Biomedical subjects

H A Wenger

Publications and source records attributed to H A Wenger.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

The relationship between aerobic fitness and both power output and subsequent recovery during maximal intermittent exercise.

The primary aim of the study was to establish a link between aerobic adaptation and both the recovery from maximal short duration exercise, and the ability to maintain power output in a subsequent bout. The question as to whether the aerobic adaptations facilitating recovery are centrally or peripherally located was also examined. Male university level rugby and soccer players (n=20) volunteered for the study. Mean (SD) age, mass and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) was 21.9 (1.8) years, 84.7 (12.7) kg and 52.7 (6.9) ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) respectively. Subjects completed six 15s maximal intensity sprints (90s active recovery) on a Monark friction braked cycle ergometer. A significant relationship (r=-.49, P=0.03) was obtained between VO2 max (mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and the percent drop-off in mean power in bouts 5 and 6 compared with bout 1. A correlation of r=-.62 (P=0.002) was obtained between VO2 max (mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and the percent drop off in peak power in bouts 5 and 6 compared with bout 1. A significant correlation was obtained between arterial venous oxygen difference and the drop in mean power (r=-.54, P=0.02) but not with the drop in peak power (r=-.22, P=.36). There was no significant relationship between cardiac output and the drop in mean power (r=-.16, P=.51) or the drop in peak power (r=-.02, P=.94). Percent drop-off in oxygen consumption, when compared with the first, in the second (RVO2(30-60)), third (RVO2(60-90)), fourth (RVO2(90-120)) and fifth (RVO2(120-150)) 30s time periods of recovery following the intermittent protocol was calculated. Correlations between VO2 max (ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and these variables were (r=.51, P=-0.03), (r=.44, P=0.06), (r=.63, P=-0.003) and (r=.6, P=0.007) respectively. Consequently it was concluded that maximal oxygen uptake particularly the peripheral component, is an important determinant of the ability to perform intermittent exercise of this nature and to recover between bouts.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed1996

Altitude training for improvements in sea level performance. Is the scientific evidence of benefit?

Altitude training invokes physiological changes that are very similar to those caused by endurance training, As a result, it has been incorporated in the training regimes of elite athletes in an effort to improve sea level performance. Several training strategies, such as constant altitude exposure, intermittent altitude exposure or 'live high train low', have been used in an effort to incur an advantage in sea level performance over just sea level training alone. In spite of the accumulating scientific evidence that altitude training affords no advantage over sea level training, many coaches and athletes believe that it can enhance sea level performance for any athlete, whether endurance or power is the focus in their particular sport. However, altitude training may not be suitable for some athletes depending on their age, fitness level, health, iron status and the energy and technical requirements of their sport. The issue of whether altitude training enhances sea level performance remains a controversial topic.

Acclimatization↗

PubMed1995

Neuromuscular differences between volleyball players, middle distance runners and untrained controls.

Volleyball players, middle distance runners and non-athletes (n = 10/group) were tested to determine whether neuromuscular differences existed between groups and to clarify the roles of factors involved in maximal power production. The runners were leaner than controls, while the volleyball players were taller, heavier and had larger thigh volumes than the other groups. The volleyball players had higher absolute cycle ergometer power than both middle distance (26%) and control (15%) groups, but differences disappeared when expressed relative to body mass or thigh volume. Volleyball athletes were also stronger than both middle distance (51, 52%) and control subjects (33, 35%) for isokinetic leg extension and plantar flexion respectively (0-4.19 rad.s-1). In leg press they were stronger than middle distance (32%) and control subjects (36%) for only the isometric and 1.05 rad.s-1 contraction. The volleyball players also had higher rates of isometric torque development than the other groups, however nerve conduction velocity did not vary. Vastus lateralis biopsy samples revealed no differences in percent Type II muscle fibers, or fiber cross-sectional area between groups, yet volleyball athletes had larger Type II/I fiber area ratio than controls (15%). Both strength, rate of torque development and power were related to muscle and muscle fiber size variables, but not fiber distribution or nerve conduction velocity. The size of type II muscle fibers seemed to be especially important since this was the only variable related to power when adjusted for body size.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

