European journal of applied physiology
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Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. · Aug 2016
Aortic augmentation index in endurance athletes: a role for cardiorespiratory fitness.
Endurance exercise improves cardiovascular health and reduces mortality risk. Augmentation index (AIx) reflects adverse loading exerted on the heart and large arteries and predicts future cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to establish whether endurance athletes possess lower AIx and aortic blood pressure compared to healthy controls, and to determine the association between AIx and cardiorespiratory fitness. ⋯ The lower AIx@75 in endurance athletes is partly mediated by [Formula: see text]. While an inverse relationship between AIx@75 and [Formula: see text] was found in men, women with the highest [Formula: see text] possessed lowest AIx@75 compared to females with moderate or poor cardiorespiratory fitness. We recommend aerobic training aimed at achieving a minimum [Formula: see text] of 45 ml kg(-1) min(-1) to decrease the risk of future cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.
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Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. · Jul 2016
Only women report increase in pain threshold following fatiguing contractions of the upper extremity.
The perception of pain in response to a noxious stimulus can be markedly reduced following an acute bout of exercise [exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH)]. Sex differences in EIH frequently occur after exercise but may be confounded by the sex differences in muscle fatigue. The purpose was to determine if sex differences in pain relief occur after an exercise protocol when muscle fatigue is similar for both young and older men and women. ⋯ Under controlled conditions where muscle fatigue is similar, sex differences in EIH occur in young and older adults that is site specific (upper extremity). Only women experience EIH following acute single limb high-velocity contractions.
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Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. · May 2016
Neural adaptations to submaximal isokinetic eccentric strength training.
This study investigated the neural adaptations following submaximal isokinetic eccentric strength training of the plantar flexors. The modulation of electromyographic (EMG) activity and spinal excitability were compared in the soleus muscle (SOL) during isometric, concentric and eccentric maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) before and after submaximal isokinetic eccentric training. ⋯ These results suggested that the increase in voluntary torque after submaximal isokinetic eccentric training can be at least partly ascribed to enhanced neural drive for SOL that does not affect the H-reflex pathway.
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Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. · Apr 2016
Effects of mild hypohydration on cooling during cold-water immersion following exertional hyperthermia.
We investigated the effects of mild hypohydration compared to euhydration on the cooling efficacy of cold-water immersion (CWI). ⋯ The primary finding was that hypohydration modestly attenuates the rate of cooling in exertionally hyperthermic individuals. Regardless of hydration status, the cooling efficacy of CWI was preserved and should continue to be utilized in the treatment of exertional hyperthermia.
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Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. · Mar 2016
Proof of concept: hypovolemic hyponatremia may precede and augment creatine kinase elevations during an ultramarathon.
It is not known if exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) is a cause or consequence of exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER).We hypothesized that osmotic stress (EAH) coupled with mechanical stress (running) potentiated muscle cell breakdown (ER). This concept would be supported if a nadir in serum sodium concentration ([Na(+)]) temporally preceded peak creatine kinase levels (CK) during an ultramarathon run. ⋯ Preliminary data support the possibility that transient hypovolemic EAH may precede and augment CK during an ultramarathon.