Subject of the study. Aerobic capacity and cardiac structure and function of healthy young males. Background. Data regarding the relationship between the parameters of aerobic capacity (such as maximal oxygen uptake or anaerobic threshold) and cardiac structure as well as function remain sparse and controversial. Aim. To determine how the parameters of aerobic capacity are correlated with those of cardiac structure and function. Objectives: 1. To determine the correlation between anaerobic thresholds and myocardial structure. 2. To determine how strongly the maximal oxygen uptake and cardiac structure are correlated. 3. To determine the correlation of indices of aerobic capacity to the parameters of myocardial function at rest. Hypothesis. Cardiac structure and function of healthy young men is directly linked not only to maximal oxygen uptake but anaerobic thresholds as well. Conclusions. The direct correlation of the parameters of concentric cardiac hypertrophy with aerobic capacity (anaerobic thresholds as well as maximal oxygen uptake) indices was detected. However, we failed to detect a significant correlation between indices of eccentric cardiac hypertrophy or myocardial function and aerobic capacity.

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Syfte och frågeställningar Syftet med den här studien var att undersöka den aeroba fysiska aktivitetsnivån hos gymnasieungdomar på Bygg- och anläggningsprogrammet under skoldagar som innehöll teorilektioner, praktiska lektioner, idrottslektioner och raster. Frågan som ställdes var: Hur ser den fysiska aktivitetsnivån ut under teorilektioner, praktiska lektioner och lektioner i idrott och hälsa samt under raster hos gymnasieelever på Bygg- och anläggningsprogrammet. Metod I studien deltog 9 pojkar i åldern 16 år, längd 174-192cm och vikt 51-91kg. Den test som genomförts är 5 Minuters Pyramid Test (5MPT) och registrering av aerob fysisk belastning gjordes med hjärtfrekvensmätningar. 5MPT är ett skytteltest som är fem minuter långt, där försökspersonen tar sig fram och tillbaka mellan två stolpar och så snabbt som möjligt passerarfram och tillbaka över en vertikal pyramidformad trappramp (sträcka 5,5 meter). Antalet vändor, skattad ansträngning samt hjärtfrekvens (HF) registrerades. Utvecklad power (effekt) erhölls genom produkten av kroppsmassa, gravitation, antal vändor, höjd på högsta plinten (0,53 m) dividerat med total tiden i 5MPT. Utifrån 5MPT kunde beräknad VO2 max samt Power/kg (W/kg) beräknas för försökspersonen. Testet med hjärtfrekvensregistrering gick till så att eleverna under en skolvecka hela skoldagen bar en pulsklocka med förtejpad urtavla och ett elektrodbälte. De tryckte på händelsemarkering vid rast och när lektionen startade igen. Eleverna förde dagbok där de beskrev vad de gjort under dagen.  Resultat För samtliga försökspersoner kan man se en genomgående trend avseende fysisk belastningsnivå uttryckt som hjärtfrekvens vilket syns i följande resultat. Den högsta pulsen uppnåddes under idrottslektionerna med en genomsnittlig hjärtfrekvens på ca 140 slag/min, den näst högsta under de praktiska lektionerna med 94 slag/min. Därnäst följde rasterna med 83 slag/min och lägst utslag visades under teorilektionerna med en genomsnittlig hjärtfrekvens på ca 80 slag/min. Försökspersonerna utnyttjade ca 30 % av sin maximala syreupptagningsförmåga under de praktiska lektionerna. Slutsats Den här studien har visat att det är under undervisningen i idrott och hälsa och delvis på de praktiska lektionerna som en högre aktivitetsnivå mätt i hjärtfrekvens kan noteras hos försökspersonerna. Studien indikerar också att försökspersonerna utsätts för relativt hög fysisk belastning. Ca 30 % av den maximala syreupptagningsförmågan utnyttjas vid en skoldag med praktiska lektioner. / Aim The aim of the study was to investigate the aerobic physical activity level of high school students who study to become building workers during school days which consist of theory classes, practical classes, physical education classes and pauses. The question to be answered was: How was the aerobic physical activity level during theory classes, practical classes, physical education classes and pauses for high school students in a program for building workers. Method In this study participated 9 boys aged 16, length 174-192 cm and weight 51-91 kg. The test that has been carried out was 5 Minutes Pyramid Test (5MPT). In addition heart rate was measured during the school day. The 5MPT is a 5-minute-shuttle test, in which the participant moves back and forth in a short interval (5.5 m) over boxes (highest height 0.53 m) formed like a pyramid. Power in the pyramid test (5MPT POWER) was calculated as the product of numbers of laps, body mass, gravity and highest box level divided by time. From 5 MPT VO2 max and Power/kg (W/kg) were calculated for the participants. The participant’s heart rates were measured during a week the whole school day by means of a heart monitor with the monitor display taped over and an electrode belt. They pushed a button on the clock to mark when they had pauses and when the classes started again. The participants wrote in a diary what they had done during each day. Results The results show that for each of the participants the same trend considering aerobic physical load level expressed in heart rate in the following results. The highest pulse rate was obtained during the physical education lessons 140 beats/min followed by practical lessons 94 beats/min, pauses 83 beats/min and theory lessons 80 beats/min. The participants are using approximately 30 % of their maximal oxygen uptake during a day with practical lessons. Conclusions This study shows that it is during physical education lessons and to some extent during practical lessons in building construction, a higher activity level measured in heart rate can be noticed in the participants. The study indicates that the participants are exposed to a relative high physical workload. Roughly 30 % of maximal oxygen uptake is used during a day of practical lessons.

O consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2máx), o limiar ventilatório (LV), ponto de compensação respiratória (PCR) e a economia de corrida (EC) são importantes variáveis fisiológicas associadas com a aptidão aeróbia em corrida. Acredita-se que o polimorfismo da enzima conversora de angiotensina (ECA) possa estar influenciando nos valores dessas variáveis. Contudo, essa relação causal não tem sido amplamente estudada durante a corrida. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar a associação entre os genótipos da ECA e o VO2máx, LV, PCR e EC mensuradas durante a corrida em esteira. Cento e cinquenta (n = 150) voluntários fisicamente ativos realizaram os seguintes testes: a) teste incremental máximo para determinação do VO2máx, LV e PCR; b) dois testes de velocidade constante (10 km/h e 12 km/h) em esteira para determinação da EC. Os genótipos apresentaram a frequência de: II = 21% ; ID = 52% e DD = 27%. Os resultados apresentaram uma tendência dos indivíduos com o genótipo II apresentarem maiores valores do VO2máx (p = 0.08), bem como a análise do efeito prático apresentou um possível efeito benéfico desse genótipo. No entanto, não foi constatada diferença entre os valores do LV, PCR, e EC entre os indivíduos. Esses resultados sugerem que o genótipo II da ECA pode estar influenciando nos valores da variável máxima relacionada com o consumo de oxigênio / The maximal oxygen uptake (VO2máx), ventilatory threshold (VT), respiratory compensation point (RCP), and running economy (RE) are important variables associated with running aerobic fitness. However, the influence of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) polymorphism on these variables determined in running has not been largely investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between ACE genotypes and maximal oxygen uptake, respiratory compensation point, and running economy measured in running. One hundred and fifty (n = 150) physically active young men performed the following tests: a) a maximal incremental treadmill test to determine VO2máx and RCP, b) two constant-speed running test (10 km.h-1 and 12 km.h-1) to determine the RE. The genotype frequency were II = 21 %; ID = 52 %; DD = 27 %. There were a likely beneficial effect and a tendency for the participants with ACE II genotype to have higher VO2max values than DD or ID genotypes (p = 0.08) and the smallest worthwhile effects show a beneficial effect. There were not associations between the genotypes for RCP and RE. These findings suggest that II ACE genotype would influence in maximal variable correlated with oxygen consumption

Introduction Researchers have, for decades, contributed to an increased collective understanding of the physiological demands in cross-country skiing; however, almost all of these studies have used either non-elite subjects and/or performances that emulate cross-country skiing. To establish the physiological demands of cross-country skiing, it is important to relate the investigated physiological variables to the competitive performance of elite skiers. The overall aim of this doctoral thesis was, therefore, to investigate the external validity of physiological test variables to determine the physiological demands in competitive elite cross-country skiing. Methods The subjects in Study I – IV were elite male (I – III) and female (III – IV) cross-country skiers. In all studies, the relationship between test variables (general and ski-specific) and competitive performances (i.e. the results from competitions or the overall ski-ranking points of the International Ski Federation (FIS) for sprint (FISsprint) and distance (FISdist) races) were analysed. Test variables reflecting the subject’s general strength, upper-body and whole-body oxygen uptake, oxygen uptake and work intensity at the lactate threshold, mean upper-body power, lean mass, and maximal double-poling speed were investigated. Results The ability to maintain a high work rate without accumulating lactate is an indicator of distance performance, independent of sex (I, IV). Independent of sex, high oxygen uptake in whole-body and upper-body exercise was important for both sprint (II, IV) and distance (I, IV) performance. The maximal double-poling speed and 60-s double-poling mean power output were indicators of sprint (IV) and distance performance (I), respectively. Lean mass was correlated with distance performance for women (III), whereas correlations were found between lean mass and sprint performance among both male and female skiers (III). Moreover, no correlations between distance performance and test variables were derived from tests of knee-extension peak torque, vertical jumps, or double poling on a ski-ergometer with 20-s and 360-s durations (I), whereas gross efficiency while treadmill roller skiing showed no correlation with either distance or sprint performance in cross-country skiing (IV). Conclusion The results in this thesis show that, depending on discipline and sex, maximal and peak oxygen uptake, work intensity at the lactate threshold, lean mass, double-poling mean power output, and double-poling maximal speed are all externally valid physiological test variables for evaluation of performance capability among elite cross-country skiers; however, to optimally indicate performance capability different test-variable expressions should be used; in general, the absolute expression appears to be a better indicator of competitive sprint performance whereas the influence of body mass should be considered when evaluating competitive distance performance capability of elite cross-country skiers.

