Skeletal muscle properties in relation to anaerobic and aerobic work capacity of athletes

Abstract

This study aimed to determine if morphology and biochemistry of skeletal muscle relate to anaerobic or aerobic capacities or to components of vertical jumping ability. Five power and seven endurance athletes were assessed for VO₂max, vertical jump and alactacid (AAC) and lactacid (ALC) capacities. They were then biopsied (m. vastus lat.) and samples were examined for distribution of fast glycolytic (FG), fast oxidative glycolytic (FOG) and slow oxidative (SO) fibers. Fiber diameters and activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), citrate synthase (CS) and hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (HAD) were also determined. Endurance athletes were clearly differentiated from power athletes on the classical bases of fiber distribution and enzyme activity and by means of VO₂max. Power athletes had significantly larger mean diameters of. all muscle fiber types and greater means for all components of vertical jumping performance, i.e., jumping height, maximal exerted strength, and acceleration impulse. The VO₂max was negatively related to ALC and to all components of the vertical jump. The components of vertical jump were positively related to AAC and ALC and to the ratios (FG+FOG)/SO and LDH/CS. Greater SO diameter was associated with decreased CS activity and VO₂max, and with increased LDH activity.

Keywords:

• muscle tissue
• work capacity
• aerobic
• anaerobic