James Faulkner

The rating of perceived exertion during competitive running scales with time

This study assessed the relationship of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) with heart rate and pacing strategy during competitive running races of differing distance and course elevation. Nine men and women competed in a 7-mile road race (7-MR) and the Great West Run half marathon (GWR; 13.1 miles). Heart rate, split mile time, and RPE were recorded throughout the races. The RPE was regressed against time and %time to complete the 7-MR and GWR. Although the rate of increase in RPE was greater in the 7-MR, there were no differences when expressed against %time (inferring that the brain uses a scalar timing mechanism). As the course elevation, distance, pacing strategy, and heart rate response varied between conditions, this study has provided evidence that the perceptual response may have distinct temporal characteristics during distance running. The results provide further evidence that RPE scales with the proportion of exercise time that remains.

Inflammatory biomarkers for predicting cardiovascular disease.

The pathology of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is complex; multiple biological pathways have been implicated, including, but not limited to, inflammation and oxidative stress. Biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress may serve to help identify patients at risk for CVD, to monitor the efficacy of treatments, and to develop new pharmacological tools. However, due to the complexities of CVD pathogenesis there is no single biomarker available to estimate absolute risk of future cardiovascular events. Furthermore, not all biomarkers are equal; the functions of many biomarkers overlap, some offer better prognostic information than others, and some are better suited to identify/predict the pathogenesis of particular cardiovascular events. The identification of the most appropriate set of biomarkers can provide a detailed picture of the specific nature of the cardiovascular event. The following review provides an overview of existing and emerging inflammatory biomarkers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, oxidative stress biomarkers, and antioxidant biomarkers. The functions of each biomarker are discussed, and prognostic data are provided where available.

Effect of Lower-Limb Compression Clothing on 400-m Sprint Performance

Abstract Faulkner, JA, Gleadon, D, McLaren, J, and Jakeman, JR. Effect of lower-limb compression clothing on 400-m sprint performance. J Strength Cond Res 27(3): 669–676, 2013—This study investigated the effects of wearing a variety of lower-limb compression garments on 400-m sprint performance. Eleven 400-m male runners (23.7 ± 5.7 years, 1.78 ± 0.08 m, and 75.3 ± 10.0 kg) completed six, 400-m running tests on an outdoor, all-weather running track on separate occasions. The participants completed 2 runs with long-length lower-limb compression garments (LG; hip-to-ankle), a combination of short-length lower-limb compression garments (SG; hip-to-knee) with calf compression sleeves (ankle-to-knee), or without compression garments (CON; shorts), in a randomized, counterbalanced order. Overall lap time and 100-m split times, heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs) were measured during the 400-m run. Blood lactate concentration, visual analogue scales for perceived soreness, feeling and arousal, and scales for perceived comfort and tightness when wearing compression garments, were assessed before (preexercise, post–warm-up) and after 400-m performance (post, 4 minutes postexercise, after a warm-down). Statistical analysis revealed no differences between conditions in overall 400-m performance, 100-m split times, or blood lactate concentration (p > 0.05), although there was a trend for an increased rate of blood lactate clearance when wearing compression garments. A significantly lower RPE (p > 0.05) was however observed during LG (13.8 ± 0.9) and SG (13.4 ± 1.1) when compared with CON (14.0 ± 1.0). This study has demonstrated that lower-limb compression garments may lower the effort perception associated with 400-m performance, despite there being no differences in overall athletic performance.

Protein-Leucine Fed Dose Effects on Muscle Protein Synthesis after Endurance Exercise

