The purpose of this study was to compare the physiological and morphological characteristics of J. Ndambiri, a Kenyan world-class long-distance runner (10,000 m personal best: 27:04.79), with runners belonging to the national corporate team (29:32.18±0:30.35). Oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate, blood lactate concentration and stride frequency were measured during submaximal exercise on a treadmill (270, 290, 310, 330, 350 and 370 m/min velocities with 1% inclination). Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was determined during the maximal exercise test. In addition, morphological parameters (length of thigh and shank, maximum circumference of thigh and shank, and cross-sectional area of the trunk, thigh and shank muscles) were determined using a tape measure and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ndambiri was superior to Japanese runners in terms of not only running economy (65.0 vs 69.8±1.9 ml/kg/min at 330 m/min), but also blood lactate concentration (1.50 vs 2.59±0.74 mmol/l at 330 m/min), heart rate (159.8 vs 170.8±4.0 bpm at 330 m/min) during the submaximal running test and VO2peak (80.8 vs 76.3±2.4 ml/kg/min). In addition, the morphological characteristics of Ndambiri were also quite different from those of Japanese runners. In particular, Ndambiri's maximum shank circumference was much smaller than that of Japanese runners (32.0 vs 35.8±1.8 cm). Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius muscle, which composes the shank, was significantly correlated with the oxygen cost of running at 330 m/min (r=0.700). These findings indicate that the superior performance of Ndambiri is attributable to various factors such as a higher VO2peak, lower blood lactate concentration and heart rate, as well as running economy. In the future, it will be necessary to clarify the factors supporting these relationships between physiological variables and morphological characteristics.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of differences in stroke rate (SR) on energy expenditure during rowing. Oxygen uptake (VO2) was measured under different SR conditions with the same power output. Eight male collegiate rowers (age: 21.6±1.4 yr, height: 171.1±1.8 cm, weight: 68.7±1.9 kg) participated in the study. First, they performed an incremental test on a rowing ergometer to determine power output at the blood lactate threshold (PLT). On other days, they performed 6 different SR trials maintaining their power output at 80% PLT (80% LT test) and 90% PLT (90% LT test), respectively. During the 80% and 90% LT tests, each subject used a triaxial accelerometer sensor placed on the back, and integrals of the absolute value of the accelerometer output from three directions (IAA) were calculated as an index of physical activity level. The most economical SR, at which VO2 was lowest, was found at 80% and 90% LT. In both tests, a higher IAA was observed with increasing SR. Under SR conditions higher than the economical point, there was a significant correlation between the increasing amount of IAA (ΔIAA) and VO2 (ΔVO2) from the economical SR during the 90% LT test (r=0.673, P<0.001). There were strong correlations (r>0.9) between IAA and VO2 in many subjects at a SR higher than the economical point. These results suggest that there is an economical SR point with the same power output during rowing. Additionally, an increasing amount of VO2 associated with IAA at a higher SR than the economical point. This suggests that IAA is useful for estimation of energy expended by the moving body during rowing.

