title: Haemodynamic kinetics and intermittent finger flexor performance in rock climbers.
abstract: Currently it is unclear whether blood flow (BF) or muscle oxidative capacity best governs performance during intermittent contractions to failure. The aim of this study was to determine oxygenation kinetics and BF responses during intermittent (10 s contraction: 3 s release) contractions at 40% of MVC in rock climbers of different ability (N=38). Total forearm BF, as well as de-oxygenation and re-oxygenation of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) were assessed. Compared to the control, intermediate and advanced groups, the elite climbers had a significantly (p<0.05) greater force time integral (FTI), MVC and MVC/kg. Furthermore, the elite climbers de-oxygenated the FDP significantly more during the first (7.8, 11.9, 12.4 vs. 15.7 O2%) and middle (7.3, 8.8, 10.4 vs.15.3 O2%) phases of contractions as well as for the FCR during the first phase only (8.3, 7, 11.7 vs. 13.3 O2%). They also had a significantly higher BF upon release of the contractions (656, 701, 764 vs. 971 mL ∙ min(-1)). The higher FTI seen in elite climbers may be attributable to a greater blood delivery, and an enhanced O2 recovery during the 3 s release periods, as well as a superior muscle oxidative capacity associated with the greater de-oxygenation during the 10 s contractions.
authors.affiliation: School of Sport and Exercise, University of Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fryer
authors.affiliation: School of Sport and Exercise, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stoner
authors.affiliation: School of Sport and Exercise, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lucero
authors.affiliation: School of Sport and Exercise, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Witter
authors.affiliation: Department of Maths and Statistics, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Scarrott
authors.affiliation: School of Sport and Physical Education, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dickson
authors.affiliation: School of Sport and Exercise, University of Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cole
authors.affiliation: School of Sport Performance and Outdoor Leadership, University of Derby, Buxton, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Draper
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005385:Fingers / Q000098:blood supply*; D005542:Forearm / Q000098:blood supply*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D008297:Male; D009051:Mountaineering / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000502:physiology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D012039:Regional Blood Flow