Maximal strength training for 8 wk improved RE and increased time to exhaustion at MAS among well-trained, long-distance runners, without change in maximal oxygen uptake or body weight.

Quantitative thresholds for discomfort and pain with monocular and binocular light stimuli were measured in 67 controls and 67 migraine patients (37 migraine with aura and 30 migraine without aura). Patients were more photophobic during attack than outside attack (p < 0.03), and they were more sensitive to light than controls even between attacks (p < or = 0.0001). We found no differences in light sensitivity between migraine with aura and migraine without aura (p > or = 0.93). Unilateral pain affected light sensitivity on both sides. When asked with a questionnaire, 74% of patients answered that they were sensitive to light outside attack and 100% were sensitive during attack. Pain thresholds were generally lower among sensitive than non-sensitive patients (p = 0.004), indicating some agreement between subjective opinion and objective measurements of photophobia. Photophobia seems to be an intrinsic property of migraineurs. It is increased by migraine pain, but seems to be unrelated to migraine characteristics such as nausea, severity of attacks, pain character and pain laterality.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of maximal strength training on cycling economy (CE) at 70% of maximal oxygen consumption (Vo2max), work efficiency in cycling at 70% Vo2max, and time to exhaustion at maximal aerobic power. Responses in 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and rate of force development (RFD) in half-squats, Vo2max, CE, work efficiency, and time to exhaustion at maximal aerobic power were examined. Sixteen competitive road cyclists (12 men and 4 women) were randomly assigned into either an intervention or a control group. Thirteen (10 men and 3 women) cyclists completed the study. The intervention group (7 men and 1 woman) performed half-squats, 4 sets of 4 repetitions maximum, 3 times per week for 8 weeks, as a supplement to their normal endurance training. The control group continued their normal endurance training during the same period. The intervention manifested significant (p < 0.05) improvements in 1RM (14.2%), RFD (16.7%), CE (4.8%), work efficiency (4.7%), and time to exhaustion at pre-intervention maximal aerobic power (17.2%). No changes were found in Vo2max or body weight. The control group exhibited an improvement in work efficiency (1.4%), but this improvement was significantly (p < 0.05) smaller than that in the intervention group. No changes from pre- to postvalues in any of the other parameters were apparent in the control group. In conclusion, maximal strength training for 8 weeks improved CE and efficiency and increased time to exhaustion at maximal aerobic power among competitive road cyclists, without change in maximal oxygen uptake, cadence, or body weight. Based on the results from the present study, we advise cyclists to include maximal strength training in their training programs.

HAIT is an effective exercise strategy to improve aerobic fitness and reduce risk factors associated with T2D.

Quantitative measurement of sound-induced discomfort and pain thresholds showed that migraineurs (n = 65) were significantly more sensitive than headache-free controls (n = 80), both during and outside attack (p < 0.0001). Patients tested with head pain had lower thresholds than those tested without pain (p < 0.01). Migraine with and without aura did not differ as to sound sensitivity. There were no significant differences in thresholds between the symptomatic and nonsymptomatic sides (p > or = 0.78). Patients with unilateral headache or pain of pulsating character were more sensitive than those with bilateral headache or pressing pain (p < 0.05). Phonophobia did not correlate significantly with duration, frequency, or severity of attacks. The main results were in accordance with a questionnaire study concerning subjective evaluation of sound sensitivity. Similarities between phonophobia and photophobia in migraine provide evidence that both phenomena share a common pathophysiological mechanism in this condition.

The present study investigated whether there are differences in running economy at different velocities for well-trained distance runners, and to what extent a commonly used incremental protocol for measuring oxygen uptake (VO(2)) at different velocities affects the reliability of these measurements. Fifteen well-trained distance runners (9 male and 6 female) participated in this study. Gross oxygen cost of running (C (R)), heart rate (HR) and [La(-)](b) during 5-min runs at velocities ranging from 8.0 to 17 km h(-1), representing intensities ranging from 60 to 90% of maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2max)) was measured on two different days in random order. The athletes were also tested for lactate threshold, VO(2max) and time to exhaustion at MAS ((t)MAS). No significant differences in C (R) between the different relative velocities or the different set velocities were found up to 90% of VO(2max). The incremental protocol for measuring VO(2) at different velocities was found not to affect the reliability of these measurements. All athletes reached their VO(2max) whilst running to exhaustion at MAS. The females showed significantly lower VO(2max), but significantly better C (R) than the males. At velocities representing intensities between 60 and 90% of VO(2max), no differences in C (R) were found. The commonly used incremental protocol for measuring oxygen uptake (VO(2)) at different velocities was found not to affect the reliability of these measurements. This means that C (R) measured at sub-maximal velocities are representative for C (R) at race velocity for distances above 10,000 m for most runners.

The present study investigated to what extent more high aerobic intensity interval training (HAIT) and reduced training volume would influence maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and time trial (TT) performance in an elite national cyclist in the preseason period. The cyclist was tested for VO2max, cycling economy (C(c)), and TT performance on an ergometer cycle during 1 year. Training was continuously logged using heart rate monitor during the entire period. Total monthly training volume was reduced in the 2011 preseason compared with the 2010 preseason, and 2 HAIT blocks (14 sessions in 9 days and 15 sessions in 10 days) were performed as running. Between the HAIT blocks, 3 HAIT sessions per week were performed as cycling. From November 2010 to February 2011, the cyclist reduced total average monthly training volume by 18% and cycling training volume by 60%. The amount of training at 90-95% HRpeak increased by 41%. VO2max increased by 10.3% on ergometer cycle. TT performance improved by 14.9%. C(c) did not change. In conclusion, preseason reduced total training volume but increased amount of HAIT improved VO2max and TT performance without any changes in C(c). These improvements on cycling appeared despite that the HAIT blocks were performed as running. Reduced training time, and training transfer from running into improved cycling form, may be beneficial for cyclists living in cold climate areas.

In healthy individuals with an aerobic capacity typical for what is observed in the population, the training response is likely not affected by age in a short-term training intervention but may rather be affected by the initial training status. These findings imply that individuals across age all have a great potential for cardiovascular improvements, and that HIIT may be used as an excellent strategy for healthy aging.