Effect of creatine supplementation on sprint exercise performance and muscle metabolism

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of creatine supplementation (CrS) on sprint exercise performance and skeletal muscle anaerobic metabolism during and after sprint exercise. Eight active, untrained men performed a 20-s maximal sprint on an air-braked cycle ergometer after 5 days of CrS [30 g creatine (Cr) + 30 g dextrose per day] or placebo (30 g dextrose per day). The trials were separated by 4 wk, and a double-blind crossover design was used. Muscle and blood samples were obtained at rest, immediately after exercise, and after 2 min of passive recovery. CrS increased the muscle total Cr content (9.5 +/- 2.0%, P < 0.05, mean +/- SE); however, 20-s sprint performance was not improved by CrS. Similarly, the magnitude of the degradation or accumulation of muscle (e.g., adenine nucleotides, phosphocreatine, inosine 5'-monophosphate, lactate, and glycogen) and plasma metabolites (e.g. , lactate, hypoxanthine, and ammonia/ammonium) were also unaffected by CrS during exercise or recovery. These data demonstrated that CrS increased muscle total Cr content, but the increase did not induce an improved sprint exercise performance or alterations in anaerobic muscle metabolism.     

Caffeine counteracts the ergogenic action of muscle creatine loading

This study aimed to compare the effects of oral creatine (Cr) supplementation with creatine supplementation in combination with caffeine (Cr+C) on muscle phosphocreatine (PCr) level and performance in healthy male volunteers (n = 9). Before and after 6 days of placebo, Cr (0.5 g x kg-1 x day-1), or Cr (0.5 g x kg-1 x day-1) + C (5 mg x kg-1 x day-1) supplementation, 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the gastrocnemius muscle and a maximal intermittent exercise fatigue test of the knee extensors on an isokinetic dynamometer were performed. The exercise consisted of three consecutive maximal isometric contractions and three interval series of 90, 80, and 50 maximal voluntary contractions performed with a rest interval of 2 min between the series. Muscle ATP concentration remained constant over the three experimental conditions. Cr and Cr+C increased (P < 0.05) muscle PCr concentration by 4-6%. Dynamic torque production, however, was increased by 10-23% (P < 0.05) by Cr but was not changed by Cr+C. Torque improvement during Cr was most prominent immediately after the 2-min rest between the exercise bouts. The data show that Cr supplementation elevates muscle PCr concentration and markedly improves performance during intense intermittent exercise. This ergogenic effect, however, is completely eliminated by caffeine intake.     

An orphan nuclear receptor activated by pregnanes defines a novel steroid signaling pathway

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of 28 d of creatine supplementation during training on body composition, strength, sprint performance, and hematological profiles. METHODS: In a double-blind and randomized manner, 25 NCAA division IA football players were matched-paired and assigned to supplement their diet for 28 d during resistance/agility training (8 h x wk[-1]) with a Phosphagen HP (Experimental and Applied Sciences, Golden, CO) placebo (P) containing 99 g x d(-1) of glucose, 3 g x d(-1) of taurine, 1.1 g x d(-1) of disodium phosphate, and 1.2 g x d(-1) of potassium phosphate (P) or Phosphagen HP containing the P with 15.75 g x d(-1) of HPCE pure creatine monohydrate (HP). Before and after supplementation, fasting blood samples were obtained; total body weight, total body water, and body composition were determined; subjects performed a maximal repetition test on the isotonic bench press, squat, and power clean; and subjects performed a cycle ergometer sprint test (12 x 6-s sprints with 30-s rest recovery). RESULTS: Hematological parameters remained within normal clinical limits for active individuals with no side effects reported. Total body weight significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the HP group (P 0.85 +/- 2.2; HP 2.42 +/- 1.4 kg) while no differences were observed in the percentage of total body water. DEXA scanned body mass (P 0.77 +/- 1.8; HP 2.22 +/- 1.5 kg) and fat/bone-free mass (P 1.33 +/- 1.1; HP 2.43 +/- 1.4 kg) were significantly increased in the HP group. Gains in bench press lifting volume (P -5 +/- 134; HP 225 +/- 246 kg), the sum of bench press, squat, and power clean lifting volume (P 1,105 +/- 429; HP 1,558 +/- 645 kg), and total work performed during the first five 6-s sprints was significantly greater in the HP group. CONCLUSION: The addition of creatine to the glucose/taurine/electrolyte supplement promoted greater gains in fat/bone-free mass, isotonic lifting volume, and sprint performance during intense resistance/agility training.     

