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PubMed2005

Short vs. long rest period between the sets in hypertrophic resistance training: influence on muscle strength, size, and hormonal adaptations in trained men.

Acute and long-term hormonal and neuromuscular adaptations to hypertrophic strength training were studied in 13 recreationally strength-trained men. The experimental design comprised a 6-month hypertrophic strength-training period including 2 separate 3-month training periods with the crossover design, a training protocol of short rest (SR, 2 minutes) as compared with long rest (LR, 5 minutes) between the sets. Basal hormonal concentrations of serum total testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), and cortisol (C), maximal isometric strength of the leg extensors, right leg 1 repetition maximum (1RM), dietary analysis, and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps femoris by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were measured at months 0, 3, and 6. The 2 hypertrophic training protocols used in training for the leg extensors (leg presses and squats with 10RM sets) were also examined in the laboratory conditions at months 0, 3, and 6. The exercise protocols were similar with regard to the total volume of work (loads x sets x reps), but differed with regard to the intensity and the length of rest between the sets (higher intensity and longer rest of 5 minutes vs. somewhat lower intensity but shorter rest of 2 minutes). Before and immediately after the protocols, maximal isometric force and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the leg extensors were measured and blood samples were drawn for determination of serum T, FT, C, and growth hormone (GH) concentrations and blood lactate. Both protocols before the experimental training period (month 0) led to large acute increases (p < 0.05-0.001) in serum T, FT, C , and GH concentrations, as well as to large acute decreases (p < 0.05-0.001) in maximal isometric force and EMG activity. However, no significant differences were observed between the protocols. Significant increases of 7% in maximal isometric force, 16% in the right leg 1RM, and 4% in the muscle CSA of the quadriceps femoris were observed during the 6-month strength-training period. However, both 3-month training periods performed with either the longer or the shorter rest periods between the sets resulted in similar gains in muscle mass and strength. No statistically significant changes were observed in basal hormone concentrations or in the profiles of acute hormonal responses during the entire 6-month experimental training period. The present study indicated that, within typical hypertrophic strength-training protocols used in the present study, the length of the recovery times between the sets (2 vs. 5 minutes) did not have an influence on the magnitude of acute hormonal and neuromuscular responses or long-term training adaptations in muscle strength and mass in previously strength-trained men.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Do characteristics of HIV/AIDS education and training affect perceived training quality? Lessons from the evaluation of seven projects.

Initial and continuing HIV/AIDS education and training has been a critical way to bring the nation's health providers up to date on emerging developments and approaches. This study reports cross-cutting findings from seven HIV/AIDS education and training projects. Trainers described over 600 training sessions from these projects in terms of their structural characteristics and design elements, while trainees described these sessions on several dimensions related to training quality. Training characteristics were compared to trainee assessments of training quality. Using a decision-tree analytic approach for major training attributes, considerable support emerged for links between training characteristics and perceived quality of the HIV/AIDS training experience. More favorable quality ratings were associated with certain projects, the training setting, the types of trainees served by the training, the intended training impact, discussion of special populations, and training methods involving interactive learning. With increased knowledge regarding how these educational experiences relate to the ways they are perceived and processed, more targeted approaches to training design on HIV/AIDS can be developed.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

The effect of previous weight training and concurrent weight training on endurance for functional electrical stimulation cycle ergometry.

