Maximal lactate steady state in trained adolescent runners

The aims of this study were: (1) to identify the exercise intensity that corresponds to the maximal lactate steady state in adolescent endurance-trained runners; (2) to identify any differences between the sexes; and (3) to compare the maximal lactate steady state with commonly cited fixed blood lactate reference parameters. Sixteen boys and nine girls volunteered to participate in the study. They were first tested using a stepwise incremental treadmill protocol to establish the blood lactate profile and peak oxygen uptake (VO2). Running speeds corresponding to fixed whole blood lactate concentrations of 2.0, 2.5 and 4.0 mmol x l(-1) were calculated using linear interpolation. The maximal lactate steady state was determined from four separate 20-min constant-speed treadmill runs. The maximal lactate steady state was defined as the fastest running speed, to the nearest 0.5 km x h(-1), where the change in blood lactate concentration between 10 and 20 min was < 0.5 mmol x l(-1). Although the boys had to run faster than the girls to elicit the maximal lactate steady state (15.7 vs 14.3 km x h(-1), P < 0.01), once the data were expressed relative to percent peak VO2 (85 and 85%, respectively) and percent peak heart rate (92 and 94%, respectively), there were no differences between the sexes (P > 0.05). The running speed and percent peak VO2 at the maximal lactate steady state were not different to those corresponding to the fixed blood lactate concentrations of 2.0 and 2.5 mmol x l(-1) (P > 0.05), but were both lower than those at the 4.0 mmol x l(-1) concentration (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the maximal lactate steady state corresponded to a similar relative exercise intensity as that reported in adult athletes. The running speed, percent peak VO2 and percent peak heart rate at the maximal lactate steady state are approximated by the fixed blood lactate concentration of 2.5 mmol x l(-1) measured during an incremental treadmill test in boys and girls.     

Peak treadmill running velocity during the VO2 max test predicts running performance

Twenty specialist marathon runners and 23 specialist ultra-marathon runners underwent maximal exercise testing to determine the relative value of maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), peak treadmill running velocity, running velocity at the lactate turnpoint, VO2 at 16 km h-1, % VO2max at 16 km h-1, and running time in other races, for predicting performance in races of 10-90 km. Race time at 10 or 21.1 km was the best predictor of performance at 42.2 km in specialist marathon runners and at 42.2 and 90 km in specialist ultra-marathon runners (r = 0.91-0.97). Peak treadmill running velocity was the best laboratory-measured predictor of performance (r = -0.88(-)-0.94) at all distances in ultra-marathon specialists and at all distances except 42.2 km in marathon specialists. Other predictive variables were running velocity at the lactate turnpoint (r = -0.80(-)-0.92); % VO2max at 16 km h-1 (r = 0.76-0.90) and VO2max (r = 0.55(-)-0.86). Peak blood lactate concentrations (r = 0.68-0.71) and VO2 at 16 km h-1 (r = 0.10-0.61) were less good predictors. These data indicate: (i) that in groups of trained long distance runners, the physiological factors that determine success in races of 10-90 km are the same; thus there may not be variables that predict success uniquely in either 10 km, marathon or ultra-marathon runners, and (ii) that peak treadmill running velocity is at least as good a predictor of running performance as is the lactate turnpoint. Factors that determine the peak treadmill running velocity are not known but are not likely to be related to maximum rates of muscle oxygen utilization.     

The effects of prior incremental cycle exercise on the physiological responses during incremental running to exhaustion: relevance for sprint triathlon performance

