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Biomedical subjects

J D MacDougall

Publications and source records attributed to J D MacDougall.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Aldosterone and prolactin response to exercise in the heat in circumpubertal boys.

Thermoregulatory responses to exercise in the heat, especially sweating pattern, differ between children and adults. To determine whether such differences may be related to hormonal responses and to assess the possible association between this response and physical maturation, three groups of circumpubertal boys cycled at 50% of maximal O2 uptake (three 20-min bouts with 10 min of rest between bouts) in 42 degrees C at 20% relative humidity. On the basis of Tanner staging, 11 were prepubertal (PP), 12 midpubertal (MP), and 7 late pubertal (LP). Water ingestion was encouraged to minimize dehydration. Venous blood was sampled before and immediately after the session. Changes in heart rate, rectal temperature, and percent decrease in plasma volume did not differ among groups. There was no change in plasma osmolality in any of the groups. Resting testosterone concentrations were higher with increased level of physical maturity (PP = 0.4 +/- 0.1, MP = 8.2 +/- 1.9, LP = 13.8 +/- 1.2 nmol/l; P less than 0.05). In all groups, both aldosterone (ALD) and prolactin (PRL) markedly increased after exercise in the heat (ALD: PP = 161 +/- 40 vs. 1,289 +/- 263, MP = 173 +/- 47 vs. 1,245 +/- 153, LP = 250 +/- 76 vs. 1,681 +/- 400 pmol/l; PRL: PP = 8.1 +/- 1.2 vs. 24.9 +/- 4.2, MP = 8.8 +/- 1.0 vs. 22.0 +/- 8.9, LP = 8.4 +/- 0.8 vs. 39.0 +/- 3.6 micrograms/l; P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Whole body leucine metabolism during and after resistance exercise in fed humans.

The effects of resistance exercise upon leucine oxidation and whole body protein synthesis were studied using stable isotope methodology. L-[1-13C]leucine was used as a tracer to calculate leucine oxidation and whole body protein synthesis in six healthy, fed, male athletes in response to a 1 h bout of circuit-set resistance exercise. The measurements were performed prior to, during, and for 2 h after exercise, and corrections were made for background 13CO2/12CO2 breath enrichment and bicarbonate retention factor changes. Results demonstrated significant (P less than 0.01) increases in the background 13CO2/12CO2 breath enrichment at 1 and 2h after exercise and in the bicarbonate retention factor (P less than 0.01) during exercise. At 15 min after exercise, the bicarbonate retention factor was significantly (P less than 0.05) lower than at rest. There were no significant effects of exercise on leucine oxidation or flux, whole body protein synthesis, or the rate of appearance of endogenous leucine. We concluded that circuit-set resistance exercise did not affect the measured variables of leucine metabolism. In addition, large errors in calculating leucine oxidation and whole body protein synthesis during resistance exercise can occur if background 13CO2/12CO2 breath enrichment and bicarbonate retention factor changes are not accounted for.

Adult↗

Twitch contractile adaptations are not dependent on the intensity of isometric exercise in the human triceps surae.

Ultrastructural and twitch contractile characteristics of the human triceps surae were determined in six healthy but very sedentary subjects before and after 16 weeks of isometric training at 30% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Following training, twitch contraction time was approximately 16% shorter, although no differences were observed in one-half relaxation time or peak twitch torque. Percent fibre type was not changed by training. The mean area of type I and type II fibres in the soleus increased by approximately 30% but only type II fibres showed an increase in area in the lateral gastrocnemius (30%). Despite such changes in fibre area the volume density of the sarcoplasmic reticulum-transverse tubular network averaged 3.2 +/- 0.6% and 5.9 +/- 0.9% in type I and type II fibres respectively, before and after training in the two heads of the gastrocnemius. The results indicate that contractile adaptations to isometric training at 30% MVC were limited to twitch contraction time and were not directly related to changes in percent fibre distribution or the volume of sarcoplasmic reticulum and transverse tubules in either type I or type II fibres. The data further demonstrate that substantial fibre hypertrophy is achieved by training with low-intensity contractions.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Interaction between concurrent strength and endurance training.

