International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 2008
Purpose:Heat stress might attenuate the effects of carbohydrate on immunoendocrine responses to e... more Purpose:Heat stress might attenuate the effects of carbohydrate on immunoendocrine responses to exercise by increasing endogenous glucose production and reducing the rate of exogenous carbohydrate oxidation. The authors compared the efficacy of carbohydrate consumption on immune responses to exercise in temperate vs. hot conditions.Methods:Ten male cyclists exercised on 2 separate occasions in temperate (18.1 ± 0.4 °C, 58% ± 8% relative humidity) and on another 2 occasions in hot conditions (32.2 ± 0.7 °C, 55% ± 2% relative humidity). On each occasion, the cyclists exercised in a fed state for 90 min at ~60% VO2max and then completed a 16.1-km time trial. Every 15 min during the first 90 min of exercise, they consumed 0.24 g/kg body mass of a carbohydrate or placebo gel.Results:Neutrophil counts increased during exercise in all trials (p < .05) and were significantly lower (40%, p = .006) after the carbohydrate than after the placebo trial in 32 °C. The concentrations of serum in...
It is known that exercise performance may be improved if athletes select the optimal regulation o... more It is known that exercise performance may be improved if athletes select the optimal regulation of pace during exercise. Despite this knowledge, the best possible strategies that may delay the development of fatigue and ensure optimal performance during a variety of exercise tasks are not yet known. Thus, the primary purpose of the six research studies contained within this doctoral
European journal of applied physiology, Jan 21, 2015
Locomotive efficiency is cited as an important component to endurance performance; however, incon... more Locomotive efficiency is cited as an important component to endurance performance; however, inconsistent observations of age-related changes in efficiency question its influence in the performance of masters athletes. This study examined locomotive efficiency in young and masters triathletes during both a run and cycle test. Twenty young (28.5 ± 2.6 years) and 20 masters (59.8 ± 1.3 years) triathletes completed an incremental cycling and running test to determine maximal aerobic consumption (VO2max) and the first ventilatory threshold (VT1). Participants then completed 10-min submaximal running and cycling tests at VT1 during which locomotive efficiency was calculated from expired ventilation. Additionally, body fat percentage was determined using skin-fold assessment. During the cycle and run, VO2max was lower in the masters (48.3 ± 5.4 and 49.6 ± 4.8 ml kg(-1) min(-1), respectively) compared with young (61.6 ± 5.7 and 62.4 ± 5.2 ml kg(-1) min(-1), respectively) cohort. Maximal run...
The influence of low natural altitudes (< 2000 m) on erythropoietic adaptation is currently un... more The influence of low natural altitudes (< 2000 m) on erythropoietic adaptation is currently unclear, with current recommendations indicating that such low altitudes may be insufficient to stimulate significant increases in haemoglobin mass (Hbmass). As such, the purpose of this study was to determine the influence of 3 weeks of live high, train high exposure (LHTH) at low natural altitude (i.e. 1800 m) on Hbmass, red blood cell count and iron profile. A total of 16 elite or well-trained runners were assigned into either a LHTH (n = 8) or CONTROL (n = 8) group. Venous blood samples were drawn prior to, at 2 weeks and at 3 weeks following exposure. Hbmass was measured in duplicate prior to exposure and at 2 weeks and at 3 weeks following exposure via carbon monoxide rebreathing. The percentage change in Hbmass from baseline was significantly greater in LHTH, when compared with the CONTROL group at 2 (3.1% vs 0.4%; p = 0.01;) and 3 weeks (3.0% vs -1.1%; p < 0.02, respectively) fo...
