The effect of sprint training on intramuscular pH and buffering capacity
Date
1986
Authors
Bell, Gordon J.
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Abstract
To determine muscle adaptations to sprint training, 9 subjects completed 15 to 20 intervals at 90 RPM, 4 days a week for 7 weeks on a bicycle ergometer adapted for one-legged pedalling. The initial intensity was set at 150 % of one-legged Vo2 max and was progressively increased over the 7 weeks. Needle biopsies from the vastus lateralis and blood samples from an antecubital vein were taken at rest (R), post exercise (PE) and during recovery (REC) from a 60 second one-legged maximal power test on a bicycle ergometer before and after training.
Intramuscular pH and non-bicarbonate buffering capacity (BC) were determined by the homogenate technique and plasma lactate was determined enzymatically pH at R, PE and REC was 6.92, 6.59 and 6.74 for the pre-trained state; 6.94, 6.72 and 6. 75 for the post-untrained state; and, 6.90, 6. 72 and 6. 79 for the trained condition, respectively. Post exercise pH in both the trained (T) and untrained (UT) legs following the training period were not different but both were significantly higher than in the pre- training state (PT). BC increased from 49.5 Slykes (PT) to 5 7. 7 Slykes in the trained leg. Blood lactate levels during recovery were higher (p < 0.05) for PT (8.4 mmol * C1) and T (7.8 mmol * C1) when compared to UT (6.5 mmol * C1). Peak and total power output (PO) on the 60 second one-legged power test increased significantly from the pre to post- trained state with the T leg being significantly higher than both other conditions. 1-legged Vo2 max significantly increased from PT (3.36 1 * min-1) to UT (3.57 l * min-1) and T (3.69 l * min - l). 2-legged Vo2 max also improved significantly from 3.69 to 4.17 1 * min-l after training. These data suggest that sprint training enhances the ability of muscle to tolerate increased production of hydrogen ion by increasing the buffering capacity of muscle. These changes are reflected in an increased total power output in 60 seconds of intense maximal work. Furthermore, the improvements in hydrogen tolerance and BC can be accomplished in concert with improvements in Vo2 max.