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Biomedical subjects

David T Martin

Publications and source records attributed to David T Martin.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

Changes in markers of muscle damage, inflammation and HSP70 after an Ironman Triathlon race.

We investigated the effects of an Ironman triathlon race on markers of muscle damage, inflammation and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Nine well-trained male triathletes (mean +/- SD age 34 +/- 5 years; VO(2peak) 66.4 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) participated in the 2004 Western Australia Ironman triathlon race (3.8 km swim, 180 km cycle, 42.2 km run). We assessed jump height, muscle strength and soreness, and collected venous blood samples 2 days before the race, within 30 min and 14-20 h after the race. Plasma samples were analysed for muscle proteins, acute phase proteins, cytokines, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and clinical biochemical variables related to dehydration, haemolysis, liver and renal functions. Muscular strength and jump height decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after the race, whereas muscle soreness and the plasma concentrations of muscle proteins increased. The cytokines interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6 and IL-10, and HSP70 increased markedly after the race, while IL-12p40 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) were also elevated. IL-4, IL-1beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha did not change significantly, despite elevated C-reactive protein and serum amyloid protein A on the day after the race. Plasma creatinine, uric acid and total bilirubin concentrations and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity also changed after the race. In conclusion, despite evidence of muscle damage and an acute phase response after the race, the pro-inflammatory cytokine response was minimal and anti-inflammatory cytokines were induced. HSP70 is released into the circulation as a function of exercise duration.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗

Modeling sprint cycling using field-derived parameters and forward integration.

UNLABELLED: We previously reported that a mathematical model could accurately predict steady-state road-cycling power when all the model parameters were known. Application of that model to competitive cycling has been limited by the need to obtain accurate parameter values, the non-steady-state nature of many cycling events, and because the validity of the model at maximal power has not been established. PURPOSE: We determined whether modeling parameters could be accurately determined during field trials and whether the model could accurately predict cycling speed during maximal acceleration using forward integration. METHODS: First, we quantified aerodynamic drag area of six cyclists using both wind tunnel and field trials allowing for these two techniques to be compared. Next, we determined the aerodynamic drag area of three world-class sprint cyclists using the field-test protocol. Track cyclists also performed maximal standing-start time trials, during which we recorded power and speed. Finally, we used forward integration to predict cycling speed from power-time data recorded during the maximal trials allowing us to compare predicted speed with measured speed. RESULTS: Field-based values of aerodynamic drag area (0.258 +/- 0.006 m) did not differ (P = 0.53) from those measured in a wind tunnel (0.261 +/- 0.006 m2). Forward integration modeling accurately predicted cycling speed (y = x, r2 = 0.989) over the duration of the standing-start sprints. CONCLUSIONS: Field-derived values for aerodynamic drag area can be equivalent to values derived from wind tunnel testing, and these values can be used to accurately predict speed even during maximal-power acceleration by world-class sprint cyclists. This model could be useful for assessing aerodynamic issues and for predicting how subtle changes in riding position, mass, or power output will influence cycling speed.

Acceleration↗

Dynamic pacing strategies during the cycle phase of an Ironman triathlon.

INTRODUCTION: A nonlinear dynamic systems model has previously been proposed to explain pacing strategies employed during exercise. PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the pacing strategies used under varying conditions during the cycle phase of an Ironman triathlon. METHODS: The bicycles of six well-trained male triathletes were equipped with SRM power meters set to record power output, cadence, speed, and heart rate. The flat, three-lap, out-and-back cycle course, coupled with relatively consistent wind conditions (17-30 km x h(-1)), enabled comparisons to be made between three consecutive 60-km laps and relative wind direction (headwind vs tailwind). RESULTS: Participants finished the cycle phase (180 km) with consistently fast performance times (5 h, 11 +/- 2 min; top 10% of all finishers). Average power output (239 +/- 25 to 203 +/- 20 W), cadence (89 +/- 6 to 82 +/- 8 rpm), and speed (36.5 +/- 0.8 to 33.1 +/- 0.8 km x h(-1)) all significantly decreased with increasing number of laps (P < 0.05). These variables, however, were not significantly different between headwind and tailwind sections. The deviation (SD) in power output and cadence did not change with increasing number of laps; however, the deviations in torque (6.8 +/- 1.6 and 5.8 +/- 1.3 N x m) and speed (2.1 +/- 0.5 and 1.6 +/- 0.3 km x h(-1)) were significantly greater under headwind compared with tailwind conditions, respectively. The median power frequency tended to be lower in headwind (0.0480 +/- 0.0083) compared with tailwind (0.0531 +/- 0.0101) sections. CONCLUSION: These data show evidence that a nonlinear dynamic pacing strategy is used by well-trained triathletes throughout various segments and conditions of the Ironman cycle phase. Moreover, an increased variation in torque and speed was found in the headwind versus the tailwind condition.