The purpose of this study was to verify the applicability of the Wingate test (WT) for evaluation of anaerobic capacity and performance in sprinters, based on the relationships among the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) during cycling, accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD-WT), and output power during the WT. Eight 400-m sprinters (SP group; 49.29±1.56 s) and six decathletes (DC group; 50.29±1.27 s) participated. They performed the WT on an electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer. The applied resistance was 7.5% of body weight, and the duration was 60 s. Moreover, anaerobic capacity (MAOD) was determined using a supramaximal constant load test. The oxygen uptake during each test was recorded using the breath-by-breath method. The results were as follows: 1) There was no significant difference between MAOD during cycling and AOD-WT, and a significant correlation between these parameters was evident. 2) In the SP group, there were significant correlations between 400-m performance and MAOD during cycling, and the mean power at 30 s in the WT. However, no significant correlations were observed in the DC group. These results suggest that in sprinters, the applicability of the WT for evaluation of anaerobic capacity and sprint performance differs between cycling exercise and running exercise.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of physiological factors which effect oxygen kinetics and energy system contribution on the power of Wingate test (WT), with focusing on the difference of aerobic capacity. Twenty three male track and field athletes (sprinters, long distance runners and decathletes) performed the WT on electromagnetic-braked cycle ergometer. The applied resistance was 7.5% of body weight, and the duration was 60 seconds. Moreover, aerobic capacity (maximal oxygen uptake [(V) over dotO(2)max]) was determined by an incremental test, and anaerobic capacity (maximal accumulated oxygen deficit [MAOD]) was determined by a supramaximal constant load test. The oxygen uptake during each test was recorded by a breath-by-breath method. The participants were divided into two group which was high (V) over dotO(2)max group (High group; n = 11) and low (V) over dotO(2)max group (Low group; n = 12). In the results, although the (V) over dotO(2)max was significantly higher in the High group, the MAOD was not significantly different between two groups. The oxygen uptake during WT was significantly higher in the High group, and the accumulated oxygen deficit during WT was significantly higher in the Low group. The aerobic contribution was significantly higher in the High group than in the Low group. In contrast, the anaerobic contribution was significantly higher in the Low group than in the High group. These results suggest that by the difference of aerobic capacity, aerobic and anaerobic energy supply contribution was different in WT. (Jpn. J. Phys. Fitness Sports Med., 60(5) : 503 similar to 510 (2011))

This study was intended to clarify 1) the difference of the exercise intensity at blood lactate threshold (LT) and blood glucose threshold (GT), 2) the effect of exercise duration on the LT and GT during two sets of incremental running test. Ten male runners (age 25.0 +/- 3.2 yr, height 171.2 +/- 5.5 cm, body mass 57.9 +/- 4.0 kg, (V) over dotO(2max) 64.6 +/- 3.0 ml/kg/min) completed two sets of incremental running test (each set was set to run ten stages at 60-90% (V) over dotO(2max)). Second set was repeated after 8 min recovery. LT and GT speed were investigated at the first set. Lactate minimum (LM) and glucose minimum (GM) speed were selected where the blood lactate and glucose concentration were at the lowest during the second set. Using the indirect calorimetry ((V) over dotO(2), (V) over dotCO(2)), fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates were calculated. GT was observed in all runners. (V) over dotO(2) and energy expenditure were similar between the two incremental running tests, however, fat oxidation was significantly higher and carbohydrate oxidation was significantly lower during the first half of the second set. This change was regarded as the influence of the exercise duration in the first set. Furthermore, GM speed was significantly lower than GT speed, but LM speed and LT speed were not different. It was considered that the shift of GT was affected by the substrate utilization change during prolonged exercise. (Jpn. J. Phys. Fitness Sports Med. 2010, 59 :119 similar to 130)

The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in the attainment rate of maximal oxygen uptake in cycling and running (%cyc (V) over dot O(2max)) Seven healthy male subjects (22.9 +/- 1.3 yrs, 17.19 +/- 4.7 cm, 61.0 +/- 5.2 kg) participated in a maximal incremental exercise test for running and cycling. During the exercise testing, oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide output, respiratory exchange rate, minute ventilation, tidal volume, respiratory rate, and heart rate were measured. Attainment rates of each physiological measurement for cycling and running were shown as %cyc (V) over dot O(2max), %cyc (V) over dot CO(2max), %cyc RER(max), %cyc (V) over dot E(max), %ctcVt, %cycRR and %cycHR(max). Transverse relaxation time (T2)-weighted spin echo images were acquired before and after the exercise periods. Exercise-induced T2 values of each muscle and muscle-group are indices of muscular activity level, so the difference between the T2 value of cycling and running in each muscle or muscle group was shown as Delta T2(%). (V) over dot O(2max), in cycling was 92.2% of (V) over dot O(2max) is running. Significant correlations were observed between %cyc (V) over dot O(2max) and %cyc (V) over dot O(2max) and Delta T2(%) of %cycRR. Furthermore, significant correlations were recognized between %cyc (V) over dot CO(2max) and the m. quadriceps femoris, (V) over dot CO(2max) and Delta T2(%) of the m. quadriceps femoris, %cyc (V) over dot CO(2max) and the m. triceps surae, as well. These results show that the higher muscular activity level of the thigh in cycling increases the uptake of oxygen in the muscle. The T2 value shows that the uptake or redistribution of fluid within muscle is driven by the accumulation of lactate and inorganic phosphate. Therefore, the T2 value of maximal incremental exercise would reflect the anaerobic capacity of the muscle. Judging front the significant correlations between %cyc (V) over dot O(2max) and %cyc (V) over dot O(2max), the anaerobic capacity of each subject would also affect the difference between the maximal oxygen uptake of cycling and running. (Jpn. J. Phys. Fitness Sports Med. 2009, 58 : 265 similar to 274)