To investigate the influence of daily oral iron supplementation on changes in hemoglobin mass (Hb... more To investigate the influence of daily oral iron supplementation on changes in hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and iron parameters after 2-4 weeks of moderate altitude exposure. Hematological data collected from 178 athletes (98 males, 80 females) exposed to moderate altitude (1,350-3,000 m) were analysed using linear regression to determine how altitude exposure combined with oral iron supplementation influenced Hbmass, total iron incorporation (TII) and blood iron parameters [ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT)]. Altitude exposure (mean ± s: 21 ± 3 days) increased Hbmass by 1.1% [-0.4, 2.6], 3.3% [1.7, 4.8], and 4.0% [2.0, 6.1] from pre-altitude levels in athletes who ingested nil, 105 mg and 210 mg respectively, of oral iron supplement daily. Serum ferritin levels decreased by -33.2% [-46.9, -15.9] and 13.8% [-32.2, 9.7] from pre-altitude levels in athletes who supplemented with nil and 105 mg of oral iron supplement daily, but increased by 36.8% [1.3, 84.8] in athletes supplement...
Introduction The cycling season is divided in three periods: offseason (OFF), preparation (PREP) ... more Introduction The cycling season is divided in three periods: offseason (OFF), preparation (PREP) and competition (COMP) (2). Many variables have been suggested to influence periodization strategies (1). Professional cyclists native of the Southern hemisphere usually spend their OFF and PREP phases on home soil, avoiding the winter in the northern hemisphere. The effect of this socio-geographical variable on training periodization and performance is not well known. The aim of this study was to compare seasonal training volumes and best power outputs (PO) data from professional cyclists who are natives of Southern (SH) and Northern (NH) hemispheres. Methods Training and racing of 12 professional cyclists (n: 6 SH; 6 NH) was monitored for 12 months using cycling power meters (SRM). Three seasonal phases were defined: OFF (Oct), PREP (Nov to Jan) and COMP (Feb to Sep). Monthly distance, best PO for 5 sec, 5 min and 20 min were evaluated for both groups. The dependent variables were comp...
International journal of sports physiology and performance
A number of laboratory-based performance tests have been designed to mimic the dynamic and stocha... more A number of laboratory-based performance tests have been designed to mimic the dynamic and stochastic nature of road cycling. However, the distribution of power output and thus physical demands of high-intensity surges performed to establish a breakaway during actual competitive road cycling are unclear. Review of data from professional road-cycling events has indicated that numerous short-duration (5-15 s), high-intensity (~9.5-14 W/kg) surges are typically observed in the 5-10 min before athletes' establishing a breakaway (ie, riding away from a group of cyclists). After this initial high-intensity effort, power output declined but remained high (~450-500 W) for a further 30 s to 5 min, depending on race dynamics (ie, the response of the chase group). Due to the significant influence competitors have on pacing strategies, it is difficult for laboratory-based performance tests to precisely replicate this aspect of mass-start competitive road cycling. Further research examining ...
Introduction Many stages during grand cycling tours (GT; Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta... more Introduction Many stages during grand cycling tours (GT; Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana) are designed specifically for sprinters. Of the 79 GT stages won by sprinters from 2008-2011, 5 sprinters won 54 stages and 19 sprinters won remaining 25 stages. The primary aim of this investigation is to describe the sprint performances of a successful professional road cyclist in order to explore performance analysis methodology used for evaluating road sprints. We focused on comparing winning sprints to less successful efforts. Methods A the time of this study the subject was the highest international ranked professional male road sprint cyclist (age, 26; height, 175 cm; weight, 69 kg). Performances of this athlete during 2008-2011 GT stages were identified using public access web sites. Stages won by sprinters were classified into those in which he won (W) or lost (L) the sprint, or was dropped (D) from the front bunch prior to the sprint. In addition, video footage of 16...
International journal of sports physiology and performance
This investigation describes the sprint performances of the highest international ranked professi... more This investigation describes the sprint performances of the highest international ranked professional male road sprint cyclist during 2008-2011 Grand Tours. Sprint stages were classified as WON, LOST or DROPPED from the front bunch prior to the sprint. Thirty-one stages were video analysed for average speed of the last km, sprint duration, position in the bunch and number of teammates at 60, 30, and 15 s remaining, Race distance, total elevation gain (TEG) and average speed of 45 stages were determined. Head-to-head performances against the 2nd-5th most successful professional sprint cyclists were also reviewed. In the 52 Grand Tour sprint stages the subject started he WON 30 (58%), LOST 15 (29%), was DROPPED 6 (12%) and had one crash. Position in the bunch was closer to the front and the number of team members was significantly higher in WON compared to LOST at 60, 30 and 15 s remaining (P<0.05). The sprint duration was not different between WON and LOST (11.3±1.7 and 10.4±3.2 s...
