This work examined lentils as an optimal and acceptable pre-exercise meal for athletes of high intensity intermittent exercise. Thirteen male athletes participated in 4 simulated soccer trials with a repeated-measures crossover design. Along with a fasted control condition, isocaloric lentil, potato & egg white, or potato meals providing 1.5 g total carbohydrate/kg were consumed 2-h before the trials. Pre-exercise meal sensory acceptability and digestive tolerability were measured throughout testing with fixed-point scales: A sensory test meal analysis and gastrointestinal digestive symptom rating scale. Participant demographics, nutrition knowledge, and psychosocial perceptions towards lentils were assessed with a questionnaire. Distance covered on a 5 x 1 min repeated sprint test (2.5 min rest) at the end of the soccer trial assessed exercise performance. The Borg Scale (0-20) determined ratings of perceived exertion during exercise testing. Barriers toward pulse-based meal consumption negatively correlated with weekly pulse consumption (r=-0.902, p <0.05), while a positive correlation existed between beneficial beliefs of pulse-based meal consumption and weekly pulse consumption (r=0.620, p <0.05). Participants consumed an average of 79.5 ± 1.8% of each meal. The meals were perceived large in size and cumbersome to ingest by the participants, and no between meal differences were observed (p>0.05). The lentil meal was not as appealing in aroma, appearance, or flavour compared to the potato meal, but no different than the potato & egg meal (p>0.05). Lentil consumption resulted in a minimal increase in nausea compared to the other conditions (1.0, 0.54, 0.31 and 0.08, for lentil, potato & egg, potato, and control, respectively, p<0.05). Initially after consumption, all meals resulted in more bloating and fullness, and less hunger than control (p<0.05). Improved overall exercise performance was proportional with greater pre-exercise meal energy (r = 0.68, p <0.05) and carbohydrate intake (r = 0.67, p<0.05). Pre–exercise consumption of the low glycemic index lentil meal, as well as the two high glycemic pre-exercise meals, resulted in improved total sprint distances compared to the fasted control condition (p<0.05). The comparative sensory acceptability, digestive tolerability and similar performance outcomes of the lentil meal to the other pre-exercise meals indicates lentils may be a suitable pre-exercise meal for athletes of high intensity intermittent exercise.

Introduktion. Handboll är en olympisk gren som spelas internationellt, men främst i Europa. Idrotten ställer höga krav på både aerob och anaerob metabolism. Syfte. Syftet med studien var att studera överensstämmelsen mellan Cooper Test (CT) och Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIR1) för unga handbollspelare. Dessutom om möjligt även studera spelpositionens betydelse för utfallet. Metod. 56 unga handbollsspelare bjöds in att deltaga i studien. Deltagarna utförde CT och YYIR1 och överensstämmelsen mellan testerna studerades med hjälp av Spearmans korrelationskoefficient (rs). Resultat. 11 män och 10 kvinnor deltog i studien. Resultatet visade på en god överensstämmelse mellan CT och YYIR1 för gruppen som helhet (rs = 0,79, p = &lt; 0,001). Ingen slutsats kunde dras utifrån spelarnas position och resultaten av de båda testerna. Indelat efter kön skiljde sig överensstämmelsen för män (rs = 0,28, p = 0,4) och för kvinnor (rs = 0,61, p = 0,06). Slutsats. Överensstämmelsen mellan CT och YYIR1 var god på gruppnivå och därför skulle testerna kunna vara utbytbara. Men eftersom det fanns en tydlig skillnad mellan könen krävs större studier.

This thesis studies the operating characteristics of lead acid batteries with the intermittent discharging current. Rest time is added periodically on purpose during the battery discharging to observe its impact on the releasable capacity. From the experimental results that take the frequency and the duty-ratio as two variables, batteries with the intermittent discharging at high frequencies or low duty ratios can release more capacity. The results also indicate that the depth of discharge (DOD) affects the intermittent discharging. More capacity is released while approaching the end of the discharging, whereas no clear difference is found in the beginning. Last but not least, the average current is proved experimentally to play a significant role in current discharging. With the same average current, the maximum capacity obtained from the intermittent current discharging is close to that from the constant current discharging.

