscles are restricted first to eccentric work and then to concentric work during the ground phase. Furthermore, the biarticular muscles show variation (and rate of variation) in muscle length to a larger extent than the monoarticular muscles. Paradoxical muscle actions appear to take place around the knee joint, where the hamstring muscles, m. gastrocnemius, m. vastus laterialis and m. vastus medialis act as synergists by extending the knee joint during the last part of the ground phase.

Lumbar curve, trunk muscles, and line of gravity with different heel heights

The influence of different heel heights on the lumbar curve, pelvic inclination, trunk muscle activity, and the position of the line of gravity was examined in 18 healthy women. They were examined while standing on heel-supports, being 4.5 cm elevated, at the level of and 2.5 cm lower than the support of the forefoot, respectively (Figure 1). Each examination was preceeded by one-hour adaptation to a corresponding shoe type. With increasing heel height, the lumbar lordosis and the pelvis inclination were decreased. The back and abdominal muscles did not alter their activities. The position of the line of gravity kept the distance from the forefoot almost constant, but the ankle joint was shifted towards the line of gravity with increasing heel height.

Acute effects of cigarette smoking and inhalation of carbon monoxide during maximal exercise

The acute effect of inhaling the smoke of three cigarettes was compared to the effect of inhalation of an amount of carbon monoxide (CO), giving the same CO-saturation of the arterial blood as smoking during rest and during maximal exercise on a Krogh cycle ergometer. Sixteen male subjects were tested in the morning (1) after about 8 h without smoking (control), (2) after inhalation of the smoke of three cigarettes (smoke), and (3) after CO-inhalation (CO). It was found that the average maximal rate of O2-uptake (VO2 max) decreased during both smoke and CO by about 7%. Endurance time at VO2 max decreased 20% during smoke but only 10% during CO. A significant decrease in maximal heart rate (HR), and an increase in HR at rest, was demonstrated only during smoke. The peak lactate concentration (HLa) following maximal exercise was significantly decreased after smoke. The results suggest that the decrease in VO2 max during smoke is due to the CO-saturation of the blood, and hence to a decrease in the oxygen capacity of the blood, while the decrease in endurance time during smoke is combined effect of the CO-saturation and an increased cost of breathing caused by the smoke particles. It is further suggested that nicotine, or possibly some other components of the smoke, have an enhancing effect on the heart at rest rest, while an inhibition is seen during maximal exercise.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Central and regional circulatory adaptations to one-leg training

Six young healthy male subjects performed submaximal and maximal exercise on bicycle ergometers with one leg and two legs before and after 8 wk of one-leg training with each of both legs. The following variables were measured during one- and two-leg exercise: oxygen uptake, heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, cardiac output, leg blood flow, and iliac arteriovenous differences for oxygen and lactate. After training the maximal oxygen uptake during one- and two-leg exercise was increased by 19 and 11%, respectively. The corresponding cardiac outputs increased by 16 and 11%, respectively. During submaximal one-leg exercise, heart rate decreased by 11%, whereas a decrease of only 2% was seen during submaximal two-leg exercise. Mean blood pressure decreased by about 10 Torr in both types of exercise and during both submaximal and maximal exercise. Maximal leg blood flow increased only by 1.2 l/min during one-leg exercise. Leg blood flow and leg oxygen uptake were smaller during two-leg exercise than during one-leg exercise and more so after training. These findings indicate that one-leg exercise, compared with two-leg exercise, involves circulatory adaptations that respond differently to one-leg training. The findings further imply that oxygen supply to one large muscle group of exercising muscles may be limited by vasoconstriction when another large group of muscles is exercising simultaneously.