Introduction The demands of uphill and time trial performances and the physiological characterist... more Introduction The demands of uphill and time trial performances and the physiological characteristics of professional road cyclists have been well documented. Despite the importance of sprinting to the overall outcomes of a race and the high number of sprint finishes within professional road cycling (Menaspà et al. 2013a), research examining the demands of professional road sprint cycling is limited to a couple of preliminary studies (Menaspà et al. 2013a; Menaspà et al. 2013b). The aim of this study was to examine and describe the demands of road cycling sprint competitions in professional male cycling, with particular focus on the lead-up phase prior to the final sprint. Methods Seventeen road race files from 6 professional male cyclists who placed in the top 5 (age, 27.0±3.8 y; height, 1.76±0.03 m; weight, 71.7±1.1 kg) were analysed. Power, cadence, speed and total elevation gain (TEG) were recorded throughout the race using an SRM power meter. Data were averaged over the final 60...
Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and effort are considered extremely important in the regulati... more Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and effort are considered extremely important in the regulation of intensity during self-paced physical activity. While effort and exertion are slightly different constructs, these terms are often used interchangeably within the literature. The development of perceptions of both effort and exertion is a complicated process involving numerous neural processes occurring in various regions within the brain. It is widely accepted that perceptions of effort are highly dependent on efferent copies of central drive which are sent from motor to sensory regions of the brain. Additionally, it has been suggested that perceptions of effort and exertion are integrated based on the balance between corollary discharge and actual afferent feedback; however, the involvement of peripheral afferent sensory feedback in the development of such perceptions has been debated. As such, this review examines the possible difference between effort and exertion, and the implications of such differences in understanding the role of such perceptions in the regulation of pace during exercise.
International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 2008
Purpose:Heat stress might attenuate the effects of carbohydrate on immunoendocrine responses to e... more Purpose:Heat stress might attenuate the effects of carbohydrate on immunoendocrine responses to exercise by increasing endogenous glucose production and reducing the rate of exogenous carbohydrate oxidation. The authors compared the efficacy of carbohydrate consumption on immune responses to exercise in temperate vs. hot conditions.Methods:Ten male cyclists exercised on 2 separate occasions in temperate (18.1 ± 0.4 °C, 58% ± 8% relative humidity) and on another 2 occasions in hot conditions (32.2 ± 0.7 °C, 55% ± 2% relative humidity). On each occasion, the cyclists exercised in a fed state for 90 min at ~60% VO2max and then completed a 16.1-km time trial. Every 15 min during the first 90 min of exercise, they consumed 0.24 g/kg body mass of a carbohydrate or placebo gel.Results:Neutrophil counts increased during exercise in all trials (p < .05) and were significantly lower (40%, p = .006) after the carbohydrate than after the placebo trial in 32 °C. The concentrations of serum in...
It is known that exercise performance may be improved if athletes select the optimal regulation o... more It is known that exercise performance may be improved if athletes select the optimal regulation of pace during exercise. Despite this knowledge, the best possible strategies that may delay the development of fatigue and ensure optimal performance during a variety of exercise tasks are not yet known. Thus, the primary purpose of the six research studies contained within this doctoral
European journal of applied physiology, Jan 21, 2015
Locomotive efficiency is cited as an important component to endurance performance; however, incon... more Locomotive efficiency is cited as an important component to endurance performance; however, inconsistent observations of age-related changes in efficiency question its influence in the performance of masters athletes. This study examined locomotive efficiency in young and masters triathletes during both a run and cycle test. Twenty young (28.5 ± 2.6 years) and 20 masters (59.8 ± 1.3 years) triathletes completed an incremental cycling and running test to determine maximal aerobic consumption (VO2max) and the first ventilatory threshold (VT1). Participants then completed 10-min submaximal running and cycling tests at VT1 during which locomotive efficiency was calculated from expired ventilation. Additionally, body fat percentage was determined using skin-fold assessment. During the cycle and run, VO2max was lower in the masters (48.3 ± 5.4 and 49.6 ± 4.8 ml kg(-1) min(-1), respectively) compared with young (61.6 ± 5.7 and 62.4 ± 5.2 ml kg(-1) min(-1), respectively) cohort. Maximal run...
