Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 11, 2025

Author Spotlight: Integrating Alveolar-Capillary Reserve Measurements in Exercise Adaptation and Therapeutic Strategies
Published on: February 2, 2024
Acute effect of inspiratory resistive loading on sprint interval exercise performance in team-sport athletes
Ching-Feng Cheng1, Wei-Chieh Hsu2, Yu-Hsuan Kuo3
1Department of Athletic Performance, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan; Sports Performance Lab, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract:
This study examined acute effects of inspiratory resistive loading (IRL) during rest intervals on sprint interval exercise (SIE) performance. In a randomized crossover design, nine collegiate basketball players performed IRL (15 cmH2O) or passive recovery (CON) at 5-min rest intervals during and immediately after 6 sets of a 30-s SIE test. Performance, muscular oxygenation of vastus lateralis, blood lactate and pH were measured at each condition. Blood lactate at 5-min (-20.5 %) and 20-min (-21.3 %) after SIE were significantly lower in IRL than in CON. The pH at 5-min after SIE was significantly higher in IRL than in CON (+0.8 %, p < 0.05). However, the total work in IRL was significantly lower than in CON (-2.7 %, p < 0.05). Average changes in total hemoglobin at rest intervals in IRL were significantly lower than in CON (-34.5 %, p < 0.05). The IRL could attenuate exercise-induced metabolic acidosis; however, the decreased blood flow at rest intervals might increase the physical challenge in SIE.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
Respiratory Capacities
One key metric is the Inspiratory Capacity (IC), which represents the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled with full effort. IC is calculated by summing the tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, typically ranging from 2.4 to 3.6 liters.
The Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) represents the air in the...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...