Adult↗

Cooling athletes before competition in the heat: comparison of techniques and practical considerations.

With the general acceptance that high ambient temperature and humidity have a detrimental effect on performance, the topic of whole-body cooling and sport performance has received considerable attention from sport scientists, particularly in the lead up to the relatively hot Olympic games of 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and 2004 in Athens, Greece. This trend is likely to continue as athletes begin to prepare for what will likely be another hot Olympic games in 2008 in Beijing, China. To overcome the reduced exercise capacity associated with the heat, a number of precooling methods have been utilised to cool the body prior to exercise, with the greatest benefits likely associated with prolonged endurance-type exercise. An increase in heat storage capacity following a precooling manoeuvre has been suggested as the primary means of delaying fatigue during endurance exercise performance in the heat; the notion being that the increased heat storage capacity will allow an athlete to complete a greater amount of work before a critical body temperature is reached. However, the specific underlying mechanisms responsible for delaying fatigue during exercise in hot ambient conditions remains unclear. While significant research in this area has been completed in the laboratory setting, few studies utilise performance protocols, and even less address the practical and logistical issues associated with precooling an athlete prior to elite competition in the field. This review addresses evidence supporting the use of a precooling manoeuvre prior to endurance exercise, the potential underlying mechanisms responsible for improved endurance performance following precooling, and the practical issues associated with the use of precooling prior to competition for elite athletes.

Acclimatization↗

Power output during women's World Cup road cycle racing.

Little information exists on the power output demands of competitive women's road cycle racing. The purpose of our investigation was to document the power output generated by elite female road cyclists who achieved success in FLAT and HILLY World Cup races. Power output data were collected from 27 top-20 World Cup finishes (19 FLAT and 8 HILLY) achieved by 15 nationally ranked cyclists (mean +/- SD; age: 24.1+/-4.0 years; body mass: 57.9+/-3.6 kg; height: 168.7+/-5.6 cm; VO2max 63.6+/-2.4 mL kg(-1) min(-1); peak power during graded exercise test (GXT(peak power)): 310+/-25 W). The GXT determined GXT(peak power), VO2peak lactate threshold (LT) and anaerobic threshold (AT). Bicycles were fitted with SRM powermeters, which recorded power (W), cadence (rpm), distance (km) and speed (km h(-1)). Racing data were analysed to establish time in power output and metabolic threshold bands and maximal mean power (MMP) over different durations. When compared to HILLY, FLAT were raced at a similar cadence (75+/-8 vs. 75+/-4 rpm, P=0.93) but higher speed (37.6+/-2.6 vs. 33.9+/-2.7 km h(-1), P=0.008) and power output (192+/-21 vs. 169+/-17 W, P=0.04; 3.3+/-0.3 vs. 3.0+/-0.4 W kg(-1), P=0.04). During FLAT races, riders spent significantly more time above 500 W, while greater race time was spent between 100 and 300 W (LT-AT) for HILLY races, with higher MMPs for 180-300 s. Racing terrain influenced the power output profiles of our internationally competitive female road cyclists. These data are the first to define the unique power output requirements associated with placing well in both flat and hilly women's World Cup cycling events.

Adult↗

Have all the ICD primary prevention trials excluded an important group of patients?

Primary prevention trials of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy have generally excluded patients early after revascularization. Clinicians are commonly faced with patients who have ventricular dysfunction and nonsustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia developing shortly after revascularization. Since there are no evidence-based guidelines, management is currently at the discretion of the treating clinician. Recently, evidence has emerged that this patient population is at increased risk of development of life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmia and, pending prospective trials, we suggest that ICD therapy should be used in appropriately selected patients with perioperative ventricular arrhythmia.

