This study aimed to test if the non-oxidative energy supply ( estimated by the accumulated oxygen deficit) is associated with an index of muscle lactate accumulation during exercise, muscle monocarboxylate transporter content and the lactate removal ability during recovery in well-trained rowers. Seventeen rowers completed a 3-min all-out exercise on rowing ergometer to estimate the accumulated oxygen deficit. Blood lactate samples were collected during the subsequent passive recovery to assess individual blood lactate curves, which were fitted to the bi-exponential time function: La(t) = [ La](0) + A(1) . (1-e(1)(-nu t)) + A(2) . (1- e(2)(-nu t)), where the velocity constants gamma(1) and gamma(2) (min(-1)) denote the lactate exchange and removal abilities during recovery, respectively. The accumulated oxygen deficit was correlated with the net amount of lactate released from the previously active muscles (r = 0.58, P < 0.05), the monocarboxylate transporters MCT1 and MCT4 (r = 0.63, P < 0.05) and gamma(2) (r = 0.55, P < 0.05). gamma(2) and the lactate release rate at exercise completion were negatively correlated with citrate synthase activity. These findings suggest that the capacity to supply nonoxidative energy during supramaximal rowing exercise is associated with muscle lactate accumulation and transport, as well as lactate removal ability.

The present study investigated morphological and physiological factors of rowing ergometer performance over 2000m (P (2000,) W) in 70 national and international level [27 lightweight (LW) and 43 heavyweight (HW)] female rowers. Maximal oxygen uptake (V.O (2max) , L.min (-1) ), maximal aerobic power (Pa (max) , W), power output corresponding to 4mmol.L (-1) blood lactate concentration expressed in absolute (PLa (4) , W) and relative to Pa (max) (PLa (4) %, %) values, peak power output (P (peak) , W), and rowing gross efficiency (RGE, %) were determined during an incremental rowing test. In the whole group, P (peak) was the best predictor of P (2000) (r=0.89, p<0.001), as it was shown in men. PLa (4) (r=0.87), V.O (2max) (r=0.83), body mass (r=0.65), and height (r=0.64) were also significantly correlated with P (2000) (p<0.001 for all). P (peak) was also the best predictor of P (2000) when the two sub-groups LW and HW were considered separately. It was concluded that P (peak) is an overall index of physiological rowing capacity in groups of high-level LW and HW female rowers. The predictive value of P (peak) is similar to that of PLa (4) , but P (peak) presents the advantage of being obtained with a simple ergometer test without biological measurements.

The purpose of this study was to test if the lactate exchange (γ1) and removal (γ2) abilities during recovery following short all-out supramaximal exercise correlate with the muscle content of MCT1 and MCT4, the two isoforms of the monocarboxylate transporters family involved in lactate and H+ co-transport in skeletal muscle. Eighteen lightweight rowers completed a 3-min all-out exercise on rowing ergometer. Blood lactate samples were collected during the subsequent passive recovery to assess an individual blood lactate curve (IBLC). IBLC were fitted to the bi-exponential time function: La(t) = [La](0) + A1(1 − e-γ1t) + A2(1 − e-γ2t) where [La](0) is the blood lactate concentration at exercise completion and the velocity constants γ1 and γ2 denote the lactate exchange and removal abilities, respectively. An application of the bi-compartmental model of lactate distribution space allowed estimation of the lactate removal rate at exercise completion [LRR(0)]. Biopsy of the right vastus lateralis was taken at rest to measure muscle MCT1 and MCT4 content. Fiber type distribution, activity of key enzymes and capillary density (CD) were also assessed. γ1 was correlated with [La](0) (r = −0.54, P < 0.05) but not with MCT1, MCT4 or CD. γ2 and LRR(0) were correlated with MCT4 (r = 0.63, P < 0.01 and r = 0.73, P < 0.001, respectively) but not with MCT1 or cytochrome c oxidase activity. These findings suggest that the lactate exchange ability is highly dependent on the milieu so that the importance of the muscle MCT1 and MCT4 content in γ1 was hidden in the present study. Our results also suggest that during recovery following all-out supramaximal exercise in well-trained rowers, MCT4 might play a significant role in the distribution and delivery of lactate for its subsequent removal.

