Effects of respiratory muscle training versus placebo on endurance exercise performance

We evaluated the effects of a 5 week (25 sessions); (30-35 min/day, 5 days/week), respiratory muscle training (RMT) program in nine competitive male cyclists. The experimental design included inspiratory resistance strength training (3-5 min/session) and hyperpnea endurance training (30 min/session), a placebo group which used a sham hypoxic trainer (n=8), and three exercise performance tests, including a highly reproducible 8 km time trial test. RMT intensity, measured once a week in terms of accumulated inspiratory pressure and the level of sustainable hyperpnea increased significantly after 5 weeks (+64% and +19%, respectively). The RMT group showed a significant 8% increase in maximal inspiratory pressure (P<0.05) while the placebo group showed only a 3.7% increase (P>0.10). RMT and placebo groups both showed significant increases in the fixed work-rate endurance test performance time (+26% and +16%, respectively) and in the peak work-rate achieved during the incremental maximal oxygen consumption (V(O2)max) test (+9 and +6%). The 8 km time trial performance increased 1.8+/-1.2% (or 15+/-10 sec; P<0.01) in the RMT group with 8 of 9 subjects increasing; the placebo group showed a variable non-significant change in 5 of 8 subjects (-0.3+/-2.7%, P=0.07). The changes observed in these three performance tests were not, however, significantly different between the RMT and placebo groups. Heart rate, ventilation, or venous blood lactate, at equal work-rates during the incremental exercise test or at equal times during the fixed work-rate endurance test were not changed significantly across these exercise trials in either group. We propose that the effect of RMT on exercise performance in highly trained cyclists does not exceed that in a placebo group. Significant placebo and test familiarization effects must be accounted for in experimental designs utilizing performance tests which are critically dependent on volitional effort.

Effects of exhaustive endurance exercise on pulmonary gas exchange and airway function in women

Seventeen fit women ran to exhaustion (14 +/- 4 min) at a constant speed and grade, reaching 95 +/- 3% of maximal O(2) consumption. Pre- and postexercise lung function, including airway resistance [total respiratory resistance (Rrs)] across a range of oscillation frequencies, was measured, and, on a separate day, airway reactivity was assessed via methacholine challenge. Arterial O(2) saturation decreased from 97.6 +/- 0.5% at rest to 95.1 +/- 1.9% at 1 min and to 92.5 +/- 2.6% at exhaustion. Alveolar-arterial O(2) difference (A-aDO(2)) widened to 27 +/- 7 Torr after 1 min and was maintained at this level until exhaustion. Arterial PO(2) (Pa(O(2))) fell to 80 +/- 8 Torr at 1 min and then increased to 86 +/- 9 Torr at exhaustion. This increase in Pa(O(2)) over the exercise duration occurred due to a hyperventilation-induced increase in alveolar PO(2) in the presence of a constant A-aDO(2). Arterial O(2) saturation fell with time because of increasing temperature (+2.6 +/- 0.5 degrees C) and progressive metabolic acidosis (arterial pH: 7.39 +/- 0.04 at 1 min to 7.26 +/- 0.07 at exhaustion). Plasma histamine increased throughout exercise but was inversely correlated with the fall in Pa(O(2)) at end exercise. Neither pre- nor postexercise Rrs, frequency dependence of Rrs, nor diffusing capacity for CO correlated with the exercise A-aDO(2) or Pa(O(2)). Although several subjects had a positive or borderline hyperresponsiveness to methacholine, this reactivity did not correlate with exercise-induced changes in Rrs or exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia. In conclusion, regardless of the degree of exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia at the onset of high-intensity exercise, prolonging exercise to exhaustion had no further deleterious effects on A-aDO(2), and the degree of gas exchange impairment was not related to individual differences in small or large airway function or reactivity.

Fatiguing inspiratory muscle work causes reflex sympathetic activation in humans

We tested the hypothesis that reflexes arising from working respiratory muscle can elicit increases in sympathetic vasoconstrictor outflow to limb skeletal muscle, in seven healthy human subjects at rest. We measured muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) with intraneural electrodes in the peroneal nerve while the subject inspired (primarily with the diaphragm) against resistance, with mouth pressure (PM) equal to 60 % of maximal, a prolonged duty cycle (TI/TTot) of 0.70, breathing frequency (fb) of 15 breaths min-1 and tidal volume (VT) equivalent to twice eupnoea. This protocol was known to reduce diaphragm blood flow and cause fatigue. MSNA was unchanged during the first 1-2 min but then increased over time, to 77 +/- 51 % (s.d.) greater than control at exhaustion (mean time, 7 +/- 3 min). Mean arterial blood pressure (+12 mmHg) and heart rate (+27 beats min-1) also increased. When the VT, fb and TI/TTot of these trials were mimicked with no added resistance, neither MSNA nor arterial blood pressure increased. MSNA and arterial blood pressure also did not change in response to two types of increased central respiratory motor output that did not produce fatigue: (a) high inspiratory flow rate and fb without added resistance; or (b) high inspiratory effort against resistance with PM of 95 % maximal, TI/TTot of 0.35 and fb of 12 breaths min-1. The heart rate increased by 5-16 beats min-1 during these trials. Thus, in the absence of any effect of increased central respiratory motor output per se on limb MSNA, we attributed the time-dependent increase in MSNA during high resistance, prolonged duty cycle breathing to a reflex arising from a diaphragm that was accumulating metabolic end products in the face of high force output plus compromised blood flow.

