Michael F. Zupan

Wingate Anaerobic Test Peak Power and Anaerobic Capacity Classifications for Men and Women Intercollegiate Athletes

Zupan, MF, Arata, AW, Dawson, LH, Wile, AL, Payn, TL, and Hannon, ME. Wingate Anaerobic Test peak power and anaerobic capacity classifications for men and women intercollegiate athletes. J Strength Cond Res 23(9): 2598-2604, 2009-The Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) has been established as an effective tool in measuring both muscular power and anaerobic capacity in a 30-second time period; however, there are no published normative tables by which to compare WAnT performance in men and women intercollegiate athletics. The purpose of this study was to develop a classification system for anaerobic peak power and anaerobic capacity for men and women National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college athletes using the WAnT. A total of 1,585 (1,374 men and 211 women) tests were conducted on athletes ranging from the ages of 18 to 25 years using the WAnT. Absolute and relative peak power and anaerobic capacity data were recorded. One-half standard deviations were used to set up a 7-tier classification system (poor to elite) for these assessments. These classifications can be used by athletes, coaches, and practitioners to evaluate anaerobic peak power and anaerobic capacity in their athletes.

Voluntary pacing and energy cost of off-road cycling and running.

PURPOSE The purposes of this study were (1) to compare self-chosen speed of off-road cyclists and runners on a hilly course, (2) to compare the energy expenditure of off-road cyclists and runners on the same terrain, and (3) to describe changes in energy expenditure over the course of the exercise period. METHODS Runners and cyclists performed three laps on a 2.75 km gravel course in a single exercise bout. The course was divided into 13 segments differing in grade and length. Position on the course and heart rate were recorded every few seconds. Speed was computed for each course segment on each lap; energy expenditure was estimated using recorded heart rates and exercise-specific maximal oxygen uptake measurements made prior to participation in the study. RESULTS There were significant relationships between grade and speed for both runners (r = 0.64) and cyclists (r = 0.44). The differences between cyclists and runners were greatest on downhill segments. Energy expenditure rates were not significantly different for runners (71.6% VO2 peak) and cyclists (68.5% VO2 peak). CONCLUSIONS Off-road cycling and running are comparable in energy demands. Variation in skill levels may account for the increased variability in speed among cyclists on downhill terrain.

Hematological and Physiological Adaptations Following 46 Weeks of Moderate Altitude Residence

Although acclimatization to moderate altitude (MA) is thought to be unnecessary or to require minimal adaptation, retrospective data from the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), a military college located at 2210 m, suggested otherwise. To further examine the utility of USAFA as a model for MA acclimatization, a longitudinal experimental design was prospectively utilized to determine the magnitude and time course of selected hematological and performance parameters following 46 weeks at this unique MA setting. Incoming USAFA male freshmen (n=55) were divided into experimental groups based on prior residence at sea level (SL) or MA. Hematological and performance parameters were repeatedly assessed during their entire first year at MA. Hematological data consisted of a complete blood count (CBC) with reticulocyte parameters, as well as determination of serum levels of ferritin, erythropoietin, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR). Performance testing included aerobic (1.5-mile run) and physical (push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and standing long jump) fitness tests, maximal aerobic capacity, and running economy. Significant (p<0.05; main effect) hematological differences between SL and MA subjects were observed for the majority of the study. MA subjects had a significantly higher hemoglobin concentration ([Hb], +5.5%), hematocrit (+2.8%), and serum ferritin (+59.0%) and significantly lower sTfR (-11.4%) values than their SL peers. Although both serum ferritin and sTfR demonstrated a significant altitude group x time interaction, [Hb] and hematocrit did not. A significant main effect of altitude without interaction was also observed for performance parameters, with SL subjects having a significantly lower Vo2peak (-5.9%), slower 1.5- mile run time (+5.4%), poorer running economy (+6.6%), and lower composite physical fitness test score (-13.9%) than MA subjects. These results suggest that complete acclimatization to 2210 m by former SL residents may require lengthy physiological adaptations, as both hematological and physical performance differences persisted between groups. Further research at this uniquely well controlled MA setting is warranted.

The Effect of Nonleading Foot Placement on Power and Velocity in the Fencing Lunge

Abstract Gresham-Fiegel, CN, House, PD, and Zupan, MF. The effect of nonleading foot placement on power and velocity in the fencing lunge. J Strength Cond Res 27(1): 57–63, 2013—The fencing lunge is a sport-specific movement, which helps the fencer score quickly and accurately. The fencing lunge is executed from a stable guard position, with the toes of the leading foot pointing directly toward the opponent. As a result of coach or fencer preference, however, the angle of the nonleading foot may vary greatly among fencers, from acute (nonleading foot facing forward) to obtuse (nonleading foot facing slightly backward). Studies in other sports suggest that foot placement may affect the efficient use of leg muscles and influence the power produced. Twenty-five experienced fencers from the U.S. Air Force Academy fencing team executed lunges from 3 specific angles of nonleading foot placement and from the natural stance. Foot placements were measured as the angle of the nonleading foot from the line of the leading foot and were delimited to an acute angle (45°), a perpendicular angle (90°), and an obtuse angle (135°). The angle of natural stance was also determined for each participant. Velocity and power were measured with a TENDO Weightlifting Analyzer, and the data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance. Two statistical groups were considered, one containing all participants (N = 25) and a second group of participants with a natural forward-deviated stance (n = 15). Significant differences appeared between the nonleading foot placements in peak power (p < 0.001), average power (p < 0.001), peak velocity (p < 0.001), and average velocity (p < 0.001) in both groups. Pairwise t-test results indicated that, for both statistical groups, a perpendicular placement of the feet produced the greatest power and velocity during lunging.