Defibrillators, Implantable↗

Performance of a new cardiac cryoablation system in the treatment of cavotricuspid valve isthmus-dependent atrial flutter.

We sought to evaluate prospectively the safety and efficacy of cryothermal energy to ablate typical atrial flutter (AFL). Ablation of cardiac tissue using cryothermal energy has recently been developed as an alternative to radiofrequency energy, which may offer certain advantages in the treatment of AFL. This prospective, multicenter nonrandomized study of a new catheter-based system for the treatment of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent AFL enrolled patients between 18 and 75 years of age. The CTI dependence of AFL was confirmed at electrophysiologic study with activation mapping and/or entrainment. Patients with atrial septal defect, recent myocardial infarction, left ventricular ejection fraction <0.30, or prior AFL ablation were excluded. Cryoablation of AFL was performed in 48 patients from 11 centers. The procedure was immediately successful in 45 patients (94%), and effective in 30 of 40 patients with complete data available at 6 months. Cryoablation is a promising new treatment of CTI-dependent AFL refractory to medical therapy. Further improvements in catheter design and intravascular sheaths will be tested in a larger multicenter trial.

Atrial Flutter↗

Has Armstrong's cycle efficiency improved?

This case describes the physiological maturation from ages 21 to 28 yr of the bicyclist who has now become the six-time consecutive Grand Champion of the Tour de France, at ages 27-32 yr. Maximal oxygen uptake (Vo(2max)) in the trained state remained at approximately 6 l/min, lean body weight remained at approximately 70 kg, and maximal heart rate declined from 207 to 200 beats/min. Blood lactate threshold was typical of competitive cyclists in that it occurred at 76-85% Vo(2max), yet maximal blood lactate concentration was remarkably low in the trained state. It appears that an 8% improvement in muscular efficiency and thus power production when cycling at a given oxygen uptake (Vo(2)) is the characteristic that improved most as this athlete matured from ages 21 to 28 yr. It is noteworthy that at age 25 yr, this champion developed advanced cancer, requiring surgeries and chemotherapy. During the months leading up to each of his Tour de France victories, he reduced body weight and body fat by 4-7 kg (i.e., approximately 7%). Therefore, over the 7-yr period, an improvement in muscular efficiency and reduced body fat contributed equally to a remarkable 18% improvement in his steady-state power per kilogram body weight when cycling at a given Vo(2) (e.g., 5 l/min). It is hypothesized that the improved muscular efficiency probably reflects changes in muscle myosin type stimulated from years of training intensely for 3-6 h on most days.

Adult↗

Accuracy of SRM and power tap power monitoring systems for bicycling.

PURPOSE: : Although manufacturers of bicycle power monitoring devices SRM and Power Tap (PT) claim accuracy to within 2.5%, there are limited scientific data available in support. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the accuracy of SRM and PT under different conditions. METHODS: : First, 19 SRM were calibrated, raced for 11 months, and retested using a dynamic CALRIG (50-1000 W at 100 rpm). Second, using the same procedure, five PT were repeat tested on alternate days. Third, the most accurate SRM and PT were tested for the influence of cadence (60, 80, 100, 120 rpm), temperature (8 and 21 degrees C) and time (1 h at ~300 W) on accuracy. Finally, the same SRM and PT were downloaded and compared after random cadence and gear surges using the CALRIG and on a training ride. RESULTS: : The mean error scores for SRM and PT factory calibration over a range of 50 - 1000 W were 2.3 +/- 4.9% and -2.5 +/- 0.5%, respectively. A second set of trials provided stable results for 15 calibrated SRM after 11 months (-0.8 +/- 1.7%), and follow-up testing of all PT units confirmed these findings (-2.7 +/- 0.1%). Accuracy for SRM and PT was not largely influenced by time and cadence; however, power output readings were noticeably influenced by temperature (5.2% for SRM and 8.4% for PT). During field trials, SRM average and max power were 4.8% and 7.3% lower, respectively, compared with PT. CONCLUSIONS: : When operated according to manufacturers instructions, both SRM and PT offer the coach, athlete, and sport scientist the ability to accurately monitor power output in the lab and the field. Calibration procedures matching performance tests (duration, power, cadence, and temperature) are, however, advised as the error associated with each unit may vary.