Forty-five paraplegic subjects participated in three series of experiments to examine the interrelationships between previous weight training, concurrent weight training and muscle strength and endurance during cycle ergometry elicited by functional electrical stimulation (FES). When subjects only underwent isokinetic weight training (series 1) three times per week on the quadriceps, hamstring and gluteus maximus groups for 12 weeks, strength increased linearly with time for all three muscle groups from an initial average of 17 N to 269 N at the end of training, a 15-fold increase. In the second series of experiments, different groups of subjects either underwent no strength training prior to cycle ergometry or underwent strength training of these same three muscle groups for 2 weeks, four weeks, or 6 weeks prior to cycle ergometry. Any strength training was effective in increasing endurance for cycle ergometry. However, the rate of increase in endurance during cycle ergometry with no prior strength training was only 5 min per week, whereas the rate of increase in cycle endurance during ergometry was 14.6, 25.0, and 33.3 min per week increase in endurance after strength training for 2.4 and 6 weeks, respectively. When weight training was accomplished during FES cycle ergometry (concurrently) in a third series of experiments, there was an additional increase in endurance during cycling if strength training was concurrently accomplished. With no weight training, endurance increased 23 min per week, whereas with concurrent weight training at three times per week, endurance increased during cycling by 41.6 min per week. The results of these experiments seem to show a clear advantage of weight training concurrently and before FES cycle ergometry. Results are given as mean (SD).

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Resting energy metabolism and cardiovascular disease risk in resistance-trained and aerobically trained males.

The objectives of this study were (1) to examine differences in resting metabolic rate (RMR) and cardiovascular risk factors among aerobically trained (n = 36), resistance-trained (n = 18), and untrained (n = 42) young males; and (2) to investigate the influence of body composition, dietary intake, and VO2max as possible modulators of differences in cardiovascular risk among groups. Results showed that RMR, adjusted for differences in fat-free weight (FFW), was 5% higher in aerobically trained males compared with resistance-trained males (P < .01), and 10% higher than that in untrained males (P < .01). Plasma levels of cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were comparable between resistance-trained and aerobically trained males, but were lower (P < .05) than those in untrained males. (The percent intake of dietary fat was related to plasma cholesterol [r = .32, P < .01] and LDL-C [r = .30, P < .01].) When compared with untrained males, fasting triglyceride (TG) levels were 39% and 43% lower (P < .01) in resistance-trained and aerobically trained males, respectively. When compared with untrained males, the fasting insulin to glucose ratio (I/G) was 45% and 53% lower (P < .01) in resistance- and aerobically trained males, respectively. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was 7% lower (P < .01) in aerobically trained compared with untrained males. Statistical control for differences in percent body fat or percent intake of dietary fat diminished the differences among the groups for plasma lipids, blood pressure, and the I/G ratio. We conclude that aerobically trained and resistance-trained males have higher resting energy requirements independent of FFW compared with untrained males. Aerobically trained and resistance-trained young males have comparable and favorable cardiovascular disease risk profiles compared with untrained males, and this appears to be related to their low level of adiposity and low intake of dietary fat.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Enriched rater training using Internet based technologies: a comparison to traditional rater training in a multi-site depression trial.

OBJECTIVE: The evaluation and training of raters who conduct efficacy evaluations in clinical trials is an important methodological variable that is often overlooked. Few rater training programs focus on teaching and assessing applied clinical skills, and even fewer have been empirically examined for efficacy. The goal of this study was to develop a comprehensive, standardized, interactive rater training program using new technologies, and to compare the relative effectiveness of this approach to "traditional" rater training in a multi-center clinical trial. METHOD: 12 sites from a 22 site multi-center study were randomly selected to participate (6=traditional, 6=enriched). Traditional training consisted of an overview of scoring conventions, watching and scoring videotapes with discussion, and observation of interviews in small groups with feedback. Enriched training consisted of an interactive web tutorial, and live, remote observation of trainees conducting interviews with real or standardized patients, via video- or teleconference. Outcome measures included a didactic exam on conceptual knowledge and blinded ratings of trainee's audiotaped interviews. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between enriched and traditional training on pre-to-post training improvement on didactic knowledge, t(27)=4.2, p<0.0001. Enriched trainees clinical skills also improved significantly more than traditional trainees, t(56)=2.1, p=0.035. All trainees found the applied training helpful, and wanted similar web tutorials with other scales. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the efficacy of enriched rater training in improving both conceptual knowledge and applied skills. Remote technologies enhance training efforts, and make training accessible and cost-effective. Future rater training efforts should be subject to empirical evaluation, and include training on applied skills.

