The basis of the critical power concept is that there is a hyperbolic relationship between power output and the time that the power output can be sustained. The relationship can be described based on the results of a series of 3 to 7 or more timed all-out predicting trials. Theoretically, the power asymptote of the relationship, CP (critical power), can be sustained without fatigue; in fact, exhaustion occurs after about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise at CP. Nevertheless, CP is related to the fatigue threshold, the ventilatory and lactate thresholds, and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), and it provides a measure of aerobic fitness. The second parameter of the relationship, AWC (anaerobic work capacity), is related to work performed in a 30-second Wingate test, work in intermittent high-intensity exercise, and oxygen deficit, and it provides a measure of anaerobic capacity. The accuracy of the parameter estimates may be enhanced by careful selection of the power outputs for the predicting trials and by performing a greater number of trials. These parameters provide fitness measures which are mode-specific, combine energy production and mechanical efficiency in 1 variable, and do not require the use of expensive equipment or invasive procedures. However, the attractiveness of the critical power concept diminishes if too many predicting trials are required for generation of parameter estimates with a reasonable degree of accuracy.

BackgroundExercise-Induced Muscle Damage (EIMD) and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) impact subsequent training sessions and activities of daily living (ADL) even in active individuals. In sedentary or diseased individuals, EIMD and DOMS may be even more pronounced and present even in the absence of structured exercise.MethodsThe purpose of this study was to determine the effects of oral curcumin supplementation (Longvida® 400 mg/days) on muscle & ADL soreness, creatine kinase (CK), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10) following EMID (eccentric-only dual-leg press exercise). Subjects (N = 28) were randomly assigned to either curcumin (400 mg/day) or placebo (rice flour) and supplemented 2 days before to 4 days after EMID. Blood samples were collected prior to (PRE), and 1, 2, 3, and 4 days after EIMD to measure CK and inflammatory cytokines. Data were analyzed by ANOVA with P < 0.05.ResultsCurcumin supplementation resulted in significantly smaller increases in CK (− 48%), TNF-α (− 25%), and IL-8 (− 21%) following EIMD compared to placebo. We observed no significant differences in IL-6, IL-10, or quadriceps muscle soreness between conditions for this sample size.ConclusionsCollectively, the findings demonstrated that consumption of curcumin reduced biological inflammation, but not quadriceps muscle soreness, during recovery after EIMD. The observed improvements in biological inflammation may translate to faster recovery and improved functional capacity during subsequent exercise sessions.General significanceThese findings support the use of oral curcumin supplementation to reduce the symptoms of EIMD. The next logical step is to evaluate further the efficacy of an inflammatory clinical disease model.

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Observations were made during both spontaneous and artificial respiration on 12 fit patients anesthetized for routine surgical procedures. Above a tidal volume of 350 ml (BTPS), the anatomical dead space was close to the predicted normal value for the subject. Below 350 ml, it was reduced in proportion to the tidal volume. The physiological dead space (below the carina) approximated to 0.3 times the tidal volume for tidal volumes between 163 and 652 ml (BTPS). Throughout the range the physiological dead space was considerably in excess of the anatomical dead space measured simultaneously. The difference (alveolar dead space) varied from 15 to 231 ml, being roughly proportional to the tidal volume. The mean arterial to end-tidal CO2 tension difference was 4.6 (S.D. ±2.5) mm Hg and not related to tidal volume or arterial CO2 tension. None of the findings appeared to depend on whether the respiration was spontaneous or artificial. Submitted on September 25, 1959

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ObjectivesTo (1) determine if wearing a cloth face mask significantly affected exercise performance and associated physiological responses, and (2) describe perceptual measures of effort and participants’ experiences while wearing a face mask during a maximal treadmill test.MethodsRandomised controlled trial of healthy adults aged 18–29 years. Participants completed two (with and without a cloth face mask) maximal cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPETs) on a treadmill following the Bruce protocol. Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, exertion and shortness of breath were measured. Descriptive data and physical activity history were collected pretrial; perceptions of wearing face masks and experiential data were gathered immediately following the masked trial.ResultsThe final sample included 31 adults (age=23.2±3.1 years; 14 women/17 men). Data indicated that wearing a cloth face mask led to a significant reduction in exercise time (−01:39±01:19 min/sec, p<0.001), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) (−818±552 mL/min, p<0.001), minute ventilation (−45.2±20.3 L/min), maximal heart rate (−8.4±17.0 beats per minute, p<0.01) and increased dyspnoea (1.7±2.9, p<0.001). Our data also suggest that differences in SpO2 and rating of perceived exertion existed between the different stages of the CPET as participant’s exercise intensity increased. No significant differences were found between conditions after the 7-minute recovery period.ConclusionCloth face masks led to a 14% reduction in exercise time and 29% decrease in VO2max, attributed to perceived discomfort associated with mask-wearing. Compared with no mask, participants reported feeling increasingly short of breath and claustrophobic at higher exercise intensities while wearing a cloth face mask. Coaches, trainers and athletes should consider modifying the frequency, intensity, time and type of exercise when wearing a cloth face mask.

These data suggest that, for this population of male and female university students, the upper boundary of the severe exercise intensity domain is approximately 136% P(max). This upper boundary is the highest work rate for which exercise duration is prolonged sufficiently (in this study, 136 +/- 17 s) to allow .VO(2) to rise to its maximal value. The lower boundary for severe exercise is just above P(critical), which is the highest work rate that is sustainable for a prolonged duration and that will not elicit .VO(2max).

Although critical velocity (CV) provides a valid index of aerobic function, the physiological significance of CV is not known. Twelve individuals performed exhaustive runs at 95% to 110% of the velocity at which VO2max was attained in an incremental test. VO2max was elicited in each run. Using the time to exhaustion at each velocity, CV was calculated for each participant. Using the time to achieve VO2max at each velocity, which was shorter at higher velocities, a parameter we have designated as CV' was calculated for each participant. During exercise at or below CV', VO2max cannot be elicited. CV (238+/-24 m x min(-1)) and CV' (239+/-25 m x min(-1)) were equal (t = 0.60, p = 0.56) and correlated (r = 0.97, p < 0.01). These results demonstrate that CV is the threshold intensity above which exercise of sufficient duration will lead to attainment of VO2max.