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Although the exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) has emerged as one of main problem worldwide to inhabitants’ health in urban centers, its impact on metabolic responses during exercise is poorly understood. The aim of study was to characterize the profile of non-target serum metabolomics during prolonged exercise performed under TRAP conditions. Ten healthy men completed two 90 min constant-load cycling trials under conditions of either TRAP or filtered air. Experimental trials were performed in a chamber located on an avenue with a high volume of vehicle traffic. Blood samples were taken at 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min of exercise. Based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance metabolomics, the non-target analysis was used to assess the metabolic profile. Twelve, 16 and 18 metabolites were identified as discriminants. These were: at 30 min of exercise, the coefficient of determination (R2) 0.98, the predictive relevance, (Q2) 0.12, and the area under the curve (AUC) 0.91. After 60 min of exercise: (R2: 0.99, Q2: 0.09, AUC: 0.94); and at 90 min of exercise (R2: 0.91, Q2

The aim of this study was to investigate, in a well-controlled experimental environment, whether air pollution from an urban center would affect inflammatory and cardiorespiratory responses during prolonged moderate exercise (i.e., 90 min). Ten healthy men performed two experimental trials under filtered and polluted air, inside an environmental chamber located in Sao Paulo downtown, Brazil. Blood samples were obtained at rest, 30, 60, and 90 min of the exercise to determine the serum cytokines concentration, while arterial pressure was recorded immediately after the exercise. The serum cytokines were not altered until 60 min of exercise for both conditions (P 0.05). Otherwise, at 90 min of exercise, the IL-6 (P = 0.047) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (P = 0.026) were significantly higher and IL-10 tended to decrease (P = 0.061) in polluted air condition compared to filtered air condition. In addition, both systolic (P = 0.031) and diastolic (P = 0.009) arterial pressure were higher in polluted air condition than filtered air condition. These findings demonstrate that the exercise of longer duration (i.e., 90 min), but not of shorter duration (i.e.,60 min), performed in vehicular air pollution condition results in pronounced pro-inflammatory and increased arterial pressure responses.

Background: Aerobic exercise is recommended to improve health. However, the increased ventilation might increase the doses of inhaled air pollutants, negating the health benefits in highly polluted areas. Our objective was to estimate the inhaled dose of air pollutants during two simulated exercise sessions at cleanest and dirtiest cities reported by World Health Organization (WHO) considering air quality. Methods: Minute ventilation data were extracted from laboratory-based exercise of 116 incremental running tests and used to calculate total ventilation of a hypothetical 30-min moderate continuous exercise routine. Afterwards, total ventilation values were combined with particulate matter (PM) data reported by the WHO for the 10 cleanest and 10 dirtiest cities, to calculate inhaled doses and the relative risk of all-cause mortality by exercising in different air pollution concentrations. Findings: The dirtiest cities are located at less developed countries compared to cleanest cities. The inhaled dose of PM2.5 and PM10 were significantly higher in the dirtiest cities compared to the cleanest cities at rest and exercise, and significantly higher during exercise compared to the rest at dirtiest cities. The relative risk of all-cause mortality analysis showed that, while exercise in the cleanest cities improved health benefits throughout up to 90 min, there were no further health benefits after 15 min of exercise in the dirtiest cities, and the air pollution health risks surpassed the exercise benefits after 75 min. Interpretation: Our findings suggest that a traditional 30-min of moderate aerobic exercise session might induce inhalation of high levels of pollutants when performed at dirtiest cities. Considering several adverse health effects from air pollutants inhalation, so the results suggest that the air pollution levels of the cities should be taken into account for physical exercise recommendations.

The main purpose of this study was to compare the effect of the constant load and self-paced exercise with similar total work on autonomic control after endurance exercise. Ten physically active men were submitted to (i) a maximal incremental exercise test, (ii) a 4-km cycling time trial (4-km TT), and (iii) a constant workload test with identical total external work performed at 4-km TT. Gas exchange was measured throughout the tests, while blood lactate, heart rate, and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured during the passive recovery. Power output measured at the last lap (i.e. 3600-4000 m) of 4-km TT (316 ± 89 W) was statistically higher than power output measured at the end of the constant workload exercise (211 ± 42 W). The 4-km TT produced higher values of blood lactate concentration (8.8 ± 2.1 mmol L