Clinical Competence↗

PubMed1997

Muscular adaptation and strength during the early phase of eccentric training: influence of the training frequency.

We investigated the effects of different training frequencies on maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MVC) force and plasma concentrations of muscle proteins during the early phase of eccentric training. MVC and plasma concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and slow-twitch skeletal (cardiac beta-type) myosin heavy chain (MHC) fragments were measured before and 4 and 7 d after performing the first and last training task. Training tasks, which comprised 70 high-force eccentric contractions involving the thigh muscles (single leg), were performed under supervision in three groups (A, B, C) at the beginning and at the end of the study period (7 wk). In addition, groups A (N = 10) and B (N = 10) trained during the study period starting 1 wk after the first training task. Group A performed one training task once a week for 5 wk and group B (N = 10) twice a week for 2 wk and three times a week during the subsequent 3 wk. In all three groups the first training task resulted in delayed CK and MHC peaks and decrements in MVC, which were comparable (P > 0.05). Only training regimen B resulted in a significant increase in the MVC. Compared with the first training task training regimens, A and B significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the increase in serum muscle protein and muscle function impairment. The responses to the last training task did not differ significantly between groups A and B. In group C the responses after the second training task did not differ significantly from those observed after the first task. Our results suggest that, compared with group A, additional eccentric exercise in group B is the essential basis for the increase in muscle strength during the early phase of eccentric training without further benefits for muscular adaptation. In group C we found no muscular adaptation.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed1995

Training in hypoxia vs. training in normoxia in high-altitude natives.

To determine the interactions between endurance training and hypoxia on maximal exercise performance, we performed a study on sedentary high-altitude natives who were trained in normoxia at the same relative (n = 10) or at the same absolute (n = 10) intensity of work as hypoxia-trained subjects (n = 10). The training-induced improvement of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in hypoxia-trained subjects was similar to that obtained in normoxia-trained sea-level natives submitted to the same training protocol (H. Hoppeler, H. Howald, K. Conley, S. L. Lindstedt, H. Claassen, P. Vock, and E. W. Weibel. J. Appl. Physiol. 59: 320-327, 1985). Training at the same absolute work intensity in the presence of increased oxygen delivery failed to provide a further increase in VO2max. VO2max was not improved to a greater extent by simultaneously increasing absolute work intensity and O2 delivery during the training sessions. In addition, training in normoxia is accompanied by an increased blood lactate accumulation during maximal exercise, leading to greater drops in arterial pH, bicarbonate concentration, and base excess. We conclude that, in high-altitude natives, 1) training at altitude does not provide any advantage over training at sea level for maximal aerobic capacity, whether assessed in chronic hypoxia or in acute normoxia; 2) VO2max improvement with training cannot be further enhanced by increasing O2 availability alone or in combination with an increased work intensity during the exercising sessions; and 3) training in normoxia in these subjects results in a reduced buffer capacity.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Effect of reduced training and training cessation on insulin action and muscle GLUT-4.

This study examined the impact of a 50% reduction in training frequency or training cessation on insulin action and muscle GLUT-4 protein concentration. Middle-aged individuals were tested before and after 12 wk of exercise training (4 days/wk, 40-45 min/day). Subjects then either maintained training (n = 9), reduced training frequency by 50% (n = 11), or stopped exercising (n = 10) for the ensuing 2 wk. GLUT-4 protein concentration and insulin action (insulin sensitivity index, as determined by the minimal model) increased (P < or = 0.05) by an average of 1.6- and 1.9-fold, respectively, with the 12 wk of training. Insulin action and GLUT-4 did not increase further with the additional 2 wk of training in the maintained training group. Similarly, insulin sensitivity index and GLUT-4 concentration remained at trained levels when training frequency was reduced by 50% for 2 wk. GLUT-4 concentration and insulin action, however, were not different from sedentary values after 14 days of training cessation. These findings indicate that a 14-day 50% reduction in exercise frequency maintains the improvements in GLUT-4 protein concentration and insulin action gained with endurance training in moderately trained middle-aged adults; in contrast, these adaptations are largely lost with training cessation.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

The effect of unilateral eccentric weight training and detraining on joint angle specificity, cross-training, and the bilateral deficit.

