[Catecholamines, Cardiocirculatory, and Metabolic Response During Graduated and Continuously Increasing Exercise]

Abstract

Adrenaline, noradrenaline, glucose, glycerol and the free fatty acids (FFA) in the blood, as well as the heart rate and oxygen intake, were tested in six healthy male volunteers (age: 28 +/- 6 years) during graduated (I) and continuously (II) increasing bicycle ergometric exercise (upright body position). The maximum heart rate, the VO2 max, the maximum lactate and FFA concentration show no significant difference, whereas adrenaline, noradrenaline and the glucose levels are significantly lower, and the glycerol concentration is slightly higher during the maximum test II as compared with test I. At some submaximum exercise levels, the lactate concentration and the heart rate are slightly lower, adrenaline and noradrenaline are significantly lower during test II; the FFA, glycerol and the oxygen intake do not show any significant difference. The duration of exercise was similar in both tests. The total work was about 50% lower in test II, and the maximum performance was slightly higher as compared with test I. These results could have significance for the planning of working conditions, the rehabilitation of patients, and the organisation of training for athletes.