UNLABELLED Protein-leucine ingestion after strenuous endurance exercise accentuates muscle protein synthesis and improves recovery of muscle performance. PURPOSE The objective of this study is to determine whether a low-dose protein-leucine blend ingested after endurance exercise enhances skeletal muscle myofibrillar protein fractional synthetic rate (FSR). METHOD In a crossover design, 12 trained men completed 100 min of high-intensity cycling, then ingested either 70/15/180/30 g of protein/leucine/carbohydrate/fat (15LEU), 23/5/180/30 g of 5LEU, or 0/0/274/30 g of CON beverages in randomized order in four servings during the first 90 min of a 240-min recovery period. Muscle biopsies were collected at 30 and 240 min into recovery with FSR determined by L-[ring-13C6]phenylalanine incorporation and mTORC1 pathway phosphorylation by Western blot. RESULTS The 33% (90% CL, ±12%) increase in FSR with 5LEU (mean, SD: 0.080, 0.014%·h(-1)) versus CON (0.060, 0.012%·h(-1)) represented near-maximal FSR stimulation. Tripling protein-leucine dose (15LEU: 0.090, 0.11%·h(-1)) negligibly increased FSR (13%, ±12% vs 5LEU). Despite similar FSR, mTORC1(Ser2448) phosphorylation only increased with 15LEU at 30 min, whereas p70S6K(Thr389), rpS6(Ser240/244), and 4E-BP1γ(Ser112) phosphorylation increased with protein-leucine quantity at one or both time points. Plasma leucine and essential amino acid concentrations decreased during recovery in CON but increased with protein-leucine dose. Serum insulin was increased in 15LEU versus CON (60%, ±20%) but was unaffected relative to 5LEU. Regression analysis revealed p70S6K-rpS6 phosphorylation moderately predicted FSR, but the associations with plasma leucine and essential amino acids were small. CONCLUSIONS Ingesting 23 g of protein with 5 g of added leucine achieved near-maximal FSR after endurance exercise, an effect unlikely attributable to mTORC1-S6K-rpS6 signaling, insulin, or amino acids. Translating the effects of protein-leucine quantity on protein synthesis to optimizing adaptation and performance requires further research.

Effects of Early Exercise Engagement on Vascular Risk in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack and Nondisabling Stroke

The objective of this study was to conduct a randomized, parallel-group clinical trial assessed the efficacy of a health-enhancing physical activity program (exercise and education) on vascular risk factors and aerobic fitness in patients who have experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or nondisabling stroke. Sixty patients (69±11 years) completed a baseline (BL) vascular risk stratification and aerobic fitness examination (cycle test) within 2 weeks of symptom onset. Subjects were then randomized to either an 8-week, twice weekly exercise program or to a usual-care control (CON) group. Postintervention (PI) assessments were completed immediately after the intervention and at 3-month follow-up. A series of primary (systolic blood pressure [SBP]) and secondary (vascular risk factors like total cholesterol [TC], high-density lipoproteins, etc.; Framingham risk score; peak oxygen uptake) outcome measures were assessed. Significantly greater reductions in SBP (mean change±SD; -10.4±9.2 mm Hg) and TC (-.53±.90 mmol/L) were observed between BL and PI assessments for the exercise group compared with the CON group (-1.9±15.4 mm Hg and -.08±.59 mmol/L, respectively) (P<.05). These improvements were maintained between the PI and the 3-month follow-up assessment (P>.05). Significant improvements in aerobic fitness were also observed and maintained at the 3-month follow-up assessment after regular exercise participation (P<.05). The early engagement in exercise resulted in significant improvements in vascular risk factors and fitness in those diagnosed with TIA. As these beneficial effects were maintained up to 3 months after completing the exercise program, exercise should be considered a useful additive treatment strategy for newly diagnosed TIA patients. Future research should examine the long-term efficacy of such programs.

Effect of accurate and inaccurate distance feedback on performance markers and pacing strategies during running

This study assessed the effect of distance feedback on athletic performance, physiological and perceptual markers and the pacing strategies utilized during treadmill exercise. Thirteen men completed four self‐paced 6 km treadmill time trials with either accurate, inaccurate or no distance feedback (NF). Inaccurate time trials involved participants receiving premature (PF) or delayed (DF) feedback, before or following the completion of each kilometer. The provision of accurate or inaccurate distance feedback (PF, DF) did not moderate the completion time or the rate of change in the ratings of perceived exertion (P>0.05). However, completion times were significantly slower when exercising with no distance feedback (P<0.001). Heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake () and running velocity all increased during the conditions (P<0.001). A significantly lower (up to 7%) and HR (up to 6%) were observed during NF. This study has demonstrated that athletic performance and perceptual and physiological responses are unaffected by inaccurate distance feedback. However, the study indicates that individuals may exercise at a lower metabolic intensity when running without distance feedback.

