Effects of locomotor muscle fatigue on joint-specific power production during cycling

Plasma Acidosis and Peak Power after a Supramaximal Trial in Elite Sprint and Endurance Cyclists: Effect of Bicarbonate

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine whether (i) a plasma acidosis contributes to a reduction of mechanical performance and (ii) bicarbonate supplementation blunts plasma acidosis and arterial oxygen desaturation to resist fatigue during the end spurt of a supramaximal trial in elite sprint and endurance cyclists.

METHODS

Elite/world-class cyclists ( n = 6 sprint, n = 6 endurance) completed two randomized, double-blind, crossover trials at 105%V̇O 2peak simulating 3 min of a 4-km individual pursuit, 90 min after ingestion of 0.3 g·kg -1 BM sodium bicarbonate (BIC) or placebo (PLA). Peak power output (PPO), optimal cadence and optimal peak torque, and fatigue were assessed using a 6-s "all-out sprint" before (PPO1) and after (PPO2) each trial. Plasma pH, bicarbonate, lactate - , K + , Na + , Ca 2+ , and arterial hemoglobin saturation (SpO 2 (%)), were measured.

RESULTS

Sprint cyclists exhibited a higher PPO, optimal pedal torque, and anaerobic power reserve (APR) than endurance cyclists. The trial reduced PPO (PLA) more for sprint (to 47% initial) than endurance cyclists (to 61% initial). Optimal cadence fell from ~151 to 92 rpm and cyclists with higher APR exhibited a reduced optimal peak torque. Plasma pH fell from 7.35 to 7.13 and plasma [lactate - ] increased from 1.2 to 19.6 mM (PLA), yet neither correlated with PPO loss. Sprint cyclists displayed a lesser plasma acidosis but greater fatigue than endurance cyclists. BIC increased plasma [HCO 3- ] (+6.8 mM) and plasma pH after PPO1 (+0.09) and PPO2 (+0.07) yet failed to influence mechanical performance. SpO 2 fell from 99% to 96% but was unrelated to the plasma acidosis and unaltered with BIC.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma acidosis was not associated with the decline of PPO in a supramaximal trial with elite cyclists. BIC attenuated acid-base disturbances yet did not improve arterial oxygen desaturation or mechanical performance at the end-spurt stage.

Short-term aerobic conditioning prior to resistance training augments muscle hypertrophy and satellite cell content in healthy young men and women

Factors influencing inter-individual variability of responses to resistance training (RT) remain to be fully elucidated. We have proposed the importance of capillarization in skeletal muscle for the satellite cell (SC) response to RT-induced muscle hypertrophy, and hypothesized that aerobic conditioning (AC) would augment RT-induced adaptations. Fourteen healthy young (22 ± 2 years) men and women underwent AC via 6 weeks of unilateral cycling followed by 10 weeks of bilateral RT to investigate how AC alters SC content, activity, and muscle hypertrophy following RT. Muscle biopsies were taken at baseline (unilateral), post AC (bilateral), and post RT (bilateral) in the aerobically conditioned (AC + RT) and unconditioned (RT) legs. Immunofluorescence was used to determine muscle capillarization, fiber size, SC content, and activity. Type I and type II fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) increased following RT, and when legs were analyzed independently, AC + RT increased type I, type II, and mixed-fiber CSA, where the RT leg tended to increase type II (p = .05), but not type I or mixed-fiber CSA. SC content, activation, and differentiation increased with RT, where type I total and quiescent SC content was greater in AC + RT compared to the RT leg. Those with the greatest capillary-to-fiber perimeter exchange index before RT had the greatest change in CSA following RT and a significant relationship was observed between type II fiber capillarization and the change in type II-fiber CSA with RT (r = 0.35). This study demonstrates that AC prior to RT can augment RT-induced muscle adaptions and that these differences are associated with increases in capillarization.

