Master of Science / Department of Kinesiology / Thomas J. Barstow / Purpose: To determine if a single test is accurate in determining the parameters of the velocity: time-to-fatigue relationship, i.e., critical velocity (CV) and a finite distance that can be covered above CV (D`). Methods: Ten healthy subjects completed an incremental test to volitional exhaustion followed by four constant-velocity runs on a treadmill for the determination of CV and D`, as well as an all-out 3-minute test on a track for the determination of end-test velocity (EV) and the distance above end-test velocity (DEV). Eight of the eleven subjects completed a second 3-minute test and one run each at (+) and (-) 95% confidence interval velocities of CV determined from the 1/time model. Results: The group mean 1/time model CV (12.8 ± 2.5 km·h[superscript]-1) was significantly greater than the velocity-time model CV (12.3 ± 2.4 km·h[superscript]-1; P < 0.05), while the velocity-time model W` (285 ± 106 m) was greater than the 1/time model W` (220 ± 112 m; P < 0.05). EV (13.0 ± 2.7 km·h[superscript]-1) and DEV (151 ± 45 m) were not significantly different than the 1/time model CV and W`, respectively. EV was greater than the velocity-time model CV (P < 0.05), while the DEV was significantly less than the velocity-time model W` (P = 0.002). No difference was found for group mean EV or DEV between the two 3-minute tests (P > 0.05), which demonstrated a reliability coefficient of 0.85 for EV and 0.32 for DEV. For the CV (-) 95% run, all subjects reached a steady-state in VO[subscript]2, and completed 900 s of exercise. However, for the CV (+) 95% run, VO[subscript]2 never reached a steady-state, but increased until termination of exercise at 643 ± 213 s with a VO[subscript]2peak close to but significantly lower than VO[subscript]2max (P < 0.05). Conclusion: CV can be accurately determined using a single 3-minute test, while W` is underestimated with this protocol.

The hyperbolic relationship between power output and endurance time can be measured using all-out exercise. The aims of this thesis were to (i) assess whether the all-out test could be used under novel testing protocols to provide valid power-duration (P-D) parameter estimates; and (ii) attempt to elucidate the likely physiological composition of the P-D curvature constant. All-out tests were initiated from moderate-(M), heavy-(H) and severe-(S2 & S4) intensity ‘baselines’ (chapter 4). The work performed above end power (WEP) was not different to control under M or H conditions but was significantly, predictably reduced under the S2 & S4 conditions (control: 16.3 ± 2.2; M: 17.2 ± 2.4; H: 15.6 ± 2.3 kJ, P > 0.05; S2: 11.5 ± 2.5; S4: 8.9 ± 2.2 kJ, P < 0.05). The 3-min all-out test end power (EP) parameter was unaffected. Muscle glycogen may form part of the WEP. Type I (T1) and type II (T2) muscle fibres were depleted of their glycogen content prior to the all-out test (chapter 5). EP and WEP were unaffected by either T1 or T2 glycogen depletion. The all-out tests was conducted under hypoxic conditions alongside the criterion assessment of the P-D relationship (chapter 6). Normobaric moderate hypoxia caused a reduction in CP (control: 175 ± 25; hypoxia: 132 ± 17 W, P < 0.001) without affecting W′ (control: 13.2 ± 2.2; hypoxia: 12.3 ± 2.7 kJ, P > 0.05). The 3-min all-out test provided EP and WEP estimates, which did not differ to CP and W′ (control: EP 172 ± 30 W, WEP 12.0 ± 2.6 kJ; hypoxia EP 134 ± 23 W, WEP 12.5 ± 1.4 kJ, P > 0.05) providing the ergometer resistance was adjusted for the hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, a significant negative relationship was observed between %∆ ( O2peak – CP) and %∆W′ (r = -0.83, P < 0.001); thus, W′ may represent the relative ‘size’ of the severe-intensity domain. The all-out test was used to track training-induced changes in P-D parameters in response to 6-weeks of sprint or endurance training (chapter 7). EP & WEP were differently altered compared to CP and W′ following sprint training (CP 12 ± 9; EP -0 ± 9 % change; W′ -5 ± 25; WEP 11 ± 15 % change). The all-out test reliably tracked changes in CP and W′ following endurance training. In conclusion, the all-out test provides reliable EP and WEP values. Its validity is acceptable, but is perhaps affected by exercise training that is specific to the execution of the test. The W′ appears to be determined, to a large extent, by the relative size of the severe-intensity domain.