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between muscle morphological characteristics and running performance. Eighteen elite Japanese male distance runners (10000 m, seasonal best time 29:39.74±0:32.54) completed five 4-min submaximal and approximately 10-min maximal progressive treadmill tests to determine running economy (VO2 at submaximal velocity) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Axial images of the trunk, thigh and shank muscles were taken by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). From these images, cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the psoas major, quadriceps femoris, rectus femoris, vastus muscle, hamstring, sartoris, adductor magnus, adductor longus, gracilis, triceps surae, soleus and gastrocnemius were measured. The CSAs were divided by lean-body-mass0.67 measured by air-displacement plethysmography. The mean running economy (VO2 at 310 m/min) was 70.9 ml/kgLBM/min and VO2max was 82.0±4.3 ml/kgLBM/min (76.1±3.2 ml/kgBM/min). Simple correlation analysis revealed a negative association between hamstring CSA and 10000 m time (r=−0.681, p<0.05). On the other hand, quadriceps femoris CSA was positively associated with 10000 m time (r=0.637, p<0.05). Furthermore, triceps surae CSA was significantly correlated with running economy (r=0.573, p<0.05). Thus, these results suggest that hamstring CSA can explain long distance as well as sprint performance.

The purposes of this study were to investigate the characteristics of physiological responses during flat-water kayaking events, and to quantify the contribution of aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Eight male kayak paddlers participated in the study. The Subjects performed an incremental test and five all-out tests (20, 40, 120, 240 and 600 sec) on a kayak ergometer. Peak oxygen uptake (VO(2)peak ; 3790 ml . min(-1)) in the incremental test was significantly lower than maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max ; 3944 ml . min(-1)) in the all-out test. In contrast, power at VO(2)peak (154.0 W) was significantly higher than power at VO(2)max (144.1 W). The contributions of energy systems were calculated by measurements of the accumulated oxygen uptake and accumulated oxygen deficit. The relative anaerobic energy system contributions for 200 m (40 sec), 500 m (120 sec), and1000 m (240 sec) averaged 71%, 43%, and 26%, respectively. These higher relative anaerobic energy system contributions, due to higher anaerobic capacity in kayak athletes, and the smaller muscle mass involved in kayak paddling limit oxygen uptake when exercise intensity is high. Furthermore, slower exercise cadence in kayak paddling leads to higher muscular tension, and thus may enhance the limiting of oxygen uptake.

The present study was conducted to obtain basic information about blood glucose fluctuation and relation with race performance during 100 km marathon. Subcutaneous glucose of one well-trained runner was measured by continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) at 5 min interval and blood samples for biochemical analysis were drawn at pre, middle and post of the race. Energy balance during one week prior to the 100km race was recorded, and the whole energy and fluid intake during the race was analyzed. Blood glucose fluctuated reflecting duration of exercise and energy supply during the race. During the latter part of the race (65-70 km), abrupt declines in blood glucose level, which reflected insufficient carbohydrate intake before the race (119g), were accompanied by decrease in running speed. The present report suggests that continuous glucose monitoring supplemented with standard nutritional and physiological measurement provides precise and valuable information on runner's energy state during the ultra-endurance race, and that athletes need to reassess their preparation for the race and planning of energy intake during the race.