Shorter constant work rate cycling tests as proxies for longer tests in highly trained cyclists

Severe-intensity constant work rate (CWR) cycling tests simulate the high-intensity competition environment and are useful for monitoring training progression and adaptation, yet impose significant physiological and psychological strain, require substantial recovery, and may disrupt athlete training or competition preparation. A brief, minimally fatiguing test providing comparable information is desirable. Purpose To determine whether physiological variables measured during, and functional decline in maximal power output immediately after, a 2-min CWR test can act as a proxy for 4-min test outcomes. Methods Physiological stress (V˙O2 kinetics, heart rate, blood lactate concentrations ([La^-]_b)) was monitored and performance fatigability was estimated (as pre-to-post-CWR changes in 10-s sprint power) during 2- and 4-min CWR tests in 16 high-level cyclists (V˙O2peak=64.4±6.0 ml∙kg^-1∙min^-1). The relationship between the 2- and 4-min CWR tests and the physiological variables that best relate to the performance fatigability were investigated. Results The 2-min CWR test evoked a smaller decline in sprint mechanical power (32% vs. 47%, p<0.001). Both the physiological variables (r = 0.66–0.96) and sprint mechanical power (r = 0.67–0.92) were independently and strongly correlated between 2- and 4-min tests. Differences in V˙O2peak and [La^-]_b in both CWR tests were strongly associated with the decline in sprint mechanical power. Conclusion Strong correlations between 2- and 4-min severe-intensity CWR test outcomes indicated that the shorter test can be used as a proxy for the longer test. A shorter test may be more practical within the elite performance environment due to lower physiological stress and performance fatigability and should have less impact on subsequent training and competition preparation.

Grey Relational Analysis of Lower Limb Muscle Fatigue and Pedalling Performance Decline of Elite Athletes during a 30-Second All-Out Sprint Cycling Exercise

The 30-second all-out sprint cycling exercise is a classical sport capacity evaluation method, which may cause severe lower limb muscle fatigue. However, the relationship between lower limb muscle fatigue and the decline in exercise performance during 30-second sprint cycling remains unclear. In this study, ten cyclists volunteered to participate in a 30-second all-out sprint cycling while power, cadence, and surface electromyographic (EMG) signals of eight lower limb muscles were recorded during the exercise. EMG mean frequency (MNF) of each lower limb muscle group was computed for every 3-second epoch based on wavelet packet transformation. Grey relational grades between pedalling performance and the EMG MNF of each lower limb muscle group during the whole process were calculated. The results demonstrated that EMG MNF of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus (VAS), gastrocnemius (GAS), and tibialis anterior (TA) progressively tired during a 30-second all-out sprint cycling exercise. Of the muscles evaluated, the degree of fatigue of TA showed the greatest association with exercise performance decline, whereas the muscle fatigue of RF, VAS, and GAS also significantly impacted exercise performance during a 30-second all-out sprint cycling exercise.

Noncircular Chainrings Do Not Influence Maximum Cycling Power

Noncircular chainrings could increase cycling power by prolonging the powerful leg extension/flexion phases, and curtailing the low-power transition phases. We compared maximal cycling power-pedaling rate relationships, and joint-specific kinematics and powers across 3 chainring eccentricities (CON = 1.0; LOW_ecc = 1.13; HIGH_ecc = 1.24). Part I: Thirteen cyclists performed maximal inertial-load cycling under 3 chainring conditions. Maximum cycling power and optimal pedaling rate were determined. Part II: Ten cyclists performed maximal isokinetic cycling (120 rpm) under the same 3 chainring conditions. Pedal and joint-specific powers were determined using pedal forces and limb kinematics. Neither maximal cycling power nor optimal pedaling rate differed across chainring conditions (all p > .05). Peak ankle angular velocity for HIGH_ecc was less than CON (p < .05), while knee and hip angular velocities were unaffected. Self-selected ankle joint-center trajectory was more eccentric than HIGH_ecc with an opposite orientation that increased velocity during extension/flexion and reduced velocity during transitions. Joint-specific powers did not differ across chainring conditions, with a small increase in power absorbed during ankle dorsiflexion with HIGH_ecc. Multiple degrees of freedom in the leg, crank, and pedal system allowed cyclists to manipulate ankle angular velocity to maintain their preferred knee and hip actions, suggesting maximizing extension/flexion and minimizing transition phases may be counterproductive for maximal power.