While many forefoot procedures may be performed as a day case, there are no specific guidelines as to which procedures are suitable. This study assessed the early post-operative pain after forefoot surgery performed a day case, compared with conventional inpatient management. A total of 317 consecutive operations performed by a single surgeon were included in the study. Those eligible according to the criteria of the French Society of Anaesthesia (SFAR) were managed as day cases (127; 40%), while the remainder were managed as inpatients. The groups were comparable in terms of gender, body mass index and smoking status, although the mean age of the inpatients was higher (p < 0.001) and they had higher mean American Society of Anaesthesiologists scores (p = 0.002). The most severe daily pain was on the first post-operative day, but the levels of pain were similar in the two groups; (4.2/10, SD 2.5 for day cases, 4.4/10, SD 2.4 for inpatients; p = 0.53). Overall, 28 (9%) of patients who had their surgery as a day case and 34 (11%) of inpatients reported extreme pain (≥ 8/10). There were more day case patients rather than inpatients that declared their pain disappeared seven days after the surgery (p = 0.02). One day-case patient with excessive bleeding was admitted post-operatively. Apart from the most complicated cases, forefoot surgery can safely be performed as a day case without an increased risk of pain, or complications compared with management as an inpatient.

Metabolic measurement is still the criterion for investigation of the efficiency of mechanical work and for analysis of endurance performance in running. Metabolic demand may be expressed either as the energy spent per unit distance (energy cost of running, C r) or as energy demand at a given running speed (running economy). Systematic studies showed a range of costs of about 20 % between runners. Factors affecting C r include body dimensions: body mass and leg architecture, mostly calcaneal tuberosity length, responsible for 60-80 % of the variability. Children show a higher C r than adults. Higher resting metabolism and lower leg length/stature ratio are the main putative factors responsible for the difference. Elastic energy storage and reuse also contribute to the variability of C r. The increase in C r with increasing running speed due to increase in mechanical work is blunted till 6-7 m s(-1) by the increase in vertical stiffness and the decrease in ground contact time. Fatigue induced by prolonged or intense running is associated with up to 10 % increased C r; the contribution of metabolic and biomechanical factors remains unclear. Women show a C r similar to men of similar body mass, despite differences in gait pattern. The superiority of black African runners is presumably related to their leg architecture and better elastic energy storage and reuse.