It is common for the physiological working capacity of a triathlete when cycling and running to be assessed on two separate days. The aim of this study was to establish whether an incremental running test to exhaustion has a negative effect after a 5 h recovery from an incremental cycling test. Eight moderately trained triathletes (age, 26.2 +/- 3.4 years; body mass, 67.3 +/- 9.1 kg; VO2max when cycling, 59 +/- 13 ml x kg x min(-1); mean +/- s) completed an incremental running test 5 h after an incremental cycling test (fatigue) as well as an incremental running test without previous activity (control). Maximum running speed, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and the lactate threshold were determined for each incremental running test and correlated with the average speed during a 5 km run, which was performed immediately after a 20 km cycling time-trial, as in a sprint triathlon. There were no significant differences in maximum running speed, VO2max or the lactate threshold in either incremental running test (control or fatigue). Furthermore, good agreement was found for each physiological variable in both the control and fatigue tests. For the fatigue test, there were significant correlations between the average speed during a 5 km run and both VO2max expressed in absolute terms (r = 0.83) and the lactate threshold (r = 0.88). However, maximum running speed correlated most strongly with the average speed during a 5 km run (r = 0.96). The results of this study indicate that, under controlled conditions, an incremental running test can be performed successfully 5 h after an incremental cycling test to exhaustion. Also, the maximum running speed achieved during an incremental running test is the variable that correlates most strongly with the average running speed during a 5 km run after a 20 km cycling time-trial in well-trained triathletes.     

儿童最大有氧活动能力的追踪研究

报告了60名10～15岁儿童(31名男童,29名女童)最大有氧活动能力的追踪研究结果。应用Jaeger LE/6型步行机运动,使用Jaeger自动气体分析仪作气体分析,发现男女童的VO_2max、VO_2max/Ht、VO_2max/Ht~2及VO_2max/HR均随年龄增长而增加,VO_2max/Wt及VO_2max/LBM均未随年龄而增长的规律。男童VO_2max绝对值及各项相对值均明显高于女童。以生活年龄为基础的VO_2max年增长值,男童呈随年龄增长而增加的趋势,女童除13～14岁外,呈随年龄增长而减少的趋势;VO_2max/Wt年增长值男女童在年龄组间均未见到规律性的变化。以身高突增高峰年龄(PHA)为基础的VO_2max,男童从PHA-2到PHS 2持续增加,女童从PHA-1到PHA 1呈下降趋势,以后略有上升;VO_2max/Wt年增长值,男童在PHA前为负值,以后为正值并逐渐增加,女童无规律性变化。以生活年龄或以身高突增高峰年龄为基础的最大吸氧量年增长值的个体差异都很大。     

Feasibility and concurrent validity of a cardiorespiratory fitness test based on the adaptation of the original 20 m shuttle run: The 20 m shuttle run with music

ABSTRACT

The purpose was to examine the feasibility of the 20m shuttle run test with music and to test its concurrent validity with the original 20m shuttle run test. A total of 386 adolescents (14.5±1.6 years old, 48.9% boys) participated in our study. A self-reported questionnaire was used to assess student’s perception about the 20m shuttle run test with music and the original and to assess perceived exertion. Participants performed randomly the 20m shuttle run test with music and original two weeks apart. Average and maximum heart rate were monitored with heart rate monitors. The 20m shuttle run with music was a feasible test for measuring cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents. The concurrent validity showed mean differences of 5.1±14.6 for shuttles, 0.3±0.8 km/h for speed, 0.5±4.1 for stages, and 1.5±4.1 for VO2max (all p<0.001) in favour of the 20m shuttle run with music vs. the original 20m shuttle run test. Mean difference for the rating of perceived exertion was 0.4±2.5 points (p=0.003). No significant difference was found between boys and girls. In conclusion, the 20mSRT-music is feasible and presents a good concurrent validity in adolescents, independently of the sex and it will be an alternative and good approach to assess cardiorespiratory fitness.     