The influence of a strength-sprint training sequence on multi-joint power output.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether adaptation to single- versus multi-joint strength training and sprint training was different and whether sequencing strength prior to sprint training was beneficial for increasing power. Thirty-two untrained males were assigned to control (C), sprint-sprint (SS), multi-joint (MJS), or single-joint (SJS) strength-sprint groups. Subjects were tested before training, after 8 wk of strength or sprint training, and after an additional 6 wk of sprint training. By mid-training both SJS and MJS increased 10 repetition maximum strength, but this was not transferable to isometric or isokinetic strength or rate of torque development. SS showed no improvement in these variables. All training groups increased cycle ergometer power output by 8 wk and had similar fiber hypertrophy with no EMG changes. Subsequent sprint training continued to increase maximum power with no further hypertrophy. Tibial nerve conduction velocity increased in all training groups. These results indicate little difference in adaptation to single- and multi-joint strength training. Strength or power improvements caused by training in these models does not transfer to isometric or isokinetic movements. Further, sequenced strength-spring training provided no additional power gain over sprint training alone.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed1994

Reliability of measuring isometric and isokinetic peak torque, rate of torque development, integrated electromyography, and tibial nerve conduction velocity.

To determine the reliability of measures used in neuromuscular diagnosis and rehabilitation, 23 adults underwent identical testing on two occasions. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) showed the reliability of peak torque measurement to depend both on the movement tested and velocity of contraction (leg extension ICC = 0.64-0.94, plantar flexion ICC = 0.55-0.76, leg press ICC = 0.72-0.91). Peak rate of torque development (RTD) and the percentage of peak torque at peak RTD were not reliable for any movement (ICC = 0.02-0.28). Mean RTD between 30% and 60% of peak torque was unreliable for leg press (ICC = 0.46), yet fairly reliable for both knee extension (ICC = 0.61) and plantar flexion (ICC = 0.63). Mean integrated electromyography (IEMG) showed fair to good reliability for isometric and 1.05 rad.s-1 leg press (ICC = 0.66, 0.90, respectively), and plantar flexion and leg extension (ICC = 0.75-0.89). Tibial nerve conduction velocity was highly reliable (ICC = 0.89). A range of reliabilities can be expected when measuring these variables, and must be considered when interpreting neuromuscular data.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Physiological predictors of short-course triathlon performance.

The purpose of this study was to investigate if selected physiological variables were related to triathlon performance. Eighteen male and seven female triathletes competed in a short-course triathlon (1-km swim, 30-km cycle, 9-km run) and underwent physiological testing within 14 d. VO2max and ventilatory threshold (VT) were measured on a cycle ergometer, treadmill, and tethered swim apparatus. Leg flexion and extension strength were measured on a Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer. Multiple linear regression did not improve the prediction of triathlon performance over that provided by simple correlations. Swim performance was related to relative swim VO2max in both males (r = -0.48) and females (r = -0.93) as well as the resistance pulled at swim VT (r = -0.81) and absolute leg flexion strength (r = -0.77) in females. No physiological variables were significantly related to cycling time in either gender. Running time was related to relative VO2max (r = -0.88) in females and velocity at run VT in both females (r = -0.88) and males (r = -0.73). Relative swim VO2max (r = -0.98), velocity at run VT (r = -0.89), and absolute leg flexion strength (r = -0.80) were related to overall performance in female triathletes. The only significant predictor of overall triathlon time for males was velocity at run VT (r = -0.78). It therefore appears that in short-course triathletes physiological variables in swimming and running are important to overall performance. Differences in sample size, group variability, and level of performance between males and females may account for the reported differences in the physiological predictors of performance between genders.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Physiological adaptations to velocity-controlled resistance training.

The force-velocity characteristics of skeletal muscle are such that maximal force is inversely related to the velocity of shortening. This relationship has been observed using isolated muscle preparations and intact muscle groups (e.g. knee extensors). Isokinetic dynamometry has revealed some specific physiological adaptations to different velocities of training: an increase in torque and power that are greater at or near the velocity of training; a transfer of torque gains to slower and faster angular velocities after intermediate velocity resistance training; increases in maximal oxygen consumption and cardiac output in response to circuit training; increases in anaerobic power output; changes in skeletal muscle size and changes in myofibrillar ATPase activity; and new applications for rehabilitation of muscular and ligamentous injuries, and post-coronary patients.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed1989

The effect of velocity-specific strength training on peak torque and anaerobic rowing power.