Introduction: The benefit of ankle arthroplasty compared to arthrodesis continues to be debated, but the quality of life after these two interventions has rarely been assessed. We conducted a case-control study to compare quality of life and functional and athletic ability.Hypothesis: Functional results, athletic ability, and quality of life after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) are better than after ankle arthrodesis.Material and methods: Two continuous series of 59 TAAs and 46 arthrodeses (operated on between 1997 and 2009) were evaluated retrospectively using a questionnaire including the functional items of the AOFAS score, the Foot Function Index (FFI) score, the Foot Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and the SF-36.Results: Eighty-three responses (79% of the overall series) were matched in two groups: 32 TAAs [age at the intervention, 51.4 years (range, 21-63 years); follow-up, 52.2 months (range, 30-146 months); age at revision, 55.8 years (range, 26-67 years); BMI, 27.7 (range, 21.7-36.7)] and 22 arthrodeses [age at intervention, 50.1 years (range, 24-72 years); follow-up 57.9 months (range, 12-147 months); age at revision 54.9 years (range, 31-75 years); BMI, 26.8 (range, 17.6-37)] (NS on all items between the two groups). The pain results were better after TAA, but with no statistically significant difference: AOFAS pain, (/40) 28.1 +/- 8.2 vs. 24.5 +/- 9.6; FFI pain, 16.6 +/- 18.8 vs. 24.3 +/- 21.5. The overall FFI score (/100) was better (P = 0.048) after TAA (16.2 +/- 16.5 vs. 24.8 +/- 18.2). The overall mean athletic level compared to the state prior to the injury was relatively low in both groups, but significantly (p = 0.007) higher in the TAA group: FAAM sports score (/100), 49.5 +/- 24.4 vs. 29.8 +/- 26.2. The quality-of-life scores, SF-36 physical health, mental health, and general health were not significantly different after TAA and arthrodesis: mental health score, 63.1 +/- 14.7 vs. 57.8 +/- 21.5; physical health score, 61.3 +/- 17.8 vs. 53.7 +/- 23.9, overall score, 63.2 +/- 16.4 vs. 55.9 +/- 23.5.Discussion: Very few publications describe activities and quality of life after TAA and arthrodesis. Despite weaknesses, this comparative study demonstrates a tendency toward better functional results after TAA than after ankle arthrodesis, without the difference between the two groups being very significant. On the other hand, there was no difference in terms of quality of life. After the doubts raised by publications on severe periprosthetic osteolysis at the intermediate term with certain TAA models, these results encourage pursuit of implantation and development of TAA. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Le bénéfice des prothèses de cheville par rapport à l'arthrodèse est débattu, mais la qualité de vie après ces deux interventions a rarement été évaluée. Aussi, nous avons mené une étude cas témoin afin de comparer : (1) la qualité de vie et (2) les capacités fonctionnelles et sportives. Les résultats fonctionnels, les capacités sportives et la qualité de vie après prothèse (prothèse totale de cheville – PTC) sont meilleurs qu'après arthrodèse de cheville. Deux séries continues de 59 prothèses et de 46 arthrodèses (opérés entre 1997 et 2009) ont été évaluées rétrospectivement par un questionnaire comportant les items fonctionnels du score American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), le score Foot Function Index (FFI), le score Foot Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), et le 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Quatre vingt-trois réponses (79 % de la série globale) ont été appariées en deux groupes : 32 PTC (âge à l'intervention : 51,4 ans [21–63] ; recul : 52,2 mois [30–146] ; âge à la révision : 55,8 ans [26–67] ; IMC : 27,7 [21,7–36,7]) et 22 arthrodèses (âge à l'intervention : 50,1 ans [24–72] ; recul : 57,9 mois [12–147] ; âge à la révision : 54,9 ans [31–75] ; IMC : 26,8 [17,6–37]) (NS sur tous les items entre deux groupes). Les résultats sur la douleur étaient meilleurs après PTC mais sans différence statistiquement significative : AOFAS douleur (/40) 28,1 ± 8,2 vs 24,5 ± 9,6 ; FFI douleur 16,6 ± 18,8 vs 24,3 ± 21,5. Le score global FFI (/100) était meilleur (p = 0,048) après PTC (16,2 ± 16,5 vs 24,8 ± 18,2). Le niveau sportif global moyen par rapport à l'état antérieur à la pathologie était relativement bas dans les 2 groupes mais significativement (p = 0,007) plus élevé dans le groupe PTC : score FAAM (/100) sport 49,5 ± 24,4 vs 29,8 ± 26,2. Les scores de qualité de vie SF-36 physique, psychique et global n'étaient pas significativement différents après PTC et arthrodèse : score de santé mental 63,1 ± 14,7 vs 57,8 ± 21,5 score de santé physique 61,3 ± 17,8 vs 53,7 ± 23,9, score global 63,2 ± 16,4 vs 55,9 ± 23,5. Très peu de publications décrivent les activités et la qualité de vie après PTC et après arthrodèse. Malgré des faiblesses, notre étude comparative objective une tendance à de meilleurs résultats fonctionnels après PTC qu'après arthrodèse de cheville sans que la différence entre les deux groupes soit très significative. En revanche, il n'y avait pas de différence en terme de qualité de vie. Après les doutes engendrés par les publications d'ostéolyses péri-prothétiques sévères à moyen terme avec certains modèles de PTC, ces résultats nous encouragent à poursuivre l'implantation et le développement des PTC. Étude rétrospective comparative de niveau III.

The objective of the study was to describe an original approach to assessing individual workload during international rugby union competitions. The difference between positional groups and between the two halves was explored. Sixty-seven files from 30 French international rugby union players were assessed on a computerised player-tracking system (Amisco Pro(®), Sport Universal Process, Nice, France) during five international games. Each player's action was split up into exercise and recovery periods according to his individual velocity threshold. Exercise-to-recovery (E:R) period ratios and acceleration were calculated. Results indicated that about 65% of exercise periods lasted less than 4 s; half of the E:Rs were less than 1:4, and about one-third ranged between 1 and 1:4 and about 40% of exercise periods were classified as medium intensity. Most acceleration values were less than 3 m·s(-2) and started from standing or walking activity. Back row players showed the highest mean acceleration values over the game (P < 0.05). No significant decrease in physical performance was seen between the first and second halves of the games except for back rows, who showed a significant decrease in mean acceleration (P < 0.05). The analysis of results emphasised the specific activity of back rows and tended to suggest that the players' combinations of action and recovery times were optimal for preventing large decrease in the physical performance.

