Declines in exercise performance are prevented 24 hours after post-exercise ischemic conditioning in amateur cyclists

Abstract

Brief moments of blood flow occlusion followed by reperfusion may promote enhancements in exercise performance. Thus, this study assessed the 24-h effect of post-exercise ischemic conditioning (PEIC) on exercise performance and physiological variables in trained cyclists. In a randomized, single-blind study, 28 trained cyclists (27.1 ± 1.4 years) performed a maximal incremental cycling test (MICT). The outcome measures were creatine kinase (CK), muscle soreness and perceived recovery status, heart rate, perceived exertion and power output. Immediately after the MICT, the cyclists performed 1 of the following 4 interventions: 2 sessions of 5-min occlusion/5-min reperfusion (PEIC or SHAM, 2 x 5) or 5 sessions of 2-min occlusion/2-min reperfusion (PEIC or SHAM, 5 x 2). The PEIC (50 mm Hg above the systolic blood pressure) or SHAM (20 mm Hg) treatment was applied unilaterally on alternating thighs. At 24 h after the interventions, a second MICT was performed. In all the groups, the CK levels were increased compared with the baseline (p < 0.05) after the 24-h MICT. The PEIC groups (2 x 5 and 5 x 2) felt more tired at 24 h post intervention (p < 0.05). However, both PEIC groups maintained their performance (2 x 5: p = 0.819; 5 x 2: p = 0.790), while the SHAM groups exhibited decreased performance at 24 h post intervention compared to baseline (2 x 5: p = 0.015; 5 x 2: p = 0.045). A decrease in the maximal heart rate (HR) was found only in the SHAM 2 x 5 group (p = 0.015). There were no other significant differences in the heart rate, power output or perceived exertion after 24 h compared with the baseline values for any of the interventions (p > 0.05). In conclusion, PEIC led to maintained exercise performance 24 h post intervention in trained cyclists.

Ischemic preconditioning delays the time of exhaustion in cycling performance during the early but not in the late phase

“…The iNOS (one isoform of NO synthase) 8 can produce NO, which was suggested for decrease the ATP cost of muscle force production 9 , perhaps via increased mitochondrial efficiency 10 . Two studies investigated the IPC effect in early 13 and late phases 12,13 . One on swimming performance in the 100 and 200 meters time trial13 and another on cycling performance during an incremental cycling test 12 .…”

“…Two studies investigated the IPC effect in early 13 and late phases 12,13 . One on swimming performance in the 100 and 200 meters time trial13 and another on cycling performance during an incremental cycling test 12 .…”

“…In early phase, the IPC showed benefits on power output (W max) and performance during maximal incremental cycling test (ICT) in physically active subjects 3,11 . However, the IPC late phase has not yet been clearly elucidated 12,13 . Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the early and late IPC phase's effect on the trained cyclists' performance during two consecutive days.…”

An Updated Panorama of “Living Low-Training High” Altitude/Hypoxic Methods

“…It also remains to be determined whether each LLTH method is best used as a strategy for pre-acclimatization, improved training responsiveness following an altitude training camp, accelerating musculoskeletal rehabilitation and/or preventing detraining during immobilization in injured athletes. The value of LLTH as a "performance recovery" strategy, for example, to limit the extent of muscle damage (Arriel et al, 2018), is promising. • Aside from hypobaric chambers, normobaric reduced O 2 rooms or terrestrial altitude, recent technological boosts open doors for military and clinical applications of LLTH methods with the widespread development of portable masksystem hypoxicator machines (Lopata and Serebrovskaya, 2012).…”

<p>Effects of Wearing Compression Stockings on Exercise Performance and Associated Indicators: A Systematic Review</p>

“…Athletes would perhaps try it in a couple of training session and one competition before to make a final decision. Also, in practical terms, athletes usually may combine different strategies to improve performance and later recovery, such as ischemic preconditioning, 39,40 myofascial release, and cold water immersion. 41 Currently, the effects of such strategies (isolated or combined) with CS are unknown.…”