Daniel A. Boullosa

Effects of gradual-elastic compression stockings on running economy, kinematics, and performance in runners.

Varela-Sanz, A, España, J, Carr, N, Boullosa, DA, and Esteve-Lanao, J. Effects of gradual-elastic compression stockings on running economy, kinematics and performance in runners. J Strength Cond Res 25(10): 2902–2910, 2011—We investigated the effect of gradual-elastic compression stockings (GCSs) on running economy (RE), kinematics, and performance in endurance runners. Sixteen endurance trained athletes (age: 34.73 ± 6.27 years; &OV0312;O2max: 62.83 ± 9.03 ml·kg−1·min−1; 38 minutes in 10 km; 1 hour 24 minutes in half marathon) performed in random order 4 bouts of 6 minutes at a recent half-marathon pace on a treadmill to evaluate RE with or without GCSs. Subsequently, 12 athletes were divided into 2 equal groups matched by their &OV0312;O2max, and they performed a time limit test (Tlim) on a treadmill at 105% of a recent 10-km pace with or without GCSs for evaluation of physiological responses and running kinematics. There were no significant differences in the RE test in all of the variables analyzed for the conditions, but a moderate reproducibility for some physiological responses was detected in the condition with GCSs. In the Tlim, the group that wore GCSs reached a lower % of maximum heart rate (HRmax) compared with the control group (96.00 ± 2.94 vs. 99.83 ± 0.40) (p = 0.01). Kinematics did not differ between conditions during the Tlim (p > 0.05). There were improvement trends for time to fatigue (337 vs. 387 seconds; d = 0.32) and a lower &OV0312;O2peak (≈53 vs. 62 ml·kg−1·min−1; d = 1.19) that were detected with GCSs during the Tlim. These results indicate that GCSs reduce the % of HRmax reached during a test at competition pace. The lower reproducibility of the condition with GCSs perhaps suggests that athletes may possibly need an accommodation period for systematically experiencing the benefits of this garment, but this hypothesis should be further investigated.

Postactivation potentiation in distance runners after two different field running protocols.

Boullosa, DA and Tuimil, JL. Postactivation potentiation in distance runners after two different field running protocols. J Strength Cond Res 23(5): 1560-1565, 2009-The purpose of this study was to compare jumping capacity after performing the “Université de Montréal Track Test” (UMTT) and the time limit (Tlim) at maximal aerobic speed. At the end of the competitive season, 12 well-trained male endurance runners performed the UMTT and Tlim tests on 2 different days separated by 48 hours to 7 days. Countermovement jump (CMJ) performance was assessed before and at the second and seventh minute after the 2 running protocols. An enhanced CMJ was observed at the second minute of recovery after UMTT and Tlim (p = 0.000; p = 0.015, respectively) and remained elevated only after the UMTT (p = 0.000). No significant correlations were found between jump and endurance field running performance. It is concluded that the postactivation potentiation profile after fatiguing running exercises in distance runners is protocol dependent with the mechanism yet to be determined.

Do Olympic Athletes Train as in the Paleolithic Era

Every 4 years, approximately 10,000 athletes participate in the Olympic Games. These athletes have dedicated several years of physical training to achieve the best possible performance on a given day. Their preparation has been supported by expert coaches and an army of sport scientists, whose overall responsibility is to ensure that the athletes are in peak condition for their event. Although every athlete prepares specifically for the unique physiological challenges of their event, all athletes have one common characteristic: they are Homo sapiens. They share a unique genome, which is the result of evolutionary forces beyond their individual control. Although studies on the influence of different genetic polymorphisms on selected athletic events have been proven to be of limited utility, a body of evidence—from molecular biology to whole-body measures—suggests that training adaptations are enhanced when the stimulus closely resembles the activity pattern of human ancestors. Because genetic evolutionary changes occur slowly in Homo sapiens, and the traditional physical activity and dietary patterns of Homo sapiens have undergone rapid and dramatic changes in previous centuries, we propose that modern humans are physiologically better adapted to training modes and nutritional strategies similar to the ones that their hominid ancestors evolved on, rather than those supported by modern societies. Such an ancestral pattern was mainly characterized by the prevalence of daily bouts of prolonged, low-intensity, aerobic-based activities interspersed with periodic, short-duration, high-intensity bursts of activity. On some occasions, such activity patterns were undertaken with low carbohydrate availability. Specific activities that enhanced strength and power were typically performed after aerobic activities. We present scientific evidence to support the appropriateness of this model, and we propose that future studies should address this hypothesis in a multitude of different sporting activities, by assessing the genetic responses to and performance-based outcomes of different training stimuli. Such information would provide data on which sport scientists and coaches could better prepare athletes and manage their training process.

