Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Ischemic preconditioning enhances ergometer cycling and swimming performance. We evaluated whether ischemic preconditioning of one forearm (four times for 5 min) also affects static breath hold and underwater swimming, whereas the effect of similar preconditioning on ergometer rowing served as control because the warm-up for rowing regularly encompasses intense exercise and therefore reduced muscle oxygenation. METHODS: Six divers performed a dry static breath hold, 11 divers swam underwater in an indoor pool, and 14 oarsmen rowed "1000 m" on an ergometer. RESULTS: Ischemic preconditioning reduced the forearm oxygen saturation from 65% ± 7% to 19% ± 7% (mean ± SD; P < 0.001), determined using spatially resolved near-infrared spectroscopy. During the breath hold (315 s, range = 280-375 s), forearm oxygenation decreased to 29% ± 10%; and in preparation for rowing, right thigh oxygenation decreased from 66% ± 7% to 33% ± 14% (P < 0.05). Ischemic preconditioning prolonged the breath hold from 279 ± 72 to 327 ± 39 s, and the underwater swimming distance from 110 ± 16 to 119 ± 14 m (P < 0.05) and also the rowing time was reduced (from 186.5 ± 3.6 to 185.7 ± 3.6 s; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that while the effect of ischemic preconditioning (of one forearm) on ergometer rowing was minimal, probably because of reduced muscle oxygenation during the warm-up, ischemic preconditioning does enhance both static and dynamic apnea, supporting that muscle ischemia is an important preparation for physical activity.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 1 |
Pages (from-to) | 151-155 |
Number of pages | 5 |
ISSN | 0195-9131 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan 2014 |
Keywords
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Apnea
- Athletic Performance
- Blood Pressure
- Breath Holding
- Diving
- Exercise Test
- Female
- Forearm
- Humans
- Ischemic Preconditioning
- Male
- Muscle, Skeletal
- Oxygen
- Stroke Volume
- Thigh
- Vascular Resistance
- Warm-Up Exercise
- Young Adult