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1.
The Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Physical Capacity among Active College-Aged Males.
Kujach, S, Lyzwinski, D, Chroboczek, M, Bialowas, D, Antosiewicz, J, Laskowski, R
Nutrients. 2020;(7)
Abstract
Vitamin D3 supplementation can affect strength and power; however, the effect on both aerobic and anaerobic performance remains unclear. Here, we investigate the effects of eight weeks of a high dose of vitamin D3 supplementation and its impact on circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D3) concentrations and selected indicators of physical capacity. Subjects (n = 28, age 21.1 ± 1.6) were divided into two groups: supplemented (SUP), which was given 6000 IU of vitamin D3 daily for eight weeks; and placebo group (PLA). Serum 25-OH-D3 concentrations were determined in pre- and post-intervention. Aerobic (VO2max test) and anaerobic (Wingate Anaerobic Test) capacity were determined before and after the supplementation. The mean baseline concentration of 25-OH-D3 was recognized as deficient (20 ng/mL) and significantly increased over time in the supplemented group (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.86), whilst it remained unchanged in the placebo group. Moreover, the supplementation caused a significant improvement in maximal aerobic (p < 0.05, η2 = 0.27) and anaerobic power (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.51) whereas no changes were observed in PLA group. The VO2max differences were also significant in the supplemented group (p < 0.05). In summary, the changes in aerobic and anaerobic capacity observed in this study were associated with a serum concentration of 25-OH-D3. Our data imply that vitamin D3 supplementation with a dose of 6000 IU daily for eight weeks is sufficient to improve physical capacity and vitamin D3 status.
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2.
Effects of hydrogen rich water on prolonged intermittent exercise.
Da Ponte, A, Giovanelli, N, Nigris, D, Lazzer, S
The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness. 2018;(5):612-621
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies showed a positive effect of hydrogen rich water (HRW) intake on acid-base homeostasis at rest. We investigated 2-weeks of HRW intake on repeated sprint performance and acid-base status during prolonged intermittent cycling exercise. METHODS In a cross over single-blind protocol, 8 trained male cyclists (age [mean±SD] 41±7 years, body mass 72.3±4.4 kg, height 1.77±0.04 m, maximal oxygen uptake [V̇O2max] 52.6±4.4 mL·kg-1·min-1) were provided daily with 2 liters of placebo normal water (PLA, pH 7.6, oxidation/reduction potential [ORP] +230 mV, free hydrogen content 0 ppb) or HRW (pH 9.8, ORP -180 mV, free Hydrogen 450 ppb). Tests were performed at baseline and after each period of 2 weeks of treatment. The treatments were counter-balanced and the sequence randomized. The 30-minute intermittent cycling trial consisted in 10 3-minute blocks, each one composed by 90 seconds at 40% V̇O2max, 60 seconds at 60% V̇O2max, 16 seconds all out sprint, and 14 seconds active recovery. Oxygen uptake (V̇O2), heart rate and power output were measured during the whole test, while mean and peak power output (PPO), time to peak power and Fatigue Index (FI) were determined during all the 16 seconds sprints. Lactate, pH and bicarbonate (HCO3-) concentrations were determined at rest and after each sprint on blood obtained by an antecubital vein indwelling catheter. RESULTS In the PLA group, PPO in absolute values decreased significantly at the 8th and 9th of 10 sprints and in relative values, ΔPPO, decreased significantly at 6th, 8th and 9th of 10 sprints (by mean: -12±5%, P<0.006), while it remained unchanged in HRW group. Mean power, FI, time to peak power and total work showed no differences between groups. In both conditions lactate levels increased while pH and HCO3- decreased progressively as a function of the number of sprints. CONCLUSIONS Two weeks of HRW intake may help to maintain PPO in repetitive sprints to exhaustion over 30 minutes.
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3.
Robuvit® and endurance in triathlon: improvements in training performance, recovery and oxidative stress.
