Effects of ischemic preconditioning on maximal constant-load cycling performance
Rogério Santos de Oliveira Cruz1, Rafael Alves de Aguiar1, Tiago Turnes1
1Human Performance Research Group, College of Health and Sport Science, Santa Catarina State University, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|September 12, 2015
Summary
Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) significantly improved cycling performance by 8.0% in trained cyclists. This enhancement was linked to increased oxygen uptake and reduced perceived exertion, suggesting IPC is an effective ergogenic aid for endurance.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is known to induce protective effects against ischemia-reperfusion injury.
- Its potential ergogenic effects on endurance performance, particularly concerning physiological responses during severe-intensity exercise, require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of IPC on physiological markers and endurance performance in cyclists.
- To examine the effects of IPC on oxygen uptake kinetics, perceived exertion, and muscle activation during cycling to exhaustion.
Main Methods:
- 12 recreationally trained cyclists underwent cycling tests to exhaustion at peak power output.
- Participants were exposed to either IPC (220 mmHg cuff pressure) or a control condition (20 mmHg) in a randomized, replicated manner.
- Measurements included pulmonary oxygen uptake (V̇o2) onset kinetics, surface electromyography (sEMG), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE).
Main Results:
- IPC resulted in an 8.0% improvement in cycling performance (time to exhaustion).
- Peak V̇o2 increased by 2.9% with IPC, driven by a greater slow component amplitude.
- IPC attenuated the rate of increase in RPE and enhanced vastus lateralis muscle activation.
Conclusions:
- IPC enhances severe-intensity cycling performance, likely through improved aerobic metabolism and delayed fatigue.
- The ergogenic effects of IPC are associated with altered V̇o2 kinetics, reduced perceived exertion, and increased skeletal muscle recruitment.
- IPC demonstrates potential as an ergogenic strategy for endurance athletes.
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