Hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and total blood volume (BV) determine the oxygen content in the blood. Varying anthropometric values are used to standardize blood volume and Hbmass. The aim of this study was to create normal values and to evaluate an anthropometric reference for Hbmass and BV. One hundred healthy young subjects participated in this study (50 women: 20.9±2.0 yr; 50 men: 23.2±2.9 yr). The Hbmass was measured twice by using a CO rebreathing method. The BV was calculated from the Hbmass, H...

The early vascular adaptation to indoor cycling, a popular activity at many fitness centres, is incompletely evaluated. Forty two healthy women (21–45 years) underwent measurements of arterial wall properties and geometry as well as a maximal bicycle exercise test before and after a 3 months period during which 21 of the women joined indoor cycling classes at a gym 2–3 times per week, while 21 women served as time controls. Peak work load increased by in average 16% (p<0.001) and ascending aorti...

Whether practicing in judo influences the muscle strength and morphological characteristics of the foot is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the toe flexor muscle strength and morphological characteristics of the foot in judo athletes. Judo athletes (JUDO, men=24) and age-, gender- and body mass-matched physically active healthy subjects (CON, men=24) were recruited, and their toe flexor strength and morphological characteristics of the foot were compared. The maximum isometric...

We investigated metabolic costs, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), stride frequency (SF), and preferred speed (PS) during forward and backward running at different levels of body weight support (BWS). Participants completed forward and backward running on a lower body positive pressure treadmill at their preferred speed for forward and backward running at 0%BWS, 20%BWS, and 50%BWS. Oxygen uptake (V̇O₂), heart rate (HR), RPE, SF, and PS were measured. HR, RPE, and SF during forward and backward...