Vinciguerra, MG, Belcaro, G, Cacchio, M
Minerva cardioangiologica. 2015;(5):403-9
Abstract
AIM: The aim of this registry study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with Robuvit® (Quercus robur wood extract, or "QR") on performance and endurance in triathlon by evaluating amateur athletes in a period of 2 weeks of training. Supplementation with QR may improve training efficiency (by decreasing post-triathlon, muscular pain, cramps and by improving recovery time). Robuvit® should decrease post-training plasma free radicals (PFR). METHODS Sixty-one subjects (age range 30-40) were included in the study. Subjects followed a free diet. An isotonic saline drink was suggested to all subjects. RESULTS After 2 weeks there were 27 subjects using the supplement and 27 without supplementation. The groups were comparable. All subjects improved in training considering the 3 events (swim, biking, run). The improvement was greater with Robuvit® (P<0.05) for the swim and biking (P<0.05); the running time decreased by 12.32% in subjects using Robuvit® (3.6% in controls; P<0.05). The improvement the total triathlon time was -10.56% with Robuvit® in comparison to -3.41% in controls. SAFETY no side effects or tolerance problems were reported; all QR capsules were used as indicated. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the -10.56% shorter total trioathlon time was considered as very good improvement, considering that for this type of athletes being almost at the top of their form it is difficult to improve even further without severe training. Training was considered better (on an analogue scale) in the QR group (P<0.05). Postrun muscular pain, cramps, localized pain, straining and the recovery time, were all considered better with QR (P<0.05). Plasma free radical (PFR) values 1 hour after the final run were, on average,16.98% higher in controls (P<0.05), indicating a higher level of oxidative stress. Higher levels of PFR are associated with a slower recovery. All routine blood tests were normal at inclusion and after the final triathlon. After the final test run triathlon athletes using QR had a lower increase of UBR and LDH (indicator of hemolysis). These two tests were significantly increased in controls (P<0.05) but not in the Robuvit® group. Robuvit® supplementation improved training, results and decreased hemolysis.
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4.
10-20-30 training increases performance and lowers blood pressure and VEGF in runners.
Gliemann, L, Gunnarsson, TP, Hellsten, Y, Bangsbo, J
Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports. 2015;(5):e479-89
Abstract
The present study examined the effect of training by the 10-20-30 concept on performance, blood pressure (BP), and skeletal muscle angiogenesis as well as the feasibility of completing high-intensity interval training in local running communities. One hundred sixty recreational runners were divided into either a control group (CON; n = 28), or a 10-20-30 training group (10-20-30; n = 132) replacing two of three weekly training sessions with 10-20-30 training for 8 weeks and performance of a 5-km run (5-K) and BP was measured. VO2max was measured and resting muscle biopsies were taken in a subgroup of runners (n = 18). 10-20-30 improved 5-K time (38 s) and lowered systolic BP (2 ± 1 mmHg). For hypertensive subjects in 10-20-30 (n = 30), systolic and diastolic BP was lowered by 5 ± 4 and 3 ± 2 mmHg, respectively, which was a greater reduction than in the non-hypertensive subjects (n = 102). 10-20-30 increased VO2max but did not influence muscle fiber area, distribution or capillarization, whereas the expression of the pro-angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was lowered by 22%. No changes were observed in CON. These results suggest that 10-20-30 training is an effective and easily implemented training intervention improving endurance performance, VO2max and lowering BP in recreational runners, but does not affect muscle morphology and reduces muscle VEGF.
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5.
Planned Overreaching and Subsequent Short-term Detraining Enhance Cycle Sprint Performance.
Hasegawa, Y, Ijichi, T, Kurosawa, Y, Hamaoka, T, Goto, K
International journal of sports medicine. 2015;(8):666-71
Abstract
We investigated the effect of a training program consisting of planned overreaching and subsequent short-term detraining on sprint performance. 24 physically active men participated in an 18-day sprint-training program. They were divided into 2 groups: the overreaching-detraining (OR-DT) and the control (CON) groups. Subjects in the OR-DT group performed 12 consecutive days of maximal cycle sprint training followed by 6 days of detraining, whereas a rest day was provided after every 2 successive training days for the CON group. Peak power output during maximal pedaling increased significantly after 6 days of detraining in the OR-DT group compared with the baseline (P<0.05), whereas no change was observed in CON group. Intramuscular phosphocreatine concentration increased significantly after 12 days of daily training in the OR-DT group (69.3±45.8% increase vs. baseline, P<0.05), and it was maintained after the detraining period (46.6±33.6% increase vs. baseline, P<0.05). However, no change was observed in CON group. No significant changes in blood variables were observed after the training period except significant reduction of serum cortisol in the CON group. Daily sprint training and subsequent short-term detraining enhanced peak power output after the detraining period.
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6.
Altitude Training in Elite Swimmers for Sea Level Performance (Altitude Project).