Effects of a Short Work/Shorter Rest Intermittent Exercise on Muscle Metabolic Status, VO2, Hemoglobin Saturation and Performance, PhD, 2010, Glen Robert Belfry, Exercise Science, University of Toronto. Abstract Many sports require short duration work periods and short duration rest periods (INT). This dissertation examines the engagement of aerobic and anaerobic energy systems in acute exercise with brief (10 seconds) work and recovery (5 seconds) and the effect of chronic exposure on those systems. The differences between INT and continuous exercise (CONT) of deoxygenated hemoglobin saturation (ΔHHb), the pattern of breath-by-oxygen uptake (VO2) and muscle metabolic status, including, [Pi], [Pi]/[PCr], and [H+] were studied in young healthy adults. The physiological and performance responses to a four week, 12 session cycle ergometer training regime of the CONT and INT protocols were observed. Fluctuations in VO2, ∆HHb, [PCr], and [H+] were observed within the work : recovery duty cycle of INT. Fluctuations of VO2, ΔHHb, and [PCr] may be a function of the priming effects of previous high intensity exercise, inhibition at the locus of metabolic control, and elevated blood flow over the recovery-work transitions. Fluctuations in oxidative phosphorylation were associated with concurrent fluctuations in [PCr]. [Pi] and [PCr] were greater in INT vs CONT, whereas no differences were observed for [H+] between conditions. Reduced [PCr] may be the most appropriate indicator of metabolic stress, not increased [Pi] or [H+]. Similar improvements in aerobic power were observed for CONT and INT training, whereas anaerobic performance was enhanced post-INT training. Collectively the findings indicate that a unique INT exercise protocol facilitates increased muscle blood flow versus continuous exercise, the temporal association of muscle metabolic status, ΔHHb, and pulmonary VO2 with work rate, the apt use of [PCr] as a proxy for metabolic stress, and when this unique INT bout is utilized as a training protocol, adaptations in both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism will occur.

Effects of a Short Work/Shorter Rest Intermittent Exercise on Muscle Metabolic Status, VO2, Hemoglobin Saturation and Performance, PhD, 2010, Glen Robert Belfry, Exercise Science, University of Toronto. Abstract Many sports require short duration work periods and short duration rest periods (INT). This dissertation examines the engagement of aerobic and anaerobic energy systems in acute exercise with brief (10 seconds) work and recovery (5 seconds) and the effect of chronic exposure on those systems. The differences between INT and continuous exercise (CONT) of deoxygenated hemoglobin saturation (ΔHHb), the pattern of breath-by-oxygen uptake (VO2) and muscle metabolic status, including, [Pi], [Pi]/[PCr], and [H+] were studied in young healthy adults. The physiological and performance responses to a four week, 12 session cycle ergometer training regime of the CONT and INT protocols were observed. Fluctuations in VO2, ∆HHb, [PCr], and [H+] were observed within the work : recovery duty cycle of INT. Fluctuations of VO2, ΔHHb, and [PCr] may be a function of the priming effects of previous high intensity exercise, inhibition at the locus of metabolic control, and elevated blood flow over the recovery-work transitions. Fluctuations in oxidative phosphorylation were associated with concurrent fluctuations in [PCr]. [Pi] and [PCr] were greater in INT vs CONT, whereas no differences were observed for [H+] between conditions. Reduced [PCr] may be the most appropriate indicator of metabolic stress, not increased [Pi] or [H+]. Similar improvements in aerobic power were observed for CONT and INT training, whereas anaerobic performance was enhanced post-INT training. Collectively the findings indicate that a unique INT exercise protocol facilitates increased muscle blood flow versus continuous exercise, the temporal association of muscle metabolic status, ΔHHb, and pulmonary VO2 with work rate, the apt use of [PCr] as a proxy for metabolic stress, and when this unique INT bout is utilized as a training protocol, adaptations in both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism will occur.

No description available.