This study investigated the effect of low- and high-velocity resistance training on isokinetic peak torque and anaerobic power output. Eighteen male varsity oarsmen were blocked on peak knee extension torque at 3.14 rad s-1 and assigned to a high-velocity resistance training group (HVR), a low-velocity resistance training group (LVR) or a control group. Subjects trained four times a week for 5 weeks. Each training session included three circuits of 12 stations using variable-resistance hydraulic equipment. The HVR training significantly improved peak torque (P less than 0.05) in knee extension and flexion at 2.61, 3.14, 3.66 and 4.19 rad s-1. The LVR training produced significant improvements (P less than 0.05) in peak torque for knee extension and flexion at 0.52, 1.05, 1.57 and 2.61 rad s-1. High positive correlations were found between peak torque and anaerobic power outputs for all groups. However, no significant changes occurred in 15 s power output, average 90 s power output or peak blood lactate in either training group. These results indicate that velocity-specific strength training does not necessarily improve anaerobic power output in a different exercise mode despite the high positive correlation between isokinetic strength and anaerobic power output.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

The influence of high-velocity circuit resistance training on VO2max and cardiac output.

In order to investigate the influence of high-velocity circuit resistance training on maximal aerobic power, maximal stroke volume and cardiac output, and blood lactate removal during recovery, 16 habitually active males were blocked on initial VO2max into either training or control groups. The training group completed two (weeks 1 and 2) or three (weeks 3-6) circuits of 10 variable-resistance hydraulic exercise stations at an exercise: relief ratio of 1:2 on alternate days over six weeks. Angular velocities of movement were maintained at approximately 3.1 rad.s-1. Following training, the VO2max was increased (p less than .01) from 4.32 to 4.68 1.min-1. Maximal stroke volume was increased (p less than .05) from 120 to 129 mL and heart rate response to an absolute submaximal exercise load was decreased (p less than .05) from 153 to 146 beats.min-1. As well, enhanced (p less than .01) removal of lactate from the blood was observed during recovery from exhausting exercise. No changes were observed for control subjects. These results indicate that positive alterations in aerobic and cardiovascular function may be achieved consequent to high-velocity circuit resistance training.

Cardiac Output↗

PubMed1988

The effect of one-legged sprint training on intramuscular pH and nonbicarbonate buffering capacity.

To determine the effect of one-legged sprint training on muscle pH and nonbicarbonate buffering capacity (BC), 9 subjects completed 15 to 20 intervals at 90 RPM, 4 days a week for 7 weeks on a bicycle ergometer adapted for one-legged pedaling. Needle biopsies from the vastus lateralis and blood samples from an antecubital vein were taken at rest and twice during recovery (1 and 4 minutes) from a 60 s one-legged maximal power test on a cycle ergometer. pH one minute after exercise in both the trained and untrained legs following the training period was not different but both were higher than before training. BC increased from 49.9 to 57.8 mumol HCl x g-1 x pH-1 after training (p less than 0.05). Blood lactate levels after exercise were significantly higher for the trained leg when compared to the untrained leg after spring training. Peak and average power output on the 60 s power test increased significantly after training. One-legged aerobic power (VO2max) was significantly increased in the untrained and trained legs. Two-legged VO2max also improved significantly after training. These data suggest that nonbicarbonate buffering capacity and power output can be enhanced with one-legged sprint training. Also, small but significant improvements in VO2max were also observed.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

The effect of exercise duration on the exercise and post-exercise oxygen consumption.

This study was designed to determine the effect of duration (30, 45, 60 min) of exercise at 70% VO2 max on oxygen consumption during the exercise and post-exercise periods and if the post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) is related to elevated tympanic temperature. Two male and three female volunteer subjects cycled at 70% VO2 max for 30, 45 and 60 min. The EPOC increased 2.35 and 5.3 fold when exercise duration was increased from 30 to 45 min and from 30 to 60 min respectively. The time for VO2 to return to resting levels following exercise was 128 +/- 4.4 min, 204 +/- 15.9 min and 455 +/- 30.0 min after the 30, 45 and 60 min exercise bouts. Tympanic temperatures were stable at 38.6 degrees C after approximately 30 min of exercise, but all had fallen to resting conditions approximately two hours post-exercise. The correlation between core temperature and EPOC, and RER and EPOC, was r = 0.64-0.75 and r = 0.86-0.89, respectively. These data emphasize the importance of extending the work time for elevating the energy cost during and post-exercise, and suggest that the EPOC can be explained in part by the effects of elevated temperature and metabolic substrate.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Sequencing of endurance and high-velocity strength training.