Maximal oxygen uptake versus maximal power output in children

Maximal oxygen uptake VO(2max)) is considered the optimal method to assess aerobic fitness. The measurement of VO(2max), however, requires special equipment and training. Maximal exercise testing with determination of maximal power output offers a more simple approach. This study explores the relationship between [Vdot]O(2max) and maximal power output in 247 children (139 boys and 108 girls) aged 7.9-11.1 years. Maximal oxygen uptake was measured by indirect calorimetry during a maximal ergometer exercise test with an initial workload of 30 W and 15 W x min(-1) increments. Maximal power output was also measured. A sample (n = 124) was used to calculate reference equations, which were then validated using another sample (n = 123). The linear reference equation for both sexes combined was: VO(2max) (ml x min(-1)) = 96 + 10.6 x maximal power + 3.5 . body mass. Using this reference equation, estimated VO(2max) per unit of body mass (ml x min(-1) x kg(-1)) calculated from maximal power correlated closely with the direct measurement of VO(2max) (r = 0.91, P <0.001). Bland-Altman analysis gave a mean limits of agreement of 0.2+/-2.9 (ml x min(-1) x kg(-1)) (1 s). Our results suggest that maximal power output serves as a good surrogate measurement for VO(2max) in population studies of children aged 8-11 years.     

A modified incremental shuttle run test for the determination of peak shuttle running speed and the prediction of maximal oxygen uptake.

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of subject drop-out on a multi-stage shuttle run test and a modified incremental shuttle run test in which speed was increased by 0.014 m x s(-1) every 20-m shuttle to avoid the need for verbal speed cues. Analysis of the multi-stage shuttle run test with 208 elite female netball players and 381 elite male lacrosse players found that 13 (+/-3) players stopped after the first shuttle of each new level, in comparison with 5 (+/-2) players on any other shuttle. No obvious drop-out pattern was observed on the incremental shuttle run test with 273 male and 79 female undergraduate students. The mean difference between a test-retest condition (n = 20) for peak shuttle running speed (-0.03+/-0.01 m x s(-1)) and maximal heart rate (0.4+/-0.1 beats x min(-1)) on the incremental test showed no bias (P > 0.05). The 95% absolute confidence limits of agreement were+/-0.11 m x s(-1) for peak shuttle running speed and+/-5 beats min(-1) for maximal heart rate. The relationship (n = 27) between peak shuttle running speed on the incremental shuttle run test (4.22+/-0.14 m x s(-1)) and VO2max (59.0+/-1.7 ml kg(-1) x min(-1)) was r= 0.91 (P< 0.01), with a standard error of prediction of +/-2.6 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1). These results suggest verbal cues during the multi-stage shuttle run test may influence subject drop-out. The incremental shuttle run test shows no obvious drop-out patten and provides a valid estimate of VO2max.     

A modified incremental shuttle run test for the determination of peak shuttle running speed and the prediction of maximal oxygen uptake

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of subject drop-out on a multi-stage shuttle run test and a modified incremental shuttle run test in which speed was increased by 0.014m.s-1 every 20-m shuttle to avoid the need for verbal speed cues. Analysis of the multi-stage shuttle run test with 208 elite female netball players and 381 elite male lacrosse players found that 13 (+/-3) players stopped after the first shuttle of each new level, in comparison with 5 (+/-2) players on any other shuttle. No obvious drop-out pattern was observed on the incremental shuttle run test with 273 male and 79 female undergraduate students. The mean difference between a test-retest condition (n= 20) for peak shuttle running speed (-0.03+/- 0.01m.s-1) and maximal heart rate (0.4+/- 0.1 beats.min-1) on the incremental test showed no bias (P > 0.05). The 95% absolute confidence limits of agreement were 0.11m.s-1 for peak shuttle running speed and +/-5 beats.min-1 for maximal heart rate. The relationship (n= 27) between peak shuttle running speed on the incremental shuttle run test (4.22+/- 0.14m.s-1) and VO2max (59.0+/- 1.7ml.kg-1.min-1) was r=0.91 (P< 0.01), with a standard error of prediction of 2.6ml.kg-1.min-1. These results suggest verbal cues during the multi-stage shuttle run test may influence subject drop-out. The incremental shuttle run test shows no obvious drop-out patten and provides a valid estimate of VO2max.     