Knee extensor fatigue developed during high-intensity exercise limits lower-limb power production

We investigated the association between changes in vastii electromyography (EMG) and knee extensor fatigue during high-intensity cycling, and the subsequent effect on lower-limb power and intermuscular coordination during all-out cycling. On two separate days, participants completed 30-s all-out cycling or 10-min of high-intensity cycling followed by 30-s all-out cycling. EMG for gluteus maximus (GMAX), rectus femoris (RF), vastii (VAS), hamstrings (HAM) and gastrocnemius (GAS); co-activation for GMAX/RF, VAS/HAM and VAS/GAS; isometric maximal voluntary force (IMVF) and resting twitch (RT) of the knee extensors were measured. VAS EMG increases during high-intensity cycling (6% to 14%, P < 0.05) were negatively correlated (r = -0.791, P < 0.05) with knee extensor IMVF decreases (-2% to-36%, P < 0.05) following the exercise. Knee extensor IMVF decreases were positively correlated (r = 0.757, P < 0.05) with all-out cycling power reductions (0% to -27%, P < 0.05). VAS/GAS co-activation did not change (P > 0.05) during all-out cycling while VAS and GAS EMG decreased. Larger increase in VAS EMG during high-intensity cycling was associated with greater knee extensor fatigue and larger power reduction during all-out cycling. High VAS/GAS co-activation potentially limited power reduction induced by knee extensor fatigue during all-out cycling.

Motor adaptations to unilateral quadriceps fatigue during a bilateral pedaling task

This study was designed to investigate how motor coordination adapts to unilateral fatigue of the quadriceps during a constant-load bilateral pedaling task. We first hypothesized that this local fatigue would not be compensated within the fatigued muscles leading to a decreased knee extension power. Then, we aimed to determine whether this decrease would be compensated by between-joints compensations within the ipsilateral leg and/or an increased contribution of the contralateral leg. Fifteen healthy volunteers were tested during pedaling at 350 W before and after a fatigue protocol consisting of 15 minutes of electromyostimulation on the quadriceps muscle. Motor coordination was assessed from myoelectrical activity (22 muscles) and joint powers calculated through inverse dynamics. Maximal knee extension torque decreased by 28.3%±6.8% (P<.0005) immediately after electromyostimulation. A decreased knee extension power produced by the ipsilateral leg was observed during pedaling (-22.8±12.3 W, -17.0%±9.4%; P<.0005). To maintain the task goal, participants primarily increased the power produced by the non-fatigued contralateral leg during the flexion phase. This was achieved by an increase in hip flexion power confirmed by a higher activation of the tensor fascia latae. These results suggest no adjustment of neural drive to the fatigued muscles and demonstrate no concurrent ipsilateral compensation by the non-fatigued muscles involved in the extension pedaling phase. Although interindividual variability was observed, findings provide evidence that participants predominantly adapted by compensating with the contralateral leg during its flexion phase. Both neural (between legs) and mechanical (between pedals) couplings and the minimization of cost functions might explain these results.

The club-level road cyclist: injury, pain, and performance

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to (1) examine riding habits of injured cyclists, (2) identify factors related to seeking medical treatment, (3) investigate performance of recreational road cyclists compared with established norms regarding strength and flexibility measures, and (4) propose cycling-specific injury risk factors.

DESIGN

Observational and prospective study.

SETTING

Cycling store and bicycle distribution company.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-three experienced road cyclists.

ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS

Initial data collection included a questionnaire. A 2-week training diary and 8 weekly follow-up injury questionnaires were also collected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Training habits and injury history, bike fit, flexibility, and isometric, dynamic, and plyometric strength measures.

RESULTS

Participants were likely to have an injury at baseline, and chronic pain was common. Cyclists trained for an equal quantity of time irrespective of experiencing pain. Injury severity in terms of pain level and participant age were factors in seeking medical care. Our participants performed poorly on our testing protocol compared with available norms. Flexibility, strength, and bike fit measures did not predict injury. Previous injury predicted prospective injury. The knee and lumbar region were most frequently injured.

CONCLUSIONS

Cycling is a sport in which injury risk and prevention need to be further studied. Cyclists are frequently injured but continue to participate in cycling at volumes equal to their healthy peers.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study outlines a clinically reproducible cyclist assessment and discusses behaviors common to the cycling patient.

The role of sense of effort on self-selected cycling power output

PURPOSE

We explored the effects of the sense of effort and accompanying perceptions of peripheral discomfort on self-selected cycle power output under two different inspired O2 fractions.