Effects of respiratory muscle work on exercise performance

The normal respiratory muscle effort at maximal exercise requires a significant fraction of cardiac output and causes leg blood flow to fall. We questioned whether the high levels of respiratory muscle work experienced in heavy exercise would affect performance. Seven male cyclists [maximal O(2) consumption (VO(2)) 63 +/- 5 ml. kg(-1). min(-1)] each completed 11 randomized trials on a cycle ergometer at a workload requiring 90% maximal VO(2). Respiratory muscle work was either decreased (unloading), increased (loading), or unchanged (control). Time to exhaustion was increased with unloading in 76% of the trials by an average of 1.3 +/- 0.4 min or 14 +/- 5% and decreased with loading in 83% of the trials by an average of 1.0 +/- 0.6 min or 15 +/- 3% compared with control (P < 0.05). Respiratory muscle unloading during exercise reduced VO(2), caused hyperventilation, and reduced the rate of change in perceptions of respiratory and limb discomfort throughout the duration of exercise. These findings demonstrate that the work of breathing normally incurred during sustained, heavy-intensity exercise (90% VO(2)) has a significant influence on exercise performance. We speculate that this effect of the normal respiratory muscle load on performance in trained male cyclists is due to the associated reduction in leg blood flow, which enhances both the onset of leg fatigue and the intensity with which both leg and respiratory muscle efforts are perceived.

Lower calorie intake enhances muscle insulin action and reduces hexosamine levels

Previous studies have demonstrated enhanced insulin sensitivity in calorie-restricted [CR, fed 60% ad libitum (AL) one time daily] compared with AL-fed rats. To evaluate the effects of reduced food intake, independent of temporal differences in consumption, we studied AL (unlimited food access)-fed and CR (fed one time daily) rats along with groups temporally matched for feeding [fed 3 meals (M) daily]: MAL and MCR, eating 100 and 60% of AL intake, respectively. Insulin-stimulated glucose transport by isolated muscle was increased in MCR and CR vs. AL and MAL; there was no significant difference for MCR vs. CR or MAL vs. AL. Intramuscular triglyceride concentration, which is inversely related to insulin sensitivity in some conditions, did not differ among groups. Muscle concentration of UDP-N-acetylhexosamines [end products of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP)] was lower in MCR vs. MAL despite unaltered glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase activity (rate-limiting enzyme for HBP). These results indicate that the CR-induced increase in insulin-stimulated glucose transport in muscle is attributable to an altered amount, not timing, of food intake and is independent of lower triglyceride concentration. They further suggest that enhanced insulin action might involve changes in HBP.

Influence of respiratory muscle work on VO(2) and leg blood flow during submaximal exercise

The work of breathing (W(b)) normally incurred during maximal exercise not only requires substantial cardiac output and O(2) consumption (VO(2)) but also causes vasoconstriction in locomotor muscles and compromises leg blood flow (Q(leg)). We wondered whether the W(b) normally incurred during submaximal exercise would also reduce Q(leg). Therefore, we investigated the effects of changing the W(b) on Q(leg) via thermodilution in 10 healthy trained male cyclists [maximal VO(2) (VO(2 max)) = 59 +/- 9 ml. kg(-1). min(-1)] during repeated bouts of cycle exercise at work rates corresponding to 50 and 75% of VO(2 max). Inspiratory muscle work was 1) reduced 40 +/- 6% via a proportional-assist ventilator, 2) not manipulated (control), or 3) increased 61 +/- 8% by addition of inspiratory resistive loads. Increasing the W(b) during submaximal exercise caused VO(2) to increase; decreasing the W(b) was associated with lower VO(2) (DeltaVO(2) = 0.12 and 0.21 l/min at 50 and 75% of VO(2 max), respectively, for approximately 100% change in W(b)). There were no significant changes in leg vascular resistance (LVR), norepinephrine spillover, arterial pressure, or Q(leg) when W(b) was reduced or increased. Why are LVR, norepinephrine spillover, and Q(leg) influenced by the W(b) at maximal but not submaximal exercise? We postulate that at submaximal work rates and ventilation rates the normal W(b) required makes insufficient demands for VO(2) and cardiac output to require any cardiovascular adjustment and is too small to activate sympathetic vasoconstrictor efferent output. Furthermore, even a 50-70% increase in W(b) during submaximal exercise, as might be encountered in conditions where ventilation rates and/or inspiratory flow resistive forces are higher than normal, also does not elicit changes in LVR or Q(leg).