Running economy is well established as a primary determinant of endurance running performance. However, there is a lack of clarity about the preferred measurement of running economy, its primary limiting factors and the most robust methods enhance running economy in highly trained athletes. Therefore, this thesis investigated the running economy of highly trained runners, exploring the reliability and validity of measures of running economy to deduce its most appropriate quantification, the application of innovative methods to enhance our understanding of an athlete s running economy, and a novel training method to enhance running economy. Chapter 3 revealed that energy cost and oxygen cost were shown to provide similarly high levels of reliability (typical error of measurement ~3%) for highly trained endurance runners when assessed using a short-duration incremental submaximal exercise protocol. In chapter 4, the analysis of a large cohort of highly trained endurance runners revealed that energy cost increased in a stepwise manner with increments in running speed (P<0.001), however oxygen cost remained consistent (P=0.54) across running speed; indicating that oxygen cost might not be an appropriate measure of running economy. Chapter 5 demonstrated that the inter-individual variation in the magnitude of changes in energy cost between different gradients (i.e. from flat running to uphill/downhill running) in highly trained runners was low. However, a disparity between the energy saving of running on a -5% gradient (-17%) and the additional energy cost of running on a +5% gradient (+32%) was evident. The cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of a large cohort of highly trained runners in chapter 6 revealed a small (r=0.25) and moderate (r=0.35) association between energy cost and maximal oxygen uptake, respectively. Finally, chapter 7 demonstrated that eight weeks of supplementary downhill run training at vLTP in existing training programmes does not enhance running economy in already well trained runners (1.22 vs 1.20 kcal kg-1 km-1; P=0.41), despite a significant increase (+2.4%) in the velocity at lactate turnpoint. In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates that energy cost, expressed as kcal kg-1 km-1, provides a reliable and valid method to quantify running economy in trained distance runners. However, further investigation is required to identify robust training methods to enhance running economy in this already highly trained population.

Submitted by Cláudia Bueno (claudiamoura18@gmail.com) on 2015-11-12T18:37:25Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Acácia Gonçalves Ferreira Leal - 2015.pdf: 866513 bytes, checksum: fee2ce01f3c685785faca3c701c1484c (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2015-11-13T10:35:50Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Acácia Gonçalves Ferreira Leal - 2015.pdf: 866513 bytes, checksum: fee2ce01f3c685785faca3c701c1484c (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-11-13T10:35:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Acácia Gonçalves Ferreira Leal - 2015.pdf: 866513 bytes, checksum: fee2ce01f3c685785faca3c701c1484c (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-26 / Regular practice of regular exercise has been increasingly seen as an important tool for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases related to sedentary lifestyle. In addition, regular physical exercise is an important tool for the improvement of physical fitness attributes such as strength, muscle endurance and power, cardiorespiratory endurance and others. Physical exercise effects, acute or chronic are investigated in exercise science. The exercise science is the science of the techniques and methods used in assessing the suitability and fitness of individuals and teams. Additionally, are the disciplines related to exercise science investigating the benefits of exercise. However, these goals are achieved only if the exercise is prescribed and well oriented. For this reason it is very important that the health professional has the right knowledge of the concepts and use of the disciplines related to exercise science. Goal:To assess the knowledge of disciplines related to exercise science in health care professionals. Methods: the evidence of health professionals were analyzed who participated in the qualifying process for entry into the Specialization Course in Exercise Physiology, Federal University of São Paulo conducted between 2004 and 2008. In total, the evidence of 300 physiotherapists were evaluated, 705 physical education teachers and 142 nutritionists. For the purposes of the study, questions were analyzed on maximal oxygen uptake ( O2 máx) (4 questions), assessment of physical fitness (3 questions), physical training (2 questions), bioenergy (1 questions) and exercise in special conditions (1 questions).Results:The results of this study reveal ignorance of health professionals about some concepts related to exercise science (eg.: maximal oxygen consumption).Conclusion: This scenario is worrisome because the benefits of regular exercise are achieved only if it is prescribed and well oriented.The results of this study reinforce the need for continuing education of health professionals in order to minimize the lack of knowledge on subjects related to exercise science and maximixar the