Eccentric resistance training is an important component of many rehabilitation protocols. The adaptations following eccentric training are poorly understood in relation to concentric training. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of unilateral eccentric leg extension weight training and detraining on joint angle specificity, cross-training, and the bilateral deficit. Seventeen males volunteered to be subjects for this investigation and were divided into an eccentric training group (N = 9) and a control group (N = 8). The eccentric group performed 8 weeks of unilateral eccentric weight training with the nondominant limb three times per week (3-5 sets of six repetitions) followed by 8 weeks of detraining. These subjects were tested pretraining, posttraining, and following detraining for maximal isometric strength at three joint angles (15, 45, and 75 degrees) in both limbs as well as for the one-repetition maximum (1-RM) eccentric strength of the trained limb, untrained limb, and bilaterally. The results of this investigation indicated that the effects of the eccentric weight training were joint angle specific [significant increases at 45 and 75 degrees (p < 0.05)]. This effect was found in both limbs, indicating a cross-training effect that was joint angle specific. The results from the 1-RM analyses indicated that the bilateral deficit exists for eccentric contractions (untrained limb > bilateral at pretraining) and that unilateral eccentric training increases this effect (trained and untrained limbs > bilateral posttraining); however, the unilateral training also resulted in increased bilateral strength. Both the 1-RM and isometric analyses showed that the training effects persisted over 8 weeks of detraining.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Training cardiovascular fellows in cardiovascular magnetic resonance and vascular imaging; Current status following the core cardiovascular training symposium (COCATS-2) guidelines.

OBJECTIVES: This survey study sought to characterize the current training environment in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and vascular imaging and to quantify the magnitude of any gaps between current training practice and the recommendations of the Core Cardiovascular Training Symposium (COCATS-2) guidelines. BACKGROUND: The COCATS-2 guidelines published in 2002 newly included specific educational components of CMR and vascular imaging. An understanding of the current capabilities of training programs to meet these guidelines could produce efforts to improve training opportunities. METHODS: We surveyed all accredited adult cardiovascular training programs by using a 21-question, multiple-response survey. Data were collected on center and program characteristics, clinical activities, control of clinical activities, and needs and attitudes. Parallel data were collected for nuclear cardiology capabilities as a "base case." RESULTS: Only 13% of training programs reported "ownership" of CMR equipment, compared with 48% for nuclear equipment (p = 0.001). Dedicated fellow rotations in nuclear imaging are nearly universally present, whereas vascular (64%) and CMR imaging (29%) lag behind. A majority of programs do not use formal educational curricula for CMR and vascular imaging. Among centers with CMR training capabilities, the breadth of training opportunities is typically very limited, with most having only aortic imaging as their sole capability, except in predominately large training centers. The greatest need expressed by programs was educational assistance in the form of written and lecture curriculum materials. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial gap exists between the current training environment in CMR and vascular imaging and the recommendations of COCATS-2. Sharing training opportunities between centers is encouraged, particularly for smaller training programs, in order to capitalize on limited equipment, personnel, and curriculum resources.