Dry-land resistance training for competitive swimming

To determine the value of dry-land resistance training on front crawl swimming performance, two groups of 12 intercollegiate male swimmers were equated based upon preswimming performance, swim power values, and stroke specialties. Throughout the 14 wk of their competitive swimming season, both swim training group (SWIM, N = 12) and combined swim and resistance training group (COMBO, N = 12) swam together 6 d a week. In addition, the COMBO engaged in a 8-wk resistance training program 3 d a week. The resistance training was intended to simulate the muscle and swimming actions employed during front crawl swimming. Both COMBO and SWIM had significant (P < 0.05) but similar power gains as measured on the biokinetic swim bench and during a tethered swim over the 14-wk period. No change in distance per stroke was observed throughout the course of this investigation. No significant differences were found between the groups in any of the swim power and swimming performance tests. In this investigation, dry-land resistance training did not improve swimming performance despite the fact that the COMBO was able to increase the resistance used during strength training by 25-35%. The lack of a positive transfer between dry-land strength gains and swimming propulsive force may be due to the specificity of training.     

Contribution of phosphocreatine and aerobic metabolism to energy supply during repeated sprint exercise

This study examined the contribution of phosphocreatine (PCr) and aerobic metabolism during repeated bouts of sprint exercise. Eight male subjects performed two cycle ergometer sprints separated by 4 min of recovery during two separate main trials. Sprint 1 lasted 30 s during both main trials, whereas sprint 2 lasted either 10 or 30 s. Muscle biopsies were obtained at rest, immediately after the first 30-s sprint, after 3.8 min of recovery, and after the second 10- and 30-s sprints. At the end of sprint 1, PCr was 16.9 +/- 1.4% of the resting value, and muscle pH dropped to 6.69 +/- 0.02. After 3.8 min of recovery, muscle pH remained unchanged (6.80 +/- 0.03), but PCr was resynthesized to 78.7 +/- 3.3% of the resting value. PCr during sprint 2 was almost completely utilized in the first 10 s and remained unchanged thereafter. High correlations were found between the percentage of PCr resynthesis and the percentage recovery of power output and pedaling speed during the initial 10 s of sprint 2 (r = 0.84, P < 0.05 and r = 0.91, P < 0.01). The anaerobic ATP turnover, as calculated from changes in ATP, PCr, and lactate, was 235 +/- 9 mmol/kg dry muscle during the first sprint but was decreased to 139 +/- 7 mmol/kg dry muscle during the second 30-s sprint, mainly as a result of a approximately 45% decrease in glycolysis. Despite this approximately 41% reduction in anaerobic energy, the total work done during the second 30-s sprint was reduced by only approximately 18%. This mismatch between anaerobic energy release and power output during sprint 2 was partly compensated for by an increased contribution of aerobic metabolism, as calculated from the increase in oxygen uptake during sprint 2 (2.68 +/- 0.10 vs. 3.17 +/- 0.13 l/min; sprint 1 vs. sprint 2; P < 0.01). These data suggest that aerobic metabolism provides a significant part (approximately 49%) of the energy during the second sprint, whereas PCr availability is important for high power output during the initial 10 s.     

