The effect of prior upper body exercise on subsequent wingate performance

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Upper body muscles are continuously active during high-intensity cycle ergometry.
• The role of prior upper body exertion on subsequent cycling performance is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of localized upper body fatigue on Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) performance.
• To determine if prior arm exercise affects peak power output (PPO) and mean power output (MPO) during cycling.

Main Methods:

• Eleven recreationally active males participated in a randomized crossover study.
• Participants completed two WAnT trials: one control and one preceded by 4 sets of biceps curls to induce arm fatigue.
• Peak power output (PPO), mean power output (MPO), and handgrip (HG) strength were measured.

Main Results:

• Prior upper body exercise significantly decreased peak power output (PPO) in the first WAnT (WAnT1).
• No significant effect was observed on mean power output (MPO) during WAnT1.
• Handgrip (HG) strength was significantly reduced after the upper body exercise protocol.

Conclusions:

• Localized upper body fatigue negatively impacts peak power output during high-intensity cycling.
• These findings highlight a meaningful involvement of the upper body musculature in generating leg power during intense cycling efforts.