To assess the effects of concurrent strength (S) and endurance (E) training on S and E development, one group (4 young men and 4 young women) trained one leg for S and the other leg for S and E (S+E). A second group (4 men, 4 women) trained one leg for E and the other leg for E and S (E+S). E training consisted of five 3-min bouts on a cycle ergometer at a power output corresponding to that requiring 90-100% of oxygen uptake during maximal exercise (VO2 max). S training consisted of six sets of 15-20 repetitions with the heaviest possible weight on a leg press (combined hip and knee extension) weight machine. Training was done 3 days/wk for 22 wk. Needle biopsy samples from vastus lateralis were taken before and after training and were examined for histochemical, biochemical, and ultrastructural adaptations. The nominal S and E training programs were "hybrids", having more similarities as training stimuli than differences; thus S made increases (P less than 0.05) similar to those of S+E in E-related measures of VO2max (S, S+E: 8%, 8%), repetitions with the pretraining maximal single leg press lift [1 repetition maximum (RM)] (27%, 24%), and percent of slow-twitch fibers (15%, 8%); and S made significant, although smaller, increases in repetitions with 80% 1 RM (81%, 152%) and citrate synthase (CS) activity (22%, 51%). Similarly, E increased knee extensor area [computed tomography (CT) scans] as much as E+S (14%, 21%) and made significant, although smaller, increases in leg press 1 RM (20%, 34%) and thigh girth (3.4%, 4.8%). When a presumably stronger stimulus for an adaptation was added to a weaker one, some additive effects occurred (i.e., increases in 1 RM and thigh girth that were greater in E+S than E; increases in CS activity and repetitions with 80% 1 RM that were greater in S+E than S). When a weaker, although effective, stimulus was added to a stronger one, addition generally did not occur. Concurrent S and E training did not interfere with S or E development in comparison to S or E training alone.

Adult↗

Gender differences in substrate for endurance exercise.

The effects of gender on substrate utilization during prolonged submaximal exercise were studied in six males and six equally trained females. After 3 days on a controlled diet (so that the proportions of carbohydrate, protein, and fat were identical), subjects ran on a treadmill at a velocity requiring an O2 consumption of approximately 65% of maximal. They ran a total "distance" of 15.5 km with a range in performance time of 90-101 min. Plasma glycerol, glucose, free fatty acids, and selected hormones (catecholamines, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon) were measured throughout and after the run by sampling from an indwelling venous catheter, and glycogen utilization was calculated from pre- and postexercise needle biopsies of vastus lateralis. Exercise protein catabolism was estimated from 24-h urinary urea nitrogen excretion over the test day and a nonexercise day. The males were found to have significantly higher respiratory exchange ratios (mean 0.94 vs. 0.87), greater muscle glycogen utilization (by 25%), and greater urea nitrogen excretion (by 30%) than the females. No gender differences were evident in the hormonal response to the exercise with the exception of a lower insulin concentration and a higher epinephrine concentration in the males. We conclude that, during moderate-intensity long-duration exercise, females demonstrate greater lipid utilization and less carbohydrate and protein metabolism than equally trained and nourished males.

Adult↗

Strength training effects in prepubescent boys.

Possible changes in muscle size and function due to resistance training were examined in prepubertal boys. Thirteen boys (9-11 yr) volunteered for each of the training and control groups. Progressive resistance training was performed three times weekly for 20 wk. Measurements consisted of the following: 1 repetition maximum (RM) bench press and leg press; maximal voluntary isometric and isokinetic elbow flexion and knee extension strength; evoked isometric contractile properties of the right elbow flexors and knee extensors; muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) by computerized tomography at the mid-right upper arm and thigh; and motor unit activation (MUA) by the interpolated twitch procedure. Training significantly increased 1 RM bench press (35%) and leg press (22%), isometric elbow flexion (37%) and knee extension strength (25% and 13% at 90 degrees and 120 degrees, respectively), isokinetic elbow flexion (26%) and knee extension (21%) strength, and evoked twitch torque of the elbow flexors (30%) and knee extensors (30%). There were no significant effects of training on the time-related contractile properties (time to peak torque, half-relaxation time), CSA, or %MUA of the elbow flexors or knee extensors. There was, however, a trend toward increased MUA for the elbow flexors and knee extensors in the trained group. Strength gains were independent of changes in muscle CSA, and the increases in twitch torque suggest possible adaptations in muscle excitation-contraction coupling. Improved motor skill coordination (especially during the early phase of training), a tendency toward increased MUA, and other undetermined neurological adaptations, including better coordination of the involved muscle groups, are likely the major determinants of the strength gains in this study.