An accurate VO2max nonexercise regression model for 18-65-year-old adults

The purpose of this study was to develop a regression equation to predict maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) based on nonexercise (N-EX) data. All participants (N = 100), ages 18-65 years, successfully completed a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) to assess VO2max (M = 39.96 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1), SD = 9.54). The N-EX data collected just before the maximal GXT included the participant's age; gender; body mass index (BMI); perceived functional ability (PFA) to walk, jog, or run given distances; and current physical activity (PA-R) level. Multiple linear regression generated the following N-EX prediction equation (R = .93, SEE = 3.45 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1), % SEE = 8.62): VO2max (mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)) = 48.0730 + (6.1779 x gender; women = 0, men = 1) - (0. 2463 x age) - (0.6186 x BMI) + (0.7115 x PFA) + (0.6709 x PA-R). Cross validation using PRESS (predicted residual sum of squares) statistics revealed minimal shrinkage (R(p) = .91 and SEE(p) = 3.63 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)); thus, this model should yield acceptable accuracy when applied to an independent sample of adults (ages 18-65 years) with a similar cardiorespiratory fitness level. Based on standardized beta-weights, the PFA variable (0.41) was the most effective at predicting VO2max followed by age (-0.34), gender (0.33), BMI (-0.27), and PA-R (0.16). This study provides a N-EX regression model that yields relatively accurate results and is a convenient way to predict VO2max in adult men and women.     

Prediction of 2000 m indoor rowing performance using a 30 s sprint and maximal oxygen uptake

The aim of this study was to predict indoor rowing performance in 12 competitive female rowers (age 21.3 +/- 3.6 years, height 1.68 +/- 0.54 m, body mass 67.1 +/- 11.7 kg; mean +/- s) using a 30 s rowing sprint, maximal oxygen uptake and the blood lactate response to submaximal rowing. Blood lactate and oxygen uptake (VO2) were measured during a discontinuous graded exercise test on a Concept II rowing ergometer incremented by 25 W for each 2 min stage; the highest VO2 measured during the test was recorded as VO2max (mean = 3.18 +/- 0.35 l.min-1). Peak power (380 +/- 63.2 W) and mean power (368 +/- 60.0 W) were determined using a modified Wingate test protocol on the Concept II rowing ergometer. Rowing performance was based on the results of the 2000 m indoor rowing championship in 1997 (466.8 +/- 12.3 s). Laboratory testing was performed within 3 weeks of the rowing championship. Submitting mean power (Power), the highest and lowest five consecutive sprint power outputs (Maximal and Minimal), percent fatigue in the sprint test (Fatigue), VO2max (l.min-1), VO2max (ml.kg-1.min-1), VO2 at the lactate threshold, power at the lactate threshold (W), maximal lactate concentration, lactate threshold (percent VO2max) and VEmax (l.min-1) to a stepwise multiple regression analysis produced the following model to predict 2000 m rowing performance: Time2000 = -0.163 (Power) -14.213.(VO2max l.min-1) +0.738.(Fatigue) 7.259 (R2 = 0.96, standard error = 2.89). These results indicate that, in the women studied, 75.7% of the variation in 2000 m indoor rowing performance time was predicted by peak power in a rowing Wingate test, while VO2max and fatigue during the Wingate test explained an additional 12.1% and 8.2% of the variance, respectively.     

The reliability and validity of the 20-meter shuttle test in American students 12 to 15 years old.

The purpose of this study was threefold: to determine (a) the test-retest reliability of the 20-m shuttle test (20 MST) (number of laps), (b) the concurrent validity of the 20 MST (number of laps), and (c) the validity of the prediction equation for VO2max developed by Léger, Mercier, Gadoury, and Lambert (1988) on Canadian children for use with American children 12-15 years old. An intraclass coefficient of .93 was obtained on 20 students (12 males; R = .91 and 8 females; R = .87) who completed the test twice, 1 week apart (MT1 = 47.80 +/- 20.29 vs. MT2 = 50.55 +/- 22.39 laps; p > or = .13). VO2peak was obtained by a treadmill test to volitional fatigue on 48 subjects. The number of laps run correlated significantly with VO2peak in males (n = 22; r = .65; F [1, 20] = 14.30 p < or = .001), females (n = 26; r = .51; F [1, 24] = 8.34; p < or = .01), and males and females = (r = .69; F [1, 46] = 42.54, p < or = .001). When the measured VO2peak (M = 49.97 +/- 7.59 ml.kg-1.min-1) was compared with the estimated VO2max (M = 48.72 +/- 5.72 ml.kg-1.min-1) predicted from age and maximal speed of the 20 MST (Léger et al., 1988) no significant difference was found, t (47) = -1.631; p > or = .11, between the means; the r was .72 and SEE was 5.26 ml.kg-1.min-1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Thermoregulatory responses to exercise: relative versus absolute intensity