Cardiology↗

PubMed2004

Reductions in pre-season training loads reduce training injury rates in rugby league players.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate if reductions in pre-season training loads reduced the incidence of training injuries in rugby league players, and to determine if the reductions in training loads compromised the improvements in physical fitness obtained during the pre-season preparation period. METHODS: A total of 220 sub-elite rugby league players participated in this 3 year prospective study. Players underwent measurements of speed, muscular power, and maximal aerobic power before and after three 4 month (December to March) pre-season preparation periods (2001-2003). A periodised skills and conditioning program was implemented, with training loads progressively increased in the general preparatory phase of the season (December to February) and reduced slightly in March in preparation for the competitive phase of the season. Training loads were calculated by multiplying the training session intensity by the duration of the training session. Following the initial season (2001), training loads were reduced through reductions in training duration (2002) and training intensity (2003). The incidence of injury was prospectively recorded over the three pre-season periods. RESULTS: The training loads for the 2002 and 2003 pre-season periods were significantly lower (p<0.001) than those in 2001. The incidence of injury was significantly higher in the 2001 pre-season than the 2002 and 2003 pre-season periods. The increases in maximal aerobic power progressively improved across the three seasons with a 62-88% probability that the 2002 and 2003 pre-season improvements in maximal aerobic power were of greater physiological significance than the 2001 pre-season improvements in maximal aerobic power. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that reductions in pre-season training loads reduce training injury rates in rugby league players and result in greater improvements in maximal aerobic power.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Training-specific muscle architecture adaptation after 5-wk training in athletes.

PURPOSE: This study examined changes in the muscle size, muscle architecture, strength, and sprint/jump performances of concurrently training athletes during 5 wk of "altered" resistance training (RT). METHODS: Eight female and 15 male athletes performed 4 wk of sprint, jump, and resistance training in addition to their sports training (standardization) before adopting one of three different programs for 5 wk: 1) squat lift training (SQ, N = 8) with sprint/jump training; 2) forward hack squat training (FHS, N = 7) with sprint/jump training; or 3) sprint/jump training only (SJ, N = 8). Muscle size, fascicle angle, and fascicle length of the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles (using ultrasound procedures) as well as 20-m sprint run, vertical jump, and strength performance changes were examined. RESULTS: A small increase in VL fascicle angle in SQ and FHS was statistically different to the decrease in SJ subjects (P < 0.05 at distal, P < 0.1 at proximal). VL fascicle length increased for SJ only (P < 0.05 at distal, P < 0.1 at proximal) and increased in RF in SQ subjects (P < 0.05). Muscle thickness of VL and RF increased in all training groups (P < 0.05) but only at proximal sites. There were no between-group differences in squat, forward hack squat, or isokinetic strength performances, or in sprint or jump performances, despite improvements in some of the tests across the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Significant muscle size and architectural adaptations can occur in concurrently training athletes in response to a 5-wk training program. These adaptations were possibly associated with the force and velocity characteristics of the training exercises but not the movement patterns. Factors other than, or in addition to, muscle architecture must mediate changes in strength, sprint, and jump performance.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed1997

The effect of unilateral concentric weight training and detraining on joint angle specificity, cross-training, and the bilateral deficit.

Changes in strength following concentric-only weight training and detraining are poorly understood. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of unilateral concentric leg extension weight training and detraining on joint angle specificity, cross-training, and the bilateral deficit (individual limb strength > bilateral strength/2). Sixteen males volunteered to be subjects for this investigation (concentric training group, N = 8; control group, N = 8). The training group performed 8 weeks of training with the nondominant limb three times per week (3-5 sets X six repetitions), followed by 8 weeks of detraining. These subjects were tested pretraining, posttraining, and following detraining for maximal isometric strength at three joint angles (15, 45, and 75 degrees) in both limbs as well as for the one repetition maximum (1-RM) concentric strength of the trained limb, untrained limb, and bilaterally. The results of this investigation indicated that the effects of the concentric weight training were not joint angle specific as the isometric strength increases occurred at all three joint angles. This effect was found in both limbs, indicating that cross-training occurred. The results of the 1-RM analyses showed that initially there was a bilateral deficit (untrained limb > bilateral, trained limb at pretraining). While the concentric training resulted in increases in 1-RM strength in the trained limb, untrained limb, and bilaterally, differences between bilateral strength and the untrained limb were reversed posttraining and the trained limb values exceeded both the bilateral and untrained limb values. Finally, the effects of detraining were more pronounced for isometric strength vs. 1-RM strength as there was a significant decrease from posttraining in the isometric scores, but the detraining 1-RM values were not significantly decreased from posttraining for either limb or bilaterally.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Outcomes of long-term exercise training in dialysis patients: comparison of two training programs.

