Daniel A. Traylor

A new single work bout test to estimate critical power and anaerobic work capacity

Bergstrom, HC, Housh, TJ, Zuniga, JM, Camic, CL, Traylor, DA, Schmidt, RJ, and Johnson, GO. A new single work bout test to estimate critical power and anaerobic work capacity. J Strength Cond Res 26(3): 656–663, 2012—The purpose of this study was to develop a 3-minute, all-out test protocol using the Monark cycle ergometer for estimating the critical power (CP) and anaerobic work capacity (AWC) with the resistance based on body weight. Twelve moderately trained adults (mean age ± SD = 23.2 ± 3.5 years) performed an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion. The CP and AWC were estimated from the original work limit (Wlim) vs. time limit (Tlim) relationship (CPPT) and a 3-minute all-out test (CP3min) against a fixed resistance and compared with the CP and AWC estimated from the new 3-minute tests on the Monark cycle ergometer (CP3.5% and CP4.5%). The resistance values for the CP3.5% and CP4.5% tests were set at 3.5 and 4.5% of the subjects body weight (kilograms). The results indicated that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) among mean CP values for CPPT (178 ± 47 W), CP3.5% (173 ± 40 W), and CP4.5% (186 ± 44 W). The mean CP3min (193 ± 54 W), however, was significantly greater than CPPT and CP3.5%. There were no significant differences in AWC for the CPPT (13,412 ± 6,247 J), CP3min (10,895 ± 2,923 J), and CP4.5% (9,842 ± 4,394 J). The AWC values for the CPPT and CP3min, however, were significantly greater than CP3.5% (8,357 ± 2,946 J). The results of this study indicated that CP and AWC could be estimated from a single 3-minute work bout test on the Monark cycle ergometer with the resistance set at 4.5% of the body weight. A single work bout test with the resistance based on the individuals body weight provides a practical and accessible method to estimate CP and AWC.

The Relationships Among Critical Power Determined From a 3-Min All-Out Test, Respiratory Compensation Point, Gas Exchange Threshold, and Ventilatory Threshold

Purpose: Critical power (CP) from the 3-min test was compared to the power outputs associated with thresholds determined from gas exchange parameters that have been used to demarcate the exercise-intensity domains including the respiratory compensation point (RCP), gas exchange threshold (GET), and ventilatory threshold (VT). Method: Twenty-eight participants performed an incremental-cycle ergometer test to exhaustion. The VT was determined from the relationship between the ventilatory equivalent for oxygen uptake (V˙E/V˙O2) versus V˙O2 and the GET was determined using the V-slope method (V˙CO2 vs. V˙O2). The RCP was identified from the V˙E-versus-V˙CO2 relationship. CP was the average power output during the last 30 s of the 3-min all-out test. Linear regression was used to determine the power outputs associated with the RCP, GET, and VT, as well as the V˙O2 associated with CP. Mean differences among the associated power outputs, percent V˙O2 peak, and percent peak power output for the GET, VT, RCP, and CP were analyzed using separate one-way repeated-measures analyses of variance. Results: There were no significant differences between CP (187 ± 47 W) and the power output associated with RCP (190 ± 49 W) or between the power outputs associated with GET (139 ± 37 W) and VT (145 ± 37 W). The power outputs associated with GET and VT, however, were significantly less than were those at CP and associated with RCP. Conclusions: These findings suggest CP and RCP demarcate the heavy from severe exercise-intensity domain and result from a different mechanism of fatigue than that of GET and VT, possibly hyperkalemia.

Electromyographic and mechanomyographic responses across repeated maximal isometric and concentric muscle actions of the leg extensors

The purpose of the present study was to examine the patterns of responses for torque, electromyographic (EMG) amplitude, EMG mean power frequency (MPF), mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude, and MMG MPF across 30 repeated maximal isometric (ISO) and concentric (CON) muscle actions of the leg extensors. Twelve female subjects (21.1±1.4yrs; 63.3±7.4kg) performed ISO and CON fatigue protocols with EMG and MMG signals recorded from the vastus lateralis. The relationships for torque, EMG amplitude, EMG MPF, MMG amplitude, and MMG MPF versus repetition number were examined using polynomial regression. The results indicated there were decreases (p<0.05) across the ISO muscle actions for torque (r(2)=0.95), EMG amplitude (R(2)=0.44), EMG MPF (r(2)=0.62), and MMG MPF (r(2)=0.48), but no change in MMG amplitude (r(2)=0.07). In addition, there were decreases across the CON muscle actions for torque (R(2)=0.97), EMG amplitude (R(2)=0.46), EMG MPF (R(2)=0.86), MMG amplitude (R(2)=0.44), and MMG MPF (R(2)=0.80). Thus, the current findings suggested that the mechanisms of fatigue and motor control strategies used to modulate torque production were similar between maximal ISO and CON muscle actions.

