Marcin Maciejczyk

The Influence of Increased Body Fat or Lean Body Mass on Aerobic Performance

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine aerobic performance in men with an increased body mass due to (a) high body fat (>21.5%) but with a average (59.0–64.3 kg) lean body mass (HBF group) and (b) high lean body mass (>66.3 kg), but with average body fat (14.0–18.5%) (HLBM group). Methods The men in the HBF and HLBM had similar absolute body mass and body mass index (BMI). The aerobic performance was also determined in control group. Methods: Study participants comprised 39 men aged 21.3±1.9 years who did not participate in competitive sports but were recreationally physically active. Participants were divided into three groups. Each group comprised 13 persons. The study involved anthropometric measurements, assessing aerobic performance (VO2max) using an incremental test on a mechanical treadmill. VO2max was expressed in absolute values, relative to body mass (VO2max⋅BM−1), relative to lean body mass (VO2max⋅LBM−1), and relative to BM raised by the exponents of 0.75 and 0.67. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results No statistically significant differences in relative values of VO2max were found between the HBF and HLBM groups, in VO2max⋅BM−1 (50.24±4.56 vs. 53.11±5.45 mL⋅kg−1), VO2max⋅LBM−1 (65.33±5.63 vs. 63.86±7.13 mL⋅kgLBM−1), and VO2max⋅BM−0.75 (150.29±13.5 vs. 160.39±16.15 mL⋅kg−0.75). Values of VO2max⋅BM−1 were significantly lower in the HBF and HLBM groups than in the control group (58.23±5.84 mL⋅kg−1). Conclusion High body mass, regardless of the cause decreases VO2max⋅BM−1.

Effect of sex and menstrual cycle in women on starting speed, anaerobic endurance and muscle power

The aim of our study was to compare the indicators of starting speed, anaerobic endurance and power in women as well as men, and to investigate whether the values of these indicators differ in women during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. The studied group included 16 men and 16 women. The subjects performed the 20-second maximal cycling sprint test. The men performed the test twice at 14-day intervals. The women undertook the test 4 times: twice during the middle of follicular phase and twice in the middle of luteal phase in separate menstrual cycles. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle do not influence anaerobic performance, starting speed or anaerobic endurance in women. Anaerobic performance in men is higher than in women with similar aerobic performance expressed as VO2max/LBM (lean body mass). A lower power decrease with time was noted for women than men, with a similar time of maintaining power in both groups. This is evidence of womens better anaerobic endurance compared to men. At the same time, the men had significantly better starting speed rates than women.

Comparison of physiological and acid-base balance response during uphill, level and downhill running performed at constant velocity.

The purpose of this study was to compare the physiological and the acid-base balance response to running at various slope angles. Ten healthy men 22.3 ± 1.56 years old participated in the study. The study consisted of completing the graded test until exhaustion and three 45-minute runs. For the first 30 minutes, runs were performed with an intensity of approximately 50% VO2max, while in the final 15 minutes the slope angle of treadmill was adjusted (0°; +4.5°; -4.5°), and a fixed velocity of running was maintained. During concentric exercise, a significant increase in the levels of physiological indicators was reported; during eccentric exercise, a significant decrease in the level of the analyzed indicators was observed. Level running did not cause significant changes in the indicators of acid-base balance. The indicators of acid-base balance changed significantly in the case of concentric muscle work (in comparison to level running) and after the eccentric work, significant and beneficial changes were observed in most of the biochemical indicators. The downhill run can be used for a partial regeneration of the body during exercise, because during this kind of effort an improvement of running economy was observed, and this type of effort did not impair the acid-base balance of body.

Effects of kinesio taping on anaerobic power recovery after eccentric exercise

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of kinesio taping (KT) in anaerobic power recovery after eccentric exercise. The study was carried out on 10 healthy men. The participants performed two 60-min downhill runs with a constant intensity. Peak anaerobic power (PP) and mean power (MP) were measured before and five times after eccentric exercise. Anaerobic power was evaluated with the Maximal Cycling Sprint Test. After the downhill run, passive recovery (PR) and KT (lymphatic application) were applied in random order. A significant decrease in PP and MP was observed at least for 24 h after PR, compared to baseline. After the KT application 24 h after eccentric exercises, anaerobic power was already similar to the baseline measurement. The application of KT significantly improved anaerobic power recovery time after eccentric exercise compared to the period of passive rest immediately prior to testing.