Analysis of factors that influence the maximum number of repetitions in two upper-body resistance exercises: curl biceps and bench press.

Iglesias, E, Boullosa, DA, Dopico, X, and Carballeira, E. Análisis of factors that influence the maximum number of repetitions in two upper-body resistance exercises: curl biceps and bench press. J Strength Cond Res 24(6): 1566-1572, 2010-The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of exercise type, set configuration, and relative intensity load on relationship between 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and maximum number of repetitions (MNR). Thirteen male subjects, experienced in resistance training, were tested in bench press and biceps curl for 1RM, MNR at 90% of 1RM with cluster set configuration (rest of 30s between repetitions) and MNR at 70% of 1RM with traditional set configuration (no rest between repetitions). A lineal encoder was used for measuring displacement of load. Analysis of variance analysis revealed a significant effect of load (p < 0.01) and a tendency in exercise factor (p = 0.096), whereas the interaction effect was not significant. MNR at 70% of 1RM was lower for biceps curl (16.31 ± 2.59 vs. 8.77 ± 3 in bench press and biceps curl, respectively; p < 0.05) and at 90% of 1RM (21.85 ± 11.06 vs. 18.54 ± 12.84 in bench press and biceps curl, respectively; p > 0.05). Correlation between 1RM and MNR was significant for medium-intensity in biceps curl (r = −0.574; p < 0.05) and between MNR and 1RM/body mass (r = −0.574; p < 0.05). Neither 1RM nor 1RM/body mass correlated with velocity along set, so velocity seems to be similar at a same relative intensity for subjects with differences in maximum strength levels. From our results, we suggest the employment of MNR rather than % of 1RM for training monitoring. Furthermore, we suggest the introduction of cluster set configuration for upper-body assessment of MNR and for upper-body muscular endurance training at high-intensity loads, as it seems an efficient approach in looking for sessions with greater training volumes. This could be an interesting approach for such sports as wrestling or weightlifting.

Haemophilia and exercise.

One of the most important objectives of intervention programs for persons with haemophilia (PWH) is to improve their quality of life. Regular physical activity has been recommended as an adjunct to conventional treatment, with positive results in the prevention of joint problems and bleeding, in addition to the improvement in cardiovascular function, muscle strength, and body composition. The objective of the present review was to present the benefits of aerobic and resistance training programs in PWH, as well to discuss the best exercise dose-response in the different levels of disease severity. We considered randomized controlled trials, study cases and literature reviews from MEDLINE and Highwire databases. After a detailed analysis of the studies involving exercise for PWH, it can be concluded that this intervention elicits some benefits for physical fitness and blood coagulation mechanisms, suggesting the application of physical training as a non pharmacological treatment in association with conventional treatment. Adequate and periodized resistance training considering the disease severity, accompanied by physical education professionals could improve muscle strength, balance and proprioception. In addition, aerobic training could reduce the risks of obesity and several metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Exercise can improve several outcomes of quality in PWH.

Reliability of heart rate measures during walking before and after running maximal efforts.

Previous studies on HR recovery (HRR) measures have utilized the supine and the seated postures. However, the most common recovery mode in sport and clinical settings after running exercise is active walking. The aim of the current study was to examine the reliability of HR measures during walking (4 km · h(-1)) before and following a maximal test. Twelve endurance athletes performed an incremental running test on 2 days separated by 48 h. Absolute (coefficient of variation, CV, %) and relative [Intraclass correlation coefficient, (ICC)] reliability of time domain and non-linear measures of HR variability (HRV) from 3 min recordings, and HRR parameters over 5 min were assessed. Moderate to very high reliability was identified for most HRV indices with short-term components of time domain and non-linear HRV measures demonstrating the greatest reliability before (CV: 12-22%; ICC: 0.73-0.92) and after exercise (CV: 14-32%; ICC: 0.78-0.91). Most HRR indices and parameters of HRR kinetics demonstrated high to very high reliability with HR values at a given point and the asymptotic value of HR being the most reliable (CV: 2.5-10.6%; ICC: 0.81-0.97). These findings demonstrate these measures as reliable tools for the assessment of autonomic control of HR during walking before and after maximal efforts.

The role of physical activity and heart rate variability for the control of work related stress

Physical activity (PA) and exercise are often used as tools to reduce stress and therefore the risk for developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Meanwhile, heart rate variability (HRV) has been utilized to assess both stress and PA or exercise influences. The objective of the present review was to examine the current literature in regards to workplace stress, PA/exercise and HRV to encourage further studies. We considered original articles from known databases (PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge) over the last 10 years that examined these important factors. A total of seven studies were identified with workplace stress strongly associated with reduced HRV in workers. Longitudinal workplace PA interventions may provide a means to improve worker stress levels and potentially cardiovascular risk with mechanisms still to be clarified. Future studies are recommended to identify the impact of PA, exercise, and fitness on stress levels and HRV in workers and their subsequent influence on cardiovascular health.