This study aimed to verify the association between the contribution of energy systems during an incremental exercise test (IET), pacing, and performance during a 10-km running time trial. Thirteen male recreational runners completed an incremental exercise test on a treadmill to determine the respiratory compensation point (RCP), maximal oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 max), peak treadmill speed (PTS), and energy systems contribution; and a 10-km running time trial (T10-km) to determine endurance performance. The fractions of the aerobic (WAER) and glycolytic (WGLYCOL) contributions were calculated for each stage based on the oxygen uptake and the oxygen energy equivalents derived by blood lactate accumulation, respectively. Total metabolic demand (WTOTAL) was the sum of these two energy systems. Endurance performance during the T10-km was moderately correlated with RCP, V ˙ O 2 max and PTS (P

Summary Objectives The present study analyzes the impact of a strength training program on bioenergetics parameters determined at velocity corresponding to maximal oxygen uptake ( v V ˙ O 2 max ). Methods Sixteen recreational long-distance runners were divided into strength training (STG, n = 9) and control (CG, n = 7) groups. Before and after 8 weeks, the volunteers performed: maximal incremental treadmill test, constant-speed running at pre-training v V ˙ O 2 max , and maximum dynamic strength test (1RM). Energy cost of running (ECr), and aerobic (AMET) and anaerobic (ANMET) metabolism contributions were estimated at v V ˙ O 2 max . Results No differences were observed at baseline between groups (P > 0.05). After experimental period, there was an increase in 1RM for STG (27 ± 18%, P = 0.008), but not for CG (P > 0.05). The changes in ECr (pre = 0.254 ± 0.038 vs. post = 0.255 ± 0.037 kJ·m−1), AMET (pre = 191.5 ± 26.2 vs. post = 193.0 ± 31.7 kJ), and ANMET (pre = 20.9 ± 6.4 vs. post = 21.0 ± 5.7 kJ) were not significant different (P > 0.05) to STG; as well as to CG (ECr - pre = 0.260 ± 0.046 vs. post = 0.259 ± 0.034 kJ·m−1, AMET - pre = 209.7 ± 30.2 vs. post = 203.3 ± 26.6 kJ, and ANMET - pre = 19.3 ± 6.4 vs. post = 23.9 ± 4.6 kJ). Conclusions These findings suggest that 8 weeks strength training improved the maximum dynamic strength and did not alter bioenergetics parameters measured at v V ˙ O 2 max in recreational endurance runners.

This study analyzed the influence of a 4-week high-intensity interval training on the pacing strategy adopted by runners during a 5-km running trial. Sixteen male recreational long-distance runners were randomly assigned to a control group (CON, n=8) or a high-intensity interval training group (HIIT, n=8). The HIIT group performed high-intensity interval-training twice per week, while the CON group maintained their regular training program. Before and after the training period, the runners performed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion to measure the onset of blood lactate accumulation, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and peak treadmill speed (PTS). A submaximal constant-speed test to measure the running economy (RE) and a 5-km running trial on an outdoor track to establish pacing strategy and performance were also done. During the 5-km running trial, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and time to cover the 5-km trial (T5) were registered. After the training period, there were significant improvements in the HIIT group of ∼7 and 5% for RE (P=0.012) and PTS (P=0.019), respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups for VO2max (P=0.495) or onset of blood lactate accumulation (P=0.101). No difference was found in the parameters measured during the 5-km trial before the training period between HIIT and CON (P>0.05). These findings suggest that 4 weeks of HIIT can improve some traditional physiological variables related to endurance performance (RE and PTS), but it does not alter the perception of effort, pacing strategy, or overall performance during a 5-km running trial.

The purpose of this study was to identify the main determinants of the self-selected pacing strategy during a 10-km running time trial. Twenty eight male long-distance runners performed the following tests: (a) maximal incremental treadmill test, (b) economy running test, (c) maximum dynamic strength test, and (d) 10-km running time trial on an outdoor track. A stepwise multiple regression model was used to identify the contribution of rating of perceived exertion (RPE), physiological, and muscular parameters on the pacing strategy adopted by athletes. In the start phase (first 400 m), RPE accounted for 72% (p = 0.001) of the pacing variance. Peak treadmill speed (PTS) measured during a maximal incremental test explained 52% (p = 0.001) of the pacing variance during the middle phase (400-9,600 m), whereas maximal oxygen uptake and maximum dynamic strength accounted for additional 23% (p = 0.002) and 5% (p = 0.003), respectively. In the end phase (last 400 m), PTS accounted alone for 66% (p = 0.003) of the pacing variance. These data suggest that predictors of the pacing strategy during a 10-km running time trial have a transitional behavior from perceptive (start phase) to muscular and physiological factors (middle and end phases).