Changes in Non-Enzymatic Antioxidants in the Blood Following Anaerobic Exercise in Men and Women

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare changes in total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidative capacity (TAC) and the concentration of VitA, VitE, VitC, uric acid (UA), reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in blood within 24 hours following anaerobic exercise (AnEx) among men and women. Methods 10 women and 10 men performed a 20-second bicycle sprint (AnEx). Concentrations of oxidative stress indicators were measured before AnEx and 3, 15 and 30 minutes and 1 hour afterwards. UA, GSH and GSSH were also measured 24 hours after AnEx. Lactate and H+ concentrations were measured before and 3 minutes after AnEx. Results The increase in lactate and H+ concentrations following AnEx was similar in both sexes. Changes in the concentrations of all oxidative stress indicators were significant and did not differ between men and women. In both sexes, TOS, TAC, TOS/TAC and VitA and VitE concentrations were the highest 3 minutes, VitC concentration was the highest 30 minutes, and UA concentration was the highest 1 hour after AnEx. GSH concentration was significantly lower than the initial concentration from 15 minutes to 24 hour after AnEx. GSSG concentration was significantly higher, while the GSH/GSSG ratio was significantly lower than the initial values 1 hour and 24 hour after AnEx. Conclusions With similar changes in lactate and H+ concentrations, AnEx induces the same changes in TAC, TOS, TOS/TAC and non-enzymatic antioxidants of low molecular weight in men and women. Oxidative stress lasted at least 24 hours after AnEx.

Effect of body composition on respiratory compensation point during an incremental test.

Abstract Maciejczyk, M, Wiecek, M, Szymura, J, Cempla, J, Wiecha, S, Szygula, Z, and Brown, LE. Effect of body composition on respiratory compensation point during an incremental test. J Strength Cond Res 28(7): 2071–2077, 2014—Body mass (BM) and composition are considered to be significant determinants of aerobic endurance. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of BM and its composition makeup on endurance performance. Thirty-nine men were divided into 3 groups of significantly different BM and mass composition: a control group, a group with high body fat (HBF), and a group with high lean body mass (HLBM). Participants in the HBF and HLBM groups had similar BM, which was significantly greater than observed in the control group. All participants performed an incremental treadmill test to volitional failure. Endurance performance was assessed on the basis of respiratory compensation point (RCP). The HBF and HLBM groups exceeded RCP at a much lower work intensity, expressed as %HRmax and %V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, compared with the control group. When considered relative to BM and lean body mass, oxygen consumption values at RCP were significantly less in the HBF and HLBM groups compared with the control group. Increased BM, regardless of its composition, substantially reduced aerobic endurance performance. Therefore, athletes and coaches should pay attention to not only the percentage of body fat but also to the amount of lean body mass because any gain may adversely affect aerobic endurance performance.

Respiratory compensation point during incremental test in overweight and normoweight boys: is it useful in assessing aerobic performance? A longitudinal study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the respiratory compensation point (RCP) in overweight and normoweight boys and to clarify changes in the RCP over 4 years. This study was conducted with 11 overweight boys and 14 boys with normal weight. The boys performed the graded test every 2 years (three series) beginning at the age of 9–10 years and finishing at the age of 13–14 years. During the test, the RCP was detected. In every series, the RCP occurred earlier in the overweight boys than in the normoweight boys and at a significantly (P<0·05) lower rate relative to body mass power output (P kg−1). Relative oxygen uptake (VO2 kg−1) at the RCP in all studies was also significantly (P<0·05) lower in the group of overweight boys. The maximum level of analysed indicators (VO2max; Pmax) differentiated both groups in similar ways as their level noted at RCP. This study showed significant (P<0·05) correlation between the values VO2max kg−1 and VO2 kg−1 at RCP in each series of the test and between Pmax kg−1 and P kg−1 at RCP. The respiratory compensation point seems to be a good method for evaluating aerobic performance in children (also overweight). During puberty, a decreasing tendency in aerobic performance was observed in both groups.