Validation of Oscillometric Pulse Wave Analysis Measurements in Children

BACKGROUND Pulse wave analysis (PWA) has emerged as a noninvasive, valid, reliable, and widely used technique to investigate central blood pressures and systemic arterial wave reflection (augmentation index). The gold-standard technique is tonometry, but this technique can be challenging, especially when used on children. The purpose of this study was to validate oscillometric PWA for use in children. METHODS Fifty-seven healthy children were recruited for participation. Central blood pressures and peripheral augmentation index (pAIx) were measured objectively using oscillometric (Pulsecor R7) and tonometric (SphygmaCor) devices. All measurements were made during the same visit under standardized conditions between the hours of 8 am and 10 am in the fasted state. RESULTS Tonometric measurements were unsuccessful on 1 child. Comparisons were made on 56 children (mean age = 9.8±1.0 y; 57% male). A very strong relationship was found between devices for central systolic (r = 0.94; P < 0.001), diastolic (r = 0.99; P < 0.001) and mean (r = 0.96; P < 0.001) blood pressures. However, Bland-Altman analysis indicated a bias toward greater systolic blood pressures with the oscillometric monitor (mean difference = 4.5mm Hg; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -5.16 to -3.89). A good relationship was found for pAIx (r = 0.71; P < 0.001); the mean difference between devices was -1.70% (95% CI = -4.47% to 1.08%), which is not significantly different from zero. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study suggest that oscillometric PWA provides valid measures of central blood pressure and arterial wave reflection in children aged 8-10 years.

The feasibility of recruiting patients with early COPD to a pilot trial assessing the effects of a physical activity intervention.

AIM To determine the feasibility of recruiting patients with early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to the Health Enhancing Activity in Lung THerapy (HEALTH) exercise and education programme. METHODS Patients with early COPD were identified from general practices. Those meeting the study inclusion criteria were administered tiotropium throughout the study period. Participants were randomised to either an eight-week health enhancing and physical activity (HEPA) programme, or to a control group (usual care). Behavioural, physiological and psychosocial outcome measures were reported preand post-intervention. RESULTS Out of 27 practices approached, 16 (59.3%) agreed to participate. Of 215 potentially eligible patients contacted, 60 (27.9%) replied. Twenty (33.3%) were randomised to either HEPA intervention (n=10) or usual care (n=10). Fourteen patients attended a postintervention assessment. CONCLUSION This study provides valuable information on the feasibility of conducting such a trial involving a physical activity intervention.

The effectiveness of a high-intensity games intervention on improving indices of health in young children

Abstract This study assessed the effectiveness of a 6-week, high-intensity, games-based intervention on physiological and anthropometric indices of health, in normal weight (n = 26; 32.5 ± 8.9 kg) and obese (n = 29; 49.3 ± 8.9 kg) children (n = 32 boys, 23 girls), aged 8–10 years. Children were randomised into an exercise or control group. The exercise group participated in a twice-weekly, 40 min active games intervention, alongside their usual school physical education classes. The control group did not take part in the intervention. Before and after the intervention, participants completed both a maximal and submaximal graded exercise test. The submaximal exercise test comprised of a 6 min, moderate- and 6 min heavy-intensity bout, interspersed with a 5 min recovery. The exercise group demonstrated improvements in maximal oxygen uptake (51.4 ± 8.5 vs 54.3 ± 9.6 ml · kg−1 · min−1) and peak running speed (11.3 ± 1.6 vs 11.9 ± 1.6 km · h−1), and a reduction in the oxygen cost of submaximal exercise between assessments (P < .05). A decrease in waist circumference and increase in muscle mass were observed between assessments for the obese participants randomised to the intervention (both P < .05). This study demonstrates that a short-term, high-intensity games intervention may elicit positive changes in physiological and anthropometric indices of health in normal weight and obese children.

The Efficacy of a Self-Paced VO2max Test During Motorized Treadmill Exercise

PURPOSE To assess the utility of a self-paced maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) test (SPV) in eliciting an accurate measure of VO2max in comparison with a traditional graded exercise test (GXT) during motorized treadmill exercise. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional experimental study whereby recreationally trained men (n = 13, 25.5 ± 4.6 y) completed 2 maximal exercise tests (SPV, GXT) separated by a 72-h recovery period. METHODS The GXT was continuous and incremental, with prescribed 1-km/h increases every 2 min until the attainment of VO2max. The SPV consisted of 5 × 2-min stages of incremental exercise, which were self-selected and adjusted according to 5 prescribed RPE levels (RPE 11, 13, 15, 17, and 20). RESULTS Although no significant differences in VO2max were observed between the SPV and GXT (63.9 ± 3.3 cf 60.9 ± 4.6 mL · kg-1 · min-1, respectively, P > .05), the apparent 4.7% mean difference may be practically important. The 95% limits-of-agreement analysis was 3.03 ± 11.49 mL · kg-1 · min-1. Therefore, in the worst-case scenario, the GXT may underestimate measured VO2max as ascertained by the SPV by up to 19%. Conversely, the SPV could underestimate the GXT by 14%. CONCLUSIONS The current study has shown that the SPV is an accurate measure of VO2max during exercise on a motorized treadmill and may provide a slightly higher VO2max value than that obtained from a traditional GXT. The higher VO2max during the SPV may be important when prescribing training or monitoring athlete progression.