BACKGROUND: Exercise training has been shown to improve the low functional capacity and quality of life in dialysis (HD) patients. However, there are no data about the outcome of long-term exercise training and, also, the adherence of HD patients in such long-term renal rehabilitation programs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 2 modes of long-term physical training on HD patients' physical fitness, perception of health and overall life situation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight HD patients, free of any other systemic disease, who followed 2 modes of exercise training for 4 years, were studied. Half of them (group A) were randomly assigned to participate in a supervised outpatient exercise training program (3/weekly) on the non-dialysis days, while the other half (group B) followed a training program with stationary bicycles during their HD sessions (3/weekly). The measured domains of physical fitness and well-being every year were: aerobic capacity, as estimated from a modified Bruce treadmill exercise test and spiroergometric study, the patients' perception of health, the overall life situation and the employment status. RESULTS: During the 4-year study, there were 8 drop-outs in group A and 5 in B. No adverse effects of the exercise programs were reported. The 1 year of exercise training resulted in 38% in group A (16 patients, who remained in the study) and 31% in group B (18 patients) improvement of exercise time, and a 47% increase in group A of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and a 36% in group B in comparison to baseline value. After 3 additional years of training, significant improvements were also noted in exercise time (by 53% in group A and by 43% in B) and VO2peak (by 70% in group A and by 50% in group B), as well as in other gas exchange variables in comparison to baseline values. However, the improvements in group A were more pronounced than in B. Interestingly, the gains in exercise capacity were more enhanced in the first year of training in both groups. After 4-year training, significantly more patients in both groups perceived their health and overall life situation as well, compared to baseline. In addition, perception of improved health was higher in group A. The increase in the proportion of patients working was also higher in group A than B after the 4-year training. CONCLUSION: HD patients can adhere to long-term physical training programs on the non-dialysis days, as well as during hemodialysis with considerable improvements in physical fitness and health. Although training out of HD seems to result in better outcomes, the drop out rate was higher.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Pediatric residency training on tobacco: training director tobacco survey.

BACKGROUND: Statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics encourage pediatricians to address tobacco. However, most fail to do so and little is known about the preparation to intervene on tobacco they receive during residency training. METHODS: The Pediatric Residency Training Director Tobacco Survey was mailed to all pediatric residency training directors in the United States. The survey assessed the nature of training and supervision on tobacco, barriers to training, and factors that influence the inclusion of tobacco in the residency training curriculum. RESULTS: Seventy percent of the training directors returned the surveys. Relatively few offered training/supervision on tobacco on a formal basis. Training directors were reluctant to treat parents who smoke, were skeptical about third party payer reimbursement, and did not believe that office-based interventions for treating tobacco use among patients were effective. Key barriers to training were competing priorities, lack of training resources, and lack of faculty with expertise on tobacco. CONCLUSION: Residency training is an excellent time to train future pediatricians to intervene on tobacco, but too few pediatric training programs have taken up this charge. Much needs to be done to correct this situation and to prepare future pediatricians to meet the tobacco challenge.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMed1996

Benefits of training at moderate altitude versus sea level training in amateur runners.