The influence of low natural altitudes (< 2000 m) on erythropoietic adaptation is currently un... more The influence of low natural altitudes (< 2000 m) on erythropoietic adaptation is currently unclear, with current recommendations indicating that such low altitudes may be insufficient to stimulate significant increases in haemoglobin mass (Hbmass). As such, the purpose of this study was to determine the influence of 3 weeks of live high, train high exposure (LHTH) at low natural altitude (i.e. 1800 m) on Hbmass, red blood cell count and iron profile. A total of 16 elite or well-trained runners were assigned into either a LHTH (n = 8) or CONTROL (n = 8) group. Venous blood samples were drawn prior to, at 2 weeks and at 3 weeks following exposure. Hbmass was measured in duplicate prior to exposure and at 2 weeks and at 3 weeks following exposure via carbon monoxide rebreathing. The percentage change in Hbmass from baseline was significantly greater in LHTH, when compared with the CONTROL group at 2 (3.1% vs 0.4%; p = 0.01;) and 3 weeks (3.0% vs -1.1%; p < 0.02, respectively) fo...
To investigate the influence of daily oral iron supplementation on changes in hemoglobin mass (Hb... more To investigate the influence of daily oral iron supplementation on changes in hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and iron parameters after 2-4 weeks of moderate altitude exposure. Hematological data collected from 178 athletes (98 males, 80 females) exposed to moderate altitude (1,350-3,000 m) were analysed using linear regression to determine how altitude exposure combined with oral iron supplementation influenced Hbmass, total iron incorporation (TII) and blood iron parameters [ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT)]. Altitude exposure (mean ± s: 21 ± 3 days) increased Hbmass by 1.1% [-0.4, 2.6], 3.3% [1.7, 4.8], and 4.0% [2.0, 6.1] from pre-altitude levels in athletes who ingested nil, 105 mg and 210 mg respectively, of oral iron supplement daily. Serum ferritin levels decreased by -33.2% [-46.9, -15.9] and 13.8% [-32.2, 9.7] from pre-altitude levels in athletes who supplemented with nil and 105 mg of oral iron supplement daily, but increased by 36.8% [1.3, 84.8] in athletes supplement...
Introduction The cycling season is divided in three periods: offseason (OFF), preparation (PREP) ... more Introduction The cycling season is divided in three periods: offseason (OFF), preparation (PREP) and competition (COMP) (2). Many variables have been suggested to influence periodization strategies (1). Professional cyclists native of the Southern hemisphere usually spend their OFF and PREP phases on home soil, avoiding the winter in the northern hemisphere. The effect of this socio-geographical variable on training periodization and performance is not well known. The aim of this study was to compare seasonal training volumes and best power outputs (PO) data from professional cyclists who are natives of Southern (SH) and Northern (NH) hemispheres. Methods Training and racing of 12 professional cyclists (n: 6 SH; 6 NH) was monitored for 12 months using cycling power meters (SRM). Three seasonal phases were defined: OFF (Oct), PREP (Nov to Jan) and COMP (Feb to Sep). Monthly distance, best PO for 5 sec, 5 min and 20 min were evaluated for both groups. The dependent variables were comp...
