Ischaemic preconditioning and exercise performance

Abstract

Ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance exercise performance, yet questions remain about the intensity-dependence of this effect. This thesis aimed to investigate the intensity-dependent effect of IPC on exercise performance through four specific research aims. The first aim, addressed in Study 1 (Chapter 2), involved conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the effectiveness of IPC in enhancing exercise performance. The meta-analysis revealed a small significant effect of IPC on aerobic and resistance exercise performance but not on anaerobic tasks. Study 2 (Chapter 3) aimed to establish a precise and reliable measurement protocol for evaluating physiological effects across a range of exercise intensities. This chapter investigated the reliability of various respiratory thresholds using a customised maximal graded exercise test coupled with a multi-step curve-fitting approach to data analysis. Study 3 (Chapter 4) sought to clarify the effects of IPC on exercise performance and physiological responses across varying intensities, aiming to elucidate intensity-dependent xvi responses and underlying mechanisms. The study builds upon previous work in Chapter 3 by testing the effects of IPC on respiratory thresholds and peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) using a high-precision exercise testing and analytical approach. Finally, Study 4 (Chapter 5) examined the effects of IPC on swimming performance across various distances, aiming to assess its intensity-dependent impact and practical applications in elite swimming. Drawing from the findings in Chapter 4 indicating improvements in GET following IPC, the study hypothesised that IPC may enhance performance in longer distance swimming events. Overall, this thesis contributes to our understanding of the effects of IPC on exercise performance and underscores the importance of considering exercise intensity in IPC research and practical applications. By elucidating the intensity-dependent nature of IPC, this research provides insights for optimising IPC strategies to enhance athletic performance across different intensity domains.

Date of Thesis submission	2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Western Sydney University
Supervisor	Simon Green (Supervisor), Jason Siegler (Supervisor) & Ric Lovell (Supervisor)