Em competições de natação de longa distância não está bem estabelecida qual a estratégia de prova (EP) ótima. Desta forma, o objetivo desse estudo foi caracterizar as EP adotadas por atletas de nível internacional em provas de natação de 800m (feminino) e 1500m (masculino) crawl. Foram analisadas as parciais de tempo (a cada 50m) dos atletas (n = 60) participantes das semifinais e finais dos últimos três campeonatos mundiais de natação, ocorridos no período de 2006 a 2010. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio do teste estatístico CHAID (Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detection), que é uma estatística χ2 (qui-quadrado) para detectar comportamento de homogeneidade entre as variáveis. Os principais resultados encontrados foram: para as duas provas analisadas, o comportamento da velocidade em função do tempo mostrou-se semelhante à estratégia parabólica (formato em U), caracterizada por um início significativamente mais rápido (P < 0,05), seguido por uma diminuição do ritmo no trecho médio da prova, quando ocorre um novo aumento significativo (P < 0,05) na velocidade no trecho final. Desta forma, tais achados indicam que este perfil de EP pode ser classificado como ótimo para as provas de natação consideradas de longa duração, visto que foi o perfil preferencialmente adotado por atletas de nível mundial. In long distance swimming competitions, the optimal pacing strategy is not well established. The objective of this study was to characterize the pacing strategy adopted by international level athletes in 800-m (female) and 1500-m (male) crawl swimming events. We analyzed the time of each 50 m splits for semi-finalists and finalists athletes of the last three world swimming championships from 2006 to 2010. The data analysis was performed through the statistic method named CHAID (Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detection), which is a statistic χ2 to detect a homogeneity behavior among the variables. The main results found were: for the two events analyzed, the velocity-versus-distance curve was similar to the parabolic pacing strategy (U-shaped), characterized by a significantly faster start (p

BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to determine whether physiological factors and maximal dynamic strength are able to determine the peak treadmill speed (PTS) in physically active individuals. METHODS One hundred and fifty physically active healthy males voluntarily visit the laboratory on three separate occasions and underwent the following activities: first visit - IPAQ (short version), anthropometric measurements, and a maximal incremental test performed for physiological variables (maximal oxygen uptake [VO2] and respiratory compensation point [RCP]); second visit - constant speed test for running economy (RE) measurement, and familiarization with the Maximum Dynamic Strength (1RM) Test in the leg press exercise; third visit - 1RM test. RESULTS The stepwise multiple regression model selected four independent variables to predict PTS (RCP, VO2, RE, and 1RM). RCP explained 59% (P

The purpose of this study was to verify the association between MCT1 polymorphism with physiological parameters related to aerobic fitness. A hundred fifty healthy male volunteers performed a maximal incremental running test to determine the speeds corresponding to Ventilatory Threshold (VT) and Respiratory Compensation Point (RCP). Participants were genotyped and divided in terciles based on the analyzed variables. Genotype frequencies were compared through chi-square test between lower (LT) and higher terciles (HT), with the lowest or highest values of each analyzed variable. MCT1 TT genotype was overrepresented in HT only for VT and showed a significantly higher odds ratio of belong to HT for VT compared only to AA (5.1). These results suggest that TT individuals could attain the VT and RCP at higher speeds, being able to sustain higher running speeds in lower exercise intensity domains. In other words, it is possible that individuals carrying the MCT1 TT genotype might run at higher speeds with lower fatigue signals, mimicking an inner aerobic fitness adaptation.

