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Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology 2/2017

01-02-2017 | Original Article

Aerobic fitness impacts sympathoadrenal axis responses to concurrent challenges

Authors: Heather E. Webb, Deena A. Rosalky, Matthew J. McAllister, Edmund O. Acevedo, Gary H. Kamimori

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 2/2017

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Abstract

The combination of mental and physical challenges can elicit exacerbated cardiorespiratory (CR) and catecholamine responses above that of a single challenge alone.

Purpose

This study examined the effects of a combination of acute mental challenges and physical stress on cardiorespiratory and catecholamine responses.

Method

Eight below-average fitness (LF VO2max = 36.58 ± 3.36 ml−1 kg−1 min−1) and eight above-average fitness (HF VO2max = 51.18 ± 2.09 ml−1 kg−1 min−1) participants completed an exercise-alone condition (EAC) session consisting of moderate-intensity cycling at 60% VO2max for 37 min, and a dual-challenge condition (DCC) that included concurrent participation in mental challenges while cycling.

Result

The DCC resulted in increases in perceived workload, CR, epinephrine, and norepinephrine responses overall. HF participants had greater absolute CR and catecholamine responses compared to LF participants and quicker HR recovery after the dual challenge.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that cardiorespiratory fitness does impact the effect of concurrent stressors on CR and catecholamine responses.
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Metadata
Title
Aerobic fitness impacts sympathoadrenal axis responses to concurrent challenges
Authors
Heather E. Webb
Deena A. Rosalky
Matthew J. McAllister
Edmund O. Acevedo
Gary H. Kamimori
Publication date
01-02-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3519-3

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