Purpose: This study examined effects of prior resistance exercise on fat metabolism during subsequent submaximal exercise with different recovery periods between exercise bouts. Methods: Ten male subjects performed three types of exercise regimens: 1) submaximal endurance exercise only (E), 2) submaximal endurance exercise with prior resistance exercise and 20 min of rest (RE20), and 3) submaximal endurance exercise with prior resistance exercise and 120 min of rest (RE 120). Resistance exercise consisted of six exercises, each with three to four sets at 10-repetition maximum. Subjects performed cycle ergometer exercise at 50% of the maximal oxygen uptake for 60 min. Results: Prior resistance exercise caused increases in blood lactate, plasma norepinephrine, serum growth hormone (GH), insulin, and glycerol concentrations (P < 0.01). Before the submaximal exercise, serum free fatty acid (FFA) concentration was higher in the RE 120 than in the RE20 and E trials (P < 0.01), although concentrations of plasma norepinephrine, serum GH, insulin, and glycerol were higher in the RE20 than in the RE 120 and E trials (P < 0.05). Concentrations of FFA and glycerol during the 60-min submaximal exercise were higher in the RE120 and RE20 trials than in the E trial (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the acetoacetate and 3-hydroxybutyrate responses. In the RE20 trial, fat oxidation throughout the 60-min submaximal exercise (mean value) was greater than in the E trial (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found between the RE120 and E trials. Conclusion: Fat availability during the submaximal exercise was enhanced by prior resistance exercise. However, augmentation of fat oxidation was observed only in the trial with shorter rest between resistance exercise and submaximal exercise bouts (RE20 trial).

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between 2-min kayak ergometer performance (KEP) and energy supply capacity. Seventeen (male : 9, female : 8) kayak paddlers completed a maximal incremental test to determine aerobic capacity {maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and lactate threshold (LT)}, and a 2-min all-out test to measure performance and anaerobic capacity {maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD)}. In addition. total energy supply capacity was estimated by these variables [{(T-score of VO2max + T-score of LT)/2 + T-score of MAOD}/2]. Oxygen uptake and blood lactate concentrations were continuously measured during the incremental test and at the completion of both tests. These tests were conducted on an air-braked kayak ergometer. Unlike the previous research, no significant relationships were found between KEP and VO2max and LT in either male or female. MAOD correlated with KEP in female (r=0.75, p < 0.05). but not in male. On the other hand, there was a significant correlation between KEP and total energy supply capacity (r=0.89, p < 0.05, both male and female). In conclusion, total energy supply capacity accounted for a large part of KEP. These results indicate that flat-water kayak paddlers need to develop both aerobic and anaerobic capacities.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term chicken breast extract (CBEX) supplementation, a rich source of carnosine and anserine, on relatively high intensity endurance performance. Sixteen healthy male subjects were divided into CBEX group (n=8) and placebo group (n=8). The CBEX group was orally administered 200 ml CBEX drink which contained 4g of carnosine and anserine per day for 30 days. The placebo group was orally administered 200ml the same taste CBEX drink which contained no carnosine and anserine. Before and after the ingestion period, the subjects performed three sessions of consecutive endurance exercise (first session: 30-min at 50%VO2max; second session: 15-min at 75%VO2max; third session: until exhaustion at 100%VO2max) to measure exercise duration time at 100%VO2max, blood lactate concentration and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during the three sessions of consecutive endurance exercise. The exercise duration time at 100%VO2max was significantly increased after supplementation in the CBEX group. Blood lactate concentration and RPE at 75%VO2max was significantly decreased after supplementation in the CBEX group. These results suggest that the long-term ingestion of carnosine and anserine could enhance muscle buffering capacity, and in turn improve relatively high intensity endurance performance such as the so-called “last spurt” resulting from attenuation of the muscle fatigue at submaximal exercise.

