Time Course of Performance Fatigability during Exercise below, at, and above the Critical Intensity in Females and Males

This study aimed to investigate the time course and amplitude of performance fatigability during cycling at intensities around the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) until task failure (TTF). Methods Ten females and 11 males were evaluated in eight visits: 1) ramp incremental test; 2–3) 30-min constant power output (PO) cycling for MLSS determination; and 4–8) cycling to TTF at PO relative to the MLSS of (i) −15%, (ii) −10 W, (iii) at MLSS, and (iv) +10 W, and (v) +15%. Performance fatigability was characterized by femoral nerve electrical stimulation of knee extensors at baseline; minutes 5, 10, 20, and 30; and TTF. Oxygen uptake, blood lactate concentration, muscle oxygen saturation, and perceived exertion were evaluated. Results Approximately 75% of the total performance fatigability occurred within 5 min of exercise, independently of exercise intensity, followed by a further change at minute 30. Contractile function declined more in males than females (all P
Source: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise - Category: Sports Medicine Tags: APPLIED SCIENCES Source Type: research