Physical activity (PA) level is a key element in the prevention and the treatment of several chronic diseases. In adults, low PA levels and sedentary behaviors are linked to higher risks of developing cardiovascular diseases (e.g. high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes and several types of cancers. In addition, PA is an essential component for the treatment of obese people and for the prevention of elderly's loss of physical autonomy. In this context, the SVELTE project objectives were to develop new solutions to objectively measure one's fitness level on one hand, identify a subject's PA behavior in day-life conditions and its associated energy expenditure on the other hand. A few prototypes (including a multi-captor device linked with 3-axial accelerometer and magnetometer) were developed. The prototypes can store several days of data, are non-intrusive and easy to use for the subject. Several annotated databases have been collected and used to develop algorithms. These algorithms can (i) assess the overall fitness level of a subject, (ii) identify postures and types of PA performed throughout the day, and (iii) estimate the energy expenditure related to this daily PA. A clinical study protocol involving 120 subjects (obese and non-obese) wearing the sensors in their everyday life during 2weeks is ongoing and has the purpose to validate the performances of the energy expenditure algorithm.

Apprécier la prévalence du diabète et de l'ischémie dans l'amputation du membre inférieur, dans le but de dégager les caractéristiques épidémiologiques de nos patients sur une période allant du 1er janvier 2010 au 31 décembre 2012.Étude rétrospective descriptive menée à partir des dossiers des patients ayant subi une amputation du membre inférieur et appareillés au centre de traumatologie et de réadaptation à Bruxelles.Quarante-deux amputations pendant les 36 mois de l'étude dont une majorité de sujets de sexe masculin 69,04 %. La moyenne d'âge a été de 52,4 ans (extrêmes : 34 et 88). L'artériopathie oblitérante des membres inférieurs a constitué la majorité des causes d'amputations avec 45,2 % des cas, suivis du diabète dans 35,6 % des cas et des traumatismes 9,52 %. Les amputations transtibiales et transfémorales représentaient 66,6 % des niveaux d'amputations avec 92,8 % d'amputations majeures et 7,2 % d'amputations mineures. La pose de prothèses fémorales prédominait dans 37,5 % des cas.Le risque d'amputation de membre augmente de façon prédominante chez le sujet âgé de sexe masculin, avec pour principale cause, une étiologie vasculaires. L'appareillement de ces patients participe à la réinsertion sociale. L'amélioration du pronostic fonctionnel des patients passe nécessairement par une prise en charge multidisciplinaire des différents facteurs de comorbidités, notamment le diabète.Appreciate prevalence of cardiovascular risk in causes of amputation of low limb inferior; in order to precise epidemiological characteristics patients over a period from January 1st 2010 on December 31st 2012.Descriptive retrospective study led from cases of patients with amputation of low limbs realized in Brussels Traumatology and Rehabilitation Center.During 36 months, 42 amputations were realized in male predominant: 69.04%. The mean age was 52.4 years. Causes were respectively obliterans arteriopathy in 45.2%, diabetes in 35.6%, and traumatism in 9.52%. Transtibial and transfemoral amputation represented 66.6% of the levels of amputations with major 92.8% of amputations and minor 7.2% of amputations. Femoral prosthesis were most represented in 37.5 %.Risk of limbs amputation increases in male old subject, with cardiovascular risk factors, and social reintegration was possible in most of patients. The improvement of the functional forecast of our patients passes inevitably by a multidisciplinary care of the various mailmen of comorbidity, in particular the diabetes.

The aim of this study was to test (a) three methods to estimate the quantity of lactate accumulated (QLaA ) in response to supramaximal exercise and (b) correlations between QLaA and the nonoxidative energy supply assessed by the accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD). Nine rowers performed a 3-min all-out test on a rowing ergometer to estimate AOD and lactate accumulation in response to exercise. Peak blood lactate concentration [(La)peak ] during recovery was assessed, allowing QLaA(m1) to be estimated by the method of Margaria et al. Application of a bicompartmental model of lactate distribution space to the blood lactate recovery curves allowed estimation of (a) the net amount of lactate released during recovery from the active muscles (NALR max ), and (b) QLaA according to two methods (QLaA(m2) and QLaA(m3)). (La)peak did not correlate with AOD. QLaA(m1), QLaA(m2) and QLaA(m3) correlated with AOD (r = 0.70, r = 0.85 and r = 0.92, respectively). These results confirm that (La)peak does not provide reliable information on nonoxidative energy supply during supramaximal exercise. The correlations between AOD and QLaA(m2) and QLaA(m3) support the concept of studying blood lactate recovery curves to estimate lactate accumulation and thus the contribution of nonoxidative pathway to energy supply during supramaximal exercise.