The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of the presence and absence of competitors on pacing, overall running performance, and mood state during a self-paced 3-km run. Nine recreational runners participated in this study. They performed the following tests: a) an incremental test to exhaustion to measure the respiratory compensation point (RCP), maximal oxygen uptake, and peak treadmill speed; b) a submaximal speed constant test to measure running economy; and c) two 3-km running time trials performed collectively (COL, head-to-head competition) or individually (IND, performed alone) to establish pacing and running performance. The COL condition was formed of a group of four runners or five runners. Runners were grouped by matched performance times and to retain head-to-head characteristics.A mood state profile questionnaire was completed before and after the 3-km running time trial. The overall performance was better in the COL than in the IND (11.75 ± 0.05 min vs. 12.25 ± 0.06 min, respectively; p = 0.04). The running speeds during the first 500 m were significantly greater in COL (16.8 ± 2.16 km·h−1) than in IND (15.3 ± 2.45 km·h−1) (p = 0.03).The gain in running speed from IND to COL during the first 400 m (i.e. running speed in COL less running speed in IND) was significantly correlated with the RCP (r = 0.88; p = 0.05). The vigor score significantly decreased from pre- to post-running in COL (p=0.05), but not in IND (p=0.20). Additionally, the post running vigor was significantly higher in IND compared to COL (p = 0.03).These findings suggested that the presence of competitors induces a fast start, which results in an improved overall performance and reduced post-exercise vigor scores, compared to an individual run.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of an 8-week strength training program on the neuromuscular characteristics and pacing adopted by runners during a self-paced endurance running. Eighteen endurance runners were allocated into either strength training group (STG, n = 9) or control group (CG, n = 9) and performed the following tests before and after the training period: (a) incremental test, (b) running speed-constant test, (c) 10-km running time trial, (d) drop jump test, (e) 30-s Wingate anaerobic test, (f) maximum dynamic strength test (1RM). During 1RM, the electromyographic activity was measured. In the STG, the magnitude of improvement for 1RM (23.0 ± 4.2 %, P = 0.001), drop jump (12.7 ± 4.6 %, P = 0.039), and peak treadmill speed (2.9 ± 0.8 %, P = 0.013) was significantly higher compared to CG. This increase in the 1RM for STG was accompanied by a tendency to a higher electromyographic activity (P = 0.080). The magnitude of improvement for 10-km running performance was higher (2.5 %) for STG than for CG (−0.7 %, P = 0.039). Performance was improved mainly due to higher speeds during the last seven laps (last 2800 m) of the 10-km running trial. There were no significant differences between before and after training period for maximal oxygen uptake, respiratory compensation point, running economy, and anaerobic performance for both groups (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that a strength training program offers a potent stimulus to counteract fatigue during the last parts of a 10-km running race, resulting in an improved overall running performance.

This study analyzed the effect of static stretching on performance during drop jumps. Furthermore, we investigated if a reduction in drop height would compensate the stretching-caused alterations. Ten physically active male subjects performed drop jumps at four different drop heights without static stretching for the optimal drop height determination. After, they performed drop jumps on two drop heights with static stretching previously. The jump height, contact time and reactive strength index were significantly affected by static stretching. However, only the contact time was significantly improved by the reduction in drop height with previous static stretching. Our results suggest that the decrement in performance after static stretching could be partially compensated by a reduction in drop height, which decreases the contact time near a non-stretching jump condition. This can be explained by the lower landing velocity and, possibly, the smaller reduction in the activation of the plantar flexors muscles. In conclusion, the reduction in drop height seems to be interesting after a static stretching session, aiming to expose the athletes to lower impact forces to maintain jump performance.

Purpose Previous studies report that static stretching (SS) impairs running economy. Assuming that pacing strategy relies on rate of energy use, this study aimed to determine whether SS would modify pacing strategy and performance in a 3-km running time-trial. Methods Eleven recreational distance runners performed a) a constant-speed running test without previous SS and a maximal incremental treadmill test; b) an anthropometric assessment and a constant-speed running test with previous SS; c) a 3-km time-trial familiarization on an outdoor 400-m track; d and e) two 3-km time-trials, one with SS (experimental situation) and another without (control situation) previous static stretching. The order of the sessions d and e were randomized in a counterbalanced fashion. Sit-and-reach and drop jump tests were performed before the 3-km running time-trial in the control situation and before and after stretching exercises in the SS. Running economy, stride parameters, and electromyographic activity (EMG) of vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF) and gastrocnemius medialis (GA) were measured during the constant-speed tests. Results The overall running time did not change with condition (SS 11:35±00:31 s; control 11:28±00:41 s, p = 0.304), but the first 100 m was completed at a significantly lower velocity after SS. Surprisingly, SS did not modify the running economy, but the iEMG for the BF (+22.6%, p = 0.031), stride duration (+2.1%, p = 0.053) and range of motion (+11.1%, p = 0.0001) were significantly modified. Drop jump height decreased following SS (−9.2%, p = 0.001). Conclusion Static stretch impaired neuromuscular function, resulting in a slow start during a 3-km running time-trial, thus demonstrating the fundamental role of the neuromuscular system in the self-selected speed during the initial phase of the race.

