Critical power: An important tool for exercise prescription and the assessment of physiological function

Experimental Physiology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 22, 2025

Connections link a sequence of three related research papers. The central article which links the other two papers has been published in Experimental Physiology. In article, an author (or authors) outlines its principal novel findings, tracing how they were influenced by first and contributed to developments made third article. author(s) may also speculate on direction future field. articles aim set wide context. maximum oxygen uptake ( V ̇ O 2 max ${{\dot{V}}_{{{{\mathrm{O}}}_{{{{\mathrm{2}}}^{{\mathrm{max}}}}}}}}$ ) is gold standard measure cardiorespiratory fitness, as it represents upper limit transport utilisation during strenuous exercise. Indeed, long considered strong predictor endurance performance, but mortality morbidity overall marker health, perhaps more so than traditional risk factors such smoking, obesity type diabetes. Fortunately, not fixed, training consistently shown increase . However, changes with exhibit large inter-individual variability, even when individuals undertake same programme. this series connecting papers, Williams et al. (2019) investigated whether different approaches affected magnitude response authors analysed data from 18 interventions 677 participants, whereby undertook high-intensity interval training, sprint or moderate-intensity continuous training. reported that resulted greatest increases , well proportion demonstrating beyond predefined change threshold, comprising technical error measurement minimal clinically important difference one metabolic equivalent task (1 MET, 3.5 mL kg−1 min−1). study illustrates intensity exercise key factor underpinning efficacy Importantly, whilst constructs have proposed, unified approach quantify prescribe remains elusive debated (Jamnick al., 2020). Nonetheless, popular framework according discrete domains: moderate, heavy, severe, physiological responses level perturbation are similar exercising within, between, each domain Notably, boundaries between domains demarcated 'thresholds': gas exchange threshold lactate delineates moderate heavy domains, critical power (CP), boundary severe domains. Despite this, often prescribed relative 'traditional' maximal anchors, percentage heart rate. This fails consider which, among individuals, be positioned differently relation these parameters. compiled (2019), majority studies way only ∼13% participants took part programme where was anchored threshold. Meyler (2023) tested consequences paper connections They hypothesised prescribing anchors intensity, would result higher variability acute exercise, compared results demonstrated that, for CP, highest at steady state attained, less consistent tolerance participants. To put finding into perspective, performing session 75% experience very levels stress. One individual might below their sustainable domain; however, above therefore thus experiencing much greater elicits and, ultimately, failure. presented demonstrate possible, should accounted for, all It plausible reduction analogous and/or following question recent meta-analysis (2024), explored effect using thresholds both collected participants' four exercise-matched (139 participants), groups anchor otherwise identical programmes. Additionally, participant either (25 1190 individuals) (18 354 individuals). Whilst there no observable regarding rates thresholds. Specifically, 64% increased relevant 1 MET thresholds, 16% (Meyler 2024). suggests further work needed establish particular can applied design effective groups, particularly clinical populations. Markers fitness (i.e., CP) tend decline ageing, partially explained loss muscle mass. series, Dorff (2024) age-related CP quantity (mass), quality, assessed vascular function single-leg knee-extension. lower older (∼60 years), younger (∼20 years) healthy adults, irrespective expressed absolute terms Strong relationships markers noted. These suggest sensitive function. Thus, findings add growing body evidence suggesting integrates several functions, turn highlights role variable health performance (Poole 2021). words, ubiquitous concept physiology, representing pulmonary, cardiovascular respiratory systems utilise O2 involving mass, increasingly recognised potent Overall, illustrate parameter physiology explaining (Williams 2019). Prescribing problematic, frameworks suggested. reduce 2023). Repeated over time, sessions appear impact effectiveness improving outcomes, programmes ability integrate range systems—possibly wider potential assess across (e.g., function, Combined, highlight imperative become construct physiology: useful tool standardised prescription powerful disease. Both read approved final version manuscript agree accountable aspects ensuring questions accuracy integrity any appropriately resolved. All persons designated qualify authorship, those who authorship listed. None declared. None.

Language: Английский

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The accuracy of fixed intensity anchors to estimate lactate thresholds in recreational runners

European Journal of Applied Physiology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 15, 2025

Abstract Background Endurance exercise intensities can be categorized into moderate, heavy, and severe domains based on physiological responses during incremental testing. Since the evaluation of metabolic thresholds is not always possible, this study assessed accuracy fixed intensity anchors to estimate lactate thresholds. Methods 165 (64 females, 101 males) recreational runners performed a maximal treadmill test. The first (LT1) second (LT2) were determined as percentages maximum heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO 2 ), running speed, alongside rating perceived exertion (RPE). Sex-specific mean values used determine threshold analyze error magnitude for each method. Results Females had higher relative HR, VO , speed at LT1 compared males ( p < 0.001). In pooled data, absolute estimating varied from 0.6 0.8 km/h 4.9–7.4 bpm while LT2 errors ranged 0.4 2.8–5.2 bpm, respectively. speed-derived estimations yielded smallest magnitudes, RPE-derived least accurate. Estimating increased respective 1.0 8.4 LT1, 1.1 6.7 LT2. Conclusion occurred in suggesting need sex-specific anchors. estimates most accurate, but estimation impaired prediction accuracy. Thus, optimal method also depends availability values.

Language: Английский

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Problems using the cardiopulmonary exercise test in cardiac rehabilitation: it is time to retire outdated protocols and replace them with better ones

Canadian Journal of Cardiology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 1, 2024

Language: Английский

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