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Biomedical subjects

S Rickard

Publications and source records attributed to S Rickard.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Metabolic and performance adaptations to interval training in endurance-trained cyclists.

This study examined the effects of sustained high-intensity interval training (HIT) on the athletic performances and fuel utilisation of eight male endurance-trained cyclists. Before HIT, each subject undertook three baseline peak power output Wpeak tests and two simulated 40-km time-trial cycling performance (TT40) tests, of which the variabilities were 1.5 (1.3)% and 1.0 (0.5)%, respectively [mean (SD)]. Over 6 weeks, the cyclists then replaced 15 (2)% of their 300 (66) km.week-1 endurance training with 12 HIT sessions, each consisting of six to nine 5-min rides at 80% of Wpeak, separated by a l-min recovery. HIT increased Wpeak from 404 (40) to 424 (53) W (P < 0.01) and improved TT40 speeds from 42.0 (3.6) to 43.0 (4.2) km.h-1 (P < 0.05). Faster TT40 performances were due to increases in both the absolute work rates from 291 (43) to 327 (51) W (P < 0.05) and the relative work rates from 72.6 (5.3)% of pre-HIT Wpeak to 78.1 (2.8)% of post-HIT Wpeak (P < 0.05). HIT decreased carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation, plasma lactate concentration and ventilation when the cyclists rode at the same absolute work rates of 60, 70 and 80% of pre-HIT Wpeak (P < 0.05), but not when they exercised at the same relative (% post-HIT Wpeak) work rates. Thus, the ability of the cyclists to sustain higher percentages of Wpeak in TT40 performances after HIT was not due to lower rates of CHO oxidation. Higher relative work rates in the TT40 rides following HIT increased the estimated rates of CHO oxidation from approximately 4.3 to approximately 5.1 g.min-1.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1997

Physiological and subjective measures of workload when shovelling with a conventional and two-handled ('levered') shovel.

Previous studies have suggested that the two-handled (levered) shovel is advantageous over the conventional spade from a biomechanical point of view. The aim of this experiment was to determine whether less energy was consumed while shovelling a load of sand with this shovel compared to a conventional tool. Accordingly, an experiment was designed in which subjects (n = 10) shovelled 1815 kg sand under laboratory conditions using either a conventional or a levered shovel. Heart rate and oxygen consumption were measured continuously during the trial and subjective data on perceived exertion, general fatigue and body discomfort were recorded after the trial. Although total energy expenditure was similar under both conditions (120 +/- 20 and 125 +/- 25 kcal; conventional versus two-handled spade), average heart rate was 4% higher when the two-handled shovel was used (p < 0.05). In addition, the mass of sand per scoop was 4% less with the two-handled shovel (p < 0.05). In conclusion, subjects used similar energy expenditure to shovel 1815 kg sand with the conventional shovel and the two-handled tool despite lower mass of sand per scoop with the latter. This can be explained by the fact that the increased mass of the additional handle compensated for the lower mass of sand per scoop. The higher average heart rate while shovelling with the two-handled shovel can be explained by the more erect posture.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Imprint switching on human chromosome 15 may involve alternative transcripts of the SNRPN gene.

Imprinting on human chromosome 15 is regulated by an imprinting centre, which has been mapped to a 100-kb region including exon 1 of SNRPN. From this region we have identified novel transcripts, which represent alternative transcripts of the SNRPN gene. The novel exons lack protein coding potential and are expressed from the paternal chromosome only. We have also identified intragenic deletions and a point mutation in patients who have Angelman or Prader-Willi syndrome due to a parental imprint switch failure. This suggests that imprint switching on human chromosome 15 may involve alternative SNRPN transcripts.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed1991

Interaction of regrowing PNS axons with transplanted aggregates of cultured CNS glia in vivo.

Aggregates of cultured neonatal mouse cerebellar astrocytes were implanted into adult mouse sciatic nerves. Two different experimental models were used: aggregates were either placed between proximal and distal stumps of totally transected nerves, or were placed in gaps in partially transected nerves in direct apposition with the cut surface of the proximal stumps. In the model where aggregates were not placed in contact with the proximal stump, regrowing axons rarely entered the aggregates. Where aggregates were placed in contact with the proximal stumps, axons entered the astrocyte-rich environment. Experimental depression of the supply of Schwann cells available to comigrate with regenerating axons proved to be unnecessary: astrocytes provided an alternative substrate for axons. Some axons became myelinated by oligodendrocytes which differentiated within the aggregates; however, few axons remained, unmyelinated, in long-term association with the transplanted astrocytes.

Animals↗