Hormonal responses to consecutive days of heavy-resistance exercise with or without nutritional supplementation

Nine resistance-trained men consumed either a protein-carbohydrate supplement or placebo for 1 wk in a crossover design separated by 7 days. The last 3 days of each treatment, subjects performed resistance exercise. The supplement was consumed 2 h before and immediately after the workout, and blood was obtained before and after exercise (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min postexercise). Lactate, growth hormone, and testosterone were significantly (P 相似文献   

The relationship between aerobic fitness and recovery from high-intensity exercise in infantry soldiers

The relationship between aerobic fitness and recovery from high-intensity exercise was examined in 197 infantry soldiers. Aerobic fitness was determined by a maximal-effort, 2,000-m run (RUN). High-intensity exercise consisted of three bouts of a continuous 140-m sprint with several changes of direction. A 2-minute passive rest separated each sprint. A fatigue index was developed by dividing the mean time of the three sprints by the fastest time. Times for the RUN were converted into standardized T scores and separated into five groups (group 1 had the slowest run time and group 5 had the fastest run time). Significant differences in the fatigue index were seen between group 1 (4.9 +/- 2.4%) and groups 3 (2.6 +/- 1.7%), 4 (2.3 +/- 1.6%), and 5 (2.3 +/- 1.3%). It appears that recovery from high-intensity exercise is improved at higher levels of aerobic fitness (faster time for the RUN). However, as the level of aerobic fitness improves above the population mean, no further benefit in the recovery rate from high-intensity exercise is apparent.     

Prognostic factors for musculoskeletal sickness absence and return to work among welders and metal workers

The effect of creatine loading on endurance capacity and sprint performance was investigated in elite cyclists according to a double-blind cross-over study design. Subjects (n = 12) underwent on 3 occasions and separated by 5 week wash-out periods, a 2 h 30 min standardized endurance protocol on their own race bicycle, which was mounted on an electromagnetically braked roller-system, whereupon they cycled to exhaustion at their predetermined 4 mmol lactate threshold. Immediately thereafter they performed 5 maximal 10 second sprints, separated by 2 min recovery intervals, on a Monark bicycle ergometer at 6 kg resistance on the flywheel. Before the exercise test, subjects were either creatine loaded (C: 25 g creatine monohydrate/day, 5 days) or were creatine loaded plus ingested creatine during the exercise test (CC: 5 g/h), or received placebo (P). Compared with P, C but not CC increased (p<0.05) peak and mean sprint power output by 8-9% for all 5 sprints. Endurance time to exhaustion was not affected by either C or CC. It is concluded that creatine loading improves intermittent sprint capacity at the end of endurance exercise to fatigue. This ergogenic action is counteracted by high dose creatine intake during exercise.     

Muscle performance and enzymatic adaptations to sprint interval training

Our purpose was to examine the effects of sprint interval training on muscle glycolytic and oxidative enzyme activity and exercise performance. Twelve healthy men (22 +/- 2 yr of age) underwent intense interval training on a cycle ergometer for 7 wk. Training consisted of 30-s maximum sprint efforts (Wingate protocol) interspersed by 2-4 min of recovery, performed three times per week. The program began with four intervals with 4 min of recovery per session in week 1 and progressed to 10 intervals with 2.5 min of recovery per session by week 7. Peak power output and total work over repeated maximal 30-s efforts and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) were measured before and after the training program. Needle biopsies were taken from vastus lateralis of nine subjects before and after the program and assayed for the maximal activity of hexokinase, total glycogen phosphorylase, phosphofructokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase. The training program resulted in significant increases in peak power output, total work over 30 s, and VO2 max. Maximal enzyme activity of hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, citrate synthase, succinate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase was also significantly (P < 0.05) higher after training. It was concluded that relatively brief but intense sprint training can result in an increase in both glycolytic and oxidative enzyme activity, maximum short-term power output, and VO2 max.     

Peak oxygen deficit predicts sprint and middle-distance track performance

The purpose of this study was to determine the value of the peak oxygen deficit (POD) as a predictor of sprint and middle-distance track performance. POD, peak blood lactate, VO2peak, lactate threshold, and running economy at 3.6 m.s-1 were measured during horizontal treadmill running in 22 male and 19 female competitive runners of different event specialties. Subjects also completed running performance trials at 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, and 5000 m. Correlations of track performances with POD (ml.kg-1) (-0.66, -0.71, -0.71, -0.62, -0.52, and -0.40) were moderately strong at the sprint and middle distances, accounting for 44-50% of the performance variance at the three shortest distances. Correlations of track performances with peak blood lactate concentration were lower than with POD and accounted for approximately one-half as much of the performance variance (21-26%) at the three shortest distances. Multiple regression analyses indicated that the POD was the strongest metabolic predictor of 100-, 200- and 400-m performance, and that VO2peak was the strongest metabolic predictor of 800-, 1500-, and 5000-m performance. We conclude that the POD is a moderately strong predictor of sprint and middle-distance track performance.     

