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International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health
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P-ISSN: 2394-1685 | E-ISSN: 2394-1693 | CODEN: IJPEJB

Impact Factor (RJIF): 5.38

2016, Vol. 3, Issue 3, Part C

A comparison of upper and lower body high intensity, repeat sprint ability exercise


Author(s): Harvey L, Mc Lellan C, Lovell D

Abstract: Purpose: The present investigation aimed to examine and compare upper and lower body 5x6s performance using a randomized crossover design. 
Materials and Methods: Twelve physically active males (24 ± 3 years, 178 ± 6 centimetres (cm), 82.5 ± 12.2 kilograms (kg)) volunteered to complete two 5x6s tests. An electronically braked cycle ergometer was used, with a fly wheel braking force corresponding to 5% and 7.5% bodyweight being used for the upper and lower body 5x6s respectively. The 5x6s consisted of 5 maximal sprints, 6 seconds (s) in duration, separated by 24 s of passive recovery. Body composition was assessed via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance determined significance differences between the upper and lower body sprint performances. 
Results: Peak power was found to be significantly (P<0.05) greater for the lower body for all sprints even when expressed relative to bodyweight (W•kg-1) (P<0.01 sprint 1-4, P<0.05 sprint 5), lean body mass (W•kg-1 LBM) (P<0.01 sprint 1-4, P<0.05 sprint 5) and active muscle mass (W•kg-1 AMM) (P<0.001 sprint 1-5). There was a significant (P<0.05) difference in both percentage decrement in total work and peak power fatigue index (FIp) over the 5 sprints between the upper body and lower body. 
Conclusions: The lower body is more powerful than the upper body, even when expressed relative to active muscle mass, with the upper body having a greater decrement in total work and a higher peak power fatigue index compared to the lower body performance.


Pages: 356-360  |  1373 Views  40 Downloads

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How to cite this article:
Harvey L, Mc Lellan C, Lovell D. A comparison of upper and lower body high intensity, repeat sprint ability exercise. Int J Phys Educ Sports Health 2016;3(3):356-360.
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