Tem sido sugerido que a participação do metabolismo anaeróbio alático (MAA) pode ser estimada a partir do cálculo da fase rápida do excesso do consumo de oxigênio após o exercício (EPOC RÁPIDO). Considerando que o Déficit Máximo Acumulado de Oxigênio (MAOD) representa a quantidade total de energia transferida pelos metabolismos anaeróbios, o objetivo desse estudo foi analisar se o método de subtrair o EPOC RÁPIDO do MAOD (MAOD LA-1) proporciona uma estimativa satisfatória do metabolismo anaeróbio lático (MAL). Para esse fim, o MAOD LA-1 foi comparado ao método capaz de expressar em equivalente de oxigênio a energia oriunda do acúmulo de lactato no sangue (MAOD LA-2). Nove homens adultos ativos foram submetidos a quatro sessões experimentais: 1) um teste progressivo até a exaustão em um cicloergômetro para a mensuração do consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max) e da potência externa correspondente ao VO2max (WVO2max); 2 e 3) seis testes de cargas constantes (3 testes por sessão) com intensidades abaixo da WVO2max; 4) um teste de carga constante com a intensidade equivalente a 110% da WVO2max. O principal achado foi que os dois métodos (MAOD LA-1 e MAOD LA-2) empregados na estimativa da contribuição do MAL no MAOD geraram valores estatisticamente similares (p > 0,05). Além disso, os valores percentuais do MAOD LA-1 (representando o MAL) e do EPOC RÁPIDO (representando o MAA) foram de aproximadamente 78% e 22%, respectivamente. Logo, os procedimentos propostos na presente investigação podem auxiliar futuros trabalhos que porventura objetivem fragmentar as contribuições dos componentes anaeróbio do MAOD. It has been suggested that the participation of alactic anaerobic metabolism (AAM) in physical activity can be estimated by calculating the fast component of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC FAST). Considering that maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) represents the total amount of energy transferred by anaerobic metabolisms, this study aimed to analyze whether subtracting EPOC FAST from MAOD (MAOD LA-1) provides a satisfactory estimate of lactic anaerobic metabolism (LAM). For this purpose, MAOD LA-1 was compared with the method by which the energy derived from blood lactate accumulation (MAOD LA-2) is expressed as oxygen equivalent. Nine active adult men were submitted to four experimental sessions: 1) a maximal incremental exercise test until exhaustion on a cycle ergometer to measure the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and the external power corresponding to VO2max (WVO2max); 2) and 3) six constant-workload tests (3 per session) at intensities below WVO2max; 4) one constant-workload test at an intensity corresponding to 110% of WVO2max. The main finding was that both methods (MAOD LA-1 e MAOD LA-2) that were used to estimate the contribution of LAM in MAOD resulted in similar statistical values (p > 0.05). In addition, percentage values of MAOD LA-1 (representing MAL) and EPOC FAST (representing AAM) were approximately 78 and 22%, respectively. Thus, the procedure proposed in this paper may be of interest to future studies on the

A parallel group randomized trial was designed to analyze the impact of 6 weeks of strength training programs performed with or without whole-body vibration on muscular and endurance performance parameters in long-distance runners. 22 endurance runners were allocated into strength with whole-body vibration (n=8), without (n=8), and control (n=6) groups. Before and after the experimental period the subjects performed the following tests: a) maximum dynamic strength test, b) maximal incremental treadmill test, and c) time to exhaustion at velocity corresponding to maximal oxygen uptake. The fractions of the aerobic and anaerobic contribution in time to exhaustion test were also calculated. Both strength trained groups showed a similar increase in maximum dynamic strength (~18%). The aerobic contribution was enhanced for strength training group without whole-body vibration (~25%) after experimental period. No statistical differences were observed in any other variable. These results suggest that 6 weeks of strength training performed with or without whole-body vibration improve similarly the maximum dynamic strength in long-distance runners. In addition, both training modes studied had no deleterious effects on the traditional parameters of endurance performance, traditional strength training program results in increased aerobic contribution during high-intensity aerobic exercise.