Role of expiratory flow limitation in determining lung volumes and ventilation during exercise

We determined the role of expiratory flow limitation (EFL) on the ventilatory response to heavy exercise in six trained male cyclists [maximal O2 uptake = 65 +/- 8 (range 55-74) ml. kg-1. min-1] with normal lung function. Each subject completed four progressive cycle ergometer tests to exhaustion in random order: two trials while breathing N2O2 (26% O2-balance N2), one with and one without added dead space, and two trials while breathing HeO2 (26% O2-balance He), one with and one without added dead space. EFL was defined by the proximity of the tidal to the maximal flow-volume loop. With N2O2 during heavy and maximal exercise, 1) EFL was present in all six subjects during heavy [19 +/- 2% of tidal volume (VT) intersected the maximal flow-volume loop] and maximal exercise (43 +/- 8% of VT), 2) the slopes of the ventilation (DeltaVE) and peak esophageal pressure responses to added dead space (e.g., DeltaVE/DeltaPETCO2, where PETCO2 is end-tidal PCO2) were reduced relative to submaximal exercise, 3) end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) increased and end-inspiratory lung volume reached a plateau at 88-91% of total lung capacity, and 4) VT reached a plateau and then fell as work rate increased. With HeO2 (compared with N2O2) breathing during heavy and maximal exercise, 1) HeO2 increased maximal flow rates (from 20 to 38%) throughout the range of vital capacity, which reduced EFL in all subjects during tidal breathing, 2) the gains of the ventilatory and inspiratory esophageal pressure responses to added dead space increased over those during room air breathing and were similar at all exercise intensities, 3) EELV was lower and end-inspiratory lung volume remained near 90% of total lung capacity, and 4) VT was increased relative to room air breathing. We conclude that EFL or even impending EFL during heavy and maximal exercise and with added dead space in fit subjects causes EELV to increase, reduces the VT, and constrains the increase in respiratory motor output and ventilation.

Effect of calorie restriction on in vivo glucose metabolism by individual tissues in rats

We evaluated the effects of 8 mo of calorie restriction [CR: 60% of ad libitum (AL) food intake] on glucose uptake by 14 tissues in unanesthetized, adult (12 mo) F344xBN rats. Glucose metabolism was assessed by the 2-[3H]deoxyglucose tracer technique at 1500 or 2100. Despite an approximately 60% decline in insulinemia with CR, plasma 2-[3H]deoxyglucose clearance for CR was greater than for AL at both times. A small, CR-related decrease in glucose metabolic index (R'g) occurred only at 1500 in the spleen and heart, and this decrease was reversed at 2100. In some tissues (cerebellum, lung, kidney, soleus, and diaphragm), R'g was unaffected by diet, regardless of time. In the other tissues (brown fat, 3 white fat pads, epitrochlearis, plantaris, and gastrocnemius), R'g was higher or tended to be higher for CR vs. AL at one or both times. These findings indicate that 8 mo of CR did not cause a continuous reduction in in vivo glucose uptake by any tissue studied, and, in several insulin-sensitive tissues, glucose uptake was at times greater for CR vs. AL rats.

Assessment of nitric oxide formation during exercise

We measured the end-tidal plateau in exhaled NO concentration (CETNO) by chemiluminescence and calculated the product of V E and CETNO (V NO) in nine healthy subjects at rest and during three intensities of cycling exercise (30%, 60%, and 90% V O2max), two levels of hyperventilation (V E = 42.8 +/- 9.1 L/min and 84.2 +/- 6. 6 L/min), and during breathing of hypoxic gas mixtures (five subjects, FIO2 = 14%) at rest and during exercise at 90% V O2max. Immediately after each trial we also measured exhaled [NO] at constant expiratory flow rates ([NO]CF) of 46 ml/s and 950 ml/s, utilizing added expiratory resistance to increase mouth pressure and close the velum (Silkoff and colleagues, Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 1997;155:260). CETNO decreased and V NO increased above resting levels with increasing exercise intensity during hyperventilation and during hypoxic exercise (p < 0.05). [NO]CF, measured at either 46 ml/s or 950 ml/s, did not increase under any of the conditions investigated (exercise, hyperventilation, or hypoxia). Venous blood from seven of the subjects was sampled for the measurement of plasma [NO3-]. Resting plasma [NO3-] averaged 42.5 +/- 14.7 micromol/L, with no change during exercise, hyperventilation, or hypoxia. On the basis of these results we conclude that reported increases in V NO do not reflect an exercise-induced augmentation of systemic and/or airway NO production. Rather, the increases in V NO during exercise or hyperventilation are a function of high airflow rates, which reduce the luminal [NO]. This decreases the concentration gradient for NO between the alveolar space and pulmonary capillary blood, which results in a decrease in the fraction of NO taken up by the blood and an increase in the volume of NO recovered in the exhaled air (V NO).