The purpose of the present study was to re-examine the relationship between deep body temperature and relative exercise intensity, during running rather than cycling (Saltin and Hermansen, 1966). Twenty male competitive and recreational distance runners, aged 22 + 0.9 years (mean +/- sx), were selected to form two groups, one with high maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) values (72.8 +/- 0.8 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and the other with moderate values (59.4 +/- 0.7 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)). The participants completed two 60 min constant-paced treadmill runs at a common speed (absolute intensity) of 10.5 km x h(-1) and at a relative exercise intensity at a speed equivalent to 65% of VO2max. During the relative exercise intensity trial, no differences were found in rectal temperature, skin temperature or heart rate between groups. However, when running at the common speed, differences were identified in rectal temperature. At 60 min, rectal temperature was 37.70 +/- 0.19 degrees C and 38.19 +/- 0.11 degrees C for the high and moderate VO2max groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Sweat lost was significantly higher in the moderate VO2max group (moderate: 1.05 +/- 0.06 kg x h(-1); high: 0.82 +/- 0.08 kg x h(-1); P < 0.05). Heart rates were also different between groups over the first 20 min during the common speed trial (P < 0.05). The results of the present study support the findings of Saltin and Hermansen (1966), in that the set-point at which temperature is maintained is related to the relative exercise intensity.     

Submaximal exercise and maturation in 12-year-olds

The aim of this study was to examine the maturation responses of young people to submaximal treadmill exercise. Body mass was controlled using both the conventional ratio standard and allometric modelling. Ninety-seven boys and 97 girls with a mean age of 12.2 years completed a discontinuous, incremental exercise test to voluntary exhaustion. We measured peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and VO2 when running at 8, 9 and 10 km x h(-1). Sexual maturation was assessed visually using Tanner's indices of pubic hair. Peak VO2 was significantly higher in boys (P<0.001); this was still the case when the influence of body mass was covaried out. During submaximal exercise, no significant differences in absolute VO2 were observed between the sexes (P>0.05); however, values of VO2, expressed both in ratio with body mass and adjusted for body mass using allometry, were significantly greater in boys than in girls (P<0.001). For absolute VO2, significant main effects (P<0.05) were seen for maturity at each exercise stage. With the influence of body mass controlled using either the ratio standard or allometry, no significant main effects (P>0.05) for maturity were observed. Our results indicate that boys are less economical than girls while running at 8-10 km x h(-1) and that, independently of body mass, maturation does not influence the VO2 response to submaximal exercise.     

Cardiovascular fitness in obese versus nonobese 8-11-year-old boys and girls

The purpose of this study was to compare cardiovascular fitness between obese and nonobese children. Based on body mass index, 118 were classified as obese (boys [OB] = 62, girls [OG] = 56), while 421 were nonobese (boys [NOB] = 196, girls [NOG] = 225). Cardiovascular fitness was determined by a 1-mile [1.6 km] run/walk (MRW) and estimated peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and analyzed using two-way analyses of variance (Gender x Obese/Nonobese). MRW times were significantly faster (p < .05) for the NOB (10 min 34 s) compared to the OB (13 min 8 s) and the NOG (13 min 15 s.) compared to the OG (14 min 44 s.). Predicted VO2peak values (mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)) were significantly higher (p < .05) for the NOB (48.29) compared to the OB (41.56) and the NOG (45.99) compared to the OG (42.13). MRW was compared between obese and nonobese participants on the President's Challenge (2005), the National Children and Youth Fitness Study, and FITNESSGRAM HFZ standards. The nonobese boys and girls scored higher on all three, exhibiting better cardiovascular fitness as compared to obese counterparts.     

