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J Achten

Publications and source records attributed to J Achten.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Relation between plasma lactate concentration and fat oxidation rates over a wide range of exercise intensities.

Increasing exercise intensities will induce an increase in glycolytic flux. High glycolytic activity is associated with reduced fat oxidation rates and increased accumulation of lactate. Both lactate and hydrogen ions have been shown to be directly related to the decreased fat oxidation rates. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the exercise intensity at which maximal fat oxidation rates occur coincides with the intensity at which lactate starts to accumulate in plasma. Thirty-three moderately trained endurance athletes performed a graded exercise test to exhaustion on a cycle-ergometer with 35 W increments every three minutes. Expired gas analysis was performed throughout the test and stoichiometric equations were used to calculate fat oxidation rates. The intensity which elicited maximal fat oxidation (Fat (max)) and the intensity at which fat oxidation rates became negligible (Fat (min)) were determined. Blood samples for lactate analysis were collected at the end of each stage of the graded exercise test. The intensity at which lactate concentration increased above baseline (LIAB) and the lactate threshold (LT-D) were determined (D-max method). Fat (max) was located at 63 +/- 9 % V.O (2)max and LIAB at 61 +/- 5 % V.O (2)max and there appeared to be no statistical difference between the two intensities. Fat (max) and LIAB were significantly correlated. Fat (min) and LT-D were also significantly correlated but were located at different intensities (82 +/- 7 and 87 +/- 9 % V.O (2)max respectively). The data of the present study showed that accumulation of lactate in plasma is strongly correlated to the reduction seen in fatty acid oxidation with increasing exercise intensities. The first rise of lactate concentration occurred at the same intensity as the intensity which elicited maximal fat oxidation rates.

Adult↗

No differences in cycling efficiency between world-class and recreational cyclists.

The aim of this experiment was to compare the efficiency of elite cyclists with that of trained and recreational cyclists. Male subjects (N = 69) performed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion on an electrically braked cycle ergometer. Cadence was maintained between 80 - 90 rpm. Energy expenditure was estimated from measures of oxygen uptake (VO (2)) and carbon dioxide production (VCO(2)) using stoichiometric equations. Subjects (age 26 +/- 7 yr, body mass 74.0 +/- 6.3 kg, Wpeak 359 +/- 40 W and VO(2)peak 62.3 +/- 7.0 mL/kg/min) were divided into 3 groups on the basis of their VO (2)peak (< 60.0 (Low, N = 26), 60 - 70 (Med, N = 27) and > 70 (High, N = 16) mL/kg/min). All data are mean +/- SE. Despite the wide range in aerobic capacities gross efficiency (GE) at 165 W (GE (165)), GE at the same relative intensity (GE (final)), delta efficiency (DE) and economy (EC) were similar between all groups. Mean GE (165) was 18.6 +/- 0.3 %, 18.8 +/- 0.4 % and 17.9 +/- 0.3 % while mean DE was 22.4 +/- 0.4 %, 21.6 +/- 0.4 % and 21.2 +/- 0.5 % (for Low, Medium and High, respectively). There was no correlation between GE (165), GE (final), DE or EC and VO(2)peak. Based on these data, we conclude that there are no differences in efficiency and economy between elite cyclists and recreational level cyclists.

Adult↗

Higher dietary carbohydrate content during intensified running training results in better maintenance of performance and mood state.

The aim of this study was to determine whether consumption of a diet containing 8.5 g carbohydrate (CHO) x kg(-1) x day(-1) (high CHO; HCHO) compared with 5.4 g CHO x kg(-1) x day(-1) (control; Con) during a period of intensified training (IT) would result in better maintenance of physical performance and mood state. In a randomized cross-over design, seven trained runners [maximal O(2) uptake (Vo(2 max)) 64.7 +/- 2.6 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)] performed two 11-day trials consuming either the Con or the HCHO diet. The last week of both trials consisted of IT. Performance was measured with a preloaded 8-km all-out run on the treadmill and 16-km all-out runs outdoors. Substrate utilization was measured using indirect calorimetry and continuous [U-(13)C]glucose infusion during 30 min of running at 58 and 77% Vo(2 max). Time to complete 8 km was negatively affected by the IT: time significantly increased by 61 +/- 23 and 155 +/- 38 s in the HCHO and Con trials, respectively. The 16-km times were significantly increased (by 8.2 +/- 2.1%) during the Con trial only. The Daily Analysis of Life Demands of Athletes questionnaire showed significant deterioration in mood states in both trials, whereas deterioration in global mood scores, as assessed with the Profile of Mood States, was more pronounced in the Con trial. Scores for fatigue were significantly higher in the Con compared with the HCHO trial. CHO oxidation decreased significantly from 1.7 +/- 0.2 to 1.2 +/- 0.2 g/min over the course of the Con trial, which was completely accounted for by a decrease in muscle glycogen oxidation. These findings indicate that an increase in dietary CHO content from 5.4 to 8.5 g CHO x kg(-1)x day(-1) (41 vs. 65% total energy intake, respectively) allowed better maintenance of physical performance and mood state over the course of training, thereby reducing the symptoms of overreaching.

Adult↗

Maximal fat oxidation during exercise in trained men.

Fat oxidation increases from low to moderate exercise intensities and decreases from moderate to high exercise intensities. Recently, a protocol has been developed to determine the exercise intensity, which elicits maximal fat oxidation rates (Fat(max)). The main aim of the present study was to establish the reliability of the estimation of Fat(max) using this protocol (n = 10). An additional aim was to determine Fat(max) in a large group of endurance-trained individuals (n = 55). For the assessment of reliability, subjects performed three graded exercise tests to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer. Tests were performed after an overnight fast and diet and exercise regime on the day before all tests were similar. Fifty-five male subjects performed the graded exercise test on one occasion. The typical error (root mean square error and CV) for Fat(max) and Fat(min) was 0.23 and 0.33 l O(2) x min(-1) and 9.6 and 9.4 % respectively. Maximal fat oxidation rates of 0.52 +/- 0.15 g x min(-1) were reached at 62.5 +/- 9.8 % VO(2)max, while Fat(min) was located at 86.1 +/- 6.8 % VO(2)max. When the subjects were divided in two groups according to their VO(2)max, the large spread in Fat(max) and maximal fat oxidation rates remained present. The CV of the estimation of Fat(max) and Fa(min) is 9.0 - 9.5 %. In the present study the average intensity of maximal fat oxidation was located at 63 % VO(2)max. Even within a homogeneous group of subjects, there was a relatively large inter-individual variation in Fat(max) and the rate of maximal fat oxidation.

Adipose Tissue↗