Rodríguez, FA, Iglesias, X, Feriche, B, Calderón-Soto, C, Chaverri, D, Wachsmuth, NB, Schmidt, W, Levine, BD
Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2015;(9):1965-78
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This controlled, nonrandomized, parallel-groups trial investigated the effects on performance, V˙O2 and hemoglobin mass (tHbmass) of four preparatory in-season training interventions: living and training at moderate altitude for 3 and 4 wk (Hi-Hi3, Hi-Hi), living high and training high and low (Hi-HiLo, 4 wk), and living and training at sea level (SL) (Lo-Lo, 4 wk). METHODS From 61 elite swimmers, 54 met all inclusion criteria and completed time trials over 50- and 400-m crawl (TT50, TT400), and 100 (sprinters) or 200 m (nonsprinters) at best stroke (TT100/TT200). Maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) and HR were measured with an incremental 4 × 200 m test. Training load was estimated using cumulative training impulse method and session RPE. Initial measures (PRE) were repeated immediately (POST) and once weekly on return to SL (PostW1 to PostW4). tHbmass was measured in duplicate at PRE and once weekly during the camp with CO rebreathing. Effects were analyzed using mixed linear modeling. RESULTS TT100 or TT200 was worse or unchanged immediately at POST, but improved by approximately 3.5% regardless of living or training at SL or altitude after at least 1 wk of SL recovery. Hi-HiLo achieved greater improvement 2 (5.3%) and 4 wk (6.3%) after the camp. Hi-HiLo also improved more in TT400 and TT50 2 (4.2% and 5.2%, respectively) and 4 wk (4.7% and 5.5%) from return. This performance improvement was not linked linearly to changes in V˙O2max or tHbmass. CONCLUSIONS A well-implemented 3- or 4-wk training camp may impair performance immediately but clearly improves performance even in elite swimmers after a period of SL recovery. Hi-HiLo for 4 wk improves performance in swimming above and beyond altitude and SL controls through complex mechanisms involving altitude living and SL training effects.
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7.
Effect of sodium bicarbonate and Beta-alanine on repeated sprints during intermittent exercise performed in hypoxia.
Saunders, B, Sale, C, Harris, RC, Sunderland, C
International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism. 2014;(2):196-205
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the separate and combined effects of sodium bicarbonate and beta-alanine supplementation on repeated sprints during simulated match play performed in hypoxia. METHODS Study A: 20 recreationally active participants performed two trials following acute supplementation with either sodium bicarbonate (0.3 g·kg-1BM) or placebo (maltodextrin). Study B: 16 recreationally active participants were supplemented with either a placebo or beta-alanine for 5 weeks (6.4 g·day-1 for 4 weeks, 3.2 g·day-1 for 1 week), and performed one trial before supplementation (with maltodextrin) and two following supplementation (with sodium bicarbonate and maltodextrin). Trials consisted of 3 sets of 5 × 6 s repeated sprints performed during a football specific intermittent treadmill protocol performed in hypoxia (15.5% O2). Mean (MPO) and peak (PPO) power output were recorded as the performance measures. RESULTS Study A: Overall MPO was lower with sodium bicarbonate than placebo (p = .02, 539.4 ± 84.5 vs. 554.0 ± 84.6 W), although there was no effect across sets (all p > .05). Study B: There was no effect of beta-alanine, or cosupplementation with sodium bicarbonate, on either parameter, although there was a trend toward higher MPO with sodium bicarbonate (p = .07). CONCLUSIONS The effect of sodium bicarbonate on repeated sprints was equivocal, although there was no effect of beta-alanine or cosupplementation with sodium bicarbonate. Individual variation may have contributed to differences in results with sodium bicarbonate, although the lack of an effect with beta-alanine suggests this type of exercise may not be influenced by increased buffering capacity.
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8.
Pre-exercise ingestion of pickle juice, hypertonic saline, or water and aerobic performance and thermoregulation.
Peikert, J, Miller, KC, Albrecht, J, Tucker, J, Deal, J
Journal of athletic training. 2014;(2):204-9
Abstract
CONTEXT Ingesting high-sodium drinks pre-exercise can improve thermoregulation and performance. Athletic trainers (19%) give athletes pickle juice (PJ) prophylactically for cramping. No data exist on whether this practice affects aerobic performance or thermoregulation. OBJECTIVE To determine if drinking 2 mL/kg body mass of PJ, hypertonic saline, or deionized water (DIW) pre-exercise affects aerobic performance or thermoregulation. DESIGN Crossover study. SETTING Controlled laboratory study. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Nine euhydrated men (age = 22 ± 3 years, height = 184.0 ± 8.2 cm, mass = 82.6 ± 16.0 kg) completed testing. INTERVENTION(S): Participants rested for 65 minutes. During this period, they ingested 2 mL/kg of PJ, hypertonic saline, or DIW. Next, they drank 5 mL/kg of DIW. Blood was collected before and after ingestion of all fluids. Participants were weighed and ran in the heat (temperature = 38.3°C ± 1°C, relative humidity = 21.1% ± 4.7%) at increasing increments of maximal heart rate (50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%) until exhaustion or until rectal temperature exceeded 39.5°C. Participants were weighed postexercise so we could calculate sweat volume. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Time to exhaustion, rectal temperature, changes in plasma volume, and sweat volume. RESULTS Time to exhaustion did not differ among drinks (PJ = 77.4 ± 5.9 minutes, hypertonic saline = 77.4 ± 4.0 minutes, DIW = 75.7 ± 3.2 minutes; F2,16 = 1.1, P = .40). Core temperature of participants was similar among drinks (PJ = 38.7°C ± 0.3°C, hypertonic saline = 38.7°C ± 0.4°C, DIW = 38.8°C ± 0.4°C; P = .74) but increased from pre-exercise (36.7°C ± 0.2°C) to postexercise (38.7°C ± 0.4°C) (P < .05). No differences were observed for changes in plasma volume or sweat volume among drinks (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS Ingesting small amounts of PJ or hypertonic saline with water did not affect performance or select thermoregulatory measures. Drinking larger volumes of PJ and water may be more effective at expanding the extracellular space.
