Download PDF
Int J Sports Med 2000; 21(4): 250-255
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-8883
Physiology and Biochemistry
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ·New York

Performance Level and Cardiopulmonary Responses during a Cycle-Run Trial

O. Hue, D. Le Gallais, A. Boussana, D. Chollet, C. Prefaut
  • Laboratoire Sport, Performance Santé, UFR-STAPS, Montpellier, France
  • Laboratoire de Physiologie des Interactions, Service Central de Physiologie Clinique, Unité d'Exploration Respiratoire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

To determine the effect of triathlete performance level on the cardiorespiratory responses elicited by the cycle-run succession, eight regionally and nationally-ranked (Competitive) and five internationally-ranked (Elite) male triathletes underwent four successive laboratory trials: 1) an incremental treadmill test, 2) an incremental cycle test, 3) 30 min of cycling followed by 20 min of running (C-R), and 4) a 20-min control run (R) at the same speed as the run in C-R. Before and 10 min after the third and fourth trials the triathletes underwent lung function testing: spirometry and diffusing capacity testing for carbon monoxide (DLCO). During the C-R trial blood samples were drawn to measure venous lactate concentration. During all trials ventilatory data were collected every minute using an automated breath-by-breath system. The results showed that 1) the oxygen uptake (V˙O2) of post-cycling running versus running alone was similar for both groups; 2) the ventilatory responses (V˙E, V˙E/V˙O2, V˙E/V˙CO2 and f) of C-R running versus R were significantly higher (P < 0.005) for the Competitive group; and 3) a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in DLCO was also noted after the C-R trial in the Competitive group but not in the Elite group. We concluded that 1) the ventilatory responses during a run subsequent to cycling may be related to the triathlete performance level, and 2) the C-R trial induced specific alterations in pulmonary function that may be associated with respiratory muscle alteration and exercise-induced hypoxemia in the Competitive triathletes.

Key words:

Triathlon - elite triathlete - performance - exercise-induced hypoxemia - respiratory muscle fatigue