Performance tests are used to gauge swimmer fitness and guide training prescription. While some traditional protocols, such as, best average swimming (Bavg) lack scientific support, the three-minute all-out test (3MT) is validated to measure critical speed (CS) and distance capacity above CS (D’) from a single maximal swimming bout. In collegiate swimming, a 3MT could be convenient and time efficient. Yet, issues arise with calculating 3MT parameters. Moreover, anthropometry, resistance training, and stroke technique may influence swimming performance and physiological thresholds including 3MT parameters. Hence, this dissertation focused on evaluating the 3MT parameter calculation methods using the interval and lap split methods. Then, we assessed the influence of body anthropometrics, resistance training, and stroke techniques on 3MT parameters throughout a season. Bland-Altman plots showed that CS did not present remarkable behavior while D’ had systematic bias. Furthermore, there were no statistical differences between CS calculation methods (p = 0.83). However, D’ had moderate effect differences (p = 0.01, d = -0.70). Bavg showed very large correlations with maximum sprint speed (MSS) (r = 0.78) and CS (r = 0.81), but improvements after 6-weeks of concurrent training (p < 0.001, d = -0.85) seemed mainly driven by CS (p < 0.001, d = -1.68). Significant moderate to near perfect correlations were found between anthropometrics, 3MT parameters, and medicine ball pulldown throw (MBT) performance during pre- and post-season. Body composition changes may have influenced MBT performance changes (r = 0.46 – 0.55). CS increased at the expense of D’ while both reached stabilization point with no changes in MSS. There were moderate to large differences in 3MT parameters for the backstroke, but only MSS and CS differed in breaststroke, with no D’ differences in either group. Large to near perfect correlations were found between freestyle and secondary stroke 3MT parameter counterparts (r = 0.62 – 0.93), except for D’ in backstroke. Actual and predicted CS in both backstroke (p = 0.27) and breaststroke (p = 0.97) did not significantly differ. The lap split method during a 3MT seems like a practical and useful protocol to monitor CS and D’ in collegiate swimmers.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-06T17:07:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Rafael Penteado.pdf: 1084171 bytes, checksum: 1fe7da89a2a7add8f27869b51f7e52d5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-07-31 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Introduction: Critical Power (CP) is the maximum rate can be maintained in a stable metabolic state muscle work. In the search for a test associated with less error and greater practical application, a series of studies investigating the validity of a single maximal test "all-out" to determine the PC. This test was designed with the assumption that, by inducing the depletion of anaerobic reservations as early as possible, the aerobic system predominantly assume the replenishment of ATP and consequently the amount of work done in this situation will be the next PC. Thus this study aims to explore the impact of hypoxia (FiO2 = 0,13), in determining the PC by 3-MT test. Methods: 8 healthy university students were evaluated (7 men and 1 woman). Incremental ramp test for determination of the maximal and submaximal parameters as well as the braking factor (power +50% &#916; /pacing2 ) test three minutes to determine the maximum EP and W` in normoxia and hypoxia (Fi O2 = 0.13) conditions, constant load tests at 100% of EP determined in three minutes maximum. Student t test for the measurements between tests. Results: The main hypothesis of the study was not accepted since the addition of hypoxia did not cause enough stress to the point of changing the anaerobic contribution and interfere with the determination of EP (3-MTHYP = 213±43W, 3-MTNOR = 217±49 Wp = 0.35). There was no significant difference during the constant load tests at 100% of EP (EP 3-MTHYP = 23.95±8 min, EP-3 MTNOR = 19.41±10 min p = 0.36). Conclusion: Adding hypoxia (Fi O2 = 0.13) was not able to change the energy contribution to the point of changing the parameter EP aerobic and anaerobic W `, highlighting the robustness of the model against this intervention. Still, the responses associated with RPE during constant-load test are close to those encountered during constant load tests on PC. Further investigations with different levels of hypoxia are necessary for more conclusive answers. / Introdução: Potência crítica (PC) representa a máxima taxa de trabalho muscular possível de ser mantida em um estado estável metabólico. Na busca por um teste com menor erro associado e maior aplicação prática, uma série de trabalhos vem investigando a validade de um único teste máximo all-out para determinar a PC. Este teste foi concebido com o pressuposto de que, induzindo o esgotamento das reservas anaeróbias o quanto antes possível, o sistema aeróbio assumiria predominantemente a reposição de ATP e consequentemente a carga de trabalho realizada nessa situação será próxima a PC. Assim este estudo, tem como objetivo explorar o impacto da hipóxia (i.e. FiO2 0.13), na determinação da PC pelo teste máximo de três minutos (3-MT). Métodos: Oito universitários saudáveis foram avaliados (7 homens e 1 mulher). Teste incremental de rampa foi utilizado para determinação dos parâmetros máximos e submáximo bem como do fator de frenagem (potencia+50%&#8710; / cadendia2). Teste de 3-MT para determinação do EP e W` nas condições normoxia e hipóxia (Fi O2=0,13). Testes de carga constante a 100% dos EP foram utilizados para verificação das respostas fisiológicas. O teste t de student foi utilizado para as aferições entre os testes. Resultados: A hipótese principal do estudo não foi aceita, uma vez que a adição de hipóxia não gerou estresse suficiente ao ponto de alterar a contribuição anaeróbia e interferir na determinação do EP (3-MTHYP = 213±43W, 3-MTNOR = 217±49W p=0,35) . Também não houve diferença significativa durante os testes de carga constante a 100% dos EP determinados (EP 3-MTHYP = 23,95±8 min., EP 3-MTnor = 19,41±10 min. p= 0,36). Conclusão: A adição de hipóxia (Fi O2=0,13) não foi capaz de alterar a contribuição energética a ponto de alterar o parâmetro aeróbio EP, e anaeróbio W`, destacando a robustez do modelo frente a essa intervenção. Ainda, as respostas associadas ao EP durante o teste de carga constante estão próximas aquelas encontradas durante testes de carga constante na PC. Futuras investigações com diferentes níveis de hipóxia são necessárias para obter respostas mais conclusivas.