Adaptive changes in work capacity, skeletal muscle capillarization and enzyme levels during training and detraining

Six male subjects exercised on a bicycle ergometer 30 min with left leg and 30 min with right leg 3 times a week for 8 weeks. This training resulted in a 14.6% increase in VO2 max with two-leg exercise and a 23.1% increase with one-leg exercise. A significant decrease towards pretraining VO2 max was seen during the following 8 weeks of detraining. Muscle biopsy samples were obtained at rest from m. vastus lateralis before and after training and 4 and 8 weeks after training. During training the number of capillaries per mm2 and the number of capillaries per fiber increased about 20%. The number of capillaries around each fiber type (CA) increased 20--30%. The average area of each fibre type increased only about 5%. The fibre area per CA decreased by about 10%. During 8 weeks of detraining decreases were seen in the number of capillaries per fibre, CA and in fibre area, while fibre area per CA and number of capillaries per mm2 were almost unchanged at the end of the detraining period. Pronounced increases in activities of oxidative enzymes were observed after training, while only minor increases were seen in glycolytic enzyme activities. All enzyme activities decreased towards pre-training levels during detraining. The results indicate that the training-induced improvement in oxidative capacity and in muscle capillarization expressed as capillaries per fibre and CA disappears within 8 weeks after cessation of training. However, the fibre area per CA and number of capillaries per mm2 point at a favourable long term effect on the average diffusion distance between capillaries and muscle fibres.

Central and regional circulatory effects of adding arm exercise to leg exercise

7 young, healthy, male subjects performed exercise on bicycle ergometers in two 20 min periods with an interval of 1 h. The first 10 min of each 20 min period consisted of arm exercise (38--62% of Vo2 max for arm exercise) or leg exercise (58--78% of Vo2 max for leg exercise). During the last 10 min the subjects performed combined arm and leg exercise (71--83% of Vo2 max for this type of exercise). The following variables were measured during each type of exercise: oxygen uptake, heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, cardiac output, leg blood flow (only during leg exercise and combined exercise), arterio-venous concentration differences for O2 and lactate at the levels of the axillary and the external iliac vessels. Superimposing a sufficiently strenuous arm exercise (oxygen uptake for arm exercise greater than 40% of oxygen uptake for combined exercise) on leg exercise caused a reduction in blood flow and oxygen uptake in the exercising legs with unchanged mean arterial blood pressure. Superimposing leg exercise on arm exercise caused a decrease in mean arterial blood pressure and an increased axillary arterio-venous oxygen difference. These findings indicate that the oxygen supply to one large group of exercising muscles may be limited by vasoconstriction or by a fall in arterial pressure, when another large group of muscles is exercising simultaneously.

Effects of hyperoxia on leg blood flow and metabolism during exercise

These experiments were designed to investigate the effects of O2 breathing on limb blood flow and metabolism during exercise. Six subjects took part in the study. Four subjects breathed air or 100% O2 while pedaling a Krogh bicycle at 150 W (55-70% of maximal aerobic capacity). Two subjects breathed either 60% or 100% O2 while working at a power output at or slightly in excess of their maximal aerobic capacities. The major findings of the study were 1) leg blood flow is reduced during exercise when comparing hyperoxia with normoxia; 2) VO2 of the exercising limb is not different during hyperoxia; 3) O2 delivery to the leg (the product of blood flow and arteriovenous O2 difference) is not significantly different in the two conditions; and 4) blood pressure is not markedly affected in the experiments at 150 W. Since BP was not different during hyperoxia, at a time when flow was reduced by 11%, this suggests an increased resistance to flow in the exercising limb. In general, these findings are consistent with those reported for the in situ dog muscle but are at variance with results of experiments with humans, especially the reports indicating substantial increases in O2 uptake during hypertoxic conditions.

Pulmonary ventilation, blood gases, and blood pH after training of the arms or the legs

In two groups of young healthy subjects who performed arm training (N = 5) and leg training (N = 5), respectively, the respiratory adaptation to submaximal exercise with trained and nontrained muscle groups was compared by measurement of the ventilatory equivalent (Ve/Vo2, pH, and blood gases (Pco2, Po2, and So2) in arterial blood and in venous blood from exercising extremities. After training Ve/Vo2 was significantly reduced during exercise with trained muscles, but unchanged during exercise with nontrained muscles. The reduction in Ve/Vo2 was closely related to a less pronounced increase in heart rate and in arterial lactate content, but showed no quantitative correlation to changes in arterial adaptations in trained muscles are mainly responsible for the reduction in Ve/Vo2. After training during exercise with trained as well as nontrained muscles a shift to the right of the blood oxygen dissociation curve occurred as extremities was lower while corresponding Po2 was higher.