Anthropometry↗

Regional bone mineral measurements.

Total body dual-photon transmission scanning was performed in 9 control persons, 15 athletes and in 5 patients with eating disorders. Total body bone mineral mass was measured, with a reproducibility of 2%; for regional bone mineral mass the reproducibility was 4%. The fraction of total bone mineral in the spines and heads of women is greater than in men. Patients with eating disorders have a smaller fraction of total body mineral in the pelvis than female controls. Weight lifters have a significantly greater mineral mass in the trunk region than other athletes and male controls. These and other differences are consistent with the conclusion that total body dual-photon absorptiometry allows quantitation of the distribution of mineral within the skeleton.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Comparison of two regimens of concurrent strength and endurance training.

To compare the responses to doing strength (S) training on alternate days with endurance (E) training vs doing both types of training on the same days per week, seven young men (group A-2 d) did S and E training together in single sessions 2 d.wk-1 for 20 wk. A second group (B-4 d, N = 8) did the S training on 2 d.wk-1 and E training on 2 other d.wk-1. S training was six to eight sets of 15-20 RM on a leg press weight machine. E training was six to eight 3-min bouts of cycle ergometer exercise at 90-100% VO2max. B-4 d (25%) increased leg press 1 RM more (P less than 0.05) than A-2 d (13%), but the groups increased similarly (A-2 d, B-4 d) in knee extensor (31%, 34%) and flexor (12%, 14%) cross-sectional area and vastus lateralis mean fiber area (33%, 25%). Increases in VO2max (7%, 6%), repetitions with 80% 1 RM (39%, 64%), repetitions with the pre-training 1 RM (33, 55), and PFK (19%, 10%) and LDH (15%, 23%) activity did not differ (P greater than 0.05) between groups. CS activity increased significantly only in A-2 d (26%; B-4 d, 6%). It is concluded that same day (vs different day) concurrent strength and endurance training may impede strength development without impeding hypertrophy. On the other hand, same day training may enhance increases in CS activity but not VO2max or weight lifting endurance.

Citrate (si)-Synthase↗

Body composition by photon absorptiometry.

Whole-body dual photon measurements of body composition were made in 9 controls, 15 athletes and 5 patients with eating disorders. Measurements of lean body mass, mineral mass and fat mass were accurate. Lean body mass and fat mass were measured with reliabilities of about 0.8 kg while for total body bone mineral mass, the reliability was about 60 g. Women had a smaller lean body mass and a greater fat mass than men. Women with eating disorders had the same body composition as males. Measurements of body composition by dual photon absorptiometry are safe and reliable.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Contractile adaptations in the human triceps surae after isometric exercise.

Ultrastructural and twitch contractile characteristics of the human triceps surae were determined in seven healthy but very sedentary subjects before and after 16 wk of unilateral isometric training at 100% maximal voluntary contraction. After training, twitch contraction time decreased by approximately 20%. One-half relaxation time, peak twitch torque, and percent fiber type in any of the muscles of the triceps surae complex were not changed by training. Type I and type II fiber areas increased in the soleus by approximately 30%, but only type II fibers showed an increased in area in the lateral gastrocnemius (40%). Despite such changes in fiber area, the volume density of the sarcoplasmic reticulum-transverse tubular (SR) network averaged 3.2 +/- 0.6 and 5.9 +/- 0.9% in type I and type II fibers, respectively, before and after training in the two heads of the gastrocnemius. Type I SR fraction increased to 3.5 +/- 1.2% after training in the soleus; however, correlations were not significant between the change in the volume density of SR and the change in twitch contraction time (R = 0.46, P = 0.45) or the change in one-half relaxation time (R = -0.68, P = 0.08). The results demonstrate that isometric training at 100% maximal voluntary contraction induced changes in twitch contraction time that were not directly related to changes in the volume density of SR in fibers of the triceps surae.

Adult↗

Physiological responses to caffeine during endurance running in habitual caffeine users.