Although soccer is one of the more researched intermittent team sports, there is a surprisingly modest amount of information available on the effects of fatigue on skill performance. The main reasons for this are due to the problems of overcoming the barriers of controlling the many variables in the field and a lack of reliable and valid skill tests. The Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle running Test (LIST) is a recently developed exercise protocol which closely simulates the demands of multiple-sprint sports such as soccer in a controlled environment. Furthermore, the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) and Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test (LSST) were developed (and modified further as part of this thesis, Chapters 5 and 6) and found to be reliable and valid indicators of soccer skill. Therefore, one of the main aims of this thesis was to investigate the influence of 90 min of the LIST on soccer skill performance. Early researchers (e. g. Karlsson, 1969 and Saltin, 1973) reported the -benefits of maintaining a high muscle glycogen content on soccer performance and more recent investigators looked at the effect of providing carbohydrate (CHO) during exercise on work rate and soccer skill. However, many of these experiments were completed in the field setting and used poor tests of skill. Therefore, the primary aim of these series of experiments was to determine the influence of ingesting a carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO-E) solution during the LIST on soccer skill performance. There was an 8% deterioration in LSPT performance following 90 min of intermittent high-intensity running, even with fluid ingestion (p<0.05). Furthermore, the ingestion of a CHO-E solution during exercise showed tendencies for better maintenance of skill performance towards the end of exercise. Moreover, CHO-E supplementation better maintained sprint performance and a higher relative exercise intensity during exercise (p<0.05). This is crucial in soccer perfon-nance, as players who are unable to sprint to get to the ball will be unable to perform the necessary skill. From the results of Chapters 5 and 6 it was found that the modified passing (LSPT) and goal-shooting (LSST) tests were valid and reliable tests of soccer skill. Moreover, they were found to be more repeatable when higher calibre players performed the tests. As in previous studies there was a speed-accuracy trade-off' in LSST performance i. e. subjects increased the time taken to complete each shot sequence and reduced the shot speed to maintain shooting accuracy post-LIST. There was a trend for CHO-E ingestion to maintain a better shot speed and time taken for each sequence. The ingestion of CHOE also reduced the perception of effort (p<0.05) and led to more positive feelings of affective valence during the last 30 min of the LIST. Therefore, based on these findings, it was concluded that the ingestion of CHO-E solutions over water alone should be encouraged to soccer players because of the tendency to better maintain soccer skill and the associated physiological, biochemical and psychological benefits during such exercise.

Most bacterial foodborne pathogens are shed intermittently from their animal hosts and are able to grow and persist in the environment. Cattle and pigs constitute the major animal reservoirs for these pathogens. The overall objective of this dissertation research was to improve understanding of the role of intermittent shedding and environmental persistence in the transmission and maintenance of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium in their animal host populations. This objective was addressed through five interdepended studies. The study in Chapter II, describes the transmission of E. coli O157:H7 in a dairy herd using mathematical modeling that includes indirect transmission from the contaminated environment. The model predicts that the elevated ambient temperature during summer, together with the availability of large amount of drinking water per cattle, are the major factors for increased pathogen load in water and high prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle populations. The second study, in Chapter III, determined the variation in water-to-cattle ratios among feedlot pens and evaluated the association with the pen level management and environmental factors. Water-to-cattle ratio was found to vary greatly between feedlots and pens with lower water-to-cattle ratios on average had cooler drinking water. The study in Chapter IV, used a compartmental mathematical model of infection transmission, to evaluate the effect of cleaning on Salmonella Typhimurium control in a grower-finisher pig herd. Cleaning alone was not found to be an effective measure of control unless combined with other measures to reduce the level of bacterial shedding. The study in Chapter V, developed the multi-state Markov chain model to describe the fecal shedding pattern of three E. coli O157:H7 strains in cattle. One strain was not detected to shed, while the other two strains had on average different durations of host colonization, albeit not at the statistically significant level. The study in Chapter VI, used an experimental infection transmission approach to estimate and compare transmission rates for three different strains of E. coli O157:H7 in steers. The results revealed that the transmission rate of E. coli O157:H7 increases significantly with increasing levels of environmental contamination. Collectively, the five studies have highlighted the role of these pathogen characteristics in their transmission. The improved understanding of these characteristics will allow for better design of control measure to ensure food safety.