To compare two sequences of endurance (E) and high-velocity resistance (HVR) training, sixteen male oarsmen were separated into Group ES which trained endurance prior to strength and Group SE which trained strength prior to endurance. The endurance program consisted of up to 60 min a session, five days a week for five weeks. HVR exercise was conducted on 12 stations of variable resistance hydraulic equipment, four sessions per week for five weeks. Endurance training significantly improved VO2max and submaximal heart rate and blood lactate responses in both groups regardless of the sequence followed. HVR training improved VO2max in group SE only and had no effect on submaximal response to exercise. Peak torque increases for knee extension and flexion with HVR training were greater in group SE than group ES. These results show that organizing strength and endurance training into sequential programs can influence the physiological adaptation to training.

Adult↗

PubMed1987

The effects of resistance training on aerobic and anaerobic power of young boys.

A 4-wk interval-type training program incorporating omni-kinetic equipment and stationary cycling elicited an increase in the absolute and relative VO2max of an active group of young boys. The improvement in aerobic function was independent of the training protocols of high velocity-low resistance and low velocity-high resistance. However, the training programs failed to increase anaerobic function as measured by an "all-out" cycle test in which power output was calculated in watts and watts per kilogram for 0- to 15-s and 15- to 30-s work periods. Changes in aerobic and anaerobic functions were independent of physiological maturity as determined by serum testosterone level (ng X dl-1).

Adolescent↗

PubMed1986

The effects of one- and two-legged exercise on the lactate and ventilatory threshold.

The purpose of this investigation was to compare differences between one- and two-legged exercise on the lactate (LT) and ventilation (VT) threshold. On four separate occasions, eight male volunteer subjects (1-leg VO2max = 3.36 l X min-1; 2-leg VO2max = 4.27 l X min-1) performed 1- and 2-legged submaximal and maximal exercise. Submaximal threshold tests for 1- and 2-legs, began with a warm-up at 50 W and then increased every 3 minutes by 16 W and 50 W, respectively. Similar increments occurred every minute for the maximal tests. Venous blood samples were collected during the last 30 s of each work load, whereas noninvasive gas measures were calculated every 30 s. No differences in VO2 (l X min-1) were found between 1- and 2-legs at LT or VT, but significant differences (p less than 0.05) were recorded at a given power output. Lactate concentration ([LA]) was different (p less than 0.05) between 1- and 2-legs (2.52 vs. 1.97 mmol X l-1) at LT. This suggests it is VO2 rather than muscle mass which affects LT and VT. VO2max for 1-leg exercise was 79% of the 2-leg value. This implies the central circulation rather than the peripheral muscle is limiting to VO2max.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1986

Skeletal muscle RNA synthesis following endurance and sprint exercise.

Two groups of male Wistar endurance- and sprint-acclimatized rats were used to study the time course of uridine uptake into skeletal muscle RNA following acute exercise. Endurance and sprint animals were killed at 0, 2, 18, 24, and 48 hr following 1 hr of either endurance (30 m X min-1) or sprint running (90 m X min-1). Red vastus (RV) and white vastus (WV) muscle samples were incubated for 30 min in a medium containing 1 microCi 5-[14C]uridine. Uridine uptake was determined in the myofibrillar-nuclear, mitochondrial, microsomal, and soluble fractions of skeletal muscle via liquid scintillation counting. A significant decrease in whole muscle uridine uptake into RNA was observed in RV muscles following endurance exercise as well as in WV of sprint-exercised rats. Sprint-exercised RV had significantly greater uridine uptake into RNA in the homogenate and myofibrillar-nuclear fraction 2-18 hr post exercise. Increased mitochondrial uridine incorporation into RNA was observed in endurance- and sprint-exercised muscles between 18 and 48 hr post exercise. A very large increment in microsomal uridine uptake was observed in sprint-exercised WV at 24 hr. These data suggest that while whole muscle RNA synthesis may decline immediately following acute exercise overload, increases are observed in specific muscle fractions. These changes appear to coincide with protein-specific adaptations to sprint and endurance exercise.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed1986

Physiological profiles of the Canadian Olympic Soccer Team.