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9.
Evaluation of the effects of supplementation with Pycnogenol® on fitness in normal subjects with the Army Physical Fitness Test and in performances of athletes in the 100-minute triathlon.
Vinciguerra, G, Belcaro, G, Bonanni, E, Cesarone, MR, Rotondi, V, Ledda, A, Hosoi, M, Dugall, M, Cacchio, M, Cornelli, U
The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness. 2013;(6):644-54
Abstract
AIM: The aim of this registry study was to evaluate the effects of Pycnogenol® (French pine bark extract) on improving physical fitness (PF) in normal individuals using the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The study evaluated the efficacy of Pycnogenol, used as a supplement, in improving training, exercise, recovery and oxidative stress. METHODS The study was divided into 2 parts. In PART 1 (Pycnogenol 100 mg/day), the APFT was used to assess an improvement in PF during an 8-week preparation and training program. In PART 2 (Pycnogenol 150 mg/day), the study evaluated the effects of Pycnogenol supplementation in athletes in training for a triathlon. RESULTS PART 1. There was a significant improvement in both males and females in the 2-mile running time within both groups, but the group using Pycnogenol (74 subjects) performed statistically better than controls (73 subjects). The number of push-ups was improved, with Pycnogenol subjects performing better. Sit-ups also improved in the Pycnogenol group. Oxidative stress decreased with exercise in all subjects; in Pycnogenol subjects the results were significantly better. PART 2. In the Pycnogenol group 32 males (37.9; SD 4.4 years) were compliant with the training plan at 4 weeks. In controls there were 22 subjects (37.2;3.5) completing the training plans. The swimming, biking and running scores in both groups improved with training. The Pycnogenol group had more benefits in comparison with controls. The total triathlon time was 89 min 44 s in Pycnogenol subjects versus 96 min 5 s in controls. Controls improved their performing time on average 4.6 minutes in comparison with an improvement of 10.8 minutes in Pycnogenol subjects. A significant decrease in cramps and running and post-running pain was seen in the Pycnogenol group; there were no significant differences in controls. There was an important, significant post-triathlon decrease of PFR one hour after the end of the triathlon with an average of -26.7, whereas PFR in controls increased. In Pycnogenol subjects there was a lower increase on oxidative stress with a faster recovery to almost normal levels (<330 for these subjects). These variations in PFR values were interpreted as a faster metabolic recovery in subjects using Pycnogenol. CONCLUSION This study opens an interesting new application of the natural supplementation with Pycnogenol that, with proper hydration, good training and nutritional attention may improve training and performances both in normal subjects and in semi-professional athletes performing at high levels in difficult, high-stress sports such as the triathlon.
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10.
Effect of a carbohydrate mouth rinse on simulated cycling time-trial performance commenced in a fed or fasted state.
Lane, SC, Bird, SR, Burke, LM, Hawley, JA
Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee, nutrition et metabolisme. 2013;(2):134-9
Abstract
It is presently unclear whether the reported ergogenic effect of a carbohydrate (CHO) mouth rinse on cycling time-trial performance is affected by the acute nutritional status of an individual. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a CHO mouth rinse on a 60-min simulated cycling time-trial performance commenced in a fed or fasted state. Twelve competitive male cyclists each completed 4 experimental trials using a double-blinded Latin square design. Two trials were commenced 2 h after a meal that contained 2.5 g·kg(-1) body mass of CHO (FED) and 2 after an overnight fast (FST). Prior to and after every 12.5% of total time during a performance ride, either a 10% maltodextrin (CHO) or a taste-matched placebo (PLB) solution was mouth rinsed for 10 s then immediately expectorated. There were significant main effects for both pre-ride nutritional status (FED vs. FST; p < 0.01) and CHO mouth rinse (CHO vs. PLB; p < 0.01) on power output with an interaction evident between the interventions (p < 0.05). The CHO mouth rinse improved mean power to a greater extent after an overnight fast (282 vs. 273 W, 3.4%; p < 0.01) compared with a fed state (286 vs. 281 W, 1.8%; p < 0.05). We concluded that a CHO mouth rinse improved performance to a greater extent in a fasted compared with a fed state; however, optimal performance was achieved in a fed state with the addition of a CHO mouth rinse.