Abstract:
A survey of exercise testing and training in UK cystic fibrosis clinics.

Exercise testing is a valuable prognostic tool and exercise training has many health benefits in cystic fibrosis (CF). The objective of this study was to survey the provision of exercise testing and training in UK CF clinics.

Abstract:
Influence of acetaminophen on performance during time trial cycling.

To establish whether acetaminophen improves performance of self-paced exercise through the reduction of perceived pain, 13 trained male cyclists performed a self-paced 10-mile (16.1 km) cycle time trial (TT) following the ingestion of either acetaminophen (ACT) or a placebo (PLA), administered in randomized double-blind design. TT were completed in a significantly faster time (t(12) = 2.55, P < 0.05) under the ACT condition (26 min 15 s +/- 1 min 36 s vs. 26 min 45 s +/- 2 min 2 s). Power output (PO) was higher during the middle section of the TT in the ACT condition, resulting in a higher mean PO (P < 0.05) (265 +/- 12 vs. 255 +/- 15 W). Blood lactate concentration (B[La]) and heart rate (HR) were higher in the ACT condition (B[La] = 6.1 +/- 2.9 mmol/l; HR = 87 +/- 7%max) than in the PLA condition (B[La] = 5.1 +/- 2.6 mmol/l; HR = 84 +/- 9%max) (P < 0.05). No significant difference in rating of perceived exertion (ACT = 15.5 +/- 0.2; PLA = 15.7 +/- 0.2) or perceived pain (ACT = 5.6 +/- 0.2; PLA = 5.5 +/- 0.2) (P > 0.05) was observed. Using acetaminophen, participants cycled at a higher mean PO, with an increased HR and B[La], but without changes in perceived pain or exertion. Consequently, completion time was significantly faster. These findings support the notion that exercise is regulated by pain perception, and increased pain tolerance can improve exercise capacity.

Abstract:
Influence of feedback and prior experience on pacing during a 4-km cycle time trial.

To determine the importance of distance knowledge, distance feedback, and prior experience on the setting of a pacing strategy.

Abstract:
Achievement of peak VO2 during a 90-s maximal intensity cycle sprint in adolescents.

The aim of this study was to determine whether peak oxygen uptake (PVO2) attained in a 90-s maximal intensity cycle sprint is comparable to that from a conventional ramp test. Sixteen participants (13 boys and 3 girls, 14.6 +/- 0.4 yr) volunteered for the study. On Day 1 they completed a PVO2 test to exhaustion using a 25 W x min(-1) ramp protocol beginning at 50 W. Peak VO2 was defined as the highest VO2 value achieved, and aerobic power (Wmax) as the power output of the final 30 s. On Day 2 the participants completed two 90-s maximal sprints (S1 and S2). A 45-min recovery period separated each sprint. Mean oxygen uptake over the last 10 s of each sprint was determined as PVO2, and minimum power (MinP-30 s) as the mechanical power attained in the final 30 s. A one-way ANOVA was used to analyse differences between S1, S2, and the ramp test for PVO2 and MinP-30 s. Peak VO2 was not significantly different between the ramp, S1, or S2 (2.64 +/- 0.5, 2.49 +/- 0.5, and 2.53 +/- 0.5 L x min(-1), respectively, p > 0.68). The S1 and S2 PVO2 scores represented 91 +/- 10% and 92 +/- 10% of the ramp aerobic test. The MinP-30 s for S1 and S2 were significantly lower than the Wmax of the ramp test, p < 0.05. Hence, for researchers solely interested in PVO2 values, a shorter but more intensive protocol provides an alternative method to the traditional ramp aerobic test.