Differences Among Estimates of Critical Power and Anaerobic Work Capacity Derived From Five Mathematical Models and the Three-minute All-out Test

Abstract Bergstrom, HC, Housh, TJ, Zuniga, JM, Traylor, DA, Lewis, RW Jr, Camic, CL, Schmidt, RJ, and Johnson, GO. Differences among estimates of critical power and anaerobic work capacity derived from five mathematical models and the three-minute all-out test. J Strength Cond Res 28(3): 592–600, 2014—Estimates of critical power (CP) and anaerobic work capacity (AWC) from the power output vs. time relationship have been derived from various mathematical models. The purpose of this study was to examine estimates of CP and AWC from the multiple work bout, 2- and 3-parameter models, and those from the 3-minute all-out CP (CP3min) test. Nine college-aged subjects performed a maximal incremental test to determine the peak oxygen consumption rate and the gas exchange threshold. On separate days, each subject completed 4 randomly ordered constant power output rides to exhaustion to estimate CP and AWC from 5 regression models (2 linear, 2 nonlinear, and 1 exponential). During the final visit, CP and AWC were estimated from the CP3min test. The nonlinear 3-parameter (Nonlinear-3) model produced the lowest estimate of CP. The exponential (EXP) model and the CP3min test were not statistically different and produced the highest estimates of CP. Critical power estimated from the Nonlinear-3 model was 14% less than those from the EXP model and the CP3min test and 4–6% less than those from the linear models. Furthermore, the Nonlinear-3 and nonlinear 2-parameter (Nonlinear-2) models produced significantly greater estimates of AWC than did the linear models and CP3min. The current findings suggested that the Nonlinear-3 model may provide estimates of CP and AWC that more accurately reflect the asymptote of the power output vs. time relationship, the demarcation of the heavy and severe exercise intensity domains, and anaerobic capabilities than will the linear models and CP3min test.

Responses during exhaustive exercise at critical power determined from the 3-min all-out test

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to examine oxygen consumption rate ([Vdot] ), heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) responses, as well as time to exhaustion (Tlim) values during continuous rides at critical power (CP) determined from the 3-min all-out test. Eighteen participants (mean ± s: 23.6 ± 3.5 years; 72.7 ± 18.2 kg) performed an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion to determine peak oxygen consumption rate ([Vdot] peak) and HR peak. Critical power was determined from the 3-min all-out test. Metabolic responses ([Vdot] and heart rate), RPE, and Tlim were recorded during continuous rides to exhaustion at CP. Linear regression and t-tests were used to compare [Vdot] , heart rate, and RPE responses during the continuous rides to exhaustion. The Tlim at CP was 12.5 ± 6.5 min. There were significant increases in [Vdot] , HR, and RPE during the continuous rides at CP and 15 of the 18 participants reached [Vdot] peak at exhaustion. Therefore, the [Vdot] , heart rate, and RPE responses, as well as the Tlim values in the present study suggested that CP determined from the 3-min all-out test overestimated the “true” CP and was within the severe exercise intensity domain.

The Effects of Polyethylene Glycosylated Creatine Supplementation on Anaerobic Performance Measures and Body Composition

Abstract Camic, CL, Housh, TJ, Zuniga, JM, Traylor, DA, Bergstrom, HC, Schmidt, RJ, Johnson, GO, and Housh, DJ. The effects of polyethylene glycosylated creatine supplementation on anaerobic performance measures and body composition. J Strength Cond Res 28(3): 825–833, 2014—The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 28 days of polyethylene glycosylated creatine (PEG-creatine) supplementation (1.25 and 2.50 g·d−1) on anaerobic performance measures (vertical and broad jumps, 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle run, and 3-cone drill), upper- and lower-body muscular strength and endurance (bench press and leg extension), and body composition. This study used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel design. Seventy-seven adult men (mean age ± SD, 22.1 ± 2.5 years; body mass, 81.7 ± 10.8 kg) volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned to a placebo (n = 23), 1.25 g·d−1 of PEG-creatine (n = 27), or 2.50 g·d−1 of PEG-creatine (n = 27) group. The subjects performed anaerobic performance measures, muscular strength (one-repetition maximum [1RM]), and endurance (80% 1RM) tests for bench press and leg extension, and underwater weighing for the determination of body composition at day 0 (baseline), day 14, and day 28. The results indicated that there were improvements (p < 0.0167) in vertical jump, 20-yard shuttle run, 3-cone drill, muscular endurance for bench press, and body mass for at least one of the PEG-creatine groups without changes for the placebo group. Thus, the present results demonstrated that PEG-creatine supplementation at 1.25 or 2.50 g·d−1 had an ergogenic effect on lower-body vertical power, agility, change-of-direction ability, upper-body muscular endurance, and body mass.