After more than 25 years of research of altitude training (AT) there is no consensus regarding either the training programme at altitude or the effects of AT on performance at sea level. Based on a review of the research work on AT, we investigated combined base training and interval training at moderate altitude and compared immediate and delayed effects on sea level performance with those following similar sea level training (SLT). The altitude group (AG, 10 male amateur runners) trained at 2315 m (natural altitude) and the sea level group (SLG, 12 male amateur runners) at 187 m. Both groups performed 7 days of base training (running on a trail) lasting between 60 and 90 min a day and 5 days of interval training (speed and hill runs) for between 10 and 45 min a day. Incremental exercise tests were performed 1 week before (t1), 3 days after (t2) and 16 days after (t3) the 12-day main training period. Within AG, exercise performance improved from t1 to t2 by 8% (P < 0.05) and from t2 to t3 by 8% (P < 0.05). Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) increased from t2 to t3 by 10% (P < 0.05). Within SLG exercise performance increased from t2 to t3 by 8% (P < 0.05). At t3, relative and absolute VO2max in AG were significantly higher in comparison with SLG (P = 0.005 and P = 0.046 respectively). The improved performance 3 days after AT may be explained in part by an increased oxygen uptake at submaximal exercise intensities without a change in VO2max. Further enhancement in performance 2 weeks after AT, however, seems to have been due to the clearly enhanced VO2max. Progressive cardiovascular adjustments might have contributed primarily to the time-dependent improvements observed after AT, possibly by an enhanced stroke volume overcompensating the reduced heart rates during submaximal exercise. In conclusion, our findings would suggest that training at a moderate natural altitude improves performance at sea level more than SLT. Combining base and interval training with regulation of intensity by training at constant heart rates during acclimatization at altitude would seem to be a successful training regimen for amateur runners. Most beneficial effects became apparent during the subsequent SLT around 2 weeks after return from altitude. Therefore, we are convinced that AT should be reconsidered as a potent tool for enhancing aerobic capacity, at least in non-elite athletes.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Leptin as a marker of training stress in highly trained male rowers?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potentially important role leptin may play during training monitoring in athletes. Twelve highly trained male rowers underwent a 3-week period of maximally increased training stress followed by a 2-week tapering period. Fasting blood was sampled after a rest day. Subjects also performed a maximal 2000-m rowing ergometer test before and after 3 weeks of heavy training, and after 2 weeks of tapering. Blood samples were obtained before, immediately after and after 30 min of recovery. Leptin concentrations were measured in duplicate by radioimmunoassay. Mean training time was about 100% higher during the heavy training period (17.5 h x week(-1)) compared to the tapering period (8.9 h x week(-1)). The 3-week heavy training period induced a significant reduction ( P<0.05) in the fasting leptin concentration [from 2.5 (0.4) to 1.5 (0.4) ng x ml(-1)]. Fasting plasma leptin was significantly increased by the end of the 2-week tapering period [2.0 (0.4) ng x ml(-1)] but remained significantly lower compared to the pretraining value. Leptin levels were also significantly decreased only after the 2000-m rowing ergometer test performed at the end of the heavy training period. No differences in leptin concentrations were observed after other performance tests compared to their respective baseline values. In addition, fasting leptin concentration was significantly related to the weekly training time ( r=-0.45; P=0.006). In conclusion, it appears that leptin is sensitive to the rapid and pronounced changes in training volume. A greater training time is associated with a lower leptin concentration in highly trained male rowers. It is suggested that it may be possible to direct typical rowing training by monitoring leptin status.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2001

[Endurance training for fitness--role of individualized training program].

There are many different aspects that should be taken into account when exercise counselling of trained and untrained persons is required. Factors to be considered include the endurance capacity (EC), the general sport skills and the goals of the individual willing to start a training program. First the advisor should try to characterize the EC of the person by estimating or measuring EC. Based on this information, advice for an individual training programme can be given. As a principle for cardio-respiratory fitness training, a person should at least practise three times per week 20-30 minutes in a moderate exercise intensity to achieve a sufficient training effect. When training more than three times/week people should vary the mode of exercise and training intensity to improve the quality of training and to avoid overcharge symptoms. After a certain duration of the training cycle, the plans should be adapted to new or changed conditions. A distinct improvement of EC can be expected after 8-12 weeks of regular training. The article gives an overview of the possibilities for testing and the planning of training, should help the reader either to start his own training program or to give appropriate advice to an athlete requiring training counselling.

Counseling↗