Evaluation of highly damaged renal function following extracorporeal circulation--usefulness of alpha 1-microglobulin index

The patients with highly damaged renal functions following extracorporeal circulation (ECC) were reviewed. Markers such as serum and urine creatinine (SCr, UCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alpha 1-microglobulin in urine (as a marker of renal tubular function, abbreviated as U alpha 1-m), microalbumin in urine (as a marker of renal glomerular function, abbreviated as UA1b) were measured in each cases. Twenty patients were selected with the maximum value of U alpha 1-mover 60 micrograms/dl during or after ECC. The patients were classified into three groups according to preoperative value of alpha 1-m index (alpha 1-m index (I) = U alpha 1-m/UCr x 100 mg/g Cr), and Albumin index (Albumin index (I) = UA1b/UCr x 100 mg/g Cr). Group I (n = 13); alpha 1-m I > 10 and, Alb I > or = 50 (abnormal value of tubular and glomerular function), Group II (n = 3); alpha 1-m I < or = 10, Alb I > or = 50 (abnormal value of glomerular function), Group III (n = 4); alpha 1-m I < or = 10, Alb I < 50 (normal value of tubular and glomerular function). Six patients in Group I required postoperative hemodialysis (HD) and one patient in Group II. No one required HD in Group III. These facts suggest that preoperative damage of tubular and glomerular functions may become prolonged or irreversible damages may occur after operation. HD is required frequently in patients with alpha 1-m I level over 500 mg/g Cr, especially continuous HD may be needed in patient with alpha 1-m I level over 1000 mg/g Cr.     

Effect of carbohydrate ingestion on sprint performance following continuous and intermittent exercise

PURPOSE: This investigation was conducted to study the effects on sprint performance of glucose and fructose ingestion during a 15-min rest period half way through 90 min of continuous and intermittent exercise. On three occasions, eight subjects cycled at 76 +/- 2% VO2max for 90 min (continuous trials: CON trials) with a 15-min half-time break. METHODS: On another three occasions, they cycled for 90 min between moderate (65% VO2max) and high (100% VO2max) intensity (intermittent trials: INT trials) with the same half-time. In both trials, 90-min exercise was followed by a 40-s Wingate test to evaluate remaining sprint capacity. During half-time, they consumed either 20% glucose polymer (G), 20% fructose (F) or sweet placebo (P). Ingestion of G maintained plasma glucose levels, carbohydrate oxidation rate and lower value of ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) in both trials and indicated higher sprint performance compared with P (mean power of CON trials: 614.3 +/- 23.3 W vs 574.0 +/- 22.7 W, P < 0.001, INT trials: 629.5 +/- 27.6 W vs 596.3 +/- 25.5 W, P < 0.01). RESULTS: Ingestion of F showed similar effect in CON trials (603.8 +/- 26.1 W vs 574.0 +/- 22.7 W, P < 0.01) but had no positive effect in INT trials. Additionally, mean power of G was higher than F (629.5 +/- 27.6 W vs 598.4 +/- 34.2 W, P < 0.01) in INT trials. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that ingestion of G during half-time of 90-min exercise could maintain carbohydrate utilization and improve sprint performance in both CON and INT trials.     

