The avoidance of respiratory muscle fatigue and its repercussions may play an important role in swimmers’ health and physical performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether a six-week moderate-intensity swimming intervention with added respiratory dead space (ARDS) resulted in any differences in respiratory muscle variables and pulmonary function in recreational swimmers. A sample of 22 individuals (recreational swimmers) were divided into an experimental (E) and a control (C) group, observed for maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max). The intervention involved 50 min of front crawl swimming performed at 60% VO₂max twice weekly for six weeks. Added respiratory dead space was induced via tube breathing (1000 mL) in group E during each intervention session. Respiratory muscle strength variables and pulmonary and respiratory variables were measured before and after the intervention. The training did not increase the inspiratory or expiratory muscle strength or improve spirometric parameters in any group. Only in group E, maximal tidal volume increased by 6.3% (p = 0.01). The ARDS volume of 1000 mL with the diameter of 2.5 cm applied in moderate-intensity swimming training constituted too weak a stimulus to develop respiratory muscles and lung function measured in the spirometry test.

BACKGROUND: The incremental test in laboratory conditions is a method commonly used to evaluate the maximal oxygen uptake and peak power output, which are the good predictors of cycling performance. But the best-designed protocol remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the physiological and biochemical responses in the incremental ramp on cycle ergometer and to compare with the commonly used step in young road cyclists. METHODS: Fifty-seven road cyclists took part in the experiment. The tests included two visits to the laboratory during which the anthropometric measurements, incremental test on a cycle ergometer. and examination of acid-base balance and blood lactate concentration were made. A randomly selected half of the subjects made, as the first one. the STEP (50W.3min(-1)) Test and the RAMP Test (similar to 0,27W.sec(-1)) a week later. The remaining cyclists made tests in the reverse order. RESULTS: The peak power output obtained in the RAMP was significantly higher than obtained in the STEP by 18.13W (P<0.05). The maximal oxygen uptake was higher by 1.5 (mL.kg(-1).min(-1)) during the RAMP (P<0.05). The postexercise blood lactate concentration was significantly higher by 0.94 mmol.L-1(P<0.05) in STEP. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the use of RAMP Test with linearly increasing workload to determine peak power output, maximal oxygen uptake and ventilatory threshold to precisely programming and control training of young road cyclists.

The digit ratio (2D:4D) is said to be a potential marker of exposure to prenatal sex steroids. Some studies suggest that the 2D:4D is also linked with the testosterone response to challenging situations due to organizational effect of prenatal hormonal milieu on adult endocrine functioning. However, up to date, there were only four studies (conducted on small samples) that examined the 2D:4D and the testosterone response to a challenging situation (i.e. physical exertion or aggressive context). Here, we examined the relationship between the 2D:4D and the testosterone change under an acute exercise among 97 men. We found that the digit ratios (the right 2D:4D, the left 2D:4D, and the right minus left 2D:4D) were neither predictors of pre-exercise testosterone, nor the change in testosterone level after a cycling task. Our results add a contradictory to previous studies evidence in a discussion on the links of the 2D:4D and the testosterone change.

Background: The linearly increased loading (RAMP) incremental test is a method commonly used to evaluate physical performance in a laboratory, but the best-designed protocol remains unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the selected variables used in training control resulting from the two different intensities of RAMP incremental tests. Methods: Twenty healthy and physically active men took part in this experiment. The tests included two visits to a laboratory, during which anthropometric measurements, incremental test on a cycle ergometer, and examinations of heart rate and blood lactate concentration were made. The cross-over study design method was used. The subjects underwent a randomly selected RAMP test with incremental load: 0.278 W·s⁻¹ or 0.556 W·s⁻¹. They performed the second test a week later. Results: Peak power output was significantly higher by 51.69 W (p < 0.001; t = 13.10; ES = 1.13) in the 0.556 W·s⁻¹ group. Total work done was significantly higher in the 0.278 W·s⁻¹ group by 71.93 kJ (p < 0.001; t = 12.55; ES = 1.57). Maximal heart rate was significantly higher in the 0.278 W·s⁻¹ group by 3.30 bpm (p < 0.01; t = 3.72; ES = 0.48). There were no statistically significant differences in heart rate recovery and peak blood lactate. Conclusions: We recommend use of the 0.556 W·s⁻¹ RAMP protocol because it is of shorter duration compared with 0.278 W·s⁻¹ and as such practically easier and of less effort for subjects.

Background: Knowledge of acute responses to different sprint interval exercise (SIE) helps to implement new training programs. The aim of this study was to compare the acute physiological, metabolic and perceptual responses to two different SIE cycling protocols with different recovery durations. Methods: Twelve healthy, active male participants took part in this study and completed four testing sessions in the laboratory separated by a minimum of 72h. Two SIE protocols were applied in randomized order: SIE_{6×10”/4’}—six “all-out” repeated 10-s bouts, interspersed with 4-min recovery; and SIE_SERIES—two series of three “all-out” repeated 10-s bouts, separated by 30-s recovery and 18-min recovery between series. Protocols were matched for the total work time (1 min) and recovery (20 min). Results: In SIE_SERIES, peak oxygen uptake and peak heart rate were significantly higher (p < 0.05), without differences in peak blood lactate concentration and mean rating of perceived exertion compared to SIE_{6×10”/4’}. There were no differences in peak power output, peak oxygen uptake and peak heart rate between both series in SIE_SERIES. Conclusions: Two series composed of three 10-s “all-out” bouts in SIE_SERIES protocol evoked higher cardiorespiratory responses, which can provide higher stimulus to improve aerobic fitness in regular training.

Hebisz, R, Hebisz, P, Danek, N, Michalik, K, and Zatoń, M. Predicting changes in maximal oxygen uptake in response to polarized training (sprint interval training, high-intensity interval training, and endurance training) in mountain bike cyclists. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1726–1730, 2022—The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of change in maximal oxygen uptake (ΔV̇o ₂max) in response to a polarized training program. Twenty well-trained mountain bike cyclists completed an 8-week intervention of sprint interval training (SIT) (8–16 30-second maximal sprints), high-intensity interval training (4–6 bouts at 85–95% maximal aerobic power), and endurance training (2–3 hours cycling at 70–80% power at the ventilatory threshold). An incremental exercise test was performed to determine preintervention and postintervention maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o ₂max) and maximal pulmonary ventilation (VEmax) normalized to lean body mass (LBM). The frequency and time domain of heart rate variability (HRV) was also determined during recovery after moderate warm-up in the first and last SIT. Training status was quantified as the total distance cycled in the previous year. V̇o ₂max, VEmax, and the root mean square of the successive differences of normal-to-normal time interval between heartbeats (RMSSD), which is the time domain of HRV all increased significantly. Multiple significant correlations were observed between ΔV̇o ₂max and training status and baseline measures of VEmax·LBM⁻¹, RMSSD, and V̇o ₂max·LBM⁻¹ and a regression equation was developed (r = 0.87, r ² = 0.76; p = 0.0001). The change in V̇o ₂max in response to polarized training can be predicted with high accuracy based on several measurable variables.