International journal of sports physiology and performance
A number of laboratory-based performance tests have been designed to mimic the dynamic and stocha... more A number of laboratory-based performance tests have been designed to mimic the dynamic and stochastic nature of road cycling. However, the distribution of power output and thus physical demands of high-intensity surges performed to establish a breakaway during actual competitive road cycling are unclear. Review of data from professional road-cycling events has indicated that numerous short-duration (5-15 s), high-intensity (~9.5-14 W/kg) surges are typically observed in the 5-10 min before athletes' establishing a breakaway (ie, riding away from a group of cyclists). After this initial high-intensity effort, power output declined but remained high (~450-500 W) for a further 30 s to 5 min, depending on race dynamics (ie, the response of the chase group). Due to the significant influence competitors have on pacing strategies, it is difficult for laboratory-based performance tests to precisely replicate this aspect of mass-start competitive road cycling. Further research examining ...
Introduction Many stages during grand cycling tours (GT; Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta... more Introduction Many stages during grand cycling tours (GT; Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana) are designed specifically for sprinters. Of the 79 GT stages won by sprinters from 2008-2011, 5 sprinters won 54 stages and 19 sprinters won remaining 25 stages. The primary aim of this investigation is to describe the sprint performances of a successful professional road cyclist in order to explore performance analysis methodology used for evaluating road sprints. We focused on comparing winning sprints to less successful efforts. Methods A the time of this study the subject was the highest international ranked professional male road sprint cyclist (age, 26; height, 175 cm; weight, 69 kg). Performances of this athlete during 2008-2011 GT stages were identified using public access web sites. Stages won by sprinters were classified into those in which he won (W) or lost (L) the sprint, or was dropped (D) from the front bunch prior to the sprint. In addition, video footage of 16...
International journal of sports physiology and performance
This investigation describes the sprint performances of the highest international ranked professi... more This investigation describes the sprint performances of the highest international ranked professional male road sprint cyclist during 2008-2011 Grand Tours. Sprint stages were classified as WON, LOST or DROPPED from the front bunch prior to the sprint. Thirty-one stages were video analysed for average speed of the last km, sprint duration, position in the bunch and number of teammates at 60, 30, and 15 s remaining, Race distance, total elevation gain (TEG) and average speed of 45 stages were determined. Head-to-head performances against the 2nd-5th most successful professional sprint cyclists were also reviewed. In the 52 Grand Tour sprint stages the subject started he WON 30 (58%), LOST 15 (29%), was DROPPED 6 (12%) and had one crash. Position in the bunch was closer to the front and the number of team members was significantly higher in WON compared to LOST at 60, 30 and 15 s remaining (P<0.05). The sprint duration was not different between WON and LOST (11.3±1.7 and 10.4±3.2 s...
Introduction The demands of uphill and time trial performances and the physiological characterist... more Introduction The demands of uphill and time trial performances and the physiological characteristics of professional road cyclists have been well documented. Despite the importance of sprinting to the overall outcomes of a race and the high number of sprint finishes within professional road cycling (Menaspà et al. 2013a), research examining the demands of professional road sprint cycling is limited to a couple of preliminary studies (Menaspà et al. 2013a; Menaspà et al. 2013b). The aim of this study was to examine and describe the demands of road cycling sprint competitions in professional male cycling, with particular focus on the lead-up phase prior to the final sprint. Methods Seventeen road race files from 6 professional male cyclists who placed in the top 5 (age, 27.0±3.8 y; height, 1.76±0.03 m; weight, 71.7±1.1 kg) were analysed. Power, cadence, speed and total elevation gain (TEG) were recorded throughout the race using an SRM power meter. Data were averaged over the final 60...
Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and effort are considered extremely important in the regulati... more Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and effort are considered extremely important in the regulation of intensity during self-paced physical activity. While effort and exertion are slightly different constructs, these terms are often used interchangeably within the literature. The development of perceptions of both effort and exertion is a complicated process involving numerous neural processes occurring in various regions within the brain. It is widely accepted that perceptions of effort are highly dependent on efferent copies of central drive which are sent from motor to sensory regions of the brain. Additionally, it has been suggested that perceptions of effort and exertion are integrated based on the balance between corollary discharge and actual afferent feedback; however, the involvement of peripheral afferent sensory feedback in the development of such perceptions has been debated. As such, this review examines the possible difference between effort and exertion, and the implications of such differences in understanding the role of such perceptions in the regulation of pace during exercise.
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