Influence of carbon monoxide leaks on the measurement error of total haemoglobin mass.

Abstract Total haemoglobin mass (Hbmass) can be assessed with low measurement error using carbon monoxide (CO) rebreathing. However, variability in measurement error of Hbmass has been reported across laboratories and it has previously been suggested that CO leaks contribute to this variability. As a result of employing a standardized leak monitoring procedure using two CO detectors, we were able to retrospectively examine the impact of CO leaks on Hbmass values from past test-retest studies in our laboratory using the optimized CO rebreathing method. Test-retest data were collected to determine measurement error, with subjects tested twice within 5 days. Test-retest data were placed into separate categories based on magnitude and duration of CO leak observed during one of the two tests. The No Leak category contained test-retest data in which no leak occurred during either test. The Minor Leak category contained test-retest data in which one of the tests had a CO leak of magnitude less than 30 ppm and less than 5 seconds duration, whereas the Major Leak category included test-retest data in which a leak greater than this magnitude or duration occurred. Measurement error was lowest in the No Leak category (1.9%; 95%CI: 1.6–2.3%; n = 56), approximately doubled in the Minor Leaks category (3.6%; 95%CI: 2.6–6.1%; n = 13), and dramatically increased in the Major Leaks category (9.3%; 95%CI: 6.3–17.6%; n = 10). We recommend careful monitoring of potential CO leaks using multiple detectors. To minimize measurement error, tests in which any CO leak is detected should be excluded.

Is performance of intermittent intense exercise enhanced by use of a commercial palm cooling device

Walker, TB, Zupan, MF, McGregor, JN, Cantwell, AR, and Norris, TD. Performance of intermittent intense exercise enhanced by use of a commercial palm cooling device? J Strength Cond Res 23(9): 2666-2672, 2009-The purpose of this study was to determine if using the CoreControl Rapid Thermal Exchange (RTX), a commercial palm cooling device, during active rest periods of multiple set training is an effective means to increase performance. Ten volunteers (5 men, 5 women) completed a &OV0312;o2max test on a motorized treadmill and 3 interval running tests on a human powered treadmill. This treadmill allowed the subjects to quickly reach their running speed while allowing for measurement of distance, speed, and force. During the interval running tests the subjects completed eight 30-second intervals at a hard/fast pace followed by a 90-second walking or light jogging recovery period. During the recovery period, the subjects placed their left hand on 1 of 3 media: the RTX held at 15°C (R), a 15°C standard refrigerant gel pack (P), or nothing at all (C). Although there were differences in core temperature (Tc), subjective heat stress ratings, distance, and power generated between intervals, there were no significant differences (p < 0.05) found between treatments for any of these variables, nor was the interaction effect of interval*treatment found to be significant. Mean distance completed per trial was 717.1 m ± 124.4 m (R), 724.8 m ± 130.3 m (P), and 728.6 m ± 110.6 m (C). Change in Tc from baseline to end-test averaged 1.41°C ± 0.37°C (R), 1.41°C ± 0.39°C (P), and 1.41°C ± 0.59°C (C). There were no significant differences (p < 0.05) in Tc, heart rate (HR), or &OV0312;o2 between intervals or treatments. We conclude that the RTX, in its current iteration, is ineffective at improving performance and/or mitigating thermal stress during high-intensity intermittent exercise.

Physiological Effects of Wearing Athletic Mouth Pieces While Performing Various Exercises

The purpose of this study is to evaluate physiological responses associated with exercise using two different mouthpieces compared with not using a mouthpiece. Improved performance while using the PX3 Bite Regulator (PX3) may significantly reduce the risk of concussions by allowing an athlete to better prepare, react, absorb, and/or avoid impact completely compared with the restricted breathing or mandibular instability that occurs when using mouthguards. Twenty-three subjects completed a battery of five physiological tests; the 1.5-mile run, sit and reach, anaerobic endurance, leg press, and bench press. Each test battery was completed under three conditions: wearing a PX3, wearing a mouthguard, or no mouthpiece respectfully. The PX3 resulted in significantly faster 1.5-mile run times (667.4 ± 9.4 vs. 684.9 ± 9.2 vs. 679 ± 7.9 s, p ≤ 0.05) and significantly longer anaerobic endurance runs (311 ± 23 vs. 283 ± 18 vs. 286 ± 18yds, p ≤ 0.05) compared with the mouthguard and no mouthpiece. The leg press lifts (51.8 ± 4.1 vs. 46.0 ± 4.3, p ≤ 0.05) while wearing the PX3 were significantly greater than when wearing a mouthguard. There were improvements, but no significant differences for sit and reach (16.8 ± 0.8 vs. 15.9 ± 0.8 vs. 16.4 ± 0.8 in., p = 0.73) and bench press (17.7 ± 1.8 vs. 17.2 ± 1.6 vs. 17.2 ± 1.7 lifts, p = 0.94). The increased performance with the PX3 could be a result of better jaw alignment and/or decreased resistance to airflow.