Identification of a complex congenital heart defect susceptibility locus by using DNA pooling and shared segment analysis

The isotope dilution technique of [6-3H]glucose, [U-14C]lactate and [l-14C]propionate was used to evaluate the effect of dietary chromium (Cr) supplementation on whole-body kinetics of glucose, lactate, and propionate in rams. Rams were fed a high grain diet at 2% of body weight with or without 0.5 ppm of supplemental Cr from chelated Cr for the initial 14 days, and then intake was increased to 2.5% at body weight for the last 9 days. Weight gain was enhanced (P < 0.01) with Cr supplementation. Plasma concentrations of glucose, lactate, and propionate were not influenced by Cr supplementation. Turnover rates of glucose and lactate, and their interconversion were also not influenced. Propionate turnover rate tended to increase (P = 0.11) and the conversion of propionate to glucose increased (P < 0.05) with Cr supplementation, leading the increased proportional contribution of propionate to glucose turnover rate (P < 0.05). Chromium supplementation may influence the contribution of each glucogenic substrate for glucose production in rams fed a high grain diet.     

Nutritional factors influencing the glucose/insulin system: chromium

Chromium (Cr) improves the glucose/insulin system in subjects with hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetes and hyperlipemia with no detectable effects on control subjects. Chromium improves insulin binding, insulin receptor number, insulin internalization, beta cell sensitivity and insulin receptor enzymes with overall increases in insulin sensitivity. There have been several studies involving Cr supplementation of subjects with NIDDM and/or lipemia and most have reported beneficial effects of Cr on the glucose/insulin system. In a recent study, Chinese subjects with NIDDM were divided into three groups of 60 subjects and supplemented with placebo, 100 or 500 micrograms of Cr as chromium picolinate 2 times per day for 4 months. Improvements in the glucose/insulin system were highly significant in the subjects receiving 500 micrograms twice per day with less or no significant improvements in the subjects receiving 100 micrograms twice per day after 2 and 4 months. In summary, Cr is involved in the control of the glucose/insulin system and the amount, and likely form of chromium, are critical when evaluating the role of chromium in this system.     

Effects of a synthetic lung surfactant on pharyngeal patency in awake human subjects

BACKGROUND: This study presents the use of physiological principles and assessment techniques in addressing four objectives that can enhance a swimmer's likelihood of successfully swimming the English Channel. The four objective were: (1) to prescribe training intensities and determine ideal swimming pace; (2) to determine the amount of insulation needed, relative to heat produced, to diminish the likelihood of the swimmer suffering from hypothermia; (3) to calculate the caloric expenditure for the swim and the necessary glucose replacement required to prevent glycogen depletion; and (4) to determine the rate of acclimatization to cold water (15.56 C/60 F). METHODS: The subject participated in several pool swimming data collection sessions including a tethered swim incremental protocol to determine peak oxygen consumption and onset of lactate accumulation and several steady state swims to determine ideal swimming pace at 4.0 mM/L of lactate. Additionally, these swims provided information on oxygen consumption, which in combination with ultrasound assessment of subcutaneous fat was used to assess heat production and insulation capabilities. Finally, the subject participated in 18 cold water immersions to document acclimatization rate. RESULTS: The data demonstrated the high fitness level of this subject and indicated that at a stroke rate of 63 stokes/min, HR was 130 heats/min and lactate was 4 mM/L. At this swimming pace the swimmer would need to consume 470 kcal of glucose/hr. In addition, the energy produced at this swim pace was 13.25 kcal/min while the energy lost at the present subcutaneous fat quantity was 13.40 kcal/min, requiring a fat weight gain of 6,363.03 g (13.88 lbs) to resist heat loss. CONCLUSIONS: Finally, the data from the cold water immersions suggested that acclimatization occurred following two weeks of immersions. There results were provided to the swimmer and utilized in making decisions in preparation for the swim.     

