Cross-adaptive responses to different forms of leg training: skeletal muscle biochemistry and histochemistry

Abstract

The influence of a program of high intensity training and of a combined program of high intensity training and prolonged submaximal training on adaptations to the vastus lateralis muscle was investigated in two groups of elite athletes. The high intensity training (H) consisted of ice hockey practices and games over a 14-week period while the combined program (HI-LO) included the addition of supplementary sessions of cycling, three times per week, progressively increasing from 30 to 45 min per session and at an intensity of 70% VO2max. Determinations of enzyme activities representative of energy supplying pathways revealed no change in 3-hydroxyacl CoA dehydrogenase (HADH), total phosphorylase (PHOSP), phosphofructokinase (PFK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and a 7% increase (p less than 0.05) in succinate dehydrogenase (SDH). The addition of the supplementary program caused no further adaptation in the metabolic profile. Similarly, neither the HI nor the HI-LO program induced any alteration in the percentage fibre type (slow twitch (ST) vs. fast twitch (FT) or the subtypes (FTa, FTb, FTc). Reductions in the size (p less than 0.05) of ST fibres were noted for both the HI and the HI-LO training programs. In contrast, increases in capillarization (p less than 0.05) were found for both the ST (23%) and FTa (32%) fibres for the HI-LO program whereas a reduction in capillarization (21%) occurred in the FTa fibres as a result of HI training only. It is concluded that metabolic differentiation does not appear to occur in a manner consistent with the conditions of energy expenditure at least for high intensity work.

Effect of high intensity training on capillarization and presence of angiogenic factors in human skeletal muscle

“…The present data showing a similar increase in capillarization around type I and type II fibre types therefore suggest that recruitment of a greater fraction of type II fibres than is recruited with exercise of moderate intensity does not lead to growth of capillaries specifically around type II fibres. This is somewhat in contrast to an earlier study by Daub et al (1998) involving high intensity training, in which an increase in capillaries per fibre area was found for type I fibres, and not for type II fibres (Daub et al 1982). It should be pointed out, however, that in this latter study by Daub et al (1982) the training did not increase C: F ratio; in fact, a decrease in C: F ratio was observed for type II fibres.…”

“…This is somewhat in contrast to an earlier study by Daub et al (1998) involving high intensity training, in which an increase in capillaries per fibre area was found for type I fibres, and not for type II fibres (Daub et al 1982). It should be pointed out, however, that in this latter study by Daub et al (1982) the training did not increase C: F ratio; in fact, a decrease in C: F ratio was observed for type II fibres. No single variable used to express capillarization will give a complete description of capillary supply.…”

“…Little is known about the effect of high intensity endurance training on muscle capillarization. In a study by Daub et al (1982), involving intense ice‐hockey training performed by athletes, no increase in capillary‐to‐fibre ratio was found; the only increase observed was in capillaries per fibre area of type I fibres. There is reason to believe, however, that the skeletal muscle does adapt to high intensity intermittent training by an increase in capillaries, as oxidative energy metabolism is high both during exercise and in the recovery phase between exercise bouts (Bangsbo, 1999).…”

10‐20‐30 training increases performance and lowers blood pressure and VEGF in runners

“…However, information about the effect of a period of interval training on muscle capillarization in trained runners is sparse. In agreement with present findings, we and others have previously shown that high‐intensity interval running is less effective in improving capillarization than prolonged running (Daub et al., ; Nybo et al., ; Kohn et al., ). The reason why the 10‐20‐30 training did not induce capillary growth could be that that 10‐20‐30 training evokes a weak angiogenic stimuli compared with moderate‐intensity exercise training.…”

Skating

“…During a typical practice, a short warm-up period will occur along with repeat bouts of high-intensity skating, instruction, special plays and controlled scrimmages, all within 1.5-2 h (Daub et al 1982). Two to three games can be played in a week during the season, with practices usually held on non-game days.…”