Strong evidence exists to support the use of a continuous (>8hr/day) hypoxic stimulus (either geographical altitude or simulated hypoxia) for enhancing the physical performance of endurance athletes. However, evidence supporting the use of acutely intermittent hypoxia (<1hr/day) for enhancing performance is less clear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of acutely intermittent hypoxic exposure on physiological and physical performance measures in team sport athletes. Using a single-blind controlled design, 14 trained basketball players (HYP = 7, CON = 7) were subjected to 15 days of intermittent hypoxia or normoxia. Each exposure was 37 minutes in duration (four cycles of 7min on, 3min off) and achieved using a nitrogen dilution device (Airo Ltd, Auckland, NZ). Prescribed peripheral oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) were maintained using an automatic biofeedback system and were progressively decreased from 86-89% on Day 1 to 75-78% on Day 15. A range of physiological measures and performance tests were conducted seven and two days before, and ten days after the intervention. The tests were: an incremental treadmill test to establish peak oxygen consumption ( peak) and running economy (RE), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (YYIRT), and the Repeated High-Intensity Endurance Test (RHIET). Whole-blood samples were taken to assess a range of haematological measures. At 10 days post-intervention the HYP group, relative to the CON group, exhibited the following percent changes (±90% confidence limits, CL), and effect sizes (ES; ±90% CL); YYIRT running speedpeak (4.8; ± 1.6%, ES: 1.0 ± 0.4; benefit almost certain), RHIET total sprint time (-3.5; ± 1.6%; ES: -0.4 ± 0.2; benefit very likely), RHIET slowest sprint time (-5.0; ± 2.4%; ES: -0.5 ± 0.2; benefit very likely), soluble transferrin receptor (9.2; ± 10.1%; ES: 0.3 ± 0.3; benefit possible) running economy (11km.hr-1) (-9.0; ± 9.7%; ES: -0.7 ± 0.7; benefit likely, probable), and running economy (13km.hr-1) (-8.2; ± 6.9%; ES: -0.7 ± 0.5; benefit likely, probable). Changes to running economy (9km.hr-1), peak, maximum heart rate and lactate and all other blood measures were unclear. In conclusion, acutely intermittent hypoxia resulted in worthwhile changes in physical performance of trained basketball players in tests relevant to competition. However, the lack of clear change in physiological and haematological measures makes it difficult to determine the underlying mechanism for such enhancement.

Strong evidence exists to support the use of a continuous (>8hr/day) hypoxic stimulus (either geographical altitude or simulated hypoxia) for enhancing the physical performance of endurance athletes. However, evidence supporting the use of acutely intermittent hypoxia (<1hr/day) for enhancing performance is less clear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of acutely intermittent hypoxic exposure on physiological and physical performance measures in team sport athletes. Using a single-blind controlled design, 14 trained basketball players (HYP = 7, CON = 7) were subjected to 15 days of intermittent hypoxia or normoxia. Each exposure was 37 minutes in duration (four cycles of 7min on, 3min off) and achieved using a nitrogen dilution device (Airo Ltd, Auckland, NZ). Prescribed peripheral oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) were maintained using an automatic biofeedback system and were progressively decreased from 86-89% on Day 1 to 75-78% on Day 15. A range of physiological measures and performance tests were conducted seven and two days before, and ten days after the intervention. The tests were: an incremental treadmill test to establish peak oxygen consumption ( peak) and running economy (RE), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (YYIRT), and the Repeated High-Intensity Endurance Test (RHIET). Whole-blood samples were taken to assess a range of haematological measures. At 10 days post-intervention the HYP group, relative to the CON group, exhibited the following percent changes (±90% confidence limits, CL), and effect sizes (ES; ±90% CL); YYIRT running speedpeak (4.8; ± 1.6%, ES: 1.0 ± 0.4; benefit almost certain), RHIET total sprint time (-3.5; ± 1.6%; ES: -0.4 ± 0.2; benefit very likely), RHIET slowest sprint time (-5.0; ± 2.4%; ES: -0.5 ± 0.2; benefit very likely), soluble transferrin receptor (9.2; ± 10.1%; ES: 0.3 ± 0.3; benefit possible) running economy (11km.hr-1) (-9.0; ± 9.7%; ES: -0.7 ± 0.7; benefit likely, probable), and running economy (13km.hr-1) (-8.2; ± 6.9%; ES: -0.7 ± 0.5; benefit likely, probable). Changes to running economy (9km.hr-1), peak, maximum heart rate and lactate and all other blood measures were unclear. In conclusion, acutely intermittent hypoxia resulted in worthwhile changes in physical performance of trained basketball players in tests relevant to competition. However, the lack of clear change in physiological and haematological measures makes it difficult to determine the underlying mechanism for such enhancement.