The relationship among HRpeak, RERpeak, and VO2peak during treadmill testing in girls

Clear criteria for maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) determination in youth are not available, and no studies have examined this issue in girls. Our purpose was to determine whether different peak heart rate (HRpeak) and peak respiratory exchange ratio (RERpeak) cut points affect girls' (N = 453; M age = 13.3 years, SD = .1) VO2max during a maximal treadmill test. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed VO2max (ml kg(-1) min(-1) differed significantly among HRpeak, 180-189 b min(-1) = 34 (SD = .8), 190-194 bmin(-1) = 35 (SD = .9), 195-199 b min(-1) = 38 (SD = .8), 200-204 b min(-1) = 40 ml kg1 x min(-1) (SD = .8), and > or = 205 bmin(-1) = 42 ml kg1 x min(-1) (SD = .7) but not RERpeak. In studies where evidence of a VO2 plateau was examined, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) did not differ between plateau and no-plateau groups. Although our results suggest the association between lower VO2peak and lower peak heart rate is a true cardiovascular limit to aerobic energy production, we cannot rule out participant effort.     

Relationship of running economy, ventilatory threshold, and maximal oxygen consumption to running performance in high school females

The purpose of the study was to relate three determinants of distance running success, (a) maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), (b) ventilatory threshold (VT), and (c) running economy (RE), to actual running time in a 5-km race (ART). Twenty-four female runners (M age = 15.9 years) from four high school teams that competed at the Massachusetts All-State 5-km Cross Country Championship Meet and placed 1st, 7th, 19th, and 20th were tested in the laboratory. The mean VO2max of these runners was 61.7 ml.kg-1.min-1, HRmax 201 b.min-1, VEmax 100 L.min-1, and RER 1.10. The VT occurred at 79% of the VO2max, and HR of 184 b.min-1 (92% of HRmax). The velocity at VT (vVT) and velocity at VO2max (vVO2max) was correlated with ART, r(22) = .78 and .77 (p less than .001), respectively. The VO2 at VT and at maximal exercise was correlated with ART by r(22) = -.66 and -.69 (p less than .001), respectively. The VO2 at 215 m.min-1 (8 mph) was poorly related to ART, r(22) = -.05, p greater than .05. It was concluded that either of the derived variables vVT and vVO2max appear to explain significant variation in distance running performance among adolescent female cross country runners.     

Development of maximal oxygen uptake in young elite male cross-country skiers: a longitudinal study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of extensive endurance training (15-25 h per week) on the development of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) in boys from puberty. Maximal oxygen uptake was measured a number of times each year from the age of puberty and for the next 6-9 years in seven young male elite cross-country skiers. Mean VO2 max was measured as 76.3 and 80.1 ml kg-1 min-1 at the ages of 14 and 15 years respectively. Despite the fast rate of growth during puberty, maximal aerobic power showed seasonal variations from the age of 14, reaching a plateau at the age of 15, whereas VO2 max (ml kg-2/3 min-1) increased continuously. It is concluded that, during puberty, boys probably attain significant increases in VO2 max when appropriate amounts of endurance training are undertaken.     