Several studies have found that caffeine improved endurance exercise performance, but the factors which are responsible for this are not fully understood. Possibilities include an increased free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation and a resultant sparing of muscle glycogen as well as an enhancement of neuromuscular function during exercise. In order to further examine these factors, six varsity level runners (VO2max = 63.3 ml.kg-1.min-1) were studied over 90 min of treadmill running (70% VO2max) in a thermoneutral environment in order to determine the metabolic and neuromuscular effects of caffeine (6 mg.kg-1) administered in a randomized, crossover, double-blind manner. Subjects were habitual caffeine consumers (200 mg.d-1) and were given identical diets during each 3-d testing period. Caffeine administration, 60 min prior to exercise, significantly (P less than 0.05) increased plasma FFA levels both prior to and during exercise. Caffeine administration did not alter any of the other variables examined: VO2, HR, RER, rating of perceived exertion; plasma levels of glucose, lactate, epinephrine, and norepinephrine; or neuromuscular function (maximal voluntary strength, peak twitch torque, and motor unit activation). We conclude that caffeine administration (6 mg.kg-1) in athletic, habitual caffeine consumers increased plasma FFA levels but had neither metabolic nor neuromuscular effects that would be of potential ergogenic benefit in endurance running.

Adult↗

Influence of protein intake and training status on nitrogen balance and lean body mass.

The present study examined the effects of training status (endurance exercise or body building) on nitrogen balance, body composition, and urea excretion during periods of habitual and altered protein intakes. Experiments were performed on six elite bodybuilders, six elite endurance athletes, and six sedentary controls during a 10-day period of normal protein intake followed by a 10-day period of altered protein intake. The nitrogen balance data revealed that bodybuilders required 1.12 times and endurance athletes required 1.67 times more daily protein than sedentary controls. Lean body mass (density) was maintained in bodybuilders consuming 1.05 g protein.kg-1.day-1. Endurance athletes excreted more total daily urea than either bodybuilders or controls. We conclude that bodybuilders during habitual training require a daily protein intake only slightly greater than that for sedentary individuals in the maintenance of lean body mass and that endurance athletes require daily protein intakes greater than either bodybuilders or sedentary individuals to meet the needs of protein catabolism during exercise.

Adolescent↗

Functional and structural adaptations in skeletal muscle of trained athletes.

Twitch contractile and ultrastructural characteristics of the human triceps surae were determined in six male strength-trained athletes, six endurance-trained athletes, six active controls, and seven sedentary controls of similar height and age. Twitch contraction time in the triceps surae complex was 20% longer in strength-trained and sedentary groups than in endurance-trained or active control groups. In the 15 subjects peak twitch torque and one-half relation time in the triceps surae were 22.6 +/- 7.9 N.m and 91.1 +/- 18.3 ms, respectively. Mean fiber area in the gastrocnemius was approximately 1.6-, 1.7-, and 2.5-fold greater in the active control, endurance-trained, and strength-trained groups, respectively, relative to the sedentary group. Despite these large differences in fiber areas, the fiber fractional volume of the sarcoplasmic reticulum-transverse tubule network averaged 3.38 +/- 0.86% and 5.50 +/- 0.94% in type I and type II fibers, respectively, in all subjects. The fractional fiber volume of cytoplasm and lipid were similar for all four groups. However, mitochondrial volume was approximately 30% lower in both fiber types of the strength-trained group relative to the other groups. This implies that with exercise-induced hypertrophy, the sarcoplasmic reticulum, cytoplasm, and lipid components increase proportionately with contractile protein, whereas the mitochondrial fraction does not. The proportion of type I fibers in the soleus, medial gastrocnemius, and lateral gastrocnemius was 75.2 +/- 8.3, 58.5 +/- 6.1, and 52.4 +/- 4.2%, respectively, and was similar in all subject groups. The results demonstrate that twitch duration is prolonged in strength-trained athletes relative to endurance athletes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Voluntary strength and muscle characteristics in untrained men and women and male bodybuilders.