The present study aimed to investigate (1) whether high-level 400-m track runners of different ethnic origin displayed divergent post-run blood lactate concentrations (p400m[La]) and (2) if this discrepancy was based on differences in lactate exchange and removal abilities. Twenty male African (n = 12) and Caucasian (n = 8) runners, paired in terms of personal record, performed (1) an all-out 400-m run to measure p400m[La] at 3, 5 and 7 min into recovery and (2) a 1-min 25.2 km h(-1) running (not maximal but standardized) exercise followed by 90-min passive recovery to determine individual blood lactate recovery curves (IBLRC). IBLRCs were fitted to a bi-exponential time function: [Formula: see text] where γ 1 and γ 2 denote lactate exchange ability between the previously worked muscles and blood, and overall ability for lactate removal, respectively. The quantity of lactate accumulated at the end of the 1-min exercise (Q LaA) was also estimated. Our study showed that after the all-out 400-m run, p400m[La] was lower in African than in Caucasian runners at 3 and 5 min but not at 7 min into recovery. After the standardized exercise, γ 1 and γ 2 were lower (p < 0.01) and Q LaA was higher (p < 0.05) in African than in Caucasian runners. These data suggest that for similar performance levels, ethnicity involves differences in lactate accumulation, exchange and removal.

Sprint mechanics and field 100-m performances were tested in 13 subjects including 9 non-specialists, 3 French national-level sprinters and a world-class sprinter, to further study the mechanical factors associated with sprint performance. 6-s sprints performed on an instrumented treadmill allowed continuous recording of step kinematics, ground reaction forces (GRF), and belt velocity and computation of mechanical power output and linear force-velocity relationships. An index of the force application technique was computed as the slope of the linear relationship between the decrease in the ratio of horizontal-to-resultant GRF and the increase in velocity. Mechanical power output was positively correlated to mean 100-m speed (P < 0.01), as was the theoretical maximal velocity production capability (P < 0.011), whereas the theoretical maximal force production capability was not. The ability to apply the resultant force backward during acceleration was positively correlated to 100-m performance (r (s) > 0.683; P < 0.018), but the magnitude of resultant force was not (P = 0.16). Step frequency, contact and swing time were significantly correlated to acceleration and 100-m performance (positively for the former, negatively for the two latter, all P < 0.05), whereas aerial time and step length were not (all P > 0.21). Last, anthropometric data of body mass index and lower-limb-to-height ratio showed no significant correlation with 100-m performance. We concluded that the main mechanical determinants of 100-m performance were (1) a "velocity-oriented" force-velocity profile, likely explained by (2) a higher ability to apply the resultant GRF vector with a forward orientation over the acceleration, and (3) a higher step frequency resulting from a shorter contact time.

The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that performance in throwing events is associated with muscular characteristics of both upper and lower limbs. Thirty-eight male throwers volunteered to participate. Bench press and half squat tests were conducted on a guided barbell. The barbell displacement signal was recorded using a kinematic system. Maximal power, corresponding optimal velocity and force (P(max)S, V(opt)S, F(opt)S and P(max)BP, V(opt)BP, F(opt)BP for half squat and bench press, respectively) were extrapolated from the power-velocity relationship. Lower limb stiffness (K) was determined during maximal hopping. The results demonstrated that P(max)S and P(max)BP were correlated with each thrower's season's best performance (SBP, R=0.54, P<0.01 and R=0.71, P<0.001, respectively). P(max)S expressed relative to body mass was not correlated with SBP. K was significantly correlated with SBP (R=0.66, P<0.001). The relationship between P (max)BP expressed relative to body mass and SBP remained significant ( R=0.54, P<0.001). The results of the study suggest that high strength and stiffness values for lower limbs and strength and velocity characteristics for upper limbs may be associated with athletic throwing performance.