Creatine supplementation in health and disease. Effects of chronic creatine ingestion in vivo: down-regulation of the expression of creatine transporter isoforms in skeletal muscle

Interest in creatine (Cr) as a nutritional supplement and ergogenic aid for athletes has surged over recent years. After cellular uptake, Cr is phosphorylated to phosphocreatine (PCr) by the creatine kinase (CK) reaction using ATP. At subcellular sites with high energy requirements, e.g. at the myofibrillar apparatus during muscle contraction, CK catalyzes the transphosphorylation of PCr to ADP to regenerate ATP, thus preventing a depletion of ATP levels. PCr is thus available as an immediate energy source, serving not only as an energy buffer but also as an energy transport vehicle. Ingestion of creatine increases intramuscular Cr, as well as PCr concentrations, and leads to exercise enhancement, especially in sprint performance. Additional benefits of Cr supplementation have also been noticed for high-intensity long-endurance tasks, e.g. shortening of recovery periods after physical exercise. The present article summarizes recent findings on the influence of Cr supplementation on energy metabolism, and introduces the Cr transporter protein (CreaT), responsible for uptake of Cr into cells, as one of the key-players for the multi-faceted regulation of cellular Cr homeostasis. Furthermore, it is suggested that patients with disturbances in Cr metabolism or with different neuro-muscular diseases may benefit from Cr supplementation as an adjuvant therapy to relieve or delay the onset of symptoms. Although it is still unclear how Cr biosynthesis and transport are regulated in health and disease, so far there are no reports of harmful side effects of Cr loading in humans. However, in this study, we report that chronic Cr supplementation in rats down-regulates in vivo the expression of the CreaT. In addition, we describe the presence of CreaT isoforms most likely generated by alternative splicing.     

Changes in the excitability of soleus muscle short latency stretch reflexes during human hopping after 4 weeks of hopping training

Changes in the excitability of the human triceps surae muscle short latency stretch reflexes were investigated in six male subjects before and after 4 weeks of progressive two-legged hopping training. During the measurements the subjects performed 2-Hz hopping with: preferred contact time (PCT) and short contact time. The following reflex parameters were examined before and after the training period: the soleus muscle (SOL) Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex) at rest and during hopping, the short latency electromyogram (EMG) components of the movement induced stretch reflex (MSR) in SOL and medial gastrocnemius muscle (MG), and the EMG amplitude of the SOL and MG tendon reflexes (T-reflexes) elicited at rest. The main results can be summarized as follows: the SOL T-reflex had increased by about 28% (P < 0.05) after training while the MG T-reflex was unchanged; the SOL MSR (always evident) and the MG MSR (when observable) did not change in amplitude with training, and before training the SOL H-reflex in both hopping situations was significantly depressed to about 40% of the reference value at standing rest (P < 0.05). After training the H-reflex during PCT hopping was no longer depressed. As the value of the measured mechanical parameters (the total work rate, joint angular velocity and the ankle joint work rate) was unchanged after training in both hopping situations, the reflex changes observed could not be ascribed to changes in the movement pattern. To explain the observed changes, hypotheses of changes in the excitability of the stretch reflex caused by the training were taken into consideration and discussed.     

The effects of changing intracellular pH on calcium and potassium currents in smooth muscle cells from the guinea-pig ureter

Effect of weight training exercise and treadmill exercise on postexercise oxygen consumption. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 30, No. 4, pp. 518-522, 1998. To compare the effect of weight training (WT) and treadmill (TM) exercise on postexercise oxygen consumption (VO2), 15 males (mean +/- SD) age = 22.7 +/- 1.6 yr; height = 175.0 +/- 6.2 cm; mass = 82.0 +/- 14.3 kg) performed a 27-min bout of WT and a 27-min bout of TM exercise at matched rates of VO2. WT consisted of performing two circuits of eight exercises at 60% of each subject's one repetition maximum with a work/rest ratio of 45 s/60 s. Approximately 5 d after WT each subject walked or jogged on the TM at a pace that elicited an average VO2 matched with his mean value during WT. VO2 was measured continuously during exercise and the first 30 min into recovery and at 60 and 90 min into recovery. VO2 during WT (1.58 L.min-1) and TM exercise (1.55 L.min-1) were not significantly (P > 0.05) different; thus the two activities were matched for VO2. Total oxygen consumption during the first 30 min of recovery was significantly higher (P < 0.05) as a result of WT (19.0 L) compared with that during TM exercise (12.7 L). However, VO2 values at 60 (0.32 vs 0.29 L.min-1), and 90 min (0.33 vs 0.30 L.min-1) were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between WT and TM exercise, respectively. The results suggest that, during the first 30 min following exercise. WT elicits a greater elevated postexercise VO2 than TM exercise when the two activities are performed at matched VO2 and equal durations. Therefore, total energy expenditure as a consequence of WT will be underestimated if based on exercise VO2 only.     