METHODS

On separate days, eight trained males cycled for 5 min at a constant subjective effort (sense of effort of '3' on a modified Borg CR10 scale), immediately followed by five 4-s progressive submaximal (sense of effort of "4, 5, 6, 7, and 8"; 40 s between bouts) and two 4-s maximal (sense of effort of "10"; 3 min between bouts) bouts under normoxia (NM: fraction of inspired O2 [FiO2] 0.21) and hypoxia (HY: [FiO2] 0.13). Physiological (Heart Rate, arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and quadriceps Root Mean Square (RMS) electromyographical activity) and perceptual responses (overall peripheral discomfort, difficulty breathing and limb discomfort) were recorded.

RESULTS

Power output and normalized quadriceps RMS activity were not different between conditions during any exercise bout (p > 0.05) and remained unchanged across time during the constant-effort cycling. SpO2 was lower, while heart rate and ratings of perceived difficulty breathing were higher under HY, compared to NM, at all time points (p < 0.05). During the constant-effort cycling, heart rate, overall perceived discomfort, difficulty breathing and limb discomfort increased with time (all p < 0.05). All variables (except SpO2) increased along with sense of effort during the brief progressive cycling bouts (all p < 0.05). During the two maximal cycling bouts, ratings of overall peripheral discomfort displayed an interaction between time and condition with ratings higher in the second bout under HY vs. NM conditions.

CONCLUSION

During self-selected, constant-effort and brief progressive, sub-maximal, and maximal cycling bouts, mechanical work is regulated in parallel to the sense of effort, independently from peripheral sensations of discomfort.

Joint-specific power-pedaling rate relationships during maximal cycling

Previous authors have reported power-pedaling rate relationships for maximal cycling. However, the joint-specific power-pedaling rate relationships that contribute to pedal power have not been reported. We determined absolute and relative contributions of joint-specific powers to pedal power across a range of pedaling rates during maximal cycling. Ten cyclists performed maximal 3 s cycling trials at 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 rpm. Joint-specific powers were averaged over complete pedal cycles, and extension and flexion actions. Effects of pedaling rate on relative joint-specific power, velocity, and excursion were assessed with regression analyses and repeated-measures ANOVA. Relative ankle plantar flexion power (25 to 8%; P = .01; R(2) = .90) decreased with increasing pedaling rate, whereas relative hip extension power (41 to 59%; P < .01; R(2) = .92) and knee flexion power (34 to 49%; P < .01; R(2) = .94) increased with increasing pedaling rate. Knee extension powers did not differ across pedaling rates. Ankle joint angular excursion decreased with increasing pedaling rate (48 to 20 deg) whereas hip joint excursion increased (42 to 48 deg). These results demonstrate that the often-reported quadratic power-pedaling rate relationship arises from combined effects of dissimilar joint-specific power-pedaling rate relationships. These dissimilar relationships are likely influenced by musculoskeletal constraints (ie, muscle architecture, morphology) and/or motor control strategies.

Fatigue is specific to working muscles: no cross-over with single-leg cycling in trained cyclists

Fatigue induced via a maximal isometric contraction of a single limb muscle group can evoke a "cross-over" of fatigue that reduces voluntary muscle activation and maximum isometric force in the rested contralateral homologous muscle group. We asked whether a cross-over of fatigue also occurs when fatigue is induced via high-intensity endurance exercise involving a substantial muscle mass. Specifically, we used high-intensity single-leg cycling to induce fatigue and evaluated associated effects on maximum cycling power (P (max)) in the fatigued ipsilateral leg (FAT(leg)) as well as the rested contralateral leg (REST(leg)). On separate days, 12 trained cyclists performed right leg P (max) trials before and again 30 s, 3, 5, and 10 min after a cycling time trial (TT, 10 min) performed either with their right or left leg. Fatigue was estimated by comparing exercise-induced changes in P (max) and maximum handgrip isometric force (F (max)). Mean power produced during the right and left leg TTs did not differ (203 ± 8 vs. 199 ± 8 W). Compared to pre-TT, FAT(leg) P (max) was reduced by 22 ± 3 % at 30 s post-TT and remained reduced by 9 ± 2 % at 5 min post-TT (both P < 0.05). Despite considerable power loss in the FAT(leg), post-TT REST(leg) P (max) (596-603 W) did not differ from pre-TT values (596 ± 35 W). There were no alterations in handgrip F (max) (529-547 N). Our data suggest that any potential cross-over of fatigue, if present at all, was not sufficient to measurably compromise REST(leg) P (max) in trained cyclists. These results along with the lack of changes in handgrip F (max) indicate that impairments in maximal voluntary neuromuscular function were specific to working muscles.