This report describes the changes in physiological capacity of a heavy-weight rower who obtained seven medals in World Championships and Olympic Games. The investigation was carried out over the last 6 years of the rower’s international competition career in comparison with peer champions, and the following 4 years. Over the first period, maximal oxygen uptake (\( \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\max } \)) remained above 6 l min−1 which is an outstanding value. The training load measured over the last 18 months of the period increased from 119 to 142 km wk−1 of rowing. Four years after the international competition period, \( \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\max } \) had only declined by 3.6% although the training load had declined by 35%. These data suggest that the ability of this rower to compete at top level for years was related to ability to maintain an outstanding \( \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\max } \). Gross efficiency and ability to rely on anaerobic glycolysis did not emerge as relevant factors.

The objective of this study was to design and validate a three degrees of freedom model in the sagittal plane for the bench press exercise. The mechanical model was based on rigid segments connected by revolute and prismatic pairs, which enabled a kinematic approach and global force estimation. The method requires only three simple measurements: (i) horizontal position of the hand (x(0)); (ii) vertical displacement of the barbell (Z) and (iii) elbow angle (theta). Eight adult male throwers performed maximal concentric bench press exercises against different masses. The kinematic results showed that the vertical displacement of each segment and the global centre of mass followed the vertical displacement of the lifted mass. Consequently, the vertical velocity and acceleration of the combined centre of mass and the lifted mass were identical. Finally, for each lifted mass, there were no practical differences between forces calculated from the bench press model and those simultaneously measured with a force platform. The error was lower than 2.5%. The validity of the mechanical method was also highlighted by a standard error of the estimate (SEE) ranging from 2.0 to 6.6N in absolute terms, a coefficient of variation (CV) < or =0.8%, and a correlation between the two scores > or =0.99 for all the lifts (p<0.001). The method described here, which is based on three simple parameters, allows accurate evaluation of the force developed by the upper limb muscles during bench press exercises in both field and laboratory conditions.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of upper-limb inertia on the force–velocity relationship and maximal power during concentric bench press exercise. Reference peak force values (Fpeakp) measured with a force plate positioned below the bench were compared to those measured simultaneously with a kinematic device fixed on the barbell by taking (Fpeakt) or not taking (Fpeakb) upper-limb inertia into account. Thirteen men (27.8 6 4.1 years, 184.6 6 5.5 cm, 99.5 6 18.6 kg) performed all-out concentric bench press exercise against 8 loads ranging between 7 and 74 kg. The results showed that for each load, Fpeakb was significantly less than Fpeakp (P, 0.0001), whereas no significant difference was found between Fpeakp and Fpeakt. The values of maximal force (F0), maximal velocity (V0), optimal velocity (Vopt), and maximal power (Pmax), extrapolated from the force– and power–velocity relationships determined with the kinematic device, were significantly underestimated when upper-limb inertia was ignored. The results underline the importance of taking account of the total inertia of the moving system to ensure precise evaluation of upper-limb muscular characteristics in all-out concentric bench press exercise with a kinematic device. A major application of this study would be to develop precise upper-limb muscular characteristic evaluation in laboratory and field conditions by using a simple and cheap kinematic device.

The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that large increases in blood lactate concentration ([La] (b)) and/or body temperature may occur during an endurance training on a rowing ergometer and disrupt training. The influence of an increase in air convection on the capacity to perform a prolonged exercise was also explored. Ten trained oarsmen were asked to undergo twice, in control (C) and increased air ventilation (AV) conditions, two 30-min trainings on a rowing ergometer at a work rate corresponding to 2.5 mmol . L (-1) of [La] (b) determined during a previous incremental exercise (P (2.5)). Four subjects did not complete the training session in C despite a steady state in [La] (b) in two of them. In these four subjects, the end of the exercise was associated with the highest measured rectal temperatures (T (re), 39.4 +/- 0.1 degrees C) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE, 17.8 +/- 0.3). Regarding the six other subjects, their heart rate, oxygen uptake, RPE, T (re) and water loss values were lower (p < 0.05) in AV than in C. [La] (b) displayed the same profile in C and AV. This study suggests that i) high body temperature may constitute a significant factor of perceived exertion and disrupt indoor training session, and ii) capacity to perform an endurance training on a rowing ergometer was improved by increasing air convection.