Physiological profiles of elite athletes are becoming increasingly important both for the sport scientist and coach, primarily to effectively develop training programs and to use as a motivational tool in the pursuit of excellence. Descriptive profiles were developed on 16 aspirants of the Canadian Olympic Soccer team during their training program at U.B.C. Selected strength measures were obtained from a Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer at 30 degrees sec-1. Metabolic variables were derived utilizing a Beckman metabolic cart interfaced with a Hewlitt Packard 3052A data acquisition system. Protocols involved were the following: VO2max (initial velocity 8.05 km X h-1, greater than 0.805 km X min-1); Anaerobic speed test (AST) (20% grade, 12.8 km X h-1). the nonlinear increase in excess CO2 was utilized to determine the anaerobic threshold (AT). (Table: see text). Recommendations emphasized maintenance of low body fat, increasing maximal aerobic power by approximately 10% and creating a hams/quads ratio of 60%. Also, a nutritional survey and periodic evaluation of iron status is necessary for the athletes.

Adult↗

PubMed1985

The relationship between lactate and ventilatory thresholds: coincidental or cause and effect?

To determine if blood lactate (LA) is the stimulus responsible for 'breakaway' ventilation (VE), the lactate (LT) and ventilation (VT) thresholds were monitored during one-legged cycling exercise. Ten healthy volunteer male subjects (Mean 2-legged VO2max = 4.27 l X min-1) performed prior exercise (PE) to reduce muscle glycogen stores by cycling at 75-85% of maximal heart rate (HR max) for 60-75 min, followed by a 30 h low carbohydrate diet. Pre- and post- LT and VT tests were performed on a cycle ergometer employing a continuous protocol with increments of 16 W every 3 min. Muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle before the PE ride, prior to the threshold test 24 h later, and before testing the non-exercised (NE) leg. An I.V. catheter placed in the antecubital vein was used for serial blood samples taken at rest, and during the final 30 s of each progressive load. Gas analysis was calculated every 30 s (Beckman Metabolic Measurement Cart). Biopsies (N = 3) showed that the exercise and diet regimen elicited glycogen reduction which significantly (p less than 0.05) reduced R and the blood LA concentration in both the PE (2.62 to 1.99 mmol X l-1) and NE (2.87 to 2.26 mmol X l-1) legs at LT. At VT, LA concentrations were also significantly reduced in the PE (3.35 to 2.56 mmol X l-1) and NE (3.59 to 2.74 mmol X l-1) legs. VO2 and VE, however, were similar between pre- and post- tests.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

PubMed1985

The effects of prior exercise on the lactate and ventilatory thresholds.

This study examined the effects of prior exercise on the lactate (Tlac) and ventilatory (Tvent) thresholds. Ten healthy male subjects volunteered to perform one-legged cycling. Muscle glycogen reduction was achieved by cycling at 75-85% of maximal heart rate for 60-75 min, and by a low carbohydrate diet. Pre- and post-exercise tests for measuring the thresholds employed a 3-min continuous protocol in 16 W increments. Muscle biopsies (n = 3) were taken from the vastus lateralis before the 'prior exercise' (PE) ride, the post-PE threshold test, and before testing the non-exercised (NE) leg. An i.v. catheter was used for serial blood lactate concentration determination during rest and the final 30 s of each progressive load. Ventilatory gas analyses were performed every 30 s. Biopsies showed that the PE and diet regimen reduced muscle glycogen in the PE leg (46.7%) and NE leg (36.4%). Venous blood lactate and respiratory exchange ratio (R) were reduced at Tlac and Tvent in both the PE and NE leg. The VO2 at a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol l-1 was elevated in the PE leg at Tlac (2.89 versus 2.46 1 min-1), but not in the NE leg at Tlac. These results suggest that lactate concentration at Tlac and Tvent is reduced by endurance exercise performed 24 h prior to testing, and that the central circulation plays a major role in this response. Furthermore, since blood lactate is reduced at the thresholds by prior exercise, the use of a lactate level of 4 mmol l-1 as a criterion for Tlac should be interpreted cautiously.

Adult↗