Probabilistic reasoning in the law. Part 2: Assessment of probabilities and explanation of the value of trace evidence other than DNA

The purpose of this study was to investigate the recovery of muscle force generating capacity (FGC) of the lower limbs following a session of cycle exercise (CE). Fourteen male cyclists (mean +/- SD age 25 +/- 4 yrs and VO2max 65.8 +/- 5 ml x kg(-1)min(-1)) performed tests assessing lower limb muscle FGC at rest (pre-test), as well as 6 and 24 hrs following CE performed on a mechanically-braked cycle ergometer. The CE consisted of 30 min at a workload corresponding to the lactate (Dmax) threshold (+/-15 W), and four 60 s rides at 120% VO2max with one min rest between each ride. At the completion of the CE a 6 or 24 hr recovery period was initiated, after which, each subject's muscle FGC was measured. The analysis of lower limb muscle FGC included, (1) 6 s all-out cycle test; (2) a maximal isokinetic leg extension at 60, 120 and 180 degrees x s(-1); and (3) a maximal concentric squat jump. Statistical analysis showed that compared to pre-test levels, a significant reduction in both isokinetic peak torque at 60 degrees x s(-1) and isoinertial maximum force occurred after 6 hrs of recovery. Although not significant, reductions also occurred at 6 hrs of recovery in isokinetic peak torque at 120 and 180 degrees x s(-1), as well as maximum rate of force development (RFD) during the squat jumps. No significant differences were observed between isokinetic peak torque, maximum force or RFD pre-test and following the 24 hr recovery period, indicating these tests had returned to normal by this time. No significant differences were found between peak power (PP) during the 6 s cycle test, pre-test and following either 6 or 24 hrs of recovery. These findings confirm earlier research that maximal voluntary strength is reduced for at least 6 hours following exhaustive dynamic exercise. The reduction in muscle FGC should be considered when resistance training is scheduled after endurance exercise.     

Selegiline prevents long-term changes in dopamine efflux and stress immobility during the second and third weeks of abstinence following opiate withdrawal

Selegiline is an irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase B with trophic and neuroprotective effects. Because of evidence for decreased dopaminergic function during the withdrawal syndromes associated with opiates and other medications with potential for abuse, we investigated effects of treatment with selegiline on in vitro measures of dopamine efflux following opiate withdrawal. Treatment with 2.0 mg/kg/day of selegiline did not modify the severity of opiate withdrawal, as assessed by weight loss over the first 3 days of abstinence. Opiate withdrawal increased immobility in response to a forced warm water swim test performed during the second and third weeks of abstinence following the onset of withdrawal. Brain slices obtained from the nucleus accumbens of opiate-withdrawn animals immediately following swim stress testing displayed diminished efflux of tritiated dopamine after two in vitro exposures to cocaine or amphetamine. Cocaine increases neurotransmitter efflux through blockade of dopamine reuptake, while amphetamine augments efflux by stimulating release of dopamine from intracellular storage vesicles. Although slices from opiate withdrawal subjects showed decreases in efflux after in vitro treatment with these agents, no differences were observed after exposure to 4-aminopyridine, which increases neurotransmitter release by prolonging action potential duration. These findings indicate mechanisms of action that are specific for catecholamine neurotransmitter systems are important for demonstrating long-term changes in dopaminergic function following opiate withdrawal. Selegiline prevented decreases in the efflux of tritiated dopamine in slices obtained from opiate-withdrawn subjects. In addition, selegiline decreased withdrawal-induced immobility during warm water swim testing. In conclusion, treatment with selegiline can prevent long-term changes in stress-induced immobility and deficits in presynaptic dopaminergic function that occur following the opiate withdrawal syndrome.