Validity and reliability of a new field test (Carminatti's test) for soccer players compared with laboratory-based measures

The aim of this study was to assess the validity (Study 1) and reliability (Study 2) of a novel intermittent running test (Carminatti's test) for physiological assessment of soccer players. In Study 1, 28 players performed Carminatti's test, a repeated sprint ability test, and an intermittent treadmill test. In Study 2, 24 players performed Carminatti's test twice within 72 h to determine test-retest reliability. Carminatti's test required the participants to complete repeated bouts of 5 × 12 s shuttle running at progressively faster speeds until volitional exhaustion. The 12 s bouts were separated by 6 s recovery periods, making each stage 90 s in duration. The initial running distance was set at 15 m and was increased by 1 m at each stage (90 s). The repeated sprint ability test required the participants to perform 7 × 34.2 m maximal effort sprints separated by 25 s recovery. During the intermittent treadmill test, the initial velocity of 9.0 km · h(-1) was increased by 1.2 km · h(-1) every 3 min until volitional exhaustion. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed between Carminatti's test peak running velocity and speed at VO(2max) (v-VO(2max)). Peak running velocity in Carminatti's test was strongly correlated with v-VO(2max) (r = 0.74, P < 0.01), and highly associated with velocity at the onset of blood lactate accumulation (r = 0.63, P < 0.01). Mean sprint time was strongly associated with peak running velocity in Carminatti's test (r = -0.71, P < 0.01). The intraclass correlation was 0.94 with a coefficient of variation of 1.4%. In conclusion, Carminatti's test appears to be avalid and reliable measure of physical fitness and of the ability to perform intermittent high-intensity exercise in soccer players.     

Maximal oxygen uptake and work capacity after inspiratory muscle training: a controlled study

The effect of inspiratory muscle training for 10 min twice a day for 27.5 days was evaluated in 20 human subjects, of whom 10 formed a training group and 10 a sham training group. The maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), maximal ventilation, breathing frequency during maximal exercise and the distance run in 12 min on a track were determined in addition to resting peak expiratory flow, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), with alveolar oxygen tension (pAO2) during maximal exercise being calculated. Inspiratory muscle training increased maximal inspiratory pressure from 93 (range 38-118) to 110 (65-165) mmHg in the training group (P less than 0.0005), but did not affect VO2 max, ventilation during maximal exercise, peak expiratory flow, FEV1 or FVC. However, breathing frequency during maximal exercise decreased slightly from 56 (44-87) to 53 (38-84) breaths min-1 (P less than 0.05) in the training group only; but the calculated pAO2 did not increase from the pre-training value of 126 (116-132) mmHg. The maximal distance run during 12 min increased similarly in the training and sham training groups by 8% (3-12%) and 6% (2-12%), respectively (P less than 0.01). The results of this study show that inspiratory muscle training resulting in a 32% (0-85%) increase in maximal inspiratory pressure does not change FEV1, FVC, peak expiratory flow, VO2 max or work capacity.     

Determinants of success during triathlon competition

Eleven male triathletes were studied to determine the relationships between selected metabolic measurements and triathlon performance. Measurements of oxygen uptake (VO2), pulmonary ventilation (VE), and heart rate (HR) were made during submaximal and maximal 365.8 m freestyle swimming (FS), cycle ergometry (CE), and treadmill running (TR). Submaximal workloads were 1 m/s for swimming, 200 W for cycling, and 201.2 m/min for running. The mean VO2 max (l/min) was significantly (p less than .05) lower during FS (4.17) than CE (4.68) or TR (4.81). Swimming, cycling, and running performance times during the Muncie Endurathon (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile cycle, 13.1 mile run) were not significantly related to the event-specific VO2 max (ml/kg/min): -.49, -32 and -.55, respectively. The VO2 max expressed in l/min was found to be significantly (p less than .05) related to cycling time (r = -.70). A significant (p less than .05) relationship was observed between submaximal VO2 (ml/kg/min) during TM and run performance time (r = .64), whereas swimming and cycling performance times were significantly (p less than .05) related to submaximal VO2 max (l/min), r = .72 and .60, respectively. The percentage of VO2 (%VO2 max) used during the submaximal tests was significantly (p less than .05) related to swimming (.91), cycling (.78), and running (.86) performance times. Time spent running and cycling during triathlon competition was significantly (p less than .05) related to overall triathlon time, r = .97 and .81, respectively. However, swimming time was not significantly related (.30) to overall triathlon time. This study suggests that economy of effort is an important determinant of triathlon performance.