Australia↗

Effect of alcohol intake on muscle glycogen storage after prolonged exercise.

We studied the effects of alcohol intake on postexercise muscle glycogen restoration with samples from vastus lateralis being collected immediately after glycogen-depleting cycling and after a set recovery period. Six well-trained cyclists undertook a study of 8-h recovery (2 meals), and another nine cyclists undertook a separate 24-h protocol (4 meals). In each study, subjects completed three trials in crossover order: control (C) diet [meals providing carbohydrate (CHO) of 1.75 g/kg]; alcohol-displacement (A) diet (1.5 g/kg alcohol displacing CHO energy from C) and alcohol + CHO (AC) diet (C + 1.5 g/kg alcohol). Alcohol intake reduced postmeal glycemia especially in A trial and 24-h study, although insulin responses were maintained. Alcohol intake increased serum triglycerides, particularly in the 24-h study and AC trial. Glycogen storage was decreased in A diets compared with C at 8 h (24.4 +/- 7 vs. 44.6 +/- 6 mmol/kg wet wt, means +/- SE, P < 0.05) and 24 h (68 +/- 5 vs. 82 +/- 5 mmol/kg wet wt, P < 0.05). There was a trend to reduced glycogen storage with AC in 8 h (36.2 +/- 8 mmol/kg wet wt, P = 0.1) but no difference in 24 h (85 +/- 9 mmol/kg wet wt). We conclude that 1). the direct effect of alcohol on postexercise glycogen synthesis is unclear, and 2). the main effect of alcohol intake is indirect, by displacing CHO intake from optimal recovery nutrition practices.

Adult↗

Physiological characteristics of successful mountain bikers and professional road cyclists.

The aims of this study were to compare the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of successful mountain bikers and professional road cyclists and to re-examine the power-to-weight characteristics of internationally competitive mountain bikers. Internationally competitive cyclists (seven mountain bikers and seven road cyclists) completed the following tests: anthropometric measurements, an incremental cycle ergometer test and a 30 min laboratory time-trial. The mountain bikers were lighter (65.3+/-6.5 vs 74.7+/-3.8 kg, P= 0.01; mean +/- s) and leaner than the road cyclists (sum of seven skinfolds: 33.9+/-5.7 vs 44.5+/-10.8 mm, P = 0.04). The mountain bikers produced higher power outputs relative to body mass at maximal exercise (6.3+/-0.5 vs 5.8+/-0.3 W x kg(-1), P= 0.03), at the lactate threshold (5.2+/-0.6 vs 4.7+/-0.3 W x kg(-1), P= 0.048) and during the 30 min time-trial (5.5+/-0.5 vs 4.9+/-0.3 W x kg(-1), P = 0.02). Similarly, peak oxygen uptake relative tobody mass was higher in the mountain bikers (78.3+/-4.4 vs 73.0+/-3.4 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), P = 0.03). The results indicate that high power-to-weight characteristics are important for success in mountain biking. The mountain bikers possessed similar anthropometric and physiological characteristics to previously studied road cycling uphill specialists.

Adult↗

Voluntary food intake by elite female cyclists during training and racing: influence of daily energy expenditure and body composition.