Parasympathetic modulation and running performance in distance runners

Boullosa, DA, Tuimil, JL, Leicht, AS, and Crespo-Salgado, JJ. Parasympathetic modulation and running performance in distance runners. J Strength Cond Res 23(2): 626-631, 2009-This study examined the relationships between basal heart rate (BHR) and heart rate recovery (HRR), parasympathetic modulation parameters, with running performance in distance runners. It was hypothesized that greater parasympathetic modulation would be significantly associated with greater running performance. Twelve well-trained endurance runners (23.2 ± 3.3 years; 175.6 ± 5.8 cm; 65.2 ± 6.7 kg) performed the Université de Montréal Track Test (UMTT) until volitional exhaustion (total final time, TUMTT), with the highest completed stage recorded as the maximal aerobic speed (MAS). More than 48 hours afterwards, participants ran at the MAS until volitional exhaustion, with maximal running time (Tlim) recorded. Maximum heart rate was significantly greater for the UMTT compared with Tlim (p = 0.004). Significant correlations were exhibited between MAS and BHR (r = −0.845, p = 0.001); mean drop in heart rate at the first minute of recovery after the UMTT (r = 0.617, p = 0.033) and Tlim (r = 0.787, p = 0.002); and mean drop in heart rate at the second minute of recovery after the UMTT (r = 0.630, p = 0.028). These results support previous reports that endurance training results in greater running performance and greater parasympathetic modulation before and after exercise. We suggest that coaches consider HRR and BHR for the monitoring of training for endurance performance.

Effect of equated continuous and interval running programs on endurance performance and jump capacity.

Tuimil, JL, Boullosa, DA, Fernández-del-Olmo, MA, and Rodríguez, FA. Effect of equated continuous and interval running programs on endurance performance and jump capacity. J Strength Cond Res 25(8): 2205-2211, 2011—We evaluated the effect of 2 different interval and continuous training programs on the maximal aerobic speed (MAS), time limit at MAS (Tlim), and on the countermovement jump (CMJ). Twenty-two physically active men were randomly distributed in an interval training group (ITG), continuous training group (CTG), and control group. The CTG and ITG performed 2 different training programs (65-70 and 90-100% of the MAS for CTG and ITG, respectively) that consisted of 3 sessions per week during a period of 8 weeks with an identical external workload (% MAS × duration in minutes). The MAS, the Tlim and the CMJ were recorded before and after the running training programs. The data analysis showed a significant and similar improvement (p < 0.01) of the MAS for both the ITG (5.8%) and CTG (8.3%). The Tlim and CMJ did not change significantly for either group after the training period. Our results indicate that 8 weeks of continuous or interval running programs with externally equated load led to similar improvements in the MAS without changing Tlim and CMJ performance in moderately trained nonrunners.

Running speeds at ventilatory threshold and maximal oxygen consumption discriminate futsal competitive level.

Abstract Pedro, RE, Milanez, VF, Boullosa, DA, and Nakamura, FY. Running speeds at ventilatory threshold and maximal oxygen consumption discriminate futsal competitive level. J Strength Cond Res 27(2): 514–518, 2013—We tested the hypothesis that maximal oxygen uptake and ventilatory threshold (VT), and their respective speeds (SV[Combining Dot Above]O2max and SVT) could discriminate the competitive level of futsal players. The outfield players of a high-level Brazilian professional futsal team (N = 9; age 22.6 ± 4.2 years; body mass 70.6 ± 6.4 kg; height 174.3 ± 6.0 cm), and a semiprofessional team (N = 11; age 17.2 ± 0.8 years; body mass 70.4 ± 6.5 kg; height 175.0 ± 4.0 cm), volunteered for participation in this study. Subsequently, they were evaluated during an incremental treadmill test for the determination of cardiorespiratory variables, SV[Combining Dot Above]O2max, and SVT. Both teams exhibited a similar body mass and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (p = 0.542 and p = 0.427), whereas the SV[Combining Dot Above]O2max and the SVT were significantly higher in the professional team (p = 0.001 and p = 0.030, respectively). Additionally, the professional team exhibited both lower HR at VT (p = 0.046) and HRmax (p = 0.002). However, the %HRmax at VT did not differ between groups (p = 0.912). These results remained similar after adjusting for the age differences between groups (p = 0.106). It was concluded that both SV[Combining Dot Above]O2max and SVT were sensitive for detecting differences in the competitive level of futsal players, whereas V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and VT were not.