Eight untrained women (F), 13 untrained men (M), and 11 male bodybuilders (BB) did maximal elbow flexions on an isokinetic dynamometer at velocities of 30, 120, 180, 240, and 300 degrees/s, from which impact torque (IT), peak torque (PT), and work (W) were measured. Biceps and total flexor cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured by computerized tomographic scanning. Muscle fiber area, fiber composition, and collagen volume density were determined from single needle biopsies of biceps brachii. Biceps fiber number was estimated as the ratio of biceps CSA (corrected for connective tissue) to mean fiber area. PT and W decreased at higher velocities in M and BB but not in F; consequently, the correlation between CSA and PT and W was lower at 300 degrees/s (r = 0.58, 0.60) than 30 degrees/s (r = 0.80, 0.79). The ratio of PT to flexor CSA was similar in all groups at 30 degrees/s, whereas F had greater ratios than M and BB at the remaining velocities. F had greater W/CSA ratios than M and BB at all velocities. IT increased at higher velocities in all groups; the increase was greater in F and M than in BB. In contrast to PT and W, the correlation between IT and CSA was greater at 300 degrees/s (r = 0.67) than 30 degrees/s (r = 0.58), and there were no differences among groups in the IT/CSA ratios. Flexor CSA correlated negatively with the ratio of IT, PT, and W to CSA. Muscle fiber composition failed to correlate with any measure of strength. M and BB had greater biceps area, fiber number, and fiber area than F.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Acute changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with exercise of different intensities.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of exercise on plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and to determine whether the magnitude of this response would be affected by the intensity of the exercise. Twelve men (19-41 yr) ran an equivalent distance (9-12 km) on a treadmill on two separate occasions. On one occasion the exercise was performed at a speed that elicited 60% of the subject's maximal O2 uptake (VO2max), and on the other occasion exercise was performed at a speed that elicited 90% of VO2max. Changes in total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), HDL-C, HDL apoprotein A (HDL-A), HDL saturation, lactate (LA), and free fatty acids (FFA) were measured during the course of each run, and all values were corrected for changes in plasma volume as indicated by hematocrit. There were significant increases (P less than 0.01) in HDL-C, HDL-A, and HDL saturation with exercise at both intensities, but greater increases in HDL-C (25 vs. 14%) and HDL-A (18 vs. 8%) were observed with the higher intensity exercise. Plasma FFA and TG did not differ between conditions, but LA concentrations rose significantly during the high-intensity exercise. These results indicate that increases in HDL components can occur with a relatively moderate exercise session and that the magnitude of these increases are directly related to the exercise intensity.

Adult↗

Activation of human muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase with activity and immobilization.

The activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) was measured in samples of triceps muscle obtained in 15 males, before and after immobilization for 5 weeks and 5 months of strength training carried out in random order with cross-over of treatment. Although the total PDH activity was unchanged at 300 nmol min-1 g-1, the proportion in the active form increased after strength training (62 +/- 10.1%) and decreased after immobilization (12 +/- 2.3%) compared with control (36 +/- 3.4%). In six subjects measurements were repeated after 10 min maximal exercise (arm ergometer). The proportion of PDH in the active form increased least after immobilization (to 52 +/- 13.6%), compared with control (95 +/- 11.7%) and post-training (98 +/- 6.6%). After exercise muscle glycogen fell to the greatest extent and lactate rose the least in the post-training state, with opposite findings post-immobilization, suggesting that PDH activation contributes to the control of lactate formation in muscle during heavy exercise, and that the effects of training and immobilization are mediated at least in part through changes in the activation of this regulatory enzyme.

Adult↗

Supercompensation of muscle glycogen in trained and untrained subjects.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not trained athletes have the same capacity for supercompensation of muscle glycogen as untrained subjects. Muscle glycogen was measured in 4 highly trained cyclists and 4 untrained controls over a 6 day period of exercise and dietary manipulation. During the week prior to the investigation the trained group tapered their training load but maintained a high carbohydrate intake as they would in preparation for a major competition. Needle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis before and after exhaustive cycle ergometry at 73% VO2 max followed by several sprint intervals, after 3 days on a carbohydrate-restricted diet and after 2 and 3 days on a high carbohydrate diet. All food intake was quantified and plasma insulin and glucose were monitored daily. The mean initial glycogen concentration for the trained group was 115 mmol X kg-1 wet muscle weight and 92 mmol X kg-1 for the untrained group. Both groups showed similar post exercise depletion and recovery patterns when expressed as a % of their initial values. Following 3 days of high carbohydrate diet, the glycogen concentration for the trained cyclists reached 174 mmol X kg-1 or 152% of its initial value while the untrained-group reached 143 mmol X kg-1 or 155% of its initial value. It was concluded that a regimen of exhaustive exercise, followed by a period of carbohydrate restriction and a period of high carbohydrate intake, results in substantially higher muscle glycogen storage than can be achieved by a reduction in training in combination with high carbohydrate intake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