Metabolic and neuromuscular responses at critical power from the 3-min all-out test

The purpose of this study was to determine the specific metabolic and neuromuscular responses at critical power (CP) from the 3-min all-out test. Nine men (mean ± SD: aged 23.7 ± 3.3 years) performed an incremental test for the determination of peak oxygen consumption (VO(2peak)) and gas exchange threshold. CP was estimated for each subject from the 3-min all-out test. Oxygen consumption (VO(2)), the ventilation versus carbon dioxide production ratio (V(E)/VCO(2) ratio), electromyographic (EMG) amplitude, and EMG mean power frequency (MPF) were examined during exhaustive rides at CP for each subject. There was no significant difference between the VO(2) at exhaustion (40.6 ± 7.5 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) and VO(2peak) (42.9 ± 7.3 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)). Furthermore, there were significant increases in EMG amplitude and the V(E)/VCO(2) ratio during the exhaustive rides at CP. There was, however, no significant change in EMG MPF over time. Therefore, the current findings indicated that the 3-min all-out test overestimated CP and the demarcation between the heavy- and severe-intensity domains. Specifically, the VO(2), ventilatory, and EMG amplitude responses were consistent with those observed during continuous exercise in the severe exercise intensity domain. It is likely that the ventilatory and EMG amplitude responses were associated with a common mechanism of fatigue that is different from what affects EMG MPF.

Mechanomyographic and metabolic responses during continuous cycle ergometry at critical power from the 3-min all-out test.

There are limited data regarding metabolic responses during continuous exhaustive rides at critical power (CP) from the 3-min all-out test. In addition, no previous studies have examined the mechanomyographic (MMG) responses at CP from the 3-min all-out test. Therefore, this study examined the metabolic and MMG responses during continuous exercise at CP determined from the 3-min all-out test. Nine college-aged females (mean±SD: age 23.0±3.6yrs) performed an incremental test to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer to identify the gas exchange threshold, peak oxygen consumption rate (V˙O2 peak) and heart rate peak (HR peak). The V˙O2, HR, MMG amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) responses were examined during continuous rides to exhaustion at CP (81±6% peak power). There were significant increases in V˙O2 and HR over time and there was no significant difference between V˙O2 peak and V˙O2 at exhaustion or HR peak and HR at exhaustion. There were, however, no significant changes for MMG amplitude or MPF over time. Therefore, the current findings suggested that the 3-min all-out test overestimated CP and the demarcation between the heavy and severe intensity domains. Specifically, the V˙O2 and HR responses did not reach a steady state and were driven to peak values. Furthermore, the non-significant change in MMG amplitude and MPF were consistent with the responses observed at fatiguing power outputs (i.e., >80% peak power).

Estimated times to exhaustion and power outputs at the gas exchange threshold, physical working capacity at the rating of perceived exertion threshold, and respiratory compensation point.

The purposes of this study were to compare the power outputs and estimated times to exhaustion (T(lim)) at the gas exchange threshold (GET), physical working capacity at the rating of perceived exertion threshold (PWC(RPE)), and respiratory compensation point (RCP). Three male and 5 female subjects (mean ± SD: age, 22.4 ± 2.8 years) performed an incremental test to exhaustion on an electronically braked cycle ergometer to determine peak oxygen consumption rate, GET, and RCP. The PWC(RPE) was determined from ratings of perceived exertion data recorded during 3 continuous workbouts to exhaustion. The estimated T(lim) values for each subject at GET, PWC(RPE), and RCP were determined from power curve analyses (T(lim) = ax(b)). The results indicated that the PWC(RPE) (176 ± 55 W) was not significantly different from RCP (181 ± 54 W); however, GET (155 ± 42 W) was significantly less than PWC(RPE) and RCP. The estimated T(lim) for the GET (26.1 ± 9.8 min) was significantly greater than PWC(RPE) (14.6 ± 5.6 min) and RCP (11.2 ± 3.1 min). The PWC(RPE) occurred at a mean power output that was 13.5% greater than the GET and, therefore, it is likely that the perception of effort is not driven by the same mechanism that underlies the GET (i.e., lactate buffering). Furthermore, the PWC(RPE) and RCP were not significantly different and, therefore, these thresholds may be associated with the same mechanisms of fatigue, such as increased levels of interstitial and (or) arterial [K⁺].

The Rate of Torque Development: A Unique, Non-invasive Indicator of Eccentric-induced Muscle Damage?

This study examined the time courses of recovery for isometric peak torque and rate of torque development (RTD) after eccentric-induced muscle damage. 18 men completed 6 sets of 10 maximal eccentric isokinetic muscle actions at 30° · s(-1). Peak torque, peak RTD and RTD at 10 (RTD10), 50 (RTD50), 100 (RTD100) and 200 ms (RTD200), serum creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were measured before (PRE), immediately after (POST), 24, 48 and 72 h after eccentric exercise. Creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase increased from 139 to 6 457 and from 116 to 199 IU · L(-1) from PRE to 72 h, respectively. Peak torque and all RTDs decreased at POST. Peak torque and RTD200 remained lower than PRE through 72 h. Peak RTD remained lower than PRE through 48 h, but was not different from PRE at 72 h. RTD10 and RTD100 were lower than PRE through 24 h, but were not different from PRE at 48 and 72 h. RTD50 decreased at POST, but was not different from PRE at 24 h. Early phase RTDs recovered more quickly than PT and RTD200. Early phase RTDs may reflect neural mechanisms underlying eccentric-induced force decrements, while late RTDs may describe the same physiological mechanisms as PT.