Effects of respiratory muscle work on cardiac output and its distribution during maximal exercise

We have recently demonstrated that changes in the work of breathing during maximal exercise affect leg blood flow and leg vascular conductance (C. A. Harms, M. A. Babcock, S. R. McClaran, D. F. Pegelow, G. A. Nickele, W. B. Nelson, and J. A. Dempsey. J. Appl. Physiol. 82: 1573-1583, 1997). Our present study examined the effects of changes in the work of breathing on cardiac output (CO) during maximal exercise. Eight male cyclists [maximal O2 consumption (VO2 max): 62 +/- 5 ml . kg-1 . min-1] performed repeated 2.5-min bouts of cycle exercise at VO2 max. Inspiratory muscle work was either 1) at control levels [inspiratory esophageal pressure (Pes): -27.8 +/- 0.6 cmH2O], 2) reduced via a proportional-assist ventilator (Pes: -16.3 +/- 0.5 cmH2O), or 3) increased via resistive loads (Pes: -35.6 +/- 0.8 cmH2O). O2 contents measured in arterial and mixed venous blood were used to calculate CO via the direct Fick method. Stroke volume, CO, and pulmonary O2 consumption (VO2) were not different (P > 0.05) between control and loaded trials at VO2 max but were lower (-8, -9, and -7%, respectively) than control with inspiratory muscle unloading at VO2 max. The arterial-mixed venous O2 difference was unchanged with unloading or loading. We combined these findings with our recent study to show that the respiratory muscle work normally expended during maximal exercise has two significant effects on the cardiovascular system: 1) up to 14-16% of the CO is directed to the respiratory muscles; and 2) local reflex vasoconstriction significantly compromises blood flow to leg locomotor muscles.

Comparison of the effects of 20 days and 15 months of calorie restriction on male Fischer 344 rats

The aim of this study was to compare, in 19-month-old male Fischer 344 rats, the influence of brief (20 days) and prolonged (approximately 15 months) calorie restriction (CR; consuming approximately 60% of ad libitum, AL, intake) on circulating levels of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and free fatty acids (FFA); age-matched AL rats were also studied. In the prolonged CR group, there was an approximately 85% decline in fat pad masses (epididymal and retroperitoneal) compared to AL and brief CR rats (these latter groups did not differ significantly). Compared to AL levels, glucose was 15% lower with prolonged CR (p < 0.05) while the brief CR values tended to be lower (10%) than AL; the CR groups did not differ significantly. Plasma FFA levels were significantly (p < 0.05) greater (85-106%) in the brief CR group compared to each of the other groups. Plasma insulin concentrations for the CR groups were lower (p < 0.05; approximately 50-60%) than AL levels. Plasma concentrations of C-peptide (an indicator of insulin secretion) were also lower for each CR group vs AL levels, and a high correlation was found between plasma insulin and C-peptide concentrations (r2 = 0.90; p < 0.001). The C-peptide/insulin ratios for the CR groups were similar, and the value of each CR group exceeded that for the AL rats. These results demonstrate that: the CR-induced reduction in plasma insulin is attributable in large part to reduced insulin secretion; these decreases in insulin secretion and concentration are essentially undiminished when brief CR is initiated rather late in life, and the reductions are independent of substantial reductions in body fat.

Decline in muscle insulin-dependent and -independent glucose uptake but not GLUT-4 in 21- vs. 28-day-old rats

The most rapid age-related decrease in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle occurs between 3 and 5 wk of age in rats. Therefore, we studied unstimulated, insulin-stimulated, and in vitro hypoxia-stimulated 2-deoxy-D-[G-3H]glucose (2-DG) uptake in isolated soleus, flexor digitorum brevis (FDB), and epitrochlearis muscles from rats at 21, 28, and 35 days of age. Age-related decrements in insulin- (approximately 40-60%) and hypoxia-stimulated (approximately 50%) 2-DG uptake occurred in all muscles, and most of the decline was evident by 28 days. Unstimulated 2-DG uptake declined significantly with advancing age in the epitrochlearis (73%) and FDB (60%) and tended to decrease in the soleus (38%). The time course and relative magnitude of these decrements were similar under unstimulated, insulin-stimulated, and hypoxic conditions. GLUT-4 protein concentration was unaltered by age in each muscle. These results indicate that a substantial age-related decrement in 2-DG uptake occurs in several limb muscles from rats at 21 vs. 28-35 days by a mechanism that is independent of GLUT-4 levels and not specific for the insulin-dependent pathway.