References

  • 01 American Thoracic Society . Single breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (transfer factor). Recommendations for a standard technique.  Am Rev Resp Dis. 1987;  136 1299-1307
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 02 Andrew G M, Baines L. Relationship of pulmonary diffusing capacity (DL) and cardiac output (QC) in exercise.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1974;  33 127-137
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 03 Astrand P O, Rodahl K. Textbook of Work Physiology. New York; McGraw-Hill Book CO. 1970: 404-410
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 04 Beaver W L, Wasserman K, Whipp B J. A new method for detecting anaerobic threshold by gas exchange.  J Appl Physiol. 1986;  60 2020-2027
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 05 Boutellier U. Respiratory muscle fitness and exercise endurance in healthy humans.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1998;  30 1169-1172
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 06 Caillaud C, Anselme F, Mercier J, Préfaut C. Pulmonary gas exchange and breathing pattern during and after exercise in highly trained athletes.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1993;  67 431-437
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 07 Caillaud C, Serre-Cousine O, Anselme F, Capdevilla X, Préfaut C. Computerized tomography and pulmonary diffusing capacity in highly trained athletes after performing a triathlon.  J Appl Physiol. 1995;  79 1226-1232
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 08 Chevrolet J C, Tschopp J M, Blanc Y, Rochat T, Junod A F. Alterations in inspiratory and leg muscle force and recovery pattern after a marathon.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1993;  25 501-507
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 09 De Vito G, Bernardi M, Sproviero E, Figura F. Decrease of endurance during Olympic Triathlon.  Int J Sports Med. 1995;  16 24-28
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 10 Guezennec C Y, Vallier J M, Bigard A X, Durey Y A. Increase in energy cost of running at the end of a triathlon.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1996;  73 440-445
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 11 Hagberg J M, Giese M D, Schneider R B. Comparison of three procedures for measuring V˙O2max in competitive cyclists.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1978;  39 47-52
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 12 Hanson P A, Claremont A, Dempsey J, Reddan W. Determinants and consequences of ventilatory responses to competitive endurance running.  J Appl Physiol. 1982;  2 615-623
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 13 Hardarson T, Skarphedinsson J O, Sveinsson T. Importance of the lactate anion in control of breathing.  J Appl Physiol. 1998;  84 411-416
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 14 Hill N S, Jacoby C, Farber H W. Effect of an endurance triathlon on pulmonary function.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1991;  23 1260-1264
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 15 Hue O, Le Gallais D, Chollet D, Boussana A, Préfaut C. The influence of prior cycling on biomechanical and cardiorespiratory response profiles during running in triathletes.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1997;  77 98-105
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 16 Hue O, Le Gallais D, Chollet D, Boussana A, Préfaut C. Ventilatory responses during experimental cycle-run transition in triathletes.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999;  31 1422-1428
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 17 Jay H W, Scott K P, Stuart M K. Hemoglobin desaturation in highly trained athletes during heavy exercise.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1986;  18 168-173
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 18 Kreider R B, Cundiff D E, Hammet J B, Cortes C W, William K W. Effects of cycling on running performance in triathletes.  Ann Sports Med. 1988;  3 220-225
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 19 Kreider R B, Boone T, Thompson W R, Burkes S, Cortes C W. Cardiovascular and thermal responses of triathlon performance.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1988;  20 385-390
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 20 Laurenson N M, Fulcher K Y, Korkia P. Physiological characteristics of elite and club level female triathletes during running.  Int J Sports Med. 1993;  14 455-459
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 21 Levine O R, Mellins R B, Fishman A P. Quantitative assessment of pulmonary oedema.  Circ Res. 1965;  17 414-426
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 22 Mador J, Acevedo F A. Effect of respiratory muscle fatigue on breathing pattern during incremental exercise.  Am Rev Resp Dis. 1991;  143 462-468
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 23 Manier G, Moinard J, Techoueyres P, Varene N, Guenard H. Pulmonary diffusion limitation after prolonged strenuous exercise.  Respir Physiol. 1991;  83 143-154
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 24 Martin B, Heintzelman M, Chen H I. Exercise performance after ventilatory work.  Appl Physiol. 1982;  52 1581-1585
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 25 McConnell A K, Caine M P, Sharpe G R. Inspiratory muscle fatigue following running to volitional fatigue: The influence of baseline strength.  Int J Sports Med. 1997;  18 169-173
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 26 Miles D S, Doeer C E, Schonfeld S A, Sinks D E, Gotshall R W. Changes in pulmonary diffusing capacity and closing volume after running a marathon.  Respir Physiol. 1983;  52 349-359
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 27 Newman J H, Butka B J. Effect of progressive exercise on lung fluid balance in sheep.  J Appl Physiol. 1988;  64 2125-2131
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 28 O'Toole M L, Douglas P S. Applied physiology of triathlon.  Sports Med. 1995;  19 251-267
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 29 O'Toole M L, Douglas P S, Hiller W D. Applied physiology of a triathlon.  Sports Med. 1989;  8 201-225
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 30 Paintal A S. Vagal sensory receptors and their reflex effects.  Physiol Rev. 1993;  53 159-227
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 31 Powers S K, Martin D, Dodd S. Exercise-induced hypoxaemia in elite endurance athletes. Incidence, causes and impact on V˙O2max.  Sports Med. 1993;  16 14-22
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 32 Préfaut C, Anselme F, Caillaud C, Masse-Biron J. Exercise-induced hypoxemia in older athletes.  J Appl Physiol. 1994;  76 120-126
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 33 Quanjer P H, Tammeling G J, Cotes J E, Pedersen O F, Peslin R, Yernault J C. Lung volumes and forced ventilatory flows.  Eur Respir J. 1993;  8 (Suppl.) 40
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 34 Roalstad M S. Physiologic testing of the ultraendurance triathlete.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1989;  21 (Suppl.) 204
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 35 Schafartzik W, Arcos J, Tsukimoto K, Mathieu-Costello O, Wagner P D. Pulmonary interstitial edema in pig after heavy exercise.  J Appl Physiol. 1996;  75 2535-2540
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 36 Sleivert G G, Rowlands D S. Physical and physiological factors associated with success in the triathlon.  Sports Med. 1996;  22 8-18
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 37 Sleivert G G, Wenger H A. Physiological predictors of short-course triathlon performance.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1993;  25 871-876
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 38 Vollestad N K, Sejersted O M, Bahr R, Woods J J, Bigland-Ritchie B. Motor drive and metabolic responses during repeated submaximal contractions in humans.  J Appl Physiol. 1988;  64 1421-1427
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 39 Wasserman K, Whipp B J, Koyal S N, Beaver W L. Anaerobic threshold and respiratory gas exchange during exercise.  J Appl Physiol. 1973;  35 236-243
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar

O. Hue

UFR-STAPS Antilles-Guyane Campus de Fouillole

BP 592

97159 Pointe à Pitre Cedex

France

Phone: + 33 (5) 909386

Email: Olivier.Hue@univ-ag.fr