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of prior resistance exercise on the lipid metabolism during subsequent endurance exercise. METHODS: Ten healthy male subjects performed three types of exercise regimen on separate days: 1) endurance exercise only (E), 2) endurance exercise with prior resistance exercise and 20-min rest (RE20), and 3) endurance exercise with prior resistance exercise and 120-minrest (RE120). Resistance exercise consisted of six exercises, each with 3–4 sets at 10 repetition maximum. Endurance exercise was performed on cycle crgometer at approximately 50 % of the maximal oxygen uptake for 60 min. RESULTS: Measurements of blood lactate and hormone concentrations showed that the prior resistance exercise caused marked increases in lactate, norepinephrine (NE) and growth hormone (GH) concentrations. Before the endurance exercise, free fatty acids (FFA) concentration was higher in the RE120 trial than in the RE20 and E trials (P < 0.05), whereas concentrations of NE and GH were higher in the RE20 trial than in the RE120 and E trials (P < 0.05). During 60 min endurance exercise, the FFA and glycerol responses were greater in RE120 and RE20 trials than in the E trial (P < 0.05). Ketone body concentrations increased significantly in all trials (P < 0.05), with no significant difference between trials. In the RE20 trial, the concentration of GH after the resistance exercise showed significant correlations with mean concentrations of FFA (r=0.77, P < 0.01) and glycerol (r=0.92, P < 0.01) during the subsequent endurance exercise. During the endurance exercise, no significant difference was observed between trials when the oxygen uptake for the entire 60-min period of exercise was compared. However, the relative contribution of fat oxidation for energy production (calculated by the respiratory exchange ratio) was larger in the RE120 and RE20 trials than in the E trial (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that lipolysis and fat oxidation during endurance exercise are enhanced by prior resistance exercise. Although both trials with long and short rest periods between resistance and endurance exercises caused similar effects, the involvement of different mechanisms was suggested. Supported by Grant from the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture of Japan.

Abrams, Jonathan Ahuja, R.K. Asano, Takao Asanoi, Hidetsugu Badimon, Juan J. Bove, Edward L. Brown, H.F. Carmeliet, Edward Caro, Colin G. Faxon, David P. Folkman, Jodah Francis, Gary S. Fujiwara, Keigi Goto, Yoichi Gross, Garrett J. Grover, Gary J. Hase, Hiroki Haze, Kazuo Hiejima, Kazumasa Higgins, Chales B. Hiramatsu, Kenji Hiraoka, Masakazu Huber, Sally Ann Ishide, Nobumasa Kasanuki, Hiroshi Kato, Masaaki Karmazyn, Morris Kawamura, Keishiro Kitakaze Masafumi Kobori, Shozo Kodama, Itsuo Kodama, Kazuhisa Koike, Akira Kyo, Shunei Ladoux, Annie Lewis, Malcom J. Makino, Keisuke Masuda, Yoshiaki Matsuda, Tetsuya McKay, Raymond G. Miyatake Kunio Momma, Kazuo Moore, E. Neil Morady, Fred Nakamura, Yasuyuki Nakano, Kiyoharu Nakazawa, Hiroe Nishida, Hiroshi Nishimura, Masao Nishimura, Yasuharu Nosé, Yukihiko Numano, Fujio Ohashi, Kyoichi Ohe Tohru Okano, Teruo Onouchi, Zenshiro O'Rourke, Michael F. Ozaki, Yukio Packer, Milton Parratt, James R. Pekiömäki, Juha S. Perloff, Joseph K. Peterson, Jon N. Przyklenk, Karin Richardson, P.J. Roach, Margot R. Rosano, Giuseppe M.C. Rubin, Kristofer Russo, Andrea M. Saji, Tsutomu Sakomura, Yasunari Saruta, Takao Sasaki, Tomio Schaft, Hartzell V. Senda, Shoichi Serruys, Patrick W. Shah, Ajay Sietsema, Kathy E. Simonsen, Ulf Singh, Bramah N. Standen, Nicholas B. Suita, Sachiyo Takahashi, Masato Takamiya, Makoto Takano, Tatsuya Takeo Satoshi Tamaki, Nagara Thomas, James D. Topaz, On Treasure, Charles B. Vacek, James L. Vanhoutte, Paul M. Vrolix, Matty C. Wizemann, V. Yamamoto, Kazuya Yokota, Mitsuhiro Yokoyama, Mitsuhiro Yutani, Chikao