service provided by these professionals.However, professionals reviewed here, have a good knowledge in matters related to assessment and physical fitness training. / A prática regular de exercício físico regular tem sido cada vez mais considerada uma ferramenta importante para a prevenção e o tratamento de doenças crônicas relacionadas ao sedentarismo. Adicionalmente, o exercício físico regular é uma ferramenta importante para o aprimoramento dos atributos da aptidão física, tais como, força, resistência e potência musculares, resistência cardiorespiratória e outros. Os efeitos do exercício físico, agudo ou crônico, são investigados pela ciência do exercício. A ciência do exercício é a ciência das técnicas e métodos usados na avaliação da aptidão e condicionamento físico de indivíduos e equipes. Adicionalmente, são as disciplinas relacionadas à ciência do exercício que investigam os benefícios do exercício físico. Entretanto, estes objetivos somente são atingidos se o exercício físico for bem prescrito e orientado. Por este motivo, é muito importante que o profissional da saúde tenha o correto conhecimento dos conceitos relacionadas à ciência do exercício. Objetivo: avaliar o conhecimento relacionado à ciência do exercício em profissionais da saúde. Métodos: Foram analisadas as provas de profissionais da saúde que participaram do processo classificatório para o ingresso no Curso de Especialização em Fisiologia do Exercício da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, realizados entre os anos de 2004 e 2008. No total, foram avaliadas as provas de 142 nutricionistas, 300 fisioterapeutas, 705 educadores físicos. Para os propósitos do estudo, foram analisadas questões sobre consumo máximo de oxigênio ( O2máx) (4 questões), avaliação da aptidão física (3 questões), treinamento físico (2 questões), bioenergética (1 questão) e exercício físico em condições especiais (1 questão). Resultados: Os resultados do presente estudo revelam desconhecimento dos profissionais da saúde sobre alguns conceitos relacionados à ciência do exercício (p.ex.: consumo máximo de oxigênio). Conclusão: Tal cenário é preocupante, pois os benefícios do exercício físico regular somente são atingidos se este for bem prescrito e orientado. Os resultados do presente estudo reforçam a necessidade de educação continuada de profissionais da saúde, a fim de minimizar a falta de conhecimento sobre disciplinas relacionadas à ciência do exercício e maximizar o serviço prestado por esses profissionais. Em contrapartida, os profissionais aqui analisados, apresentam um bom conhecimento nos assuntos relacionados à avaliação e ao treinamento da aptidão física.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of nonexercise (N-EX) data, specifically, the Perceived Functional Ability (PFA) and Physical Activity Rating (PA-R) questionnaires, with the treadmill walk-jog-run protocol to estimate VO2max in 12 to 17 year old boys and girls. Ninety-one participants (49 males and 42 females) took part in this study. Data were collected via PFA and PA-R questionnaires, a walk-jog-run submaximal treadmill test, and a maximal graded exercise test (GXT). Data collected included gender, age, height, weight, PFA and PA-R scores, heart rate (HR), treadmill speed, maximal treadmill grade, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and VO2max. Regression analysis resulted in the development of two valid and reliable models to predict VO2max. Nonexercise and submaximal exercise test data were used to build the following model: VO2max (mL∙kg-¹∙min-¹) = 11.201 + (6.877 x Gender; 0 = female; 1 = male) + (3.573 x treadmill speed; mph) – (0.174 x kg) + (0.405 x PFA score) + (0.653 x PA-R score) + (1.019 x age). The model resulted in an R2 = 0.69 and a SEE = 5.16 mL∙kg-¹∙min-¹. Maximal exercise test data were used to build the following model: VO2max (mL∙kg-¹∙min-¹) = -3.264 + (3.359 x Gender; 0 = female; 1 = male) – (0.082 x kg) + (7.351 x treadmill speed; mph) + (1.750 x maximal treadmill grade). The model resulted in an R2 = 0.88 and a SEE = 3.16 mL∙ kg-¹∙min-¹. The cross-validation PRESS statistics for both models demonstrated minimal shrinkage in the accuracy of the regression model. The results of this study demonstrate, for the first time, that N-EX data can be used to accurately predict VO2max in youth. The submaximal and maximal exercise tests validated in this study can be used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness of youth having a wide range on interests and fitness levels. In addition, the use of PFA and PA-R questionnaires enforces initiatives to increase physical activity among youth. Both exercise tests use a self-selected treadmill speed that elicits a steady-state HR of 70% of the participants age-predicted maximal HR. The use of a self-selected walking, jogging, or running speed accommodates youth with different levels of physical fitness, motivation, and interests. The exercise test protocol presented in this study is practical for use in schools, athletic facilities, and community fitness centers. The equipment required to administer the exercise test presented in this study is limited to a treadmill and a HR monitor. Together with the use of PFA and PA-R questionnaires, the submaximal and maximal exercise tests are efficacious to coaches, fitness professionals, and physical educators in a variety of settings.

Introduction Performance in cross-country skiing is influenced by the skier’s ability to continuously produce propelling forces and force magnitude in relation to the net external forces. A surrogate indicator of the “power supply” in cross-country skiing would be a physiological variable that reflects an important performance-related capability, whereas the body mass itself is an indicator of the “power demand” experienced by the skier. To adequately evaluate an elite skier’s performance capability, it is essential to establish the optimal ratio between the physiological variable and body mass. The overall aim of this doctoral thesis was to investigate the importance of body-mass exponent optimization for the evaluation of performance capability in cross-country skiing. Methods In total, 83 elite cross-country skiers (56 men and 27 women) volunteered to participate in the four studies. The physiological variables of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and oxygen uptake corresponding to a blood-lactate concentration of 4 mmol∙l-1 (V̇O2obla) were determined while treadmill roller skiing using the diagonal-stride technique; mean oxygen uptake (V̇O2dp) and upper-body power output (Ẇ) were determined during double-poling tests using a ski-ergometer. Competitive performance data for elite male skiers were collected from two 15-km classical-technique skiing competitions and a 1.25-km sprint prologue; additionally, a 2-km double-poling roller-skiing time trial using the double-poling technique was used as an indicator of upper-body performance capability among elite male and female junior skiers. Power-function modelling was used to explain the race and time-trial speeds based on the physiological variables and body mass. Results The optimal V̇O2max-to-mass ratios to explain 15-km race speed were V̇O2max divided by body mass raised to the 0.48 and 0.53 power, and these models explained 68% and 69% of the variance in mean skiing speed, respectively; moreover, the 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the body-mass exponents did not include either 0 or 1. For the modelling of race speed in the sprint prologue, body mass failed to contribute to the models based on V̇O2max, V̇O2obla, and V̇O2dp. The upper-body power output-to-body mass ratio that optimally explained time-trial speed was Ẇ ∙ m-0.57 and the model explained 63% of the variance in speed. Conclusions The results in this thesis suggest that V̇O2max divided by the square root of body mass should be used as an indicator of performance in 15-km classical-technique races among elite male skiers rather than the absolute or simple ratio-standard scaled expression. To optimally explain an elite male skier’s performance capability in sprint prologues, power-function models based on oxygen-uptake variables expressed absolutely are recommended. Moreover, to evaluate elite junior skiers’ performance capabilities in 2-km double-poling roller-skiing time trials, it is recommended that Ẇ divided by the square root of body mass should be used rather than absolute or simple ratio-standard scaled expression of power output. / <p>Incorrect ISBN in printed thesis: 973-91-7601-270-3</p>

Title Analysis of the endurance indicators in selected tests in relation to continuous and intermittent loading Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of the prediction formulas for indirect estimation VO2max from performances in the field tests. The criterion for comparing estimated values were results from laboratory spiroergometry test. Methods Ten physically active males (24,5 ± 2,5 years, 179,5 ± 6,2 cm, 75,8 ± 4,9 kg, BMI 23,5 ± 1,3 kg/m2 ) performed four different test sessions. Laboratory treadmill test was used for the direct measurement of the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and three field tests for indirect estimation of the VO2max (Cooper test, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 and 2). All the performances from field tests were calculated using prediction formulas. Results Directly measured values of VO2max during laboratory testing were in average 58,24 ± 2,77 ml.kg-1 .min-1 . Indirectly estimated values of VO2max from performances in the Cooper test were in average 61,15 ± 3,73 ml.kg-1 .min-1 , in Yo-Yo IRT1 52,46 ± 2,51 ml.kg-1 .min-1 and in Yo-Yo IRT2 53,19 ± 1,56 ml.kg-1 .min-1 . There was found large positive correlation between laboratory testing and Cooper test (r = 0,76). This correlation was the only one statistically significant. The...