We estimated self-reported energy intake (EI) and cycling energy expenditure (CEE) during racing and training over 26 days (9 days recovery [REC], 9 days training [TRN], and 8 days racing [RACE], which included a 5-day stage race) for 8 members of the Australian National Training Squad [mean SD; 25.1 4.0 years, 59.2 4.4 kg, 3.74 0.24 L min-1 VO 2 peak, 13.6 4.5 % Body fat (% B fat)]. After 70 days of training and racing, average body mass increased by 1.1 kg (95%CI 0.5 to 1.7 kg; p <.01) and average % B fat decreased by 0.9% (95%CI 1.7 to 0.1%; p <.05). These minor changes, however, were not considered clinically significant. CEE was different between RACE, TRN, and REC (2.15 0.18 vs. 1.73 0.25 vs. 0.72 0.15 MJ d-1, p <.05). Reported EI for RACE and TRN were higher than REC (14.87 3.03, 13.70 4.04 vs. 11.98 3.57 MJ d-1, p <.05). Reported intake of carbohydrate for RACE and TRN were also higher than REC (588 122, 536 130 vs. 448 138 g d-1, p <.05). Reported intake of fat (59 21 68 21 g d-1) was similar during RACE, TRN, and REC, whereas protein intake tended to be higher during TRN (158 49 g d-1) compared to RACE and REC (136 33; 130 33 g d-1). There was a relationship between average CEE and average EI over the 26 days (r = 0.77, p <.05), but correlations between CEE and EI for each of the women varied (r = 0.02 to 0.67). There was a strong trend for an inverse relationship between average EI and % Bf at (r = -.68, p =.06, n = 8). In this study, increases in reported EI during heavy training and racing were the result of an increase in carbohydrate intake. Most but not all cyclists modulated EI based on CEE. Research is required to determine whether physiological or psychological factors are primarily responsible for the observed relationship between CEE and EI and also the inverse correlation between % B fat and EI.

Adipose Tissue↗

Effect of different protocols of caffeine intake on metabolism and endurance performance.

Competitive athletes completed two studies of 2-h steady-state (SS) cycling at 70% peak O(2) uptake followed by 7 kJ/kg time trial (TT) with carbohydrate (CHO) intake before (2 g/kg) and during (6% CHO drink) exercise. In Study A, 12 subjects received either 6 mg/kg caffeine 1 h preexercise (Precaf), 6 x 1 mg/kg caffeine every 20 min throughout SS (Durcaf), 2 x 5 ml/kg Coca-Cola between 100 and 120 min SS and during TT (Coke), or placebo. Improvements in TT were as follows: Precaf, 3.4% (0.2-6.5%, 95% confidence interval); Durcaf, 3.1% (-0.1-6.5%); and Coke, 3.1% (-0.2-6.2%). In Study B, eight subjects received 3 x 5 ml/kg of different cola drinks during the last 40 min of SS and TT: decaffeinated, 6% CHO (control); caffeinated, 6% CHO; decaffeinated, 11% CHO; and caffeinated, 11% CHO (Coke). Coke enhanced TT by 3.3% (0.8-5.9%), with all trials showing 2.2% TT enhancement (0.5-3.8%; P < 0.05) due to caffeine. Overall, 1) 6 mg/kg caffeine enhanced TT performance independent of timing of intake and 2) replacing sports drink with Coca-Cola during the latter stages of exercise was equally effective in enhancing endurance performance, primarily due to low intake of caffeine (approximately 1.5 mg/kg).

Adult↗

Respiratory events and periodic breathing in cyclists sleeping at 2,650-m simulated altitude.

We examined the initial effect of sleeping at a simulated moderate altitude of 2,650 m on the frequency of apneas and hypopneas, as well as on the heart rate and blood oxygen saturation from pulse oximetry (SpO2) during rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep of 17 trained cyclists. Pulse oximetry revealed that sleeping at simulated altitude significantly increased heart rate (3 +/- 1 beats/min; means +/- SE) and decreased SpO2 (-6 +/- 1%) compared with baseline data collected near sea level. In response to simulated altitude, 15 of the 17 subjects increased the combined frequency of apneas plus hypopneas from baseline levels. On exposure to simulated altitude, the increase in apnea was significant from baseline for both sleep states (2.0 +/- 1.3 events/h for REM, 9.9 +/- 6.2 events/h for NREM), but the difference between the two states was not significantly different. Hypopnea frequency was significantly elevated from baseline to simulated altitude exposure in both sleep states, and under hypoxic conditions it was greater in REM than in NREM sleep (7.9 +/- 1.8 vs. 4.2 +/- 1.3 events/h, respectively). Periodic breathing episodes during sleep were identified in four subjects, making this the first study to show periodic breathing in healthy adults at a level of hypoxia equivalent to 2,650-m altitude. These results indicate that simulated moderate hypoxia of a level typically chosen by coaches and elite athletes for simulated altitude programs can cause substantial respiratory events during sleep.

Adult↗