Effect of maximal-intensity exercise on systemic nitro-oxidative stress in men and women.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to test the hypotheses: (1) there is a negative correlation between protein and lipid oxidative damage following maximal-intensity exercise, and oxygen uptake and work intensity (%VO2max) at the respiratory compensation point (RCP) in women and men; (2) nitro-oxidative stress following maximal-intensity exercise results from the intensification of anaerobic processes and muscle fibre micro-damage. Methods: Study participants comprised 20 women (21.34±1.57 years) and 20 men (21.97±1.41 years) who performed a treadmill incremental test (IT); VO2max: 45.08 ± 0.91 and 57.38 ± 1.22 mL kg−1 min−1 for women and men, respectively. The oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) concentration and creatine kinase (CK) as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were measured in the blood serum, and total antioxidative capacity (TAC) and lactate concentration (Lac) were determined in blood plasma before and after IT. Results: After the IT, increases in ox-LDL, 3-NT, CK, and LDH were seen in both groups (P < 0.05). After the IT, an increase in the TAC was only observed in women (P < 0.05). The post-exercise-induced increase in Lac was significantly higher in men than in women. Only in the group of women was a positive correlation (P < 0.05) between the post-exercise increase in TAC and changes in CK activity and LDH found. Conclusions: The gain of ox-LDL and 3-NT following maximal-intensity exercise is independent of VO2max, oxygen consumption and exercise intensity at RCP. This increase of ox-LDL and 3-NT is indicative of similar lipid and protein damage in women and men. A significant increase in TAC in women following maximal-intensity exercise is the result of muscle fibre micro-injuries.

Impact of single anaerobic exercise on delayed activation of endothelial xanthine oxidase in men and women.

ABSTRACT Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity of xanthine oxidase (XO) in the blood of men and women during the first hour following a single anaerobic exercise (AN-EX), and after 24 hours of recovery, and to determine whether the changes in XO activity in the blood after AN-EX are dependent on anaerobic performance. Methods: Ten men and ten women performed a single AN-EX. Blood was collected before and five times after completion of the AN-EX. The activity of XO was determined. Results: In both groups, a significant (P < 0.05) increase in blood XO activity was found only 24 hours after the AN-EX. The increased activity of XO in men was significantly lower than in women (P < 0.05). Negative correlations were found between the increase in XO activity in the blood plasma 24 hours after the AN-EX and anaerobic power, the total work performed during the AN-EX and the power decrease. Discussion: In the first hour after the single AN-EX, XO activity in the blood of women and men did not change, but after 24 hours of recovery, it was significantly higher compared to baseline levels in both sexes. Single AN-EX causes a smaller increase in XO activity in people with higher anaerobic performance.

Sex differences in oxidative stress after eccentric and concentric exercise

ABSTRACT Objectives: Comparison of redox balance changes in the blood of women and men as a result of submaximal eccentric (ECC) and concentric (CONC) efforts. Methods: 10 women and 10 men performed three 45-minute submaximal treadmill runs at constant velocities (downhill run – ECC, uphill run – CONC and level run). Prior to the 45-minute exercises, after their completion and following 24 hours of recovery, the concentration of lactate, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), 3-nitrotyrosine, uric acid (UA) and the white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil (NEUT), lymphocyte (LYMPH) and monocyte content in the blood were determined. Results: In women, the ox-LDL increased significantly 10 minutes and 24 hours following ECC (P < 0.05). 10 minutes after ECC, in women, there was an increase in WBC, NEUT and LYMPH (P < 0.05). In the men, WBC and NEUT increased significantly 24 hours after CONC and ECC (P < 0.05). UA in each determination was higher in the men than the women (P < 0.05). Discussion: ECC cause impaired redox balance only in women. Due to the increase in antioxidant capacity of the blood without accompanying oxidative damage to macromolecules, for both sexes, it is recommended to perform concentric running efforts at the highest possible subliminal intensity.