The aim of our 10-week-long experiment was to investigate the impact of training with additional dead space (DS) on spirometry and exercise respiration. Respiratory muscle training is applied to the development exercise capacity. Twenty cyclists were assigned to two groups: the experimental (E) and the control (C). All of them carried on with their initial training programme. During endurance trainings (twice per week) group E used additional DS (1000 cm3). Immediatelly before and after the experiment each participant was submitted to a spirometry and a continuous test. The spirometry test measured peak inspiratory (PIF) and expiratory (PEF) flows, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). The continuous test measured tidal volume (TV), respiratory frequency (RF), along with inspiration and expiration times. Our experiment demonstrated TV increase and RF decrease in both groups. In addition, the TV value was significantly higher in group E than in C. The PIF value also increased significantly, PEF and FEV1 upward trend was observed in group E only. We concluded the additional respiratory DS used in the experimental group provoked an increase of airflow observed in the spirometry tests at rest and during intensive aerobic exercise.
Background: The purpose of this study was to compare body balance in road and off-road cyclists, immediately before and after the racing season. Material/Methods: Twenty individuals participated in the study and they were divided into two groups: specialists in road-cycling (n = 10) and in off-road cycling (n = 10). Immediately before and after the five-month racing season stabilographic trials were carried out (at rest and after progressive exercise). In assessing body balance the distance and velocity of the centre shifts (in the anterior-posterior and left-right direction) were analysed. The tests were performed with the cyclists’ eyes open, eyes closed, and in feedback. Results: After the racing season, in the off-road cyclists’ group, distance and velocity of the centre of pressure shifts increased after a progressive exercise. Conclusions: In the off-road cyclists’ group the balance of the body in the sagittal plane deteriorated after the racing season. Moreover, after the racing season off-road cyclists were characterized by a worse balance of the body, compared to road cyclists
Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of training with added respiratory dead space volume (ARDSV) on changes in a breathing pattern and cycling efficiency. Methods. Twenty road cyclists were equally divided into an experimental (E) and control (C) group. All of them were involved in a training program that included endurance training (at moderate intensity) and interval training (at maximal intensity). During semi-weekly endurance training, ARDSV (1000cm3 tube) was introduced in the experimental group. Respiratory parameters, including, among others, oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide excretion (VCO2), end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PETCO2), pulmonary ventilation (VE), tidal volume (TV) and total work done during the tests (W), were measured before and after the experiment by a progressive and continuous test. Results. Higher PETCO2 and TV in both groups during the progressive and continuous tests were observed. VCO2 increased in group E during continuous test, while for group C only in the first four minutes of the test. VO2 and VE increased only in group E during submaximal and maximal exercise. Total work increased during the continuous test in both groups (significantly higher in group C than E). However, total work during the progressive test increased only in group E. Conclusions. Training with ARDSV improved exercise capacity at maximal effort and was associated with an increase in maximal oxygen uptake. On the other hand, this type of training lead to a decrease in cycling efficiency, reducing in effect the